The 2025 NBA Draft has been surrounded by excitement and speculation, culminating in a significant moment during the lottery drawing. Cooper Flagg, the standout prospect, was universally recognized as the No. 1 overall player in this draft class. The primary question was which team would be fortunate enough to secure his talents. In a twist of fate, the Dallas Mavericks emerged victorious from the lottery, and on Wednesday night, they officially welcomed Flagg to Texas. While the true value of draft picks often takes years to assess, we can’t resist evaluating the immediate impact of this year’s selections. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the draft’s biggest winners and losers.
The Dallas Mavericks are undoubtedly one of the biggest winners of the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg is regarded as one of the finest prospects I’ve analyzed in over a decade of covering the NBA Draft. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the Mavericks as he is expected to fill the shoes of franchise player Luka Doncic. This turn of events is nothing short of extraordinary; the Mavericks have successfully transitioned from one generational talent to another.
Flagg’s defensive abilities will surely impress GM Nico Harrison, and it’s essential for the Mavericks to focus on the long-term future with Flagg poised to be the youngest player in the league next season. Given that the team does not control its first-round picks from 2027 to 2030, strategic trades will be necessary to acquire future assets. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, Flagg will likely take on an on-ball role early in the upcoming season. A prolific rookie season is anticipated, but the Mavericks will require additional talent to make a significant impact in the competitive Western Conference.
The San Antonio Spurs also came out ahead in the draft, particularly with their second overall pick. Although there were initial concerns regarding Dylan Harper’s fit alongside existing guards Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs' strategy shines through. The Spurs' future revolves around Victor Wembanyama, and Harper serves as an excellent long-term complement to the 7’5” French star. His skills in downhill scoring, live dribble passing, and on-ball defense make him a valuable asset.
The Spurs' lottery success is equally remarkable, as they managed to secure another talented prospect, Carter Bryant, who fits seamlessly into their evolving core. Bryant is an explosive athlete with significant defensive potential and the ability to shoot from beyond the arc. While the Spurs may not be immediate title contenders, they are building a solid foundation for future success.
In contrast, the Brooklyn Nets faced challenges during the draft, starting with their first-round selection of Egor Demin at No. 8. Many analysts, including myself, felt this was a reach, suggesting Demin was more suited as a late first-round pick. His physicality and shooting abilities raise concerns about his readiness to contribute significantly in the NBA any time soon.
The Nets' subsequent picks, including French guard Nolan Traore, also highlight a trend of selecting ball-dominant players who lack shooting proficiency. While I appreciate the potential of Drake Powell as a 3-and-D wing prospect, overall, the Nets’ draft class was underwhelming and may hinder their progress moving forward.
The Atlanta Hawks made a savvy move by trading down from the No. 13 overall pick, allowing them to acquire an unprotected first-round pick in 2026, which will be more favorable between New Orleans and Milwaukee. This strategic decision enabled the Pelicans to move up and select Derik Queen. With Kristaps Porzingis joining the roster and Jalen Johnson returning from injury, the Hawks are poised to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Furthermore, the Hawks added promising prospect Asa Newell at No. 23, who should thrive as a play-finisher alongside Trae Young. This blend of immediate competitiveness and future potential makes the Hawks one of the winners of the draft.
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a precarious position following the draft. Many analysts predicted that Joe Dumars would struggle as the newly appointed GM, and his early decisions have raised eyebrows. Trading away the unprotected 2026 pick seems reckless, especially for a team projected to struggle in a loaded Western Conference.
While I appreciate the potential of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, their fit alongside Zion Williamson appears questionable. Both players require the ball to maximize their impact and lack reliable shooting skills, raising concerns about their collective ability to coexist effectively. The Pelicans may need to reassess their strategy to ensure future success.
The Orlando Magic had a stellar draft, securing the No. 13 player on my board with the No. 25 overall pick in Jase Richardson. Although Richardson is undersized at 6 feet and has an injury history, he perfectly addresses the Magic's greatest weaknesses. His elite off-ball shooting ability will be invaluable, and acquiring him at No. 25 was a stroke of luck for Orlando.
Additionally, the Magic struck gold in the second round, selecting Noah Penda, a versatile two-way player, at No. 32. With these strategic acquisitions, the Magic have positioned themselves to make a significant impact in the Eastern Conference next season.
Lastly, the Phoenix Suns made a noteworthy impression during the draft, landing the No. 3 player on my board with the No. 10 pick, Khaman Maluach. His impressive length and mobility could make him a game-changer for the franchise. If he develops a reliable three-point shot, the Suns may have found the high-upside player necessary to rejuvenate the Devin Booker era.
In addition, the Suns acquired Mark Williams, a skilled center from Duke, and found value in the second round with Rasheer Flemming. These selections indicate a promising future for the Suns as they look to reshape their roster.
The Portland Trail Blazers round out our list of losers in the 2025 NBA Draft, facing uncertainty as they navigate roster changes and rebuild efforts. The implications of their draft choices will take time to unfold, but their current trajectory appears challenging.
In conclusion, the 2025 NBA Draft has undeniably shifted the landscape of the league. With teams like the Mavericks, Spurs, Hawks, and Magic emerging as winners, the draft has set the stage for exciting developments in the coming seasons.
