2025 NBA Draft Round One: Flagg Leads a Night of Surprises and Strategy

The 2025 NBA Draft’s first round delivered a mix of expected drama, bold trades, and a few curveballs that left fans and analysts buzzing well into the night.

The Top Picks: No Surprises at the Top

The Dallas Mavericks, defying long odds, landed the No. 1 pick and made the most of it by selecting Duke phenom Cooper Flagg. Widely regarded as a generational talent, Flagg brings elite two-way skills and a rare combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, and versatility. He’s expected to be the face of the franchise for years to come, capable of impacting both ends of the floor immediately.

Right behind, the San Antonio Spurs grabbed Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2. Harper, a big lead guard with exceptional playmaking and feel for the game, now pairs with Victor Wembanyama to form a dynamic duo for the Spurs’ future. While questions linger about his shooting and durability, Harper’s potential as an All-Star is undeniable.

Surprises and Sliders

The night’s biggest shock came with Ace Bailey, long considered a top-three prospect, falling to the Utah Jazz at No. 5 after a puzzling pre-draft process. Bailey’s reluctance to join the Jazz added another layer of intrigue, but the team now holds one of the draft’s most talented players.

The Phoenix Suns were another big winner, landing Duke center Khaman Maluach at No. 10. Maluach, widely seen as the top center in the draft, was a steal for a Suns team looking to solidify its frontcourt for the future.

Trade Winds and Bold Moves

Trade activity was light in the top 10 but picked up steam as the night progressed. The New Orleans Pelicans made one of the night’s most controversial moves, trading up for a prospect many considered a reach, giving up valuable future assets in the process.

The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, made the night’s biggest curveball by trading down with the Memphis Grizzlies and selecting Yang Hansen at No. 16—a prospect few expected to go that high. The Blazers’ gamble could pay off if Hansen develops, but it was a head-scratcher for many analysts.

Brooklyn’s Draft Haul

The Brooklyn Nets stole the spotlight by utilizing all five of their first-round picks, a historic feat in the modern draft era. Their selections included Egor Demin (No. 8), Nolan Traoré (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22), Ben Saraf (No. 26), and Danny Wolf (No. 27). Demin, a 6’8” point guard, is seen as a high-upside playmaker, while Traoré offers creative ball-handling and Powell brings elite defense. The Nets’ strategy is clear: cast a wide net and hope multiple prospects develop into key contributors as the team rebuilds.

Other Notable Picks and Grades

• Atlanta Hawks: Traded back 10 spots, picked up a future first-rounder, and still landed Asa Newell at No. 23—a local product with a high motor.

• Boston Celtics: Selected Hugo Gonzalez at No. 28, a highly regarded European prospect who may need time to adjust to the NBA.

• LA Clippers: Wrapped up the first round by taking center Yanic Konan Niederhauser at No. 30.
  
  

The 2025 NBA Draft’s first round was a night of high drama, bold trades, and franchise-altering picks. While Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper headlined the top of the board, surprises like Ace Bailey’s slide and Brooklyn’s five-pick bonanza kept fans on the edge of their seats. With Round Two set to begin, teams are already looking to add depth and uncover the next hidden gem.