The 2025 NBA Draft was full of electricity, upside, and strategic selections—especially in the top 10. While some picks were no-brainers, others raised eyebrows and sparked debate. One thing’s for sure: the league is shifting, and the next wave of stars is here. Here’s my breakdown of the first 10 selections from a scout’s-eye view, laced with raw analysis, emotion, and basketball truth.
1. Cooper Flagg — Dallas Mavericks
Position: Forward | School: Duke | Stats: 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG
It came as no surprise that the Dallas Mavericks closed the deal on Cooper Flagg. This was the move they had to make. The Naismith College Player of the Year is an instant plug-and-play addition, and the Mavs expect him to produce immediately. He’s entering a team that’s no longer just Luka Dončić’s — it’s a team with real rotational depth now. With Flagg in the fold, Dallas suddenly feels like a squad with serious playoff aspirations and a modern identity. His elite two-way potential and court awareness will elevate this locker room from day one.
2. Dylan Harper — San Antonio Spurs
Position: Guard | School: Rutgers | Known For: Pick-and-Roll Mastery, Vision, Physical Control
San Antonio got it right at No. 2. Dylan Harper might be the best pick-and-roll guard in the class. He’s not blazing fast, but he doesn’t need to be. Harper controls tempo like a seasoned vet and delivers passes with purpose. At 6’6” with strength and poise, he creates advantages without over-dribbling or dominating the ball. He’ll complement San Antonio’s developing core, and in a league that’s leaning toward lead guards with size, Harper is already ahead of the curve.
3. VJ Edgecombe — Philadelphia 76ers
Position: Wing | School: Baylor | Skillset: 3-Level Scoring, Explosiveness, Defense
Edgecombe to Philly was a near-perfect pick. His explosiveness and high-level athleticism fit exactly what the Sixers need. He’s a legit three-level scorer who can finish above the rim or bury you from midrange. Most importantly, his defensive tenacity will earn him minutes early under Coach Nick Nurse. If the shot creation and handle continue to tighten, Edgecombe could be a franchise cornerstone — a high-floor, high-ceiling weapon in a system built for hybrid wings.
4. Kon Knueppel — Charlotte Hornets
Position: Shooting Guard | School: Marquette | Strengths: Shooting, IQ, Leadership
The Hornets went with fit and finesse at No. 4, selecting Kon Knueppel — arguably the best pure shooter in the draft. He’s got a smooth release, great footwork, and high-level instincts. His game doesn’t wow you with flash, but it’s fundamentally elite. Expect him to thrive alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as a floor spacer and secondary playmaker. Knueppel’s maturity and leadership will be vital in a Charlotte locker room that’s learning how to win.
5. Ace Bailey — Utah Jazz
Position: Forward | School: Rutgers | Traits: Elite Upside, Size, Talent
When Ace Bailey slipped to No. 5, eyebrows raised. Make no mistake: Bailey might be the most purely talented player in the draft. He has sky-high upside — a fluid athlete with NBA tools galore. His shot creation, vertical pop, and scoring versatility are all-star level. Utah may not have been on anyone’s radar for Bailey, but his camp knew the possibilities. This pick could look like a steal three years from now. He’s got the “it” factor — and now he has the opportunity to develop without overwhelming pressure.
6. Tre Johnson — Washington Wizards
Position: Guard | School: Texas | Key Attributes: Craft, Work Ethic, Growth Potential
Tre Johnson to Washington at No. 6 is a foundational pick. He’s a bucket-getter who plays with poise and polish. What makes Johnson special isn’t just skill — it’s his approach. He studies the game, embraces contact, and plays with confidence beyond his years. He’ll need to bulk up and learn to displace defenders more consistently, but he’s only 19. With a good fit and smart development, Johnson can blossom into a dynamic two-way guard who spaces the floor and attacks closeouts.
7. Jeremy Fears — New Orleans Pelicans
Position: Point Guard | School: Oklahoma | Prospects: Steady Floor General, Defensive Grit
Fears’ selection at No. 7 is what I’d call a “patience pick.” He’s not a finished product, but the Pelicans made a safe bet on a high-character guard with real leadership potential. He’ll need to improve his finishing around the basket and strength through contact. But there’s no pressure to be an instant star here — that’s key. His IQ, on-ball defense, and willingness to learn make him a valuable developmental piece for a team looking toward long-term cohesion.
8. Egor Demin — Brooklyn Nets
Position: Forward/Big | School: BYU | Pros: Vision, Passing, Size | Concern: Shooting
Brooklyn wasted no time scooping up Egor Demin at No. 8, a 6’8” big man with dazzling feel and court vision. Demin processes the game like a veteran. His passing ability, especially from the high post, is a real weapon. But his scoring concerns are legitimate — he hasn’t shown consistent shooting, which could limit his overall impact. Defensively, he’ll need to bring more physicality to hold his ground in the NBA. If he can develop a jumper and adapt on defense, he’s got a real shot at becoming a versatile rotation piece.
9. Collin Murray-Boyles — Toronto Raptors
Position: Forward | School: South Carolina | Traits: Strength, Versatility, Defensive Upside
Toronto went versatile with Murray-Boyles — a rugged, multi-positional defender who brings serious energy. Some execs think he can eventually log minutes at the five, using his broad frame and interior strength to switch across lineups. Others worry about his tweener status if the jumper doesn’t come along. Either way, his physicality and defensive versatility make him worth the gamble. He’s a rotation piece who could develop into something much more.
10. Khaman Maluach — Phoenix Suns (via Houston)
Position: Center | School: Duke | Tools: Length, Mobility, Defensive Potential
Phoenix got an intriguing developmental center in Khaman Maluach, a 7’1” 18-year-old with elite measurables and raw instincts. Maluach checks every box physically: long arms, good mobility, and a frame that can add muscle. He’s coachable and eager to learn — two traits NBA teams love in young bigs. He’ll need time, but this is exactly the kind of pick that can pay off big in two to three years. His shot-blocking and switchability give Phoenix another defensive weapon as they build toward the future.
Closing Thoughts
This top 10 was a mix of safe bets, high-ceiling swings, and unexpected slides. From Cooper Flagg’s star power to the intriguing upside of Ace Bailey and Khaman Maluach, this class has the makings of something special. And we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned — the second round had some gems too. More breakdowns coming soon.
Unit 1 Hoop Source 