2025 NBA Draft First Round Recap: Top Picks, Trades, and Reactions

The 2025 NBA Draft's first round thrilled fans with a display of top-notch talent, aggressive trades, and global appeal. Led by Duke's Cooper Flagg being selected No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks, the draft had the San Antonio Spurs trade for Rutgers' Dylan Harper and the Philadelphia 76ers pick Baylor's VJ Edgecombe. 

With Oklahoma City Thunder as 2025 NBA Champions following their seven-game victory over Indiana Pacers, teams made strategic decisions such as blockbuster trades like Phoenix's chase for Khaman Maluach and Brooklyn's risk on Russian prospect Egor Demin. 

The stage is now set for an action-packed NBA season and fantasy basketball spectacle.

Top Picks Get It Started

Cooper Flagg Is Picked No. 1 by Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks began the draft by selecting Duke forward Cooper Flagg, long considered a generational talent, with the No. 1 overall choice. Flagg stands 6-8, 221 pounds and features defensive flexibility, athleticism, and playmaking ability, all of which make him a whole package alongside the likes of Anthony Davis and eventually a returning Kyrie Irving. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide offense may lift Dallas to a title.

San Antonio's Backcourt Gets a Boost

The San Antonio Spurs selected Dylan Harper, the Rutgers 6-5 guard, No. 2. Harper's playmaking mindset and scoring talent complement Victor Wembanyama's abilities perfectly, a duo that can accelerate the Spurs' ascension in the West. His creating and playmaking skills are what make him an anchor for San Antonio's rebuild.

Philadelphia Acquires VJ Edgecombe

No. 3, Philadelphia 76ers took VJ Edgecombe, a 6-4 Baylor guard. Bahamian's off-the-charts athleticism and defensive enthusiasm make him a perfect complement to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe's rim-running and shut-down defense can propel Philly backcourt to championship heights.

Jazz Defy Reports, Draft Ace Bailey

To the surprise of everyone, the Utah Jazz took Rutgers 6-8 forward Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall draft pick, despite reports that Bailey told the team he'd be well-advised not to play for them. Though his scoring ability and athleticism justified him being in the top five, Bailey's aversion to playing for Utah—presumably because of fear of market size or direction of team—was a hot draft story. The Jazz, not deterred, merely view Bailey as a piece of their rebuild along with Lauri Markkanen. His length, scoring ability, and defensive upside make him a high-ceiling pick, but there are reservations regarding his commitment level to the franchise. Will Bailey buy in on Utah's vision, or might this be something that will create trade rumors in the future? At least on the surface, the Jazz are banking on his talent to trump any doubt.

NBA Draft Mid-Lottery Surprises and Steals

Charlotte's Kon Knueppel Brings Versatility

The Charlotte Hornets took Kon Knueppel, a 6-7 Duke guard-forward, at No. 4. Knueppel's superior basketball IQ, shooting, and positional flexibility make him an effortless fit alongside LaMelo Ball's role players. His advanced game should pick up quickly in the NBA, adding more to Charlotte's offense.

Egor Demin to Brooklyn

The biggest shocker of the evening was at No. 8 on draft night, when the Brooklyn Nets selected BYU guard-forward Egor Demin, a 6-8 Russian prospect. The passer, shooter, and size compares to young Luka Doncic. Though rough around the edges, this one is a potential steal in Brooklyn's rebuild.

International Flavor: Noa Essengue and Yang Hansen

Overseas talent was in center stage for this draft. Chicago Bulls selected Noa Essengue, 6-9 French small forward (Ratiopharm Ulm), at No. 12. Essengue's strength and defensive upside give him high ceiling potential. No. 16 is where Memphis Grizzlies (in a trade with Portland) selected Yang Hansen, 7-1 Chinese center. Hansen's size and polished post game may be a steal if he can cope with the NBA pace.

NBA Draft Trades

Phoenix Trades for Khaman Maluach

A trade blockbuster saw the Phoenix Suns swap the No. 10 pick with the Houston Rockets to get Khaman Maluach, a 7-1 Duke big man. The rim protector and athleticism of the South Sudanese big man will help reshape the front court along with the newly acquired Mark Williams as they join the new look Phoenix Suns following the Kevin Durant trade.

New Orleans and Atlanta Trade Bigs

New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks exchanged picks, with New Orleans picking up Derik Queen, a 6-9 Maryland forward-center, at No. 13, and Atlanta receiving Asa Newell, a 6-9 Georgia forward-center, at No. 23. Queen's athleticism and Newell's strength have the potential to overhaul their respective frontlines.

NBA Draft Late First-Round Gems

Nolan Traore to Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nets doubled up on international talent, taking Nolan Traore, a 6-5 guard from France, at No. 19. Traore is a potential fan favorite if he can develop a scoring touch, considering his quickness and passing ability. Boston's

Hugo Gonzalez: From Spain to Boston

The Boston Celtics, who had just made trades for Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons and for Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for Georges Niang in the pre-draft period, took Hugo Gonzalez, a 6-6 guard-forward from Real Madrid, at No. 28. Gonzalez's defensive intensity and playmaking fit the Celtics' system, providing depth and two-way potential as they rebuild around their new core.

What's Next for Fantasy Basketball?

For fantasy hoops owners, this draft is full of potential. Cooper Flagg is a top-draft pick for his overall stats, assuring points, rebounds, and defensive value. Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe are scoring and assist-upside guard prospects. Egor Demin and Khaman Maluach are sleepers with upside, more for keeper leagues. Overseas prospects Noa Essengue and Yang Hansen are stash-worthy for patient owners.

Full 2025 NBA Draft First-Round Board