!THIS IS A LIVE ARTICLE AND WILL CONTINUED TO BE UPDATED!
PICK 1.1 – COOPER FLAGG (F) – DALLAS MAVERICKS
The clear far and away number one pick from the moment any draft talk started. Flagg needs no introduction, he is coming off an elite season at Duke where he averaged 19.2 pts and 7.5 rebounds while playing elite defense. While the hype may be hard to live up to, he has all the tools to make that a reality. A consolation prize for losing Luka earlier this year. The Maine Event has arrived in Dallas.
GRADE: A+
PICK 1.2 – DYLAN HARPER (G) – SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs had many rumors surrounding this pick. Would they trade it? Should they draft for fit? Ultimately they did none of that. Opting to keep it and take the best player available. I am insanely high on Harper, he is the best guard prospect in the class and that gap is pretty large. There is not to much to his game missing. Checks all the boxes for a star guard. Yet, as much as I can praise Harper, the selection is a bit weird given the current situation of the Spurs. Both Fox and Castle are young, elite, long-term guys that could make finding Harper’s role in this lineup a bit tricky, but bringing his mom to San Antonio may really piss of Charles Barkley.
GRADE: A
TRADE – SAN ANTONIO SPURS and INDIANA PACERS
2.8 (Spurs) for a Future 2nd (Pacers) and a Cash (Pacers)
Pacers get to make a selection tomorrow and give up, well, nothing. The spurs may have too many picks at their disposal. Choosing to essentially move one down the road.
PICK 1.3 – V.J. EDGECOMBE 
– PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Edgecombe comes in with very high upside, especially in the defensive department, averaging 2 steals a game for Baylor. He is shift on the perimeter, plays in the passing lanes, and can hold his own through screens. However Philly, much like San Antonio, are in a weird spot with very little roster holes and none in their wings. While the team needs fall more with the PF, Edgecombe can be an immediate contributor for Philly with the East so wide.
GRADE: A-
PICK 1.4 – KON KNUEPPEL – CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Knueppel is nothing flashy. His floor is high but his ceiling is not that far from it. Knueppel at best is a high end role player. Charlotte had ties with him from the jump while they search for a “connecting piece” between Ball and Miller and hope this is their guy to do that.
GRADE: B
PICK 1.5 – ACE BAILEY – UTAH JAZZ
Well… well… well… after so much pre-draft drama, Bailey does not get his wish. Refusing work outs only gets you so far. Danny Ainge could care less where you want to go. Always putting his team first and does so here by taking the best guy left on the board. Bailey is an NBA shot maker, he has a ceiling that extends out the tallest building in Utah (which my not be that hard to do). We will see how Bailey takes being in a spot he doesn’t wish to be in.
GRADE: A
PICK 1.6 – TRE JOHNSON (G) – WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Johnson is the best scorer in the draft. He is ready from day one to take over the primary offensive responsibilities on a team and, after trading Jordan Poole, this is something the Wizards desperately need. This was my ideal destination for Johnson who can develop outside of the spotlight and emerge as a star for the Wizards one day.
GRADE: A+
PICK 1.7 – JEREMIAH FEARS (G) – NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Fears is my 2nd best PG prospect in the draft. Three days ago, I would of been jumping for joy at this pick for the Pelicans, but after trading for Poole… I am left scratching my head. He offers great guard play from playmaking to scoring and can help limit the blow of missing Murray to begin the season. After that, I am not sure where he fits on a team with Murray, Poole, Hawkins, Murphy, and Alvarado. You can only play so many guards.
GRADE: C+
PICK 1.8 – EGOR DEMIN (G) – BROOKLYN NETS
I love Demin. I love his fit on the Nets. I hate picking him in the top 10 of the draft. While his upside is there, and his playmaking and height are both undeniable. He cannot shoot and the Nets have a million holes that could of been addressed better here. Demin shot 27% from three as a primary ball handler. Enough said.
GRADE: F
PICK 1.9 – COLLIN MURRAY-BOYLES (F) – TORONTO RAPTORS
Now, it is not as major of a reach as Brooklyn. I didn’t feel like Murray-Boyles was a guy that we would see in the top 10, but none the less here we are. The Raptors grab a guy who strives defensively which is what made him desirable at this spot. His offensive leaves much to improve. Only shooting 25% from three combined with his shorter stature at 6’6 there are elements you don’t like. However, Toronto has many offensive weapons already so ignoring the offense can be more forgivable.
GRADE: C
TRADE – CHARLOTTE HORNETS and PHOENIX SUNS
Mark Williams (Hornets) for 1.29 Pick (Suns), a 2029 1st (Suns) and Vasilije Micic (Suns)
The Suns bring in a center which they desperately needed. He is young and has lots of promise but has had some injury history in the past. He failed a physical that forced a trade with the Lakers to fall through a few months ago. The Hornets get off a guy who they clearly did not want to keep around. Avoiding a possible large extension and bringing in draft capital instead.
PICK 1.10 – KHAMAN MALUACH (C) – PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns just grabbed the best center in the draft. Another guy with a high ceiling who can come in and make an impact right now. While it may take a while for Maluach to fully come into his own, he is well worth the pick at 10. This makes the Durant trade look much better.
GRADE: A
TRADE – PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS and MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
1.11 (Trailblazers) for 1.16 (Grizzlies) and a 2028 1st (Orlando)
Memphis is able to jump up and grab their guy. Portland moves back a few slots while accumulating future picks to assist the rebuild.
PICK 1.11 – CEDRICK COWARD (G) – MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via. Portland)
D3 to lottery pick is a great story but what else is there? While he only played six games “competitive” basketball, he preformed well enough to get some attention. His foot work on defense along with efficient shooting across the board lit up the eyes for Memphis here. Coward could fill the vacant spot left from Bane perfectly. This may be a perfect spot for Coward to land. Although, fit over best player available is not something I usually advise especially for a team with no direction
GRADE: B
PICK 1.12 – NOA ESSENGUE (F) – CHICAGO BULLS
Another french guy enters the league, a definite project landing here in Chicago. While I like his upside I am worried about how well he can develop in Chicago given their past history. Especially considering his poor three point shooting. That spacing on the Bulls looks rough. The upside is there, but so is the floor.
GRADE: C-
TRADE – ATLANTA HAWKS and NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
1.13 (Hawks) for 1.23 (Pelicans) and a 2026 1st (Bucks)
New Orleans moves up 10 spots but it comes at a hefty price. The bucks pick could be very valuable considering the state of the Bucks roster heading into the 2025-2026 season. Atlanta moves down but gains what could be a very valuable pick for next years draft.
PICK 1.13 – DERICK QUEEN (C) – NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (via. Atlanta)
Queen is the perfect complimentary big. Boasting good handles for his size and an impressive package of post moves that adds an incredible offensive touch to the Pelicans. His deep shot is not there right now but scouts believe it will come. If that happens, he may be one of the best offensive big in the game. New Orleans gets two of my favorite players in the draft but in ways I am not to happy about. With Fears it was because of a previous trade. Here with Queen, I worry they gave up too much.
GRADE: B+
PICK 1.14 – CARTER BRYANT (F) – SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs cannot stop winning these past few drafts. First Wemby and now Harper and Bryant. A guy who can shoot the three and can defend. He operates as a great 2-Way wing to compliment the Spurs already stacked roster. He disrupts passing lanes and converts that to fast break opportunities. He works well off the ball. His only real knock is his decision making that can easily come in time. Man they cannot keep getting away with this.
GRADE: A+
PICK 1.15 – THOMAS SOBER (C) – OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
A guy whose stock rose into the draft process. Sober can sit for a year and learn behind Hartenstein to eventually replace him. Sobers shoots well over 50% and puts up 2 blocks a game. He has shown a decent jump shot that could translate to the NBA. Not sure if he will ever see the court though due to their incredible young talent and the small state filled with draft picks Sam Presti stores as momentos.
GRADE: C+
PICK 1.16 – HANSEN YANG (C) – PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (via. Memphis)
Not a guy I was expecting to land this early. Clearly, the league wasn’t expecting it either as he came from the nose bleeds down to the stage. Yang played in the Chinese league. For his position, Yang is a great passer. He can easily kick it out to a shooter or find a man in motion. Yang is humongous, he stands at 7’1 with hands the size of the back board. He is an elite rim protector but how could he not be. I was not expecting him in the top 20 or even in the first round. The Chinese league is also not know for it’s elite play or high level competition. Yet, something makes me really like the guy. Maybe I am getting sucked back into unicorn Jokic nonsense. Another two years away from being two years away but maybe a project worth trying. Definitely not at pick 16 though.
GRADE: F
PICK 1.17 – JOAN BERINGER (C) – MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Another french center in Minnesota and another big guy at 6’11. Beringer is a rim menace, a hustler, and with his frame that could be an intriguing piece for Minnesota. We will likely not see him get any minutes for a while but he could eventually be a solid defender in the NBA. However, I do believe there were better options for Minnesota on the board.
GRADE: C+
TRADE – WASHINGTON WIZARDS and UTAH JAZZ
1.18 (Wizards) for 1.21 (Jazz), 2.13 (Jazz), a 2031 2nd (Jazz), and 2032 2nd (Jazz)
Utah can slide and consolidate some of their assets that may go unused other wise. Washington collects additional assets 2 of which they will likely forget they even got when they finally come around.
PICK 1.18 – WALTER CLAYTON JR. (G) – UTAH JAZZ (via Washington)
A highflier and a March Madness favorite. Clayton lands himself in the prospect mine field that is the Utah Jazz. His offense runs off an exciting pop. Constantly in motion, he has greats bursts of speed and acceleration. He smooth shooter both off the catch and the dribble. Big shots never seem to phase him. I like Clayton as a prospect a lot but I am not sure how many shots he is gonna be able to put up in this crammed Jazz room.
GRADE: B+
PICK 1.19 – NOLAN TRAORE (G) – BROOKLYN NETS
This is where I was expecting Demin to be going but the Nets already took him so they go with another playmaking guard instead. Traore began the process as a guy that was projected to be a top 10 pick. Shortly he plummeted down boards as scouts globally (shout out Canada) realized there was not much to him Traore does have good IQ and excels in playmaking. This is nice and all but he lacks really any shooting but he was projected high for a reason. The Nets still have more picks left to make but I am not loving this class for them so far
GRADE: D+
PICK 1.20 – KASPARAS JAKUCIONIS (G) – BROOKLYN NETS
Jakucionis slid further than I expected him to. Multiple other guards went before him that I liked less than him. He strives with his IQ and uses it with his strong pick and roll game that can be unlocked next to Bam. If needed, he can knock down shots and could look well next to Herro. I think it was pivotal for the Heat to get someone in the door that will keep Herro at the SG, maybe this is the guy. The Heat know what they are doing more than I do.
GRADE: B+
PICK 1.21 – WILL RILEY – WASHINGTON WIZARD (via. Utah)
Riley is another guy who saw himself fall during the draft process. He adds great shot making, especially off the dribble. He is 6’8 but is a bit scrawny at 186 lbs. The second half of his season was a lot nicer to him than his first half. Once the 2nd half rolled he made near 50% of his shot while putting up 17 a night. Good value here at 21.
GRADE: B
PICK 1.22 – DRAKE POWELL – BROOKLYN NETS (via. Atlanta)
Yet again Brooklyn picks, but for the first time tonight they look away from the guard position. Powell is a solid on-ball defender especially on the perimeter. He comes with good energy and hustle every game. While the shooting numbers look good on paper, the form is slow and the shots are streaky; so it is yet to be seen if the shooting can translate to the NBA level. I like him, however, maybe a bit later than he went.
GRADE: C+
PICK 1.23 – ASA NEWELL (F/C) – ATLANTA HAWKS (via. New Orleans)
An interesting pick. Not for the spot but for the player. Asa is young, he only spent one season at Georgia before declaring for the draft. Projects more of a center than a PF. He is athletic and can be a fun screener and lob threat for Trae Young in the future. I keep switching how I feel about Newell, one moment I like his upside the next I do not.
GRADE: C
TRADE – OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER and SACRAMENTO KINGS
1.24 (Thunder) for … something I’d assume (Kings)
Kings move up to grab what could go down as a major steal of the draft and get to make a selection tonight. OKC will probably get something in return… right?
PICK 1.24 – NIQUE CLIFFORD – SACRAMENTO KINGS (via. OKC)
Clifford fell further than I expected. Something the Kings seemed to realize too as they traded to grab him before anyone else noticed. Clifford is an hustler, an aggressive rebounder, can kinda shoot (although it is not ideal), can play-make when needed, and is a decent defender. A true jack of all trades similar to Josh Hart. He will out work the guy in front of him night in and night out. Couldn’t be more pleased with a selection in the 20s.
GRADE: A+
PICK 1.25 – JASE RICHARDSON (G) – Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic! Orlando Magic! I hope you read that as the song like I intended. We all saw this coming but that does not make it any less of a great pick. He fits exactly what the team needs, a shooter. He can hit from range, no where on the court is safe from his shot. A great ball handler and a great rim attack. His only real downside is his size at 6’1.
GRADE: A
PICK 1.26 – BEN SARAF (G) – BROOKLYN NETS
Beginning the back to back Nets picks, they select another guard? Again, here is a guy I like but what are the Nets doing? They have now added three guards in one day. Saraf is one of the best playmakers in the draft, like the two other guards they drafted before him, and has high IQ, like the tow other guards they drafted before him. See a pattern? I enjoy his game but the Nets have three project guards including one they selected at 8. The only benenfit of Saraf over the other two is he can transition to the SG a lot smother.
GRADE: D
PICK 1.27 – DANNY WOLF (F/C) – BROOKLYN NETS
The 5th Nets’ selection. That marks an all time record for most selection in the first round by one team. Congratulations Nets, that seems like all you have to show for tonight. Wolf is my favorite of their strange draft so far. He can handle the ball at a great level for his size, is a good shooter, decent rebounder, can switch into the paint quickly to block the shot, and an excellent passer. I was hoping he’d fall to my Celtics but we just missed him and it seems like his brother was just a bit more upset than me about that.
GRADE: B
PICK 1.28 – HUGO GONZALEZ – BOSTON CELTICS
Hugo is likely to be a draft and stash guy. Hustler, decent passer, and can defend the paint. Thats about all I know about this guy. Thats likely all I will know about him for a while. If he gets stashed this is another Celtics salary avoidance.
GRADE: D
PICK 1.29 – LIAM MCNEELEY – CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via. Phoenix)
McNeeley is a strong shooter with a high floor and can contribute today. He projects to be a decent role player as a shooting specialist in the league. The Hornets got Knueppel and Knueppel minor. One has got to pan out
GRADE: B+
PICK 1.30 – YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER (C) – LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Remember his name. Not for any reason other than it may be a trivia question one day. Niederhauser is a high energy rim runner that could pair very well with Harden. He rose up boards after the college season from an unknown guy to an unknown guy but now on an NBA team. His name may be longer than his NBA career. Hopefully thats not the case.
GRADE: C
>>> END OF ROUND 1 <<<
bpadgettday 
Leave a comment