The NBA Draft night of 2025 has wrapped up, showcasing a mix of expected picks and astonishing surprises that left fans buzzing.

Winners

Dallas Mavericks Steal the Spotlight

The Mavericks made a headline-grabbing move by selecting Cooper Flagg as the top overall pick. Flagg is touted as a future superstar, ranking just behind Victor Wembanyama in prospect evaluations over the last decade. His competitive spirit and readiness to win make him a perfect fit alongside established stars like Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. The Mavericks aim for immediate playoff contention and with Flagg’s addition, the team might just achieve that.

San Antonio Spurs Show Smart Strategy

The Spurs demonstrated their savvy by securing the second overall pick and opting to keep it rather than entertain trade offers. They chose the highly praised prospect Harper, who fits perfectly into their culture of hard work and excellence. Additionally, grabbing Carter Bryant at No. 14 solidifies their draft haul, as he brings a much-needed 3-and-D skill set, making this an A+ performance from San Antonio.

Charlotte Hornets Make Bold Moves

The Hornets shocked some by taking Kon Knueppel at No. 4, a decision backed by his well-rounded skill set and elite shooting percentage. Charlotte also capitalized on previous trades to bolster their roster further with the selection of Liam McNeeley at No. 29, signaling a new era under fresh management that emphasizes competitiveness.

Atlanta Hawks Execute a Masterful Trade

In a notorious trade with the Pelicans, the Hawks managed to slide down just ten picks but emerged with an unprotected first-rounder for 2026, which could turn out to be a lottery pick. Managing to secure this asset positions Atlanta strongly for future roster moves.

Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies Score Big

Both the Wizards and Grizzlies made noteworthy selections with Tre Johnson and Cedric Coward, respectively. Johnson is described as one of the hardest workers in the draft and is expected to thrive in a fast-paced NBA environment, while Coward's physical traits make him a long-term asset for Memphis.

Losers

Pelicans' Confusing Decisions Raise Eyebrows

The Pelicans left everyone puzzled with their draft strategy. After moving up to No. 13 to select Derik Queen, they relinquished their chance at a top-10 pick in the following year, which many found to be an egregious miscalculation. Critics are already labeling their recent trades as reckless and indicative of a misguided plan.

Brooklyn Nets Fail to Make Impactful Moves

Surprisingly, the Nets kept all five of their first-round picks, opting for players ranked lower than anticipated. This decision raises concerns about team chemistry and the balance of their roster, especially after selecting three point guards with significant shooting questions.

Portland Trail Blazers' Draft Raises Questions

The Blazers made headlines with their pick of Yang Hansen at No. 16, a move that left many scratching their heads given his lower-ranking on draft boards. Although they secured additional assets by trading down, this choice could come back to haunt them if Hansen struggles against stronger NBA competition.

Overall, this draft night was not just about talent on the court, but also strategy and future prospects, determining the long-term fates of these franchises in the star-studded landscape of the NBA.