2025 NBA Draft

Nightly Pulse: NBA 2025 Draft Live Blog

Check out the NBA 2025 Draft with live picks, updates and highlights from players who will shape the future of the league.

NBA.com Staff

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🏀NBA 2025 Draft Live Updates🏀

First Round in the books!

Storylines after first round of draft night📝🍿🔥

  • Flagg captured: The Dallas Mavericks got the new face of their franchise with the selection of phenom Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. Flagg will bring an immediate two-way impact in the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford for Jason Kidd and the Mavs.
  • Trades galore: If you struggled to keep up with the trades throughout the evening, you’re not alone. Teams were certainly busy on the first night of the draft, with ten reported trades going down on an active night across the NBA. Khaman Maluach of the Suns, Cedric Coward of the Grizzlies and Derik Queen of the Pelicans stand out among players taken in the proposed deals.
  • Draft night risers: Coward, Yang Hansen (Trail Blazers), Thomas Sorber (Thunder) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Clippers) were among the notable players who’s stock rose heading into tonight, resulting in higher selections than where consensus ratings had them landing.

Congratulations to all 30 first round draft picks in the 2025 NBA Draft! The future starts now.

Round One Complete 🙌🎉🤩

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft presented by State Farm is in the books, and you can find the completed draft board below. Don’t miss the second round, starting tomorrow night at 8 ET on ESPN!

Pick Nos. 28 – 30 ✨🍀🚢

At No. 28, the Boston Celtics selected Hugo González, a 19-year-old Spanish guard-forward who plays internationally with Real Madrid. He thrives in pick-and-roll scenarios as a 6-foot-6 ball-handler, something that has become more of the norm in today’s NBA.

At No. 29, the Charlotte Hornets acquired the draft rights to Liam McNeeley in a reported trade with the Phoenix Suns that sent center Mark Williams to the desert. The 6-foot-7 wing’s toughness and all-around game on both ends of the court will help him earn playing time early and often.

With the final pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers chose Yanic Konan Niederhauser at No. 30 overall. The 22-year-old from Switzerland became the first-ever first round draft pick out of Penn State. He’ll give the Clips great size and shot-blocking behind Ivica Zubac in the frontcourt.

Pick Nos. 24 – 27 🤩💥

At No. 24, the Sacramento Kings acquired the draft rights to Nique Clifford from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The guard-forward out of Colorado State should contribute right away after averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a fifth-year senior in 2024-25.

At No. 25, the Orlando Magic drafted Jase Richardson out of Michigan State. Richardson, the son of former pro Jason Richardson, averaged 16.1 points while shooting lights out from beyond the arc (42.0%). He’ll provide outside shooting for a team that finished near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting this past season.

At No. 26, the Nets used their fourth choice of the evening on Ben Saraf, a 6-foot-6 guard from Israel who plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany.

With the 27th overall pick, Brooklyn used their fifth and final pick of the night on Danny Wolf, the 7-foot point center out of Michigan. He’s a great passer off the dribble and in the halfcourt who posted 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his final collegiate campaign with the Wolverines.

Pick Nos. 21 – 23 🪄✨🦤

Will Riley was selected by the Jazz at No. 21, but he is reportedly being acquired by the Wizards in a trade that sent Walter Clayton, Jr. to Utah. Riley goes one pick after his Illinois teammate Kasparas Jakučionis. He averaged 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in a sixth man role, and set an Illinois freshman record for points in a debut with 31 in November 2024.

At No. 22, Drake Powell goes to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a proposed trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Powell is still developing his offensive game, but he’s an elite athlete who plays with tenacity and an unrelenting motor. He’s the third first round selection made by the Nets this evening.

Asa Newell lands with the Hawks at No. 23 as part of a proposed trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. The former Georgia Bulldog is an elite rebounder, more specifically on the offensive end, and his hustle plays will help create even more opportunities for teammates.

Pick Nos. 18 – 20 🎷🗑️🔥

Walter Clayton Jr. goes 18th overall in a reported trade to the Jazz. The Wizards made the selection, but the former Florida Gator’s draft rights belong with Utah. Clayton, Jr.’s shot-making, ball-handling and playmaking will provide some competition in the backcourt with Collin Sexton, Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George.

At No. 19, the Brooklyn Nets added another playmaker in Nolan Traoré, making him the third player from France taken in the first round tonight. He joins Egor Demin in this rookie class, and it’s clear the Nets valued passing and ball-handling in this draft.

The Miami Heat drafted Illinois product Kasparas Jakučionis with the 20th overall selection. The Lithuanian should be able to carve out an early role as a backup guard who can run the offense, as he’ll have an easy time playing alongside Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo.

Pick Nos. 15 – 17 😤⭐

At No. 15, the 2024-25 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder selected Thomas Sorber out of Georgetown. Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals in his lone campaign with the Hoyas.

At No. 16, the Grizzlies selected Yang Hansen, the towering 7-footer from China who showed flashes of potential at the draft combine in May. The rights to this selection have reportedly been acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers.

At No. 17, the Minnesota Timberwolves chose the 6-foot-11 Frenchman Joan Beringer, who finds himself in a great situation where he can grow and learn from fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert.

Celebrating history 🏀

The NBA honored the 75th anniversary of the first Black player to be selected in the NBA draft, Chuck Cooper, who was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 13th overall pick in 1950.

Spurs take Bryant at No. 14 𖤓𐚁

Carter Bryant is an athletic, bouncy 3-and-D forward who can absolutely bring it on the defensive end of the floor. The former Arizona Wildcat is the second first round selection made by the Spurs tonight, as he joins second overall selection Dylan Harper in San Antonio.

Check out Bryant’s draft profile for more in-depth analysis and player comparisons.

Queen selected 13th overall👑

In a proposed trade to New Orleans, Maryland’s Derik Queen finds his way to the Pelicans by way of the Atlanta Hawks at No. 13. Queen will join No. 7 pick Jeremiah Fears in NOLA alongside Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. You can read more about his overview and skillset here.

Bulls select Essengue at No. 12🐃

Noa Essengue is headed to the Chicago Bulls with the 12th overall pick. The French combo forward didn’t start playing basketball until he was 12 years old, so it’s only fitting he gets drafted at No. 12. He’s still currently playing with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, and you can learn more by reading his 2025 draft profile.

Blazers take Coward at No. 11🔥🔥

Forward Cedric Coward was taken 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. The former Washington State Cougar played just six games in 2024-25 thanks to a shoulder injury, but his performance at the draft combine and in workouts played a huge part in his rise up draft boards.

Coward projects as a prototypical 3-and-D player with the potential for much more down the line. His defense, instincts, passing and reliable 3-point stroke will pay dividends in the NBA, and you can learn more about him here.

The ESPN broadcast mentioned that Coward’s draft rights have been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Maluach drafted 10th overall🚀

Khaman Maluach can’t help but show his emotion after hearing his named called tenth overall to the Houston Rockets. He spent time at the NBA Academy Africa before playing at Duke in 2024-25, and his 7-foot-1, 253-pound frame is made for blocking shots and suffocating the paint for opposing defenders.

Maluach’s draft profile breaks down his skillset and overview in further detail. This pick was reportedly dealt to the Phoenix Suns in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets.

CMB is a Raptor at No.9🦖

Collin Murray-Boyles is an outstanding defender out of South Carolina who is headed north to the Toronto Raptors. CMB averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in his sophomore season with the Gamecocks. He’ll bring toughness and incredible instincts to the defensive side of the ball on day one.

Murray-Boyles joins a talented roster headlined by Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett.

Nets select Demin at No. 8🗑️🌉

The Russian-born Egor Demin has some of the best passing skills of the 2025 draft class, and he’s on his way to Brooklyn with the eighth overall pick. He spent his freshman season at BYU and recorded a single-season record for a freshman with 180 assists.

The first of five first round picks for the Nets in this draft, Demin will provide plenty of playmaking and shot creation for his teammates.

Fears heading to New Orleans🦤

Jeremiah Fears goes No. 7 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s the first player drafted out of Oklahoma since Trae Young in 2018. Fears can do a little bit of everything, and he’ll help fill the void left by the recently departed C.J. McCollum at the lead guard position.

Check out the former Sooners’ 2025 draft profile for more stats and info on the newest member of the Pelicans.

Johnson goes to Wizards at 6🧙‍♂️🪄

Tre Johnson, the former Texas Longhorn, hears his name called at No. 6 overall to the Washington Wizards. Johnson is a great shooter who can light it up from anywhere, and he’ll get the opportunity to grow alongside Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington in the nation’s capital.

Check out Johnson’s draft profile for an overview and analysis on what he’ll bring to the table at the next level.

Jazz select Bailey at No. 5 🎷🌄

The Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick in tonight’s draft. Bailey spent his freshman season as a teammate of No. 2 pick Dylan Harper at Rutgers, making that two Scarlet Knights to go in the first five selections.

Bailey has the ability to be the focal point of an NBA offense if things shake out well in Utah, as he’s a tough shot maker from anywhere on the court, whether that’s in spot-up or off the dribble.

Knueppel goes 4th to Hornets🐝

Kon Knueppel is an elite shooter who should fit in perfectly with a dynamic playmaker like LaMelo Ball, and he’ll likely slot in between Ball and Brandon Miller as Charlotte’s starting two guard. The former Duke sharpshooter knocked down 41% of his 3-pointers last season in college, a skill that will translate immediately to the NBA.

Sixers select Edgecombe at No. 3🔔

The explosive VJ Edgecombe is the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers after playing his freshman campaign with the Baylor Bears. An elite athlete with a confidence resembling Anthony Edwards will add an instant impact on the defensive end of the floor for the Sixers.

Philly needed some youth and athleticism to help complement a veteran-laden roster headlined by Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Here’s the Bahamian’s draft profile if you want to know a bit more about the third overall pick.

Spurs take Harper at No. 2🤠𖤓

Rutger’s Dylan Harper is on his way to San Antonio to join Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. The New Jersey native averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in his lone year in college. Check out his 2025 draft profile for a further look into Harper’s game and stats.

The Spurs have an unbelievably bright future ahead of them, and they’ve got another pick at No. 14 coming up in the first round to add to their talented squad.

Flagg goes No. 1 to Mavs🐴🚨

Cooper Flagg is headed to Dallas as the first overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft! Check out his draft profile here for more information about the young phenom from Maine.

Cooper will join an experienced squad led by vets in Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. Congratulations to Flagg and the Mavs!

🚨 NBA Draft is LIVE 🚨

The NBA 2025 Draft is live now on ABC and ESPN! Let’s GO!!

The Dallas Mavericks are on the clock with pick No. 1 🐴

Maluach is a skater🛼👀

Duke’s Khaman Maluach answers some questions from 2024-25 NBA rookie Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Uganda native lets the fans know a little secret and gives some advice on what will be a night to remember for Maluach and all of his fellow draftees.

Flagg lookin’ classy✨✨

Projected No. 1 pick is suited up and ready to hear his name called.

The Montverde Four 😎🤝

Duke’s Cooper Flagg, UConn’s Liam McNeeley, Maryland’s Derik Queen and Georgia’s Asa Newell all played high school basketball together at Montverde Academy in Florida. What an incredible moment for all four of these talented young players.

Flagg’s destination has seemingly been known for weeks, but his former teammates’ landing spots are more of a mystery. Tune into the draft or the live blog so you’re up to date on all the first round picks!

Top Draft Night Storylines 📢📰🤩

  • Mavs kick things off: Dallas secured the No. 1 pick back at the Draft Lottery in May with just a 1.8% chance. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is projected to go to the Mavs with the chance of becoming the new face of their franchise, as the do-it-all forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks in his lone collegiate campaign. The Mavs will be on the clock starting at 8 ET.
  • 4 things to know: Our Ben Couch breaks down the four storylines to know heading into the opening round of the draft tonight. Each draft post will come with an individual update through the lottery (Nos. 1-14), but you can take a look at the 2025 draft prospects with some more in-depth analysis.
  • Teams without 1st rounder: The Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks are all without a first round pick in this year’s draft.
  • Spurs, 76ers round out top 3: San Antonio is next up behind Dallas at No. 2, while Philadelphia slots in at No. 3 overall. Here’s the draft board for the First Round of the 2025 NBA Draft presented by State Farm:

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