With the No. 1 pick, the Dallas Mavericks did not botch the 2025 NBA draft, taking Cooper Flagg No. 1, and the Brooklyn Nets were active with five first-round picks.

Several teams did not have a first-round pick, trading it in moves that helped produce a championship. There’s also teams like Houston and Golden State that gave up first-round picks recently in hopes of winning a title soon.

There was only one real surprise – Portland using the No. 16 pick to take Yang Hansen.

Who fared well in the draft? Who is set up for the present and the future?

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ 2025 NBA draft grades:

2025 NBA draft grades

Atlanta Hawks: B+

Boston Celtics: B

At No. 28, Boston landed Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez, who is one of Europe’s top prospects. But he may not be ready to contribute immediately.

Brooklyn Nets: A

The Nets accumulated five first-round draft picks ahead of the draft and got: BYU’s Egor Demin at No. 8, France’s Nolan Traore at No. 19, North Carolina’s Drake Powell at No. 22, Israel’s Ben Saraf at No. 26 and Michigan’s Danny Wolf at No. 27.

Charlotte Hornets: B

The Hornets need shooting. They were 28th in 3-point shooting percentage, 30th in field goal percentage and 30th in effective field goal percentage. Duke’s Kon Knueppel can help a massive shortcoming on Charlotte’s roster.

Chicago Bulls: B

France is in a nice run of producing NBA players, and Noa Essengue, the No. 12 pick, will give the Bulls another interior option.

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

Did not have a first-round pick; traded to Utah as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal, which has worked out for the Cavs. They signed him to a three-year, $150.3 million contract that keeps him with the Cavs through at least 2026-27.

Dallas Mavericks: A

The Mavericks needed luck to get the No. 1 pick – just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and that’s what happened, allowing them to select Cooper Flagg, who brings talent, maturity and an NBA-ready game to a team looking to compete for a title.

Denver Nuggets: A

Did not have a first-round pick. The Nuggets traded it to Orlando in 2021 in a deal that sent Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets. It helped Denver win a title in 2023.

Detroit Pistons: Incomplete

Detroit’s selection was sent away as part of the 2020 trade that brought Isaiah Stewart to the Pistons.

Golden State Warriors: Incomplete

As part of the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State, the Warriors shipped the No. 20 selection to Miami that became Kasparas Jakucionis. While Butler infused defense, veteran experience and more competitiveness to the Warriors, they were eventually eliminated in the second round.

Houston Rockets: A-

The Rockets did not have a first-round pick … because they traded the No. 10 pick to Phoenix for Kevin Durant, putting them in position to contend for a title after going 52-30 last season and earning the No. 2 seed in the West.

Indiana Pacers: Incomplete

The Pacers did not have a first-round pick, trading the No. 23 overall selection to the Pelicans, as well as the rights to guard Mojave King. In exchange, the Pacers received their own 2026 first-round selection, which they had originally shipped to Toronto in the deal that brought Pascal Siakam to Indiana.

Los Angeles Clippers: B

With the final pick of the night, the Clippers bolstered their interior presence, taking forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser out of Penn State. He’s still a bit raw, but he should be an excellent developmental backup to center Ivica Zubac. Niederhauser should get plenty of burn as a low block defender — he ranked 12th in the country in blocks per game (2.31) — and should be a lob threat as a finisher.

Los Angeles Lakers: Incomplete

The No. 22 overall selection was part of the package the Lakers sent the Pelicans in the deal that brought center Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.

Memphis Grizzlies: B+

This was all about replacing Desmond Bane, whom Memphis just shipped to the Orlando Magic, but on a budget. Bane had been signed to a max extension in July 2023, so he was going to become pricey. Guard Cedric Coward, a late riser in the draft process, was picked at No. 11. He has ample experience and should play right away. Memphis has a pretty solid track record in recent years of drafting. His size and shooting ability should translate instantly.

Miami Heat: B

Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis was projected as a lottery pick in several mock drafts, and the Heat got him at No. 20.

Milwaukee Bucks: A

Did not have a first-round pick; the Bucks traded this pick to New Orleans in 2020, acquiring Jrue Holiday, who helped the Bucks win a title in 2021. Yes, the Bucks are trying to stay competitive with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it’s hard to complain about a title.

Minnesota Timberwolves: C

The issue with Rudy Gobert is that his offensive game can be inconsistent. And Minnesota’s consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals proved that the Timberwolves need more scoring, particularly when teams game plan to take Anthony Edwards out of rhythm. Joan Beringer is only 18, so he’s a project and doesn’t necessarily help Minnesota get over the hump in the short term. He’s explosive and full of potential. Minnesota’s window to win, however, is now, and plenty of plug-and-play prospects were available at 17.

New Orleans Pelicans: B-

In a vacuum, both Jeremiah Fears (guard, No. 7) and Derik Queen (center, No. 13) are solid players. But they’re also both at positions where the Pelicans have established players, which could mean New Orleans will be looking to sell off veterans like point guard Dejounte Murray and power forward Zion Williamson. Queen’s skill set — his ball handling, vision, passing and touch — should make him too valuable to sit. The same, frankly, goes for Fears. The Pelicans have very nice pieces; the fit is a little cumbersome.

New York Knicks: B-

Did not have a first-round pick; the Knicks have traded significant draft capital (no first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031) to build this team. Back-to-back 50-win seasons and an Eastern Conference finals appearance this season are the results so far.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Given it’s the Thunder front office led by executive VP/GM Sam Presti and the track record of the Thunder acing the draft, it’s a safe bet to say the Thunder found value with the No. 15 pick (Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber).

Orlando Magic: B

At one point during the draft process, Michigan State’s Jase Richardson was a projected lottery pick and the Magic got him at No. 25.

Philadelphia 76ers: B

The Sixers passed on Ace Bailey and took defensive-minded guard VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. He will be able to guard multiple positions.

Phoenix Suns: C-

There’s no question: the Suns have wanted a center for a long time. They traded Jusuf Nurkić to the Hornets in the middle of the season and struggled to find a presence down low. Duke’s Khaman Maluach at No. 10 — part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston — is actually great value. But, minutes prior, the Suns also reportedly completed a trade to get another former Duke center, Mark Williams, from the Hornets. This reeks of a team that didn’t think Maluach would be available, got impatient, and fired off a trade. Now, Phoenix has the opposite issue: it has one big too many.

Portland Trail Blazers: C

This is another curious move. Clearly, Portland loved Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China with fluid athleticism and superb passing ability. But the Trail Blazers now have three centers: Hansen, Robert Williams (who is entering the final year of his contract) and Donovan Clingan (last year’s No. 7 overall selection). Even if Portland packages Williams in a salary-shedding move, Hansen, who turned 20 on Thursday, June 26, is only one year younger than Clingan. Despite his impressive skill set, he also might need time to assimilate from the Chinese Basketball Association.

Sacramento Kings: B

The Kings did not have a first round pick to start the night but traded into the first round, acquiring the No. 24 pick from Oklahoma City and drafting Nique Clifford from Colorado State.

San Antonio Spurs: A

The Spurs have the past two rookies of the year (Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle) and just picked Rutgers’ Dylan Harper at No. 2 and Arizona’s Carter Bryant at No. 14. The Spurs are on their way.

Toronto Raptors: B

The Raptors are close to making a move in the East, and Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9 is the kind of player who fits Toronto’s system.

Utah Jazz: A

Danny Ainge struck again. Utah got excellent value at No. 5 with Ace Bailey, an electric player who is built exactly the way teams want their wings. He has effortless athleticism and is a hyper-competitive player who should find easy buckets. And then, in a trade with the Wizards, the Jazz nabbed an experienced guard in Walter Clayton Jr., who has range and the clutch gene.

Washington Wizards: B

The Wizards targeted guards as part of their extensive rebuild and selected Texas’ Tre Johnson sixth and acquired Illinois’ Will Riley at No. 21.

Tyler Shough is getting a crash course on what it’s like being in the NFL.

Selected in the second round with the 40th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Shough was walking into a situation where he could learn behind Derek Carr. Instead of learning from Carr, he might be replacing him after the veteran announced his retirement on May 10 due to a shoulder injury.

During an appearance on the ‘St. Brown Podcast’ with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown, Shough was asked about that shocking news. The rookie quarterback noted that the Saints’ rookie head coach, Kellen Moore, gave him advance notice of the news.

‘Kellen told me before he announced it in practice, which was good, just cause I think I had media later that day, so, I didn’t want to go in blind,’ Shough said. ‘Like you said, the word opportunity just sticks in my head. I think, regardless, I think it would have been great just because of who he is and how high of a level he’s played at to come in and learn from, and I’m going to come in and compete, regardless, and try to get better.’

The experience has been far from conventional for Shough in his first offseason, but, then again, this is far from your average rookie quarterback. Shough is 25 years old and will turn 26 in September, so he’s been around the block a few more times than most signal callers entering the league.

Shough sees that as an advantage. He’s dealt with injuries and been well-traveled after beginning his college career as Justin Herbert’s backup at Oregon. After making stops at Texas Tech and Louisville, Shough is ready for the NFL challenges that lie ahead.

‘I think for me and what I’ve been through – I’ve been carted off the field, I’ve been booed, I’ve been an MVP, I’ve been a starter, I’ve been a backup to Herbert – I’m like, throw some (expletive) at me, you’re not going to faze me if we start off 0-2 or I (expletive) suck,’ Shough said. ‘It’s going to be fine. That’s what I was excited about, that opportunity, or any opportunity, and I think, going into it, I’ve got to continue to get to know the guys – like I said earlier I’m still a rookie. I may be older, but I have to earn the respect of everybody and do my job.’

Age continues to be a topic of discussion for Shough, but he views it as a positive, saying that experience has allowed him to grow and prepare him for starting right away in the pros. As he sees it, a short college career might’ve translated to him being out of the league at this point.

There’s a unique perspective that Shough has as an older rookie that allows him to savor the moment and be grateful for the opportunity in front of him.

With many ups and downs, it all led to a potential starting quarterback job with the Saints – meaning all the challenges were worth it.

‘I think it’s just, you know you look back, what are you willing to sacrifice to get to that position?’ Shough said. ‘If you would have told me as a 20-year-old, you’re going to get drafted, but you are going to have to wait four or five years and you’re going to break your bones three times and think about not playing football again and you’re going to be depressed and you’re gonna have all these emotions, but if you just stay at it then I would have done it and I did. At that time, you’re wondering why is this happening and what’s going on, there’s a lot of unknowns. That’s literally the NFL, that’s the game of football.’

Shough will still have to win the starting job in training camp, competing against Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. He might be the leader in the clubhouse, but even if he isn’t, it would be crazy to count him out.

The NHL draft is on June 27 and free agency is around the corner on July 1.

But there also trades to be made as NHL teams acquire or move players to improve their immediate future or get their salary cap situation under control.

The latest was a deal on June 26 between the Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth, a three-player trade involving a pair of 23-year-old forwards.

J.J. Peterka is heading to Utah and Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan to Buffalo in the trade, which involved no draft picks.

Trades will pick up with the draft and free agency approaching. Tracking some NHL trades:

June 26: Mammoth acquire JJ Peterka from Sabres

The Utah Mammoth will be aggressive this offseason as they head into their second season in Salt Lake City. Peterka is coming off a career-best 68 points and totaled 55 goals the past two seasons. The 23-year-old was a restricted free agent and signed a five-year deal with the Mammoth after the trade.

The Sabres, who need to adjust their roster to try to end a 14-season playoff drought, get back defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. Kesselring, 25, had a career-best 29 points as he got more ice time because of injuries on the Utah blue line. Doan is the son of former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan. He has another year left on his contract.

June 25: Oilers trade Evander Kane to Canucks

This was a salary cap move, saving more than $5 million with the Oilers needing to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Oilers get back a fourth-round pick. Kane is a Vancouver native.

June 23: Flyers acquire Trevor Zegras from Ducks

Zegras wanted to play center and the Ducks didn’t have room for him there in their top six. The Flyers land a creative forward who has scored several lacrosse-style goals but also has dealt recently with injuries. The Ducks get back center Ryan Poehling, who wins faceoffs and kills penalties, two areas where Anaheim needed improvement. They also receive a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder.

June 21: Blackhawks, Kraken make trade

The Chicago Blackhawks traded for left wing Andre Burakovsky, sending center Joe Veleno back to the Seattle Kraken. Burakovsky was available after the Kraken earlier acquired Mason Marchment. Burakovsky has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but bounced back to play 79 games during the 2024-25 season, netting 10 goals and 27 assists with Seattle. Veleno scored 17 points this season between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. – Elizabeth Flores

June 19: Kraken acquire Mason Marchment from Stars

The Stars needed to clear out cap space after re-signing Matt Duchene so they traded 22-goal scorer Mason Marchment and his $4.5 million contract to the Seattle Kraken for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder. In addition to his goals, he’s 6-foot-5 and throws hits.

Yang Hansen may not have been a name on the radar for some, but his tall frame quickly caught the eye of many as he made his way toward the NBA draft stage on Wednesday night.

Hansen, the 7-foot-2 Chinese center, heard his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the 16th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He’ll soon be suiting up for the Portland Trail Blazers thanks to a draft-night trade.

Hansen was seemingly not a lock first-round pick but decided to show up with his family at the Barclays Center anyway and sat in the stands.

“I had him as a second-round pick, but it goes to show if you like a player, why wait?” ESPN broadcast Jay Bilas said of Hansen after the first round broadcast was finished. “That was a little bit of a surprise.”

Who is Yang Hansen?

The 19-year-old big man has experience as a professional player, having spent the past two years with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association.

He averaged a career-high 16.6 points last season to go along with his 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. He shot 58.6% from the field and 33.3% from the 3-point line.

According to the NBA, Hansen is now the ninth player from China to be drafted, and the first since 2016.

What was the Trail Blazers-Grizzlies trade?

The Trail Blazers traded the No. 11 pick (Cedric Coward) to the Grizzlies for the No. 16 pick (Hansen), a first-round pick in 2028 and two second-round picks.

It’s the day that all struggling NBA franchises have been dreaming of: the NBA draft. (The first day, anyways.)

Duke freshman and national player of the year Cooper Flagg was selected as the top pick by the Dallas Mavericks, tabbing him as the future face of the franchise in the post-Luka Dončić era. He is expected to wear No. 32 for Dallas.

“I think just hearing my name get called,’ Flagg told ESPN about what made the night special. ‘Sharing that moment with my mom, my dad and two brothers. That’s a moment I am going to remember for the rest of my life. … It was a blur as soon as I heard it happen.”

The forward from Newport, Maine, spent just one season with the Duke Blue Devils. Flagg’s season ended with a loss to Houston in the Final Four.

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary.

Here’s everything else that unfolded in the first round of the NBA draft, including the full rundown of picks:

No. 30 Los Angeles Clippers, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State

The 6-11 Niederhauser, who is from Switzerland, averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in one season at Penn State after transferring from Northern Illinois. He performed well at the G League Elite Camp and earned an invite to the draft combine, where his athleticism in the paint stood out. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 29 Phoenix Suns, Liam McNeeley, UConn

Trade: McNeeley is heading to Charlotte as the 29th pick was part of the Hornets’ return for sending Mark Williams to Phoenix.

His slide is over. What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury on New Year’s Day that sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 28 Boston Celtics, Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 27 Brooklyn Nets, Danny Wolf, Michigan

The busy Brooklyn Nets drew a roar out of their fans still in the building when they announced this pick. The Yale transfer turned into a first-round selection thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this past season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 26 Brooklyn Nets, Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard make him an intriguing pick. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 25 Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 24 Oklahoma City Thunder, Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Trade: Clifford is heading to the Sacramento Kings.

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 23 New Orleans Pelicans, Asa Newell, Georgia

Trade: Newell is heading to the Atlanta Hawks.

This was originally an Indiana pick but was part of the Pascal Siakam deal some years ago. Based on his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 22 Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta), Drake Powell, North Carolina

Trade: The Nets acquired this pick in the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Powell is active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 21 Utah Jazz, Will Riley, Illinois

Trade: Riley is heading to the Washington Wizards.

Riley (12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg) has good size and playmaking ability for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, he will look for offensive rebounds, but his shot is a work in progress. The mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games. – Scooby Axson

No. 20 Miami Heat, Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

This pick came as part of the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Warriors, and Miami, which got thumped in the first round of the playoffs, is getting play-making at guard. Jakucionis is a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 19 Brooklyn Nets, Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 18. Washington Wizards, Walter Clayton, Florida

Trade: Clayton is heading to the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz went with another bucket getter who can create his own shot in Clayton, who helped the Florida Gators win the national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. He had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. – Scooby Axson

No. 17 Minnesota Timberwolves, Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

After consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves are getting a boost of athleticism in the low block. Beringer had gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, made him a first-round prospect. Another player who improved throughout the season. He has played basketball for only four years. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 16 Memphis Grizzlies, Yang Hansen, Qingdao (China)

Trade: Hansen is heading to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 7-2 center was named the Chinese Basketball Association Rising Star in his first two seasons and averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 2024-25. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 15 Oklahoma City Thunder, Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

At this point, the world champion Thunder are collecting assets, as all of their core players plan to run it back for years to come. General manager Sam Presti has assets to play with if they want to wheel and deal, including nearly a dozen first-round picks from here to the end of the decade.

Sorber, a forward-center, required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. But Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. — Scooby Axson

No. 14 San Antonio Spurs, Carter Bryant, Arizona

Their second pick of the night, the Spurs get more athleticism at forward, and continue building a solid, young core. The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 13 Atlanta Hawks, Derik Queen, Maryland 

Trade: Queen is heading to the New Orleans Pelicans.

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand and has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He has good hands, footwork and the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 12 Chicago Bulls, Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

The Bulls have been stuck in the play-in window, but their play improved toward the end of the season as point guard Josh Giddey commanded the offense. Now, Chicago is getting a competitive and active young player. The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. – Lorenzo Reyes

No. 11 Portland Trail Blazers, Cedric Coward, Washington State 

Trade: Coward is heading to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Coward, is an experienced player who can contribute right away. He started his college career at Division III Willamette University, transferred to Eastern Washington and then to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim. – Jeff Zillgitt

No. 10 Phoenix Suns (via Houston), Khaman Maluach, Duke

This pick was part of the trade that shipped Kevin Durant to the Rockets, so Houston selected on behalf of Phoenix, which gets much-needed height. Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 9 Toronto Raptors, Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. He is the Gamecocks’ first lottery pick. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 8 Brooklyn Nets, Egor Demin, BYU

For the first of the five first-round picks they entered the night with, the Nets are looking to bolster their production along the wing. Demin is a Russian playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 7 New Orleans Pelicans, Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Fears is quick on the dribble, has strength going to the rim, can finish and draws fouls. He operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer but needs to improve his 3-point shot. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 6 Washington Wizards, Tre Johnson, Texas

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer, with the ability to blow by defenders with ease and should fit in well with a Wizards team that is desperately in need of a spark of any kind. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. — Scooby Axson

No. 5 Utah Jazz, Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Bailey has prototypical size for a wing in the NBA, but there have been questions about him since he decided not to work out for teams, and reportedly put together a wish list of possible destinations instead of being content with being drafted. Bailey’s game on the court starts with his shooting; he is not great from long distance but can have an impact in the mid-range and score with the best of them. Shot selection is a concern, and his success will depend on how he is used. But he displays an array of shots to get his points, whether it’s floaters, catch-and-shoot off the break, or going to the rim. — Scooby Axson

No. 4 Charlotte Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Duke

The Hornets need shooting, and Knueppel can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers, VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

The first thing you notice about Edgecombe is his supreme athleticism and a strong, NBA-ready frame. That means he will put a lot of players on a poster with his jumping ability and can use his quickness to be a pest on the defensive end. The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. — Scooby Axson

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. But the Spurs suddenly have a surplus at guard with De’Aaron Fox — whom they acquired in a midseason trade — and Stephon Castle already in the fold. San Antonio could look to move one of them later in a corresponding move. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 1 Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Duke

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which included the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. — Jeff Zillgitt

What time does the NBA draft start tonight

The NBA Draft starts Wednesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET. The draft is being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Day 1 of the draft can be viewed on ESPN and ABC.

Where to watch NBA draft

Time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York)
TV: ABC and ESPN
Stream: Fubo, Sling TV

Watch the NBA Draft with Fubo

First trade of the night

The San Antonio Spurs are trading the No. 38 pick (second round) in tonight’s NBA draft to the Indiana Pacers for a future second-round pick and cash, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

2025 NBA Draft order: Round 1

Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs
Philadelphia 76ers
Charlotte Hornets
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
New Orleans Pelicans
Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
Phoenix Suns (via Houston Rockets)
Portland Trail Blazers
Chicago Bulls
Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)
San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks)
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat, L.A. Clippers)
Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic)
Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Piston, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans)
Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans)
Miami Heat (from Golden State Warriors)
Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
Atlanta Hawks (via L.A. Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans)
New Orleans Pelicans (from Indiana Pacers)
Oklahoma City Thunder (via L.A. Clippers)
Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets)
Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks)
Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets)
Boston Celtics
Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz)
L.A. Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

2025 NBA Draft odds

Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke (-10000)
San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers (-2500)
Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor (-285)
Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke (+150)
Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas (+160)
Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers (+220)
New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma (+200)
Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke (+400)
Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke (+240)

NBA draft projections 2025

USA TODAY: Kon Knueppel and Kharman Maluach each go in top 10

Flagg is obviously the top prospect in the draft, but he had a lot of help around him, particularly his teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, who USA TODAY Sports has going in the top 10. Regarding Knueppel, USA TODAY Sports writes, ‘He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws.’ Knueppel is predicted to go seventh overall to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Maluach is expected to go right after to the Brooklyn Nets. USA TODAY Sports writes: ‘Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly.’

More draft projections and predictions from USA TODAY Sports’ Jon Hoefling.

2025 NBA Draft prospects

Presumptive No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg will dominate the proceedings. However, here is a list of 20 other prospects to know ahead of Round 1, with the top five listed below.

1) Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Position: G
Height: 6’5′
Weight: 213
Strengths: Big frame for a guard, great playmaker, good shot creator, solid finisher

2) Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Position: G
Height: 6’8′
Weight: 203
Strengths: Long frame, elite scorer from all around the court, high-energy defender

3) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Position: G
Height: 6’4′
Weight: 193
Strengths: Athleticism, great on-ball defender

4) Tre Johnson, Texas

Position: G
Height: 6’5′
Weight: 190
Strengths: Scoring, high-energy defender

5) Kon Knueppel, Duke

Position: G
Height: 6’5′
Weight: 219
Strengths: Shooting, solid playmaker and defender, can fit into practically any role placed on him

How many rounds in NBA draft?

The NBA Draft consists of two rounds with the first round taking place on Wednesday night, followed by the second round on Thursday. In total, there will be 59 picks across the draft.

Note: The New York Knicks lost their 2025 second-round pick in December 2022 after the NBA ruled it engaged in free agency discussions with Jalen Brunson prior to when they were allowed to occur the previous offseason. — Mark Giannotto.

Who has first pick in 2025 NBA Draft?

The Dallas Mavericks own the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance. They are widely expected to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg.

What channel is the NBA Draft on tonight?

ABC and ESPN will be televising the entirety of the draft’s first round. The second round will be avaiable to watch on ESPN Thursday night.

How to stream the NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft will be available to stream across Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users, as well as Sling TV.

Cooper Flagg: How will Duke star fare in NBA?

USA TODAY Sports Lorenzo Reyes states: ‘Given his size and skill set, and given his ability to play multiple positions on the floor, Flagg should be an instant contributor for the Mavericks and will enter the season as the odds-on favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. He’s a player with an already-polished portfolio that includes ball handling, passing, rebounding and scoring, all of which means he can find different ways to impact games. And it’s not just against college kids; Flagg’s experience scrimmaging against Team USA — when he was just 17 years old — drew praise from LeBron James, Kevin Durant and others.

‘With Kyrie Irving (torn anterior cruciate ligament) set to miss most of the season, Flagg could be asked to assist Dallas with distribution and playmaking, but his best fit is as a versatile wing who can blossom into a consistent All-Star, with a potential arc like that of a fellow Blue Devil, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.’

USA TODAY Sports’ Steve Gardner has more on Cooper Flagg and expert predictions around the draft.

Ace Bailey projections: Predictions for Rutgers star

USA Today: No. 8 pick to the Brooklyn Nets

Staff writes: ‘Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted.’

USA TODAY Sports’ Elizabeth Flores has more projections for Ace Bailey at the NBA Draft.

NBA Draft order: Round 2

Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah Jazz)
Boston Celtics (from Washington Wizards via Detroit and Brooklyn)
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans Pelicans via San Antonio, Phoenix and Memphis)
Philadelphia 76ers
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons (from Toronto Raptors via Dallas and San Antonio)
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors (from Portland Trail Blazers via Sacramento)
New Orleans Pelicans (from Phoenix Suns via Washington)
Golden State Warriors (from Miami Heat via Brooklyn and Indiana)
Sacramento Kings (from Chicago Bulls via San Antonio)
Utah Jazz (from Dallas Mavericks)
Oklahoma City Thunder (from Atlanta Hawks)
Chicago Bulls (from Sacramento Kings)
Orlando Magic
Milwaukee Bucks (from Detroit Pistons via Washington)
Memphis Grizzlies (from Golden State Warriors via Washington and Brooklyn)
Cleveland Cavaliers (from Milwaukee Bucks)
New York Knicks (from Memphis Grizzlies via Oklahoma City and Boston)
Los Angeles Clippers (from Minnesota Timberwolves via Atlanta and Houston)
Phoenix Suns (from Denver Nuggets via Charlotte and Minnesota)
Utah Jazz (from Los Angeles Clippers via Los Angeles Lakers)
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies (from Houston Rockets)
Orlando Magic (from Boston Celtics)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Houston Rockets (from Oklahoma City Thunder via Atlanta)

NBA second-generation golden era continues with 2025 NBA Draft

(Jase) Richardson will join a growing NBA trend this week when he becomes the league’s latest second-generation player. He and Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, the son of longtime NBA player Ron Harper, are projected to be first-round picks ahead of the 2025-26 season. It would be the seventh time in eight years multiple players were drafted with a father who played in the NBA. 

The rise can be attributed to a variety of reasons, according to experts, from genetics to exposure, access and socioeconomic factors thanks the rising cost of youth sports. The number of NBA alumni is also bigger now with the league more than 75 years old. But the pattern is more distinguishable than ever.

This past season, there were at least 33 second-generation players who appeared in an NBA game (or more than 7% of the league’s players). Of the 30 NBA teams, 21 had at least one second-generation player on their roster at some point. 

Read more on second-generation NBA players and their golden era by Mark Giannotto.

Khaman Maluach and navigating Trump’s visa ban

A quirk related to Maluach’s visa situation will play out on Wednesday night at the 2025 NBA Draft. The NBA is preparing for the complicated scenario that would be triggered if Maluach were to be taken by the Toronto Raptors with the No. 9 overall pick. 

Given the current Trump administration policy related to South Sudan, Maluach would have to apply for a United States tourism visa and a waiver to South Sudan’s visa ban any time he enters the United States if he plays for the Raptors, according to the NBA. That would also be in addition to having to obtain a Canadian work visa. The Raptors had to cross the United States border from Canada for road games 19 times based on their 2024-25 schedule.

USA TODAY Sports’ Mark Giannotto dives into Khaman Maluach’s situation around the draft and visa bans.

NBA Mock Drafts: AI predicts top picks

USA TODAY Sports Jack McKessy asked ChatGPT to predict the first 14 selections in Thursday’s draft. Here is the full list with the top three below.

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

ChatGPT wrote: ‘Unanimous top pick; versatile two-way star, Wooden winner.’

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

It wrote: ‘Elite driver and scorer, shooting remains a question; consensus No.  2.’

3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe, G/F, Baylor

It wrote: ‘Athletic playmaker and defensive force; top fit for Philly’