The NBA Draft is a pivotal moment for teams as they seek to enhance their rosters and secure a brighter future through new talent. The evaluations of such drafts often spark debate, with even the most talented evaluators occasionally missing the mark. However, draft grades provide invaluable insights into how teams navigated this year’s class and align their roster-building strategies.
This year, I analyzed all 30 teams based on their performance during draft week, categorizing them into distinct grading tiers while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each team’s choices. In this article, we will examine the outcomes and decisions of each franchise in the 2025 NBA Draft.
**A Grades:**
**Dallas Mavericks**
The Mavericks struck gold by selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. Flagg is touted as a generational talent, second only to Victor Wembanyama in this era. The fit in Dallas is promising as Flagg embodies a winning mentality and readiness to contribute immediately. With an established roster featuring players like Anthony Davis and the potential for further postseason success, the Mavericks look poised for a successful run.
**Grade: A+**
**San Antonio Spurs**
By making impactful picks of Dylan Harper at No. 2 and Carter Bryant at No. 14, the Spurs successfully deepened their talent pool. Harper, with All-Star potential, and Bryant, a projected 3-and-D wing, align well with the team’s needs, ensuring a competitive roster. Harper’s development will be crucial to their overall success, making this draft a significant step forward for the franchise.
**Grade: A+**
**Charlotte Hornets**
Selecting Kon Knueppel at No. 4, the Hornets have embraced a new vision for their franchise. Coupled with picks like Liam McNeeley and Sion James, Charlotte has chosen players known for their competitiveness and defensive prowess. The strategic trade involving Mark Williams reveals a commitment to augmenting their future assets while scoring impactful players in this draft.
**Grade: A**
**Washington Wizards**
The Wizards made a remarkable decision with their No. 6 pick, landing Tre Johnson, a player I regard as a top prospect. His fit with Bilal Coulibaly is promising as they both display strong skill sets. In addition, the Wizards smartly navigated their trade options, shedding some ineffective contracts and gaining flexibility moving forward, cementing this draft as a positive chapter for the organization.
**Grade: A**
**Atlanta Hawks**
Acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis and making shrewd moves to net a promising future pick helps the Hawks maintain a competitive edge. Selecting Asa Newell at No. 23 indicates a forward-thinking mentality, with an understanding of players’ roles and development timelines. This approach places the Hawks in a solid position as they look to build a sustainable contender.
**Grade: A**
**B+ Grades:**
**Oklahoma City Thunder**
Staying true to their strategy, the Thunder selected Thomas Sorber at No. 15 while also trading up for additional future capital. The decision to prioritize modern basketball traits in Sorber aligns well with their long-term planning amidst potential financial challenges. This validated approach exemplifies Oklahoma City’s dedication to proactive roster development.
**Grade: B+**
**Memphis Grizzlies**
By acquiring Cedric Coward at No. 11, the Grizzlies continued their trend of selecting high-upside players. Coward’s potential makes this a worthwhile gamble. The selections of Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack illustrate a focus on developing a dynamic roster capable of contending in the future.
**Grade: B+**
**Utah Jazz**
The Jazz’s gamble on Ace Bailey at No. 5 shows excitement for potential high-reward outcomes. Coupled with the strategic acquisition of Walter Clayton Jr., their draft reflects a well-thought-out approach, complementing existing talent with young prospects that could contribute to their growth trajectory.
**Grade: B+**
**Orlando Magic**
The Magic’s selections of Jase Richardson and Noah Penda signify a solid draft. Both prospects bring valuable skill sets that align with Orlando’s needs while maintaining a competitive edge, particularly on the offensive side. Their shrewd choices could pay dividends down the road.
**Grade: B+**
**Toronto Raptors**
By prioritizing defensive prowess through the selection of Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin, the Raptors are clearly addressing their earlier defensive struggles. These picks enhance their competitive outlook while reflecting a strategy focused on improving their overall team identity.
**Grade: B+**
**Miami Heat**
The Heat’s choice of Kasparas Jakučionis at No. 20 is an intriguing one. His playmaking abilities could elevate Miami’s offensive dynamics, even if there are concerns about his athleticism. However, the potential benefit makes this a valuable pick.
**Grade: B+**
**B Grades:**
**Philadelphia 76ers**
Choosing VJ Edgecombe at No. 3 highlights the 76ers’ commitment to securing a promising talent amidst a time of transition. The addition of Johni Broome addresses depth needs while maintaining a level of consistency. Though some might argue alternatives were available, their choices warrant respect.
**Grade: B**
**Sacramento Kings**
The Kings executed a strategic pick trade to acquire Nique Clifford at No. 24, showcasing a solid understanding of value. Additionally, Maxime Raynaud’s selection reflects a commitment to developing versatile talent capable of adapting to the modern game.
**Grade: B**
**Indiana Pacers**
By trading for their own future first-round pick, the Pacers garnered significant flexibility. Selecting Kameron Jones and Taelon Peter adds depth while allowing for future adjustments, showcasing prudent asset management.
**Grade: B**
**Los Angeles Lakers**
The Lakers’ decision-making resulted in the acquisition of Adou Thiero while managing future picks smartly. This move exemplifies resourcefulness whilst addressing roster needs. While not transformative, it reflects a steady approach moving forward.
**Grade: B-**
**Minnesota Timberwolves**
Though selecting Joan Beringer at No. 17 and later moving down in the draft might stir questions, their approach illustrates a willingness to invest in high-upsides. The moves reflect a continuity of their strategy to build sustainably.
**Grade: B-**
**Boston Celtics**
Acquiring Hugo González highlights the Celtics’ attempts to inject youth into their talent pool while managing future flexibility through various trades. Though the overall direction remains uncertain, the risk taken could be justified depending on player development.
**Grade: B-**
**Phoenix Suns**
The Suns executed an intriguing draft, highlighted by the selection of Khaman Maluach at No. 10. However, balancing multiple trades requires careful consideration and brings questions regarding the long-term assessment of their moves.
**Grade: B-**
**Chicago Bulls**
By selecting Noa Essengue at No. 12, the Bulls addressed immediate team needs. However, questions surrounding his overall ceiling remain as they attempt to shape the roster either for the present or the future.
**Grade: B-**
**Cleveland Cavaliers**
Finding Tyrese Proctor at No. 49 represents good value. However, the team’s overall direction and developmental strategies remain areas for potential improvement moving forward.
**Grade: B-**
**Golden State Warriors**
The Warriors’ endeavors in the draft showcased a focus on finding players with alignment to their team ethos. While not groundbreaking, selections reflect a balanced approach to roster building.
**Grade: B-**
**Detroit Pistons**
Selecting Chaz Lanier at No. 37 provides the Pistons with a valuable shooting specialist. However, his specialization leads to questions about broader impact on an evolving roster.
**Grade: B-**
**Milwaukee Bucks**
The Bucks selected Bogoljub Marković at No. 47, a pick that reflects their consistent commitment to youth. His long-term potential is a positive takeaway from this draft.
**Grade: B-**
**C Grades:**
**Portland Trail Blazers**
The Blazers’ draft capital management is commendable, trading the No. 11 pick while accumulating future assets. However, their choice of Yang Hansen raises concerns due to potential positional overlaps and player development expectations.
**Grade: C+**
**New York Knicks**
In stashing Mohamed Diawara, the Knicks retained flexibility while recognizing the potential upside of his physical profile. Nonetheless, a reframing of vision is still needed for more significant impact.
**Grade: C**
**LA Clippers**
The Clippers selected Yanic Konan Niederhauser but struggled to find consensus around his value, despite interesting attributes. The choice may warrant further evaluation down the line.
**Grade: C**
**Brooklyn Nets**
The Nets faced skepticism regarding their decision to keep all five first-round picks. Each selection carries a degree of risk due to overlapping skill sets and the overall execution of strategy.
**Grade: C-**
**New Orleans Pelicans**
With an underwhelming draft marked by questionable asset management and decision-making, the Pelicans face scrutiny. While Fears holds upside, their broader moves lack coherence and foresight.
**Grade: F**
**Did not participate**
**Houston Rockets**
Exiting the draft to secure Kevin Durant marks a significant win for the Rockets. This strategic maneuver showcases their intent to build around elite talent without sacrificing future potential.
**Grade: N/A**
**Denver Nuggets**
Opting out of the draft to bolster their championship roster through previous trades illustrates the Nuggets’ focus on sustaining success rather than pursuing new projects.
**Grade: N/A**
In sum, the 2025 NBA Draft delivered a wealth of prospects and critical decisions that will shape team trajectories over the coming years. Each team’s choices reflect unique strategies and varying degrees of future potential, laying the groundwork for what is sure to be an impactful season ahead.
image source from：nytimes
