NBA Draft 2025: Will Kam Jones or Tyrese Proctor Shine in Round 2? Key Picks to Watch!

The 2025 NBA Draft wrapped up with its usual mix of predictable picks and surprises. Notable moments included a surprising trade by the New Orleans Pelicans and the Brooklyn Nets selecting not just one, but five first-round picks.

Of the 30 projected first-round players, 27 were actually chosen. I no longer see any top-20 players left on my board, except for one in the top 25: Noah Penda.

The current name, image, and likeness (NIL) landscape has changed the game significantly. Teams have been actively negotiating with potential draftees to ensure favorable agreements before the draft. Don’t be surprised if we see some unexpected picks and surprising stashes as teams strategize.

Second Round Projections

31. Minnesota Timberwolves
Rasheer Fleming | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s
Fleming brings athleticism and versatility, though he might be more of a power forward than a wing player. His shooting has improved, and he shows potential to be an impact player. Continuing to develop his game awareness is key.

32. Boston Celtics
Maxime Raynaud | 7-0 center | 22 years old | Stanford
Raynaud, who averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds last season, offers skills that should catch the Celtics’ interest. Despite some limitations in speed and passing, he’s shown remarkable improvement and has potential for growth.

33. Charlotte Hornets
Sion James | 6-5 guard | 22 years old | Duke
James stands out as a potential lockdown defender. He has the size and strength to contest shots across multiple positions. His offensive game is still evolving, but recent improvements suggest he could make an impact.

34. Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans)
Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 center | 23 years old | Creighton
With the Hornets’ need for interior players, Kalkbrenner’s ability to shoot and score efficiently makes him a valuable pick. He could complement the team’s focus on building a positive culture.

35. Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Proctor | 6-4 guard | 21 years old | Duke
Proctor has impressed during workouts, highlighted by a 40.5% shooting rate from three-point range. His skill set includes quick decision-making, which could translate well to the NBA.

36. Brooklyn Nets
Noah Penda | 6-7 forward | 20 years old | Le Mans
Penda remains the top player on my board. He offers versatility and strong defensive capabilities but will need to improve his shooting consistency. If he can develop, he could be a valuable rotation player.

Historical Context

Historically, the NBA Draft has always had its surprises, but this year’s NIL landscape has shifted the dynamics significantly. Teams are now more focused on contracts and branding, affecting their draft strategies. As we move forward, monitoring how this evolves will be crucial in understanding the future of team-building in the league.

User Reactions and Trends

On social media, reactions to the draft have been mixed. Some fans are excited about their team’s selections, while others are skeptical. Tweets have highlighted the unpredictability of the draft, with many users expressing hope for hidden gems in the later rounds.

As the 2025 draft unfolds and soon turns into a larger narrative throughout the season, it’ll be interesting to keep an eye on how these players adapt to the league and how their selections impact team performances in the coming years.

For further insights on player impacts and future trends in the NBA, check out Forbes’ analysis on how NIL is shaping college-to-pro transitions.

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