The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has concluded, bringing a mix of excitement, surprises, and strategic moves from various teams. Notable events included a significant trade involving the New Orleans Pelicans, the selection of Yang Hansen in the first round, and the Brooklyn Nets surprising many by making five first-round picks. Overall, the draft followed some expected trends, as 27 of the 30 players I projected for the first round were selected. Currently, my personal board has no top-20 players left, with only one top-25 player remaining: Noah Penda.
The influence of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) market has been profound, prompting teams to negotiate advantageous deals with potential draftees leading up to the event. As a result, it wouldn’t be surprising to see two-way contracted players being selected in the 30s, along with unexpected stashes later in the draft. Below, we present a quick projection of the second round, set to take place on Thursday night.
31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA) - Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
Fleming embodies the archetype favored by Tim Connelly, boasting athleticism and a solid build at 6-foot-8 with a 7-5 wingspan. While he may be more of a power forward than a wing, his shooting has improved significantly. Continued development in passing and decision-making will be crucial for his success in the league.
32. Boston Celtics (via Washington) - Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
Raynaud presents an intriguing skill set for the Celtics, being a big man who can dribble, pass, and shoot. With an impressive average of 20 points and 10 rebounds last season at Stanford, he showcases intelligence and the potential for growth, even if he faces challenges with speed and passing.
33. Charlotte Hornets - Sion James | 6-5 guard | 22 years old | Duke
James is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in the draft. His physicality allows him to effectively guard multiple positions, while he also shows improvement as a shooter. In a league that values defensive versatility, James could become a valuable asset for the Hornets.
34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP) - Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton
With a pressing need for interior strength following the trade of Mark Williams, Kalkbrenner’s ability to shoot and excel in drop coverage makes him a fitting choice for the Hornets. His efficiency around the rim adds to his appeal as a draft pick.
35. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyrese Proctor | 6-4 guard | 21 years old | Duke
Proctor has shown impressive shooting skills during pre-draft workouts, hitting 40.5 percent from three in his past season. His quick decision-making and defensive willingness make him a strong candidate, although he will need to gain weight to handle NBA physicality.
36. Brooklyn Nets - Noah Penda | 6-7 forward | 20 years old | Le Mans
Penda remains the top player on my board, showcasing a multifaceted skill set as a wing. His ability to dribble, pass, and defend positions him as a potential rotation player if he can develop his shooting further.
37. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto) - Chaz Lanier | 6-4 wing | 24 years old | Tennessee
Lanier stands out as a premier shooter, known for his ability to score off screens. Averaging 18 points per game while converting 40 percent of his three-point attempts makes him an appealing prospect for the NBA.
38. Indiana Pacers (via SAS) - Kam Jones | 6-3 wing | 22 years old | Marquette
Jones is a strong fit for the Pacers’ backcourt after showcasing his scoring and playmaking skills at Marquette. His experience aligns with the Pacers' past strategies, making him a logical selection.
39. Toronto Raptors (via Portland) - Alijah Martin | 6-2 guard | 23 years old | Florida
Martin's athleticism and defensive prowess make him a valuable addition to any team. While he faces challenges offensively, his perimeter shooting and defensive skills have garnered interest from various teams.
40. New Orleans Pelicans (via Phoenix) - Adou Thiero | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | Arkansas
Thiero’s athleticism and defensive capabilities are noteworthy, although concerns about his shooting ability linger. Despite his offensive limitations, he has the potential to significantly impact the game defensively.
41. Golden State Warriors (via Miami) - Koby Brea | 6-6 wing | 23 years old | Kentucky
Brea excels as a shooter, having achieved a remarkable 45 percent three-point shooting rate. However, he must improve defensively to secure a spot in the NBA.
42. Sacramento Kings (via Chicago) - Javon Small | 6-1 guard | 22 years old | West Virginia
Small impressed during the pre-draft process with his shooting and playmaking abilities. His knack for scoring makes him a significant prospect, despite concerns about his size.
43. Washington Wizards (via Utah) - Bogoljub Markovic | 6-11 forward | 19 years old | Mega
Markovic has showcased productivity in Europe, although his physicality raised concerns among scouts. His ability to shoot and make quick passes could be beneficial for an NBA team.
44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta) - Alex Toohey | 6-8 wing/forward | 21 years old | Sydney Kings
Toohey is known for his versatility and potential as a shooter and defender. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him an intriguing prospect for the Thunder.
45. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento) - Kobe Sanders | 6-7 wing | 23 years | Nevada
Sanders showcased his skills during the pre-draft process, making him a notable player to watch. However, concerns about his athleticism could affect his transition to the NBA.
46. Orlando Magic - Vladislav Goldin | 7-0 center | 24 years old | Michigan
Goldin, a large presence in the paint, has demonstrated strong skills both offensively and defensively. His wrestling background aids his positioning, making him a potential third center for NBA teams.
47. Milwaukee Bucks (via Detroit) - Rocco Zikarsky | 7-3 big | 18 years old | Brisbane Bullets
Zikarsky is a project player with immense potential. Despite a challenging season, his height and athleticism make him a valuable asset as he develops in the league.
48. Memphis Grizzlies (via Golden State) - John Tonje | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | Wisconsin
Tonje had a breakout season, known for his ability to score and defend effectively. His shooting percentages make him a promising candidate for a guaranteed deal.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee) - Jamir Watkins | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Florida State
Watkins possesses the physical attributes and defensive skills that could translate well to the NBA. His offensive game is evolving, and he has shown potential as a catch-and-shoot player.
50. New York Knicks (via Memphis) - Johni Broome | 6-9 big | 22 years old | Auburn
Broome’s physicality and shot-blocking ability make him a strong candidate for the Knicks. However, concerns about his speed and size may affect his draft stock.
51. LA Clippers (via Minnesota) - Chucky Hepburn | 6-0 guard | 23 years old | Louisville
Hepburn emerged as a standout player this season, known for his defensive tenacity and scoring ability. His potential as a 3-and-D guard could lead to a successful NBA career.
52. Phoenix Suns (via Denver) - Tamar Bates | 6-4 wing | 23 years old | Missouri
Bates has risen through the ranks during the pre-draft process, showcasing his shooting skills. His development will be crucial for him to succeed in the NBA.
53. Utah Jazz (via LA Clippers) - Brooks Barnhizer | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Northwestern
Barnhizer’s defensive prowess and physicality make him a candidate for the Jazz, although his offensive skills will need refinement.
54. Indiana Pacers - Micah Peavy | 6-6 wing | 23 years old | Georgetown
Peavy has shown significant improvement in his offensive game at Georgetown, making him a player to watch. His defensive skills will keep him on scouts’ radars.
55. Los Angeles Lakers - Amari Williams | 6-11 big | 23 years old | Kentucky
Williams is a versatile big man known for his passing ability and defensive presence. His length could prove beneficial as he develops in the league.
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Houston) - Mohamed Diawara | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Cholet
Diawara’s defensive skills are impressive, but he needs to improve his offensive game. His athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect for the Grizzlies.
57. Orlando Magic (via Boston) - Lachlan Olbrich | 6-9 big | 21 years old | Illawarra Hawks
Olbrich’s strong performance at the combine highlights his potential as a big man with offensive skills. However, his defensive liabilities may hinder his success.
58. Cleveland Cavaliers - Saliou Niang | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Trento
Niang has displayed notable defensive tools, although his shooting remains a work in progress. He is likely to be a draft-and-stash candidate for the Cavaliers.
59. Phoenix Suns (via Houston) - Ryan Nembhard | 5-11 guard | 22 years old | Gonzaga
Nembhard’s high-IQ playmaking and passing skills make him a worthy prospect. Despite his size, his potential as a shooter and distributor could lead to a successful NBA career.
As the 2025 NBA Draft unfolds, teams are set to make strategic choices that could define their future. With a mixture of well-known talents and hidden gems, this draft promises to shape the league for years to come. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as the second round approaches!
