Inside the 2025 Draft Class and what they bring

• How the destiny of four Aussies changed in 10 picks
• Rocco Zikarsky follows in Aussie giant's footsteps
• 2025 NBA Draft Tracker: Every Player Selected
• Four new Aussies in the NBA searching for minutes in 2025-26

Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg — from the moment he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft — was always going to be the No1 pick and when the Dallas Mavericks defied the odds to win the lottery it became even more of a certainty.

Thirty players achieved their dreams of making it to the NBA in the first round on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Twenty-nine players, including four Australians, a day later achieved theirs in the second round.

This is a close look at the first round of the draft and the impact those players will have on their new teams.

1. Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks

Position: Forward

From: Duke University

Strengths: As the first pick at only 18 years of age, Cooper Flagg is already known for his dominance and versatility on both ends of the court. Flagg’s’ defensive prowess, offense, and scoring ability effortlessly earned him a spot on the Mavs roster.

Weaknesses: Many say Flagg has no weaknesses. Flagg has exhibited impressive shooting techniques; however, for a 1st pick, there is room for shooting improvement.

What he brings: Following the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic trade and Kyrie Irving's ACL injury, Flagg is expected to play a pivotal role on both ends of the court. Dallas will rely heavily on Flagg’s’ offense to unlock the Mavs’ full potential, at least until, Irving returns.

2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers) – San Antonio Spurs

Position: Guard

From: Rutgers University

Strengths: Sitting at 6’4, Harper combines his size, scoring ability and strong ball-handling skills, asserting his skills to dominate offensively.

Weaknesses: Harper may struggle with his speed at the NBA level, particularly when matched up against quicker and more experienced guards. His height could also be a disadvantage against longer, more physically dominant opponents.

What he brings: Joining Victor Wembanyama at the Spurs, Harper brings a high basketball IQ and strong offensive instincts. His ability to read the game and perform in high-pressure environments will elevate the Spurs’ offensive execution.

3. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) – Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Guard

From: Baylor University

Strengths: Edgecomb is an incredibly explosive athlete whose defensive instincts and quick reactions give him a clear edge over his opponents.  His 6’5 wingspan only adds to his impressive impact, making him lethal on the defensive end.

Weaknesses: Edgecomb’s area for improvement lies in his shooting consistency, especially his jump shots. Becoming a more reliable scorer will significantly improve his game and make him a threat on both ends of the court.

What he brings: Drafting Edgecomb provides a much-needed breath of fresh air to the 76ers ' injury-ridden roster. His elite defensive athleticism, energy and personality will have an immediate impact on Philadelphia’s rotation.  

4. Kon Knueppel (Duke) – Charlotte Hornets

Position: Forward/Wing

From: Duke University

Strengths: Knueppel’s high basketball IQ impacts play on both ends of the court. His scoring ability in the paint, combined with his relentless hustle and intelligence, allows him to be a dependable contributor.

Weaknesses: Knueppel’s athleticism is somewhat limited compared to other forwards in the league. This has the potential to affect his ability when defending against quicker opponents.

What he brings: Having a calm and composed way to his game, Knueppel will bring steady, reliable and thoughtful decision-making to the Hornets. His strong work ethic and basketball IQ will provide valuable depth and versatility to the roster.

5. Ace Bailey – Utah Jazz

Position: Forward/Wing

From: Rutgers University

Strengths: Bailey is a confident scorer from both beyond the arc and inside the paint. He is comfortable shooting over defenders and plays with a fearless mentality.

Weaknesses: At times, Bailey struggles with decision-making, particularly between taking a shot or making one extra pass. Improving his shot selection will significantly improve his game.

What he brings: With his natural scoring ability and shooting confidence, Bailey will bring a strong offensive spark to the Jazz’s rotation. His ability to create his own shot will add dimension to Utah’s offence.

6. Tre Johnson  – Washington Wizards

Position: Guard

From: Texas University

Strengths: Johnson is an elite all-around scorer, capable of hitting tough shots from almost anywhere on the court. His strong three-point shooting, coupled with his playmaking instincts and passing, makes him an excellent pick for the Wizards.

Weaknesses: Overall, Johnson has room to grow defensively. At times, struggling to defend more vigorous opponents and rebound. Adding strength to his frame will significantly enhance his physical presence on the court.

What he brings: They will get a natural scoring skill and playmaking ability that will immediately improve the Wizards’ offensive end and provide a centrepiece for their rebuild.

7. Jeremiah Fears – New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Guard

From: University of Oklahoma

Strengths: Fears is a quick and explosive player, allowing him to blow past defenders and easily get to the rim. He has a strong natural ability to draw fouls and effortlessly convert them to the free-throw line while also showcasing strong playmaking skills.

Weaknesses: His 3-point shooting remains a work in progress, as well as his off-ball offence. Entering the NBA with a thin frame may present challenges when facing larger defenders.

What he brings: With his elite quickness and ability to get to the rim, Fear will bring a sense of aggression and pace into the Pelicans’ guard rotation, giving the team a dynamic and fresh guard.

8. Egor Demin – Brooklyn Nets

Position: Guard

From: BYU

Strengths: Demin is an exceptional passer with a natural feel for playmaking. His offensive decision-making and vision make him a reliable guard who can control the game and create opportunities for his teammates.

Weaknesses: He lacks explosiveness, often hindering his ability to fly past his defenders or finish at the rim. His three-point shooting is an area for improvement.

What he brings: Standing at 6’9, the lethal combination of his size and passing is a rare, sought-after combination. Still, the BYU standout is barely scratching the surface of his full potential, offering a promising future for the Nets roster.

9. Collin Murray-Boyles – Toronto Raptors

Position: Guard

From: South Carolina

Strengths: Murray-Boweles is an aggressive, brutal and relentless playmaker who causes trouble on both ends of the court. He brings a combination of playmaking and defensive intensity.

Weaknesses: His decision-making, particularly in terms of shot selection, can often be inconsistent. Improving his three-point shooting will improve his game.

What he brings: Murray-Bowles will bring a sense of intensity and aggression to the Raptors squad. His hustle is expected to make an immediate impact on the Raptors rotation. He will be a significant asset to the Raptors, who are looking to put him in next year’s lineup.

10. Khaman Maluach  – Phoenix Suns

Position: Centre

From: Duke University

Strengths: Khaman Maluach is an incredibly gifted big man. With a 7’7 wingspan, his size and shot-blocking instincts make him a dominant defender in and out of the paint.

Weaknesses: He is still developing physically and skill-wise; his game is still changing. His mobility is limited, making him, at times, one step behind. He also shows promise as a shooter; however, he needs to develop this further.

What he brings: Maluach’s innate defensive instincts give the Suns a strong anchor within the paint. As he continues to develop his skill set, he has the potential to become a game-changing rim protector and a valuable asset in the Suns’ roster.

11. Cedric Coward – Portland Trail Blazers

Position: Forward/Wing

From: Washington State

Strengths: Coward is a confident and strong shooter. His impressive 7’2 wingspan gives him a substantial defensive upside. His length allows him to disrupt passes and contest shots effectively, making him incredibly valuable on both ends of the court.

Weaknesses: A recent shoulder injury raises some concerns. His limited playmaking ability can often restrict his offensive versatility. To improve his game, Coward needs to become more of a threat with the ball in his hands.

What he brings: After starting in Division 3 and rising to prominence in Washington State, Coward brings a sense of grit, aggression and hustle to the Portland trailblazers.

12. Noa Essengue – Chicago Bulls

Position: Forward

From: France

Strengths: Essengue is a highly versatile forward who has an impact on both ends of the floor, showcasing his ability to draw fouls and knock down free throws. His clever passing and playmaking instincts made him a sought-after pick.

Weaknesses: His narrow frame makes it hard for him to work inside the paint. Additionally, his three-point shooting remains inconsistent and needs significant development to complement his game.  

What he brings: As the second youngest player in this year’s draft, he shows promise in not only his shooting but his defensive prowess. He is a long-term investment for the Bulls.

13. Derik Queen – Atlanta Hawks

Position: Centre

From: University of Maryland

Strengths: Standing at 6’10, Queen is a skilled and versatile scorer, making him a threat offensively. He displays impressive rebounding skills and utilises his frame to generate plays for his teammates.

Weaknesses: Queens’ lack of speed and explosiveness at times hinders his defensive ability, especially in transition or against quicker opponents. Improving his athleticism will be the key to maximising his potential.

What he brings: With a strong offensive game and defensive presence, Queen will add valuable size and scoring versatility to the Hawks. His skill set complements the Hawks' roster, offering both offensive and defensive strengths.

14. Carter Bryant – San Antonio Spurs

Position: Forward/Wing

From: University of Arizona

Strengths: Bryant offers an impressive combination of length, shooting ability, passing, and defensive versatility. His frame allows him to defend across multiple positions.

Weaknesses: Ball handling under pressure and decision-making remain areas for improvement for Bryant. He typically has a good shot but needs to develop greater consistency.

What he brings: Bryant will add size, versatility and a two-way skillset to the Spurs. His ability to defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset to San Antonio's long-term development plan.

15. Thomas Sorber – Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Centre

From: Georgetown

Strengths: Sorber brings a sense of intensity to his gameplay. Using his impressive 7’6 wingspan to dominate in the paint and serving as a great shot blocker and rebounder. He is a strong presence offensively, capable of finishing inside the paint.

Weaknesses: A lack of explosiveness and mobility affects his ability to defend fast-paced guards. A recent toe injury and inconsistent perimeter shooting are something to keep an eye on as he enters the NBA.

What he brings: Coming off a championship-winning season, the Oklahoma City Thunder is on a high. Sorber will add size and interior defence to the Thunder rotation. His rebounding and rim protection will be crucial in attempting to secure back-to-back championships.

16. Yang Hansen – Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Centre

From: China

Strengths: Hansen is a towering presence, standing at 7’1, making him a natural rim protector and defensive threat. His impressive NBA combine showcased his natural defensive instincts and raw potential.

Weaknesses: His slow footwork and lack of speed make it difficult for him to keep up with faster opponents. A lack of explosiveness and intensity in certain situations will need to be worked on and improved to reach his full potential in the NBA.

What he brings: Hansen brings global intrigue and long-term prospects to Memphis. Widely considered a surprisingly high pick, his elite size and development will add incredible defensive pressure to the Grizzlies’ roster.

17. Joan Beringer – Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Centre

From: France

Strengths: Beringer possesses excellent rim protection skills and sharp instincts, making him a reliable presence in the paint. His 6'10 “height also makes him a lethal defender.

Weaknesses: Offensively, he struggles to create his own shot and can be inconsistent when attempting to finish at the rim. His overall shooting consistency needs improvement.

What he brings: With a strong defensive foundation and natural rim protection instincts, Beringer brings a sense of toughness and reliability to the Timberwolves rotation.

18. Walton Clayton Jr – Washington Wizards

Position: Guard

From: Florida

Strengths: Clayton is a highly skilled scorer with the ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with strong shooting consistency, making him a reliable guard. His confidence and touch make him a dependable perimeter threat.

Weaknesses: The Florida guard lacks defensive consistency; his smaller frame limits his ability to contest shots or defend larger guards.

What he brings: Walton Clayton Jr will give Washington a confident scorer who can create his own shot. His offensive versatility will add depth to the Wizards’ backcourt.

19. Nolan Traore – Brooklyn Nets

Position: Guard

From: France

Strengths: Traore cleverly utilises his speed to get inside the paint and consistently creates scoring opportunities. He has a natural feel for the game, which enables him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Weaknesses: Shooting consistency and finishing around the rim remain areas for improvement, along with defence and decision making, at times hesitating under pressure.

What he brings: Traore will bring smart playmaking instincts, energy and a fresh sense of creativity to the Nets. His ability to break down the defence offers Brooklyn a promising long-term prospect.

20. Kasparas Jakučionis – Miami Heat

Position: Guard

From: Illinois

Strengths: Jakučionis' strengths lie in his intelligent decision-making and feel for the game, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, where he can read the defence well. His passing ability allows him to set up his teammates.

Weaknesses: Defensively, he often has trouble navigating through screens. Improving his defence will be key for him to become a dominant player on both ends of the court.

What he brings: Jakučionis brings a high IQ playmaking to the Miami Heat. His ability to control the tempo and make sharp decisions adds a steady hand to the Heat backcourt.

21. Will Riley – Utah Jazz

Position: Forward

From: Illinois

Strengths: Riley combined his height, scoring ability and fearless approach to his game. He thrives when attacking the basketball and isn’t afraid to create his own shot.

Weaknesses: His slim frame limits his physical ability, especially on defence. His 3-point shooting is inconsistent, as well as his defence.

What he brings: Riley will add a strong offensive framework to the Jazz’s rotation. Sharpening his three-point shooting and defensive prowess will allow him to evolve into a versatile scorer and contributor for the Jazz

22. Drake Powell (North Carolina) – Atlanta Hawks

Position: Forward/Wing

From: University of North Carolina

Strengths: Powell is a standout defender with strong instincts and exceptional skills in both rim protection and off-ball defence.

Weaknesses: His offensive game remains inconsistent, particularly in scoring and shot creation. Working on his shooting will significantly improve his game and make him a threat on both ends of the court.

What he brings: Powell’s defensive prowess will add a much-needed edge to Atlanta’s rotation. His ability to guard multiple spots on the floor and impact the game without the ball makes him an ideal fit for the Hawks’ roster.

23. Asa Newell - New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Forward/Wing

From: University of Georgia

Strengths: Standing at 6’10, Newell’s combination of size and agility makes him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. He finishes efficiently at the rim and contributes as a strong rebounder.

Weaknesses: His outside shooting needs development, as well as his ball-handling. Improving these areas will be crucial for unlocking his full offensive potential.

What he brings: Newell adds length, athleticism and rebounding to the Pelicans roster. With time and improvement, he has the potential to grow into a versatile forward who will fit into the Pelicans’ lineup.

24. Nique Clifford (Colorado) – Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Forward/wing

From: Colorado State

Strengths: Clifford is a versatile defender and displays a high basketball IQ. His passing ability and unselfish style of play make him a strong teammate.

Weaknesses: At times, Clifford struggles to create his own shot and lacks ball-handling skills. Improving these will be key to expanding his role to the next level.

What he brings: Clifford will bring defensive versatility to the 2025 championship-winning team. His ability to contribute without needing the ball in his hands will make him a great fit in the Thunder's rotation.

25. Jase Richardson (Michigan) – Orlando Magic

Position: Guard

From: Michigan State University

Strengths: Richardson is a confident shot-maker and has strong court awareness. Despite his size, he’s a solid on-ball defender and has control on both ends of the floor.

Weaknesses: Standing at 6'1", he is perceived as undersized for an NBA guard, which limits his defensive impact and rim presence. His size also poses challenges when matched up against taller and larger opponents.

What he brings: Richardson will bring his impressive scoring ability and decision-making to Orlando. His high basketball IQ and competitiveness will make him a valuable asset to the Magic's roster.

26. Ben Saraf (Israel) – Brooklyn Nets

Position: Guard

From: Israel

Strengths: Saraf is a confident scorer and has an innate aggressiveness to his game. He combines strong playmaking ability with excellent basketball instincts, making him a formidable offensive threat.

Weaknesses: He can be inconsistent when shooting from beyond the arc, occasionally struggling with decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.

What he brings: The Israeli guard brings a strong sense of aggression, creativity and energy to the Nets rotation.

27. Danny Wolf (Michigan) Brooklyn Nets

Position: Forward/Wing

From: University of Michigan

Strengths: Wolf is a versatile player; his strengths lie in his passing, hustle and rebounding. Making him a threat on both ends of the floor.

Weaknesses: Wolf struggles with turnovers and inconsistent shooting. For the NBA, his athleticism is below average, hindering his ability to keep up with faster opponents.

What he brings: Wolf will bring his high basketball IQ and competitiveness to the Nets, helping with ball movement and defence.

28. Hugo Gonzalez (Spain) – Boston Celtics

Position: Forward/Wing

From: Spain

Strengths: Gonzalez is an athletic player who combines his high energy and competitiveness on both ends of the floor. His physicality makes him a valuable contributor.

Weaknesses: He can be inconsistent as a scorer, which limits his offensive impact. Additionally, his overall offensive ability needs further development.

What he brings: Gonzalez will provide the Celtics with a competitive and challenging defender who can switch across multiple positions.

29. Liam McNeeley (UConn) – Charlotte Hornets

Position: Forward/Wing

From: UConn

Strengths: McNeeley's toughness and perimeter shot are strengths that secured him a spot on the Hornets roster. His ability to stay composed under pressure and shoot from beyond the arc gives him a strong offensive role.  

Weaknesses: He struggles with scoring consistency and lacks strong defensive instincts. His height, quickness, and explosiveness are also aspects of his game that need improvement.

What he brings: McNeeley will bring a strong sense of determination and discipline. His ability to make an impact on both ends of the court will benefit the Hornets.

30. Yanic Konan Neiderhauser (Penn State) – LA Clippers

Position: Centre

From: Penn State

Strengths: Yanic Konan Neiderhauser’s impressive size, length, and explosiveness make him a strong defensive asset to the Clippers. His shot-blocking potential and rim protection make him a valuable asset.

Weaknesses: He lacks physicality and intensity, which makes him less impactful than some other centres.

What he brings: Neiderhauser brings elite defensive promise to the Clippers. With time and development, he could turn into an elite rim protector.