The NBA Draft is always a thrilling event, showcasing emerging talent and potential future stars. While the first round often garners the most attention, the second round has produced its fair share of legends. Notable players like Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, Draymond Green, and Khris Middleton highlight the depth of talent that can be found beyond the lottery picks. As we look ahead to the 2025 NBA Draft, we can expect a mix of breakout names, solid rotation players, and fan favorites vying for a spot in the league. In this article, we will grade the second-round picks, noting that expectations are generally lower compared to the first round, making misses less painful.
The Boston Celtics made two selections: Amari Williams at 46 and Max Shulga at 57 (via trade with Orlando). Williams, standing at 6'11" and weighing 255 pounds, is a physically imposing presence with remarkable passing abilities, especially from the high post. However, he lacks elite athleticism, which may hinder his defensive capabilities. He may end up on a two-way contract or in the G-League to develop further.
Shulga, a 6'4" Ukrainian guard who previously played in Spain and graduated from VCU, is known for his shooting prowess, having shot 38.7% from beyond the arc last season. While he brings shooting potential, questions remain about his defensive abilities, which could determine his longevity in the league.
The Charlotte Hornets picked Sion James at 33 and Ryan Kalkbrenner at 34. James is a 6'5" guard who played a key role in Duke's recent Final Four run. Known for his defensive skills and smart play, James needs to enhance his offensive game to make a significant impact in the NBA. Kalkbrenner, a 7'2" center from Creighton, averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds. While he excels defensively, concerns about his athleticism and shooting range could limit his effectiveness at the next level.
The Bulls selected Lachlan Olbrich at 55 (via trade with the Lakers). Olbrich, a 6'9" center, demonstrated a high basketball IQ and a good feel for the game during his time at UC Riverside and the Illawarra Hawks in Australia. However, his size may hinder his defensive capabilities against NBA centers, leading him to a potential draft-and-stash situation in the NBL.
The Cavaliers' picks included Tyrese Proctor at 49 and Saliou Niang at 58. Proctor, a 6'4" guard from Duke, is a promising shooter with a 40.5% 3-point shooting average. Despite not being an explosive athlete, he has the potential to become a valuable 3&D player if he adds muscle. Niang, an Italian wing, brings physical gifts but needs to improve his shooting and ball-handling skills to be NBA-ready.
The Pistons selected Chaz Lanier at 37, focusing on the need for more shooting. Lanier, a 6'4" guard from Tennessee, shot 39.5% from three last season and is known for his movement shooting. While he needs to improve his defense and playmaking, his shooting ability makes him a valuable asset at this stage in the draft.
Golden State's selections included Alex Toohey at 52 (via trade with Phoenix) and Will Richard at 56 (via trade with Memphis). Toohey, a 6'8" Australian, displayed strong defensive skills but struggled with shooting consistency, hitting only 30.2% from three. Richard, a 6'3" guard, is versatile but lacks a standout skill, making his path to the NBA uncertain.
The Pacers drafted Kam Jones at 38 (trade with Spurs) and Taelon Peter at 54. Jones, an experienced playmaker from Marquette, averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists last season. While he isn't the most explosive athlete, his steady playmaking makes him a solid second-round pick. Peter, a 6'4" guard from Liberty, offers shooting potential but was not highly regarded, making his selection a bit of a gamble.
The Clippers selected Kobe Sanders at 50. The 6'7" wing averaged 15.8 points per game at Nevada and is particularly strong with pull-up jumpers. While concerns remain about his NBA-level athleticism, he could earn a two-way contract and prove himself in the league.
The Lakers moved up to select Adou Thiero at 36 (trade from Minnesota). Thiero, a 6'6" athletic wing with a 7-foot wingspan, is an exceptional defender and hard worker. Fans will appreciate his rim-attacking abilities, but he must improve his shooting to make a significant impact.
The Grizzlies drafted Javon Small at 48 and Jahmai Mashack at 59 (via trade with the Rockets). Small, though undersized at 6'1", is a hard-working guard with playmaking potential. Mashack, a 6'5" guard from Tennessee, was the last pick of the draft but brings elite defensive skills that could earn him a spot if he improves his offense.
The Bucks selected Bogoljub Markovic at 47. This Serbian big man has intriguing offensive skills but faces serious questions about his defense. Averaging 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds, Markovic could be a valuable addition if he improves his defensive game.
The Timberwolves chose Rocco Zikarsky at 45. The Australian center stands at 7'3" and possesses mobility for his size. While still a project, Zikarsky could develop into a rim-runner and paint protector, making this a long-term investment.
The Pelicans picked Micah Peavy at 40 (trade with Wizards). Peavy is a 6'6" wing known for his defensive abilities and offensive breakout at Georgetown, averaging 17.2 points and shooting 40% last season. If he can maintain his offensive improvement, he could become a strong rotation player.
The Knicks selected Mohamed Diawara at 51. Diawara is a 20-year-old wing with impressive athleticism and a 7'4" wingspan, but he may be stashed overseas for further development. This selection represents a long-term investment for the franchise.
The Thunder picked Brooks Barnhizer at 44. At 6'5" with a 6'11" wingspan, Barnhizer plays a high-IQ game. While he excels defensively, he needs to refine his offensive skills to secure a spot on the roster.
The Magic acquired Noah Penda at 32 (via trade with Boston). Penda is a 6'8" forward known for his defensive skills and playmaking ability. He fits well with the Magic's style of play, and despite questions about his shooting, he represents a strong second-round pick.
The 76ers drafted Johni Broome at 35. The SEC Player of the Year from Auburn is a versatile 6'9" big man who was highly effective in college. However, questions about his transition to the NBA level remain, making this a calculated risk.
The Suns made a series of trades to secure Rasheer Fleming at 31 and Koby Brea at 41. Fleming, a 6'8" 3&D forward from St. Joseph’s, has the potential to contribute immediately, while Brea, known for his catch-and-shoot ability, offers a solid risk-reward scenario.
The Kings selected Maxime Raynaud at 42. This 7-foot stretch five from Stanford was considered a steal at this point in the draft, averaging 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 34.7% from three-point range. His defensive capabilities will determine his success in the NBA.
The Raptors picked Alijah Martin at 39. A fifth-year senior who helped Florida win a national title, the 6'1" guard is known for his defensive prowess and athleticism. His height may limit his potential, but he could still be a valuable backup.
The Jazz selected John Tonje at 53. After a successful college career, Tonje averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in his final season. While there are concerns about his defensive abilities, he offers potential as a late-round gamble.
The Wizards rounded out the draft with Jamir Watkins at 43. Watkins is a versatile player whose skills could make him a valuable addition to the team, depending on his development in the coming seasons.
As the NBA season approaches, these second-round draft picks will have the opportunity to prove their worth and make a lasting impact on their respective teams. Each selection comes with its own set of challenges and potential, and fans will be watching closely to see how these young players adapt to the professional level.
