The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially secured their place in history as the champions of the 2025-26 NBA season. This remarkable achievement has set the stage for an exciting upcoming NBA Draft, where the Thunder will hold two first-round picks in the upcoming draft.
In a significant trade, the Indiana Pacers, the Eastern Conference champions, have moved their No. 23 pick. This move appears to be a financial strategy, as the team anticipates that no rookie will likely break into their rotation. Similarly, the Houston Rockets have relinquished their No. 10 pick to the Phoenix Suns as part of the blockbuster deal involving Kevin Durant.
The buzz surrounding the upcoming draft is intensifying, especially regarding the highly coveted No. 3 pick. Teams are eager to see where top prospect Ace Bailey will land and whether any organizations will be willing to entertain trade offers to move up in the first round. The draft is set to unfold at Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York this Wednesday.
This draft season is expected to be relatively quiet for Cooper Flagg. Unless the Dallas Mavericks initiate trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks concerning Giannis Antetokounmpo, Flagg will likely only meet with the Mavericks before the draft. With Kyrie Irving anticipated to miss much of next season due to a torn ACL, the Mavericks seem poised to prioritize future prospects like Flagg.
As for Dylan Harper, scouts unanimously regard him as the likely No. 2 pick following Flagg. The San Antonio Spurs must now decide whether to shop their No. 2 pick or hold onto it, especially given concerns about Harper’s fit alongside De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. A trade scenario seems unlikely due to the perceived gap between Harper and the next-best prospect.
The debate between VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey has been ongoing throughout the season. The Philadelphia 76ers may favor Edgecombe's fit, as he could add much-needed elements of explosion, defensive agility, and overall feel to their lineup compared to Bailey. Many rival teams believe that the Sixers are drawn to Edgecombe's superior athleticism, analytics, and promising shooting development.
If the 76ers select Edgecombe, the Charlotte Hornets may be tempted to pursue Khaman Maluach, aiming to enhance their center position with more upside. However, Bailey’s specific skill set remains highly coveted, and given his age, teams might overlook his questionable shot selection.
Tre Johnson's shooting has teams envisioning him as a high-floor prospect capable of providing instant offensive impact. Still, concerns linger regarding his shot selection and playmaking abilities, which may lead to inefficient stretches. Nevertheless, Johnson's polished perimeter skills and self-creation techniques make him a notable candidate in the draft.
Once Dylan Harper is off the board, attention will shift to Jeremiah Fears, who is generating buzz for his backcourt creation, rim pressure, and playmaking abilities. Scouts are eyeing him as a potential top-five pick after he averaged 22.3 points and 4.8 assists during the last nine games of Oklahoma's season.
International player Noa Essengue may not make it to the U.S. for workouts, as his team is currently competing in the German BBL Finals. His physical attributes and improving offensive skills have contributed to his team's success, making him a strong upside bet for rebuilding teams willing to be patient.
The Toronto Raptors face challenges in developing a young forward following their acquisition of Brandon Ingram. This situation may lead the Raptors to consider Derik Queen, who offers self-creation options in the half court despite questions about his athleticism.
With the Phoenix Suns possessing a valuable pick from the Durant trade, they are anticipated to target Carter Bryant, a player who has gained traction during the predraft process due to his size and shooting skills. Asa Newell could also elevate his draft stock with strong workouts, showcasing his unique ability to score and stretch the floor.
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in an intriguing position with established starters and a gap at center. If top prospects like Maluach, Queen, and Newell are off the board, they may opt for the best player available, potentially selecting Kasparas Jakucionis for backcourt depth.
Despite limited collegiate action, Cedric Coward has generated excitement among scouts due to his impressive wingspan and physical attributes. His potential may entice teams willing to take risks on less proven prospects. Nique Clifford, a 23-year-old forward, has garnered interest for his versatility and ability to contribute immediately.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, teams are gearing up to make strategic decisions that will shape their futures. With so many promising talents on the board, the excitement around this year's draft is palpable.
