2025 NBA Draft Recap: Top Six Winners and Three Major Losers You Need to Know

The NBA Draft has wrapped up, and it brought some expected moves along with a few surprises.

Let’s dive into who came out ahead and who might need to rethink their strategies.

Winners

Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks hit the jackpot by picking Cooper Flagg at No. 1. Flagg is not just any player; he’s one of the top prospects in years, second only to Victor Wembanyama. What makes Flagg a perfect fit in Dallas is his competitive spirit. He’s ready to contribute from Day 1 and already has a strong team around him, including Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. If they can secure a solid guard, the Mavericks could find themselves in playoff contention soon.

San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs pulled off a smart strategy by sticking with their No. 2 pick and drafting Harper. Rather than chasing after other talents, they chose Harper based on his fit and personality. Known for his work ethic, he also has the shooting skills needed for today’s game. The Spurs also picked up Carter Bryant, further solidifying their young core with players who embody their winning culture.

Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte surprised a few by selecting Kon Knueppel at No. 4, but it was a wise move. Knueppel shot impressively during his freshman year and has strong skills in pick-and-roll situations. Alongside him, Liam McNeeley, picked 29th, brings competitive energy and shooting potential despite a rocky year at Connecticut. With these choices, it looks like the Hornets are moving in a fresh direction, wanting to instill a fighting spirit in their roster.

Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks made a clever trade with the Pelicans by moving down and snagging an unprotected first-round pick for 2026. This pick could turn out to be gold, especially if New Orleans struggles next season. It’s a savvy move that could pay off big time come draft day.

Wizards and Grizzlies
The Wizards snagged Tre Johnson, who is known for his relentless work ethic and shooting ability. Similarly, the Grizzlies selected Cedric Coward, a strong, versatile player who can help with defense and scoring. Both teams made solid picks that could impact their future success.

Losers

New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans’ moves raised eyebrows across the league. They traded up to get Derik Queen but gave away valuable draft currency, which many analysts deemed unwise. Their offseason changes, including swapping C.J. McCollum, seem scattershot. The team looks defensively weak, risking their chances in a competitive Western Conference.

Brooklyn Nets
The Nets surprised everyone by making all five of their first-round picks, which was unexpected. Most believed they would trade some to enhance their roster. Instead, they selected players that raised questions, particularly regarding their shooting skills. Core strategy might be a concern going forward.

Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers traded down, which was a smart move, but then picked Yang Hansen at No. 16, a choice that many scouts rated much lower. His skills may not transition well against more athletic competitors in the NBA, leading to concerns about his future effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

As the dust settles on this year’s draft, some teams clearly enhanced their rosters while others may face strategic challenges ahead. With a new season on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see how these picks play out in real games. Teams that focus on fitting skill sets with their culture, like the Mavericks and Spurs, appear poised for success. Meanwhile, others will need to closely evaluate their plans to ensure they find the right path moving forward.

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Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, NBA