Grading the 2025 NBA Draft Pt. 1
This is for the top 10. Please refer to Part 2 for the rest of the lottery and other notable players.
1. Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): A
There is no easier player to grade. Flagg is legit. At only 18, he’s the best American prospect since Zion Williamson. He doesn’t get an A+ from me just because this was not a steal and there have been other elite number one overall picks, but make no mistake, he is truly elite and most likely a Hall of Famer..
2. Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs): A-
Overshadowed by Flagg, Dylan Harper is still an unbelievable player. His athleticism and shot creation are among the best in the draft. The concern about both him and Ace Bailey is whether Rutgers’ bad season was because of them. I don’t think so, and Harper will be an All-Star in this league.
3. V.J. Edgecomb (Philadelphia 76ers): B+
Nicknamed “The Generator” after he shared his struggle growing up, V.J. is a stud athlete and looked great in his limited Summer League. My worry with him is his fit in an already crowded backcourt, especially one with many developing players. If he can develop correctly, the Generator will be electric.
4. Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets): C+
As good a player as Knueppel is, I just don’t see the fit. His three-point shot, while very good, is not going to get significantly better. He was good at Duke, but did not have the impact of Flagg or Maluach. His stats were nothing crazy, and for an organization that needs players to develop, this was a weird pick in my opinion. He will be good immediately, but never great.
5.Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz): A
I absolutely love this Ace Bailey pick by Utah. I know I prioritize upside too much, but he has a ton of it. His shot creation, athleticism, and size stand out. If he can develop the right way, I see him as the second-best player in this class behind Flagg. For the same reason as him, I can’t give Bailey an A+, because pick 5 is too high to call a steal regardless of the player.
6. Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards): B
Johnson looked good in the Summer League and really showed his defensive abilities. He was solid at Texas and is one of the safer picks in this draft. I don’t think he will move the needle for the Wizards or have that elite upside. It was a solid pick and the last of the top six players, but nothing unbelievable.
7. Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans): B+
One of the fastest risers in this year’s class, and it is easy to see why. He has the best handles, is a solid defender, and is only 18 years old. His shooting ability is not great, and he will not change the trajectory of the Pelicans anytime soon. Very solid, very raw.
8. Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets): B
Demin very quickly went from one of the most overrated to underrated player. At 6’8, he’s a large point guard, and it would not be surprising if he were moved to small forward at some point this season. My concern with him is that he won’t stand out on a team with so many young developing players. His passing may be elite, but I think he will quickly be overshadowed in Brooklyn.
9. Collin Murrays-Boyle (Toronto Raptors): B-
The first non-guard taken since Flagg, Collin is a very unconventional player. A very good perimeter defender and unconventional scorer, he is a big potential pick. South Carolina was the worst team in the SEC last year, and his stats were lackluster on an empty team. A good player comp would be a Draymond Green type of guy.
10. Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns): A
Maluach is the definition of an underdog. Born in South Sudan, he didn’t even touch a basketball until he was 13. Of course, that means he was a little raw and underdeveloped at Duke, but at 7’2, 19 years old, and with NBA trainers, I fully expect him to do great things. It was a little bit of a slide for him, but I like his situation in Phoenix, and he should develop nicely.
Come Back for Part 2!
