2025 NBA Draft Team Grades
Josh grades each team's draft spoils, ranking each haul from best to worst
Note: Grading Scale (I’m a soft grader)
A- to A+: Good to Great Value
B- to B+ Slight Reach to Okay Value
C- to C+: Bad Fit, Big Reach, Poor Value
D- to D+: Horrible Fit, Huge Reach, Horrible Value
F: The Worst Pick Possible
1. Orlando Magic: A+
I think the Magic completely knocked this draft out of the park, and their picks align well with the direction the team is taking after trading for Desmond Bane.
The Magic clearly believe in their ability to not only continue making playoffs, but to properly contend for a championship in an Eastern conference that is more open than ever.
They add an off-ball weapon in Jase and a versatile, switchable wing defender in Penda, with both acting as complements to Franz & Paolo.
25. Jase Richardson
Grade: A+
Jase fits SO SO SO well in Orlando, as his ability to not only make an impact from the guard spot without needing the ball to do so is unique, but also since his playstyle synergizes so well on a team driven by Franz & Paolo.
He’s a knockdown shooter and great at moving without the ball in his hands, helping him find easy looks at the baskets.
Good IQ, connective playmaker, and great sneaky potential upside despite the lack of size.
32. Noah Penda
Grade: A+
Penda, who received a first-round grade from me, slipping to the second round must have caught the Magic’s attention because they consolidated multiple future 2nds to trade for him.
He’s one of the best defensive prospects in this class who could follow a similar path to Phoenix’ Ryan Dunn if he can improve his 3PT shooting, but he has the frame and length to be a good finisher at the rim.
He’s got the physicality and speed to lock up multiple positions, packaged into an NBA-ready body that will help him make an impact from day one.
2. Miami Heat: A+
20. Kasparas Jakucionis
Grade: A+
When factoring in Jakucionis’ grade (7th on my big board), this pick was one of the best values in the draft. Kasparas’ potential downsides are mitigated by the cost acquired to take him at 20, especially because I thought he was a lock to be taken within the lottery.
He’s a dynamic shotcreator and playmaker with prototypical point guard size. If he can return to the form he was in prior to getting injured, people will look back and wonder how he fell this far.
3. Charlotte Hornets: A+
Probably the most complete draft class in 2025. The Hornets addressed a ton of needs, with all of the draftees being pieces that complement their two franchise cornerstones: LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
McNeely and Kalkbrenner are great values at where they were taken, especially if McNeely can return to form and become the sharpshooter he was.
4. Kon Knueppel
Grade: A
Does Kon Knueppel have one of the highest floors in the draft class due to his sweet shooting stroke and ability to hit shots on nearly every platform?
Yes.
Does that mean he has a low ceiling?
No.
I think his self-creation and playmaking upside has actually gone underrated and, playing in a dynamic offense where LaMelo will soak up a ton of focus, Knueppel will have a chance to showcase that in Charlotte.
29. Liam McNeely
Grade: A+
I love this pick, actually.
McNeely struggled with his shot, but he should be applauded for how hard he played and how he toughed out injuries to still be able to make an impact in a high pressure environment at UConn.
He’s a borderline lotto-level talent to me, as long as he can return to form and demonstrate the lights out level shooting pedigree he had before college.
33. Sion James
Grade: B+
Not the highest player on my board, but I love that the Hornets stuck to the script.
They went high-risk, high-reward last year, but have gone the “safe” route with their selections this year.
James gives them a strong defensive presence and tone-setter on the wings, who also has positional versatility.
34. Ryan Kalkbrenner
Grade: A+
Kalkbrenner, who received a 1st-round grade from me, is more than capable of helping fill the void left by Mark Williams.
Kalkbrenner is a 2-way interior force who has grown way more comfortable from the perimeter, hinting that he’ll be able to consistently stretch out his range at the NBA-level.
4. Brooklyn Nets: A
The Nets’ draft class is very polarizing, but I think there’s one big misconception around: that there is an issue with having too many playmakers.
In the modern NBA, when has too much playmaking an issue?
It’s the approach every (competent) rebuilding team has followed: prioritize size, feel, and ballhandling at every position.
It’s a deep draft class that targets multiple positions and takes a lot of high-upside swings.
The Net's’ draft epitomized that.
8. Egor Demin
Grade: A
I know not everyone is a fan of Demin, but I can’t understand why.
His shooting has been spotty and inconsistent, for sure. I understand how that can be a red flag. But the mechanics are clean. It’s compact, repeatable, and fluid, hinting that there are only slight issues that need to be fixed.
But you know what can’t be taught?
The size he has (nearly 6’10” in shoes). The advanced playmaking reads and ability to make difficult passes look casual.
Demin was a top-6 player in this draft class, in my opinion and has a clear runway to thriving in the NBA.
19. Nolan Traore
Grade: A+
The Nets are swinging for the fences and that’s EXACTLY what a team with this many dart throws and this timeline needs to do
Traore, Ranked 13th on my big board, is a dynamic playmaker with one of the quickest first steps in the draft. He is not ball dominant by any means, but his off-ball upside will be dependent on him growing as a shooter. In the second half of the draft, this is a good swing for Brooklyn.
22. Drake Powell
Grade: A-
Drake Powell knocked the combine out of the park, showcasing great positional length AND a 43” vertical. He rode that, along with hitting 40% on catch-and-shoot 3s, all the way into the first round.
Given the Nets’ timeline, this isn’t a huge reach by any means, especially since Powell is already a borderline top-30 talent.
His athleticism, height (nearly 6’7” in shoes) and 7’0” wing span will make him an absolute menace as a perimeter defender.
26. Ben Saraf
Grade: A
Like most teams who have successfully rebuilt, the Nets are valuing certain skills with their picks so far: playmaking, positional versatility, fluidity, and feel
Saraf checks those boxes and is exactly the high-potential swing we like to see that this stage of the first rounds.
27. Danny Wolf
Grade: A
Can y’all see the Nets’ vision?
Playmaking all over the place. Feel and flexibility, plus good positional size and shotmaking (sometimes theoretical shotmaking) at every position
Wolf, ranked 25th on my board, is a sneaky value here, especially if he can become a passable defender.
5. Phoenix Suns: A
The sun is setting on the KD-era in Phoenix, with the Suns pivoting towards a different game plan.
They seemed to learn from their mistakes, as going all in on a faulty core yielded nothing but disappointment.
The new era has started off on the right foot, though. Phoenix has one of my favorite draft classes this year.
10. Khaman Maluach (via Houston)
Grade: A
Maluach is amongst the best players available and is the Suns’ long-term answer to their C position, even after adding Mark Williams for some reason.
He’s got the makings of an interior defensive anchor, with elite physical tools and awareness. He showed that at the collegiate level, affecting opponents at the rim.
His upside is not just tied to his defense, though. He’s got a fluid, compact shooting form and a soft touch, hinting that he could eventually become a floor-spacer too.
31. Rasheer Fleming
Grade: A+
The first pick of the 2nd round was one of the biggest steals in the draft, in my opinion
I’ve mocked Fleming consistently in the middle of the 1st round and he was a top-20 prospect in this class, to me.
Fleming has the tools to be a versatile defender and floor spacer at the next level that can make an impact with minimal usage.
Great pick for the Suns, who clearly have a new direction they’re building towards.
41. Koby Brea
Grade: B
Brea is renowned for his shooting, hitting 43.4% of his 3s over his career in college, with a peak of 49.8% on 6.1 3PA/g in ‘23-24.
He’s got good length and his volume sharpshooting playstyle will help him benefit from the gravity of Book.
6. Dallas Mavericks: A
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Grade: A
It’s a no brainer.
The question wasn’t about whether Flagg would be the 1st overall pick, it was about which team would be lucky enough to win the draft lottery and add the borderline generational talent.
The Mavericks add a cornerstone in Flagg, whose skillset makes him one of, if not the, most well-rounded prospects of the last decade.
7. San Antonio Spurs: A
The balls fell in San Antonio’s favor again, securing them the 2nd overall pick, which, of course, was used to draft Dylan Harper.
There are concerns about fit in SAS, but an old adage continues to ring true: great players make it work.
Harper has the potential to be great, and Carter Bryant has prototypical 3nD wing written all over him. An impressive haul for a Spurs time who should pivot into the playoffs this season.
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Grade: A
Hot take (probably not that hot if you watched Harper player): This pick was chalk, too.
Harper’s hold over the 2nd overall pick was just as Flagg’s hold over the 1st.
And franchises know that BPA, especially when the BPA is as far ahead of his peers as Harper, is the move, regardless of fit.
He’s downhill, aggressive playstyle and self-creation abilities from all 3-levels will make him a perfect partner for Wemby to grown alongside of, too.
14. Carter Bryant
Grade: A
And San Antonio nailed this pick too. Carter is young and his college production doesn’t jump off the page, but you’d have to be blind to not see the flashes & upside.
He’s nearly 6’8” in shoes with a 6’11.25” wing span, with the pedigree and tools to be a defensive menace on the perimeter. He’s still a little raw offensively outside of shooting and play finishing, but he has an NBA-ready body and should become a physical force for San Antonio.
8. Sacramento Kings: A
The Kings will, in my opinion, go underrated for their draft haul.
The players are older. Their names are less known outside of NBA draft circles. But don’t get it twisted: both Clifford and Raynaud have the potential to be impactful players at the NBA level, with skillsets that should be ready to roll from day one.
24. Nique Clifford
Grade: A
Clifford embodies everything teams value on the wings in the modern NBA: Positional versatility, underrated and connective playmaking, and the ability to knockdown shots and self-create in spurts.
Clifford isn’t the shiniest name in this draft class, but I’m sure he will garner a ton of attention with his play, especially on a Sacramento team looking to find a new identity after Fox was traded away last year.
42. Maxime Raynaud
Grade: A
Raynaud, who is a true 7-footer than stands over 7-feet tall WITHOUT shoes, has flashed great shoot upside at his size (34.7% over a 4-year college career). He’s a weapon that the Kings will look to implement, especially next to Sabonis, from day one.
9. Oklahoma City Thunder: A
15. Thomas Sorber
Grade: A+
Thomas Sorber was my #1 center in this draft class.
His combination of impressive physical strength, mobility in open space, playmaking flashes & vision, length, and flashes of shooting from the mid-range gave him a mix of high-floor yet high-upside that eclipsed his peers, in my opinion.
Now, he lands in a situation where he can refine that skillset and learn under a player whom his playstyle is remarkably similar to: Isaiah Hartenstein, on a team with the most respect shooting coach in the league (Chip Engellend).
Sorber landing on OKC will be a problem for the rest of the league and something a few teams will come to regret if he hits his upper percentile outcomes.
44. Brooks Barnhizer
Grade: B-
The Thunder stick to the game plan, drafting versatile, high-feel players with good defensive acumen and great positional length.
Barnhizer is all the above (and he has a sweet mullet).
And while he hasn’t been the best shooter, I wouldn’t be too concerned because of the Chip-effect.
10. Detroit Pistons: A
37. Chaz Lanier
Grade: A
Cade + Shooters = Buckets
And Lanier is a record-setting movement shooter coming off of a year where he made the most 3s in Tennessee history.
Great size with the athleticism and physical attributes to guard multiple positions, AKA 3nD personified.
Great pick at this stage of the draft, with the ability to slot into a rotational role as early as this season.
11. Milwaukee Bucks: A
47. Bogoljub Markovic
Grade: A
Bogoljub Markovic was favorite pick over this stretch of the second round. He’s a high-upside swing that doesn’t come with a ton of risk.
No one will remember who you drafted at 47 if he doesn’t pan out.
But if he does?
Immortalized.
Markovic might not be in the NBA this coming season, but his skillset is exactly what the NBA loves to see from players with his size, as he has great playmaking feel and touch packed into a 6’10.5” frame.
12. Washington Wizards: A-
I’ve loved watching the Wizards throughout their rebuild.
In my opinion, they’ve nailed every aspect. They’ve drafted well, prioritizing feel, size, versatility, and playmaking, which makes sense given Dawkins coming from the OKC franchise.
They’ve also invested into their infrastructure, ensuring that the Wiz Kids received meaningful minutes and reps, while also bringing in veterans to help guide them along their NBA journeys.
They’ve cleared cap, positioning themselves to be buyers in the future while their youth remain on rookie contracts, extending their window without compromising their future.
It’s textbook, and this draft was another chapter of that.
6.Tre Johnson, Texas
Grade: B+
Entering this draft, the Wizards clearly wanted a 1A type scorer, which was the biggest piece missing. Time after time, the playoffs show us that having a player you can reliably go to to get buckets when the play is more physical and the pace is slowing down is more important than ever.
And maybe Ace Bailey was the Wizards’ Plan A, but Tre Johnson, arguably the most dynamic and prolific shooter in this draft class, is not a bad Plan B.
He’s got the juice as a bucket-getter, with playmaking feel (1.5 AST/TO ratio) that has gone somewhat underrated simply because of how potent his shooting stroke is.
21. Will Riley (via Utah)
Grade: A-
Remember what Dawkins and Washington values?
Feel. Size. Skill.
Riley has all the above, with a huge frame for a player with his playstyle.
Riley’s playmaking is enticing and if his shot can become more fluid and consistent, he’s dangerous
43. Jamir Watkins
Grade: A
Is Watkins the highest ranked guy left on my board?
No.
But Watkins ability to crash and breakdown defenses, finish in the paint, and score will absolutely shine in a Washington offense looking for players with the ability to self create and do damage at the rim.
sidenote: the kid went back to school to graduate and be the first in his family to get a college degree
That’s the type of character and work ethic you simply can’t ignore.
13. Utah Jazz: A-
5. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Grade: A
Ainge doesn’t take the bluff and does what great GMs do: Take BPA and figure it out later.
Throughout the draft process, Bailey’s playstyle and off-the-court concerns, most of which are attributed to his management team rather than him, have been extremely polarizing.
He, undoubtedly, has 1A scoring upside and a runway in Utah to reach that very, very high ceiling. But there are concerns about his decision-making and feel.
He has the infrastructure in Utah to help answer those questions and silence the critics, but he needs to be present to do so.
18. Walter Clayton Jr. (via Washington)
Grade: B
Clayton Jr. is a hooper and a bonafide bucket getter, and he’s shown the ability to do so under the brightest lights at the NCAA level.
But the lights are even brighter in the NBA
Lets see how he answers questions about his size, space creation, and ability to score against NBA-level athletes and defenders.
53. John Tonje
Grade: B
In his 6 (yup, that’s right) years of CBB, Tonje averages pristine 46/37/86 shooting splits
Most recently, he got to the line 6.9 times per game, shooting 91%, while also hitting 39% of his 5.9 3PA/g
So, simply put, Tonje gets buckets
Good pick here as he has a tangible pathway towards being a rosterable player
14. Indiana Pacers: A-
38. Kam Jones
Grade: A+
Extra credit him simply for the landing spot. Kam is a demon at getting downhill and getting paint touches. His ability to do so will be weaponized in a Carlisle offense that is very creative and built to maximize its players.
Carlisle will absolutely weaponize Jones’ ability to collapse defenses with his downhill driving and rim finishing
In his lone season as the lead facilitator at Marquette, he THRIVED with an insane 3.1 AST/TO ratio.
54. Taelon Peter
Grade: B-
A 45% 3PT shooter for Liberty on strong volume, Peter should thrive in the Pacers offense, where shooters always have a home.
He’s insanely efficient, plays smart, and doesn’t demand huge usage to be effective
Also a record setting high jumper in High School, which is pretty dope.
15. Los Angeles Lakers: A-
36. Adou Thiero
Grade: A-
Lakers nail this pick, and this is an example of great landing spot meets great fit
The Lakers need some strong, versatile wing defenders in a conference as competitive as the West, and Thiero checks those boxes as a player capable of making an early impact despite his draft position.
Lakers are clearly high on him being a viable rotation player from day one
16. Philadelphia 76ers: B+
For awhile, Sixer fans had to contend with the reality of potentially losing the pick. Then, for once, Sixer fans stumbled upon some good luck, with the team moving up to the 3rd overall pick.
Now, playing with house money, the Sixer fanbase became divided on something else. Ace Bailey vs. VJ Edgecombe, the 3rd and 4th highest ranked players on my big board, respectively.
Morey & Co. made a decision that felt best to them, adding the highflying, dynamic Edgecombe, who is poised to become a 2-way playmaker at the NBA level.
3. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Grade: A
While I was a proponent of drafting Ace at 3, the VJ pick makes sense on a variety of levels. He nailed his workout. He crushed every interview. He has come off across as humble, yet hungry when talking about his future.
And, from day one, his athleticism and defensive prowess will help him contribute from day one, something that is important for a team seeing the Joel Embiid-led window close quickly.
35. Johni Broome
Grade: B
This is a great fit for Broome, who fills an obvious for the Sixers that need front court depth and size.
They have Bona, who fills a need as an explosive rim runner
Broome is on the other end of the spectrum, as he’s less athletically gifted but more polished offensively, so maybe he can replicate the Embiid role to an extent, allowing the offense to remain consistent even on rest days.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: B+
17. Joan Beringer
Grade: B+
Great upside swing for the Wolves, who have a contention window but have continued to cater to their future too, as shown by their selection of Rob last year.
The young Frenchman is an heir-apparent to the Wolves’ defensive anchor, and his athletic gifts and size help shore up their front court depth.
45. Rocco Zikarsky
Grade: B+
A luxury pick that takes a low-risk, high upside swing on the Aussie giant.
The Wolves double dip on high upside bigs in this draft, which feels okay to me knowing that Gobert isn’t the long-term answer after this contention window closes for Minnesota.
While still raw, Zikarsky physical gifts (mullet included) are difficult to ignore.
18. Portland Trail Blazers: B+
16. Yang Hansen
Grade: B
I was SHOCKED when this happened live, but after sitting on it for a couple days, I really love this upside swing.
Maybe the value doesn’t feel the greatest, but I can’t knock an upside swing one bit. The way Portland hedged their bets by acquiring future draft capital, including a 1st rounder, was masterful.
He has a tantalizing skillset that, if it properly manifests, could make Cronin & Co. look like absolutely geniuses.
Yes, there are questions.
What does this do for Clingan? What happened to pushing for the playoffs?
I have no clue.
But let’s see if this pick is wine or milk
19. Golden State Warriors: B+
52. Alex Toohey
Grade: A
GSW keeps rolling the dice on skilled, high-feel plus-sized ballhandlers. At pick 52, this is just a shot in the dark but those are dart throws that I love.
Toohey has good defense and a strong frame, but needs to be a more consistent shooter, which is feasible given his good form and mechanics
56. Will Richard
Grade: B
With his efficient scoring, low-usage playstyle, and shooting, Richard evokes shades of Keon Ellis
Great perimeter defender who will thrive on the 3nD role.
20. Memphis Grizzlies: B
It’s a new era for Memphis, but it’ll always be the same identity: grit & grind. Their recent class of draftees exemplify that, with each player having the skillset & pedigree to fit right in.
Headlined by combine riser Cedric Coward, the Grizzlies added depth in the backcourt and in the wings, looking to commit to the Ja & JJJ duo.
11. Cedric Coward (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Grade: B
On combine day, I called Coward the biggest winner. Draft day sealed the deal. Outside of draft circles, Coward wasn’t on the radar of most fans.
However, his physical measurements (6’5.25” with a 7’2.25” wing span) and athletic testing (38.5” max vert) were through the roof.
Now, he reaps the benefits, flying up boards into the lotto, where he will do his best to slide into the hole left by the Desmond Bane trade.
I rate Coward highly, but the grade also factors in the cost it took to get him.
48. Javon Small
Grade: B
He’s small, but plays with so much heart that he’s able to overcome his lack of size, putting WVU onto his back last season.
He’s capable of being much more efficient than he showed, simply because of how much of the load he needed to carry with DeVries out.
Should improve his efficiency from deep to especially with him no longer needing to self create at the same level.
59. Jahmai Mashack
Grade: A
If any player in this class embodies grit and grind, it’s Mashack, whose perimeter defense ranks amongst the best in this class
active hands, good length, and a sturdy frame make him a presence at the POA and switchable enough to help guard multiple positions
21. Atlanta Hawks: B
23. Asa Newell
Grade: B
Full disclosure: I am not the highest on Asa Newell. Yes, he’s athletic, but he feels like a tweener to me and I think his upper percentile outcomes are dependent on him finding a true position.
However, I do love the landing spot and how the Hawks acquired some juicy draft capital to move back with the Pelicans.
The Hawks need length to compensate for Trae’s lack of it, and speed to build a team that can capitalize on Trae’s ability to drive and lead an offense
They’ve got that in spades in Newell, who needs refinement but has the physical and athletic gifts to be a beast once he finds a true position and improves his shooting.
Playing alongside Trae will help him ease into the NBA, as Trae will spoonfed him on fast breaks and on lobs.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers: B
49. Tyrese Proctor
Grade: A-
Love this pick for Cleveland and landing spot for Tyrese Proctor. Proctor, who was a top-40
He can emulate what Ty Jerome did for the team, with his well rounded skillset & positional versatility.
58. Saliou Niang
Grade: B-
A project, developmental wing with shooting touch and good tools, Cleveland takes a player they can use to shore up their wings one day
Will continue to develop overseas in order to do so
23. Chicago Bulls: B
12. Noa Essengue
Grade: B
For a Chicago team that has made a lot of noise about wanting to turn the corner and compete, this is a long-term investment in Essengue. The tools, obviously, are hard to deny. He’s long, athletic, and already a potent finisher. He’s still growing while filling out his frame.
But while he’s raw, he does bring some aspects that are ready to contribute. On a team full of playmakers, Essengue is an amazing play finisher, who uses every inch of his frame to slip into the paint and finish at or above the rim.
He and Buzelis should make for a lot of fast break fun, especially with Giddey as the engine to the high-paced Bulls offense.
55. Lachlan Olbrich
Grade: B
Standing at 6’10”, Olbrich has the skillset to be a moldable, high-feel big man which is coveted in the league.
Still very raw, especially as a shooter, he’s got work to do but is a fine investment at this stage as a development project.
24. Boston Celtics: B
28. Hugo Gonzalez
Grade: B+
Celtics spend the gap year doing exactly what they needed to do: take a low-risk, high-upside player in Hugo and fully commit to preparing for ‘26-27 rather than treading water in ‘25-26
Hugo is very skilled and talented for his size, and can develop overseas, if needed, too. He’s gritty, plays with a high-motor, but has great physical gifts and positional versatility.
46. Amari Williams
Grade: B-
While on the older side for prospects, Amari’s upside is tied to his innate passing ability.
He averaged 3.2 assists for Kentucky while playing just 22.8 minutes per game
That’s special and could be something the Celtics try to hone under the guidance of Big Al.
57. Max Shulga
Grade: B
A big guard who plays with great control and with a well-rounded skillset, Shulga, who’s grown defensively this year, has the tools to do great in the Celtics’ system.
Does a lot of what Mazulla love and has a high motor and good feel.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: B-
30. Yanic Neiderhauser
Grade: C+
It’s a fun pick for a Clippers team that lack explosiveness from the C position, and Yanic has that in spades, coupled with great physical gifts at over 7 feet in shoes and a 7’3”+ wing span.
He has a 37.5” max vert and an insane 33.5” standing vert, which was 2nd best in the class.
He brings some upside as a shot blocker and has a strong floor as an athletic rim running lob threat, but there are a of things he needs to clean up defensively to be a truly impactful defender.
50. Kobe Sanders
Grade: B
Ya’ll know I love a jumbo playmaker, and Sanders , standing at 6’9”, averaged 4.5 assists for Nevada to the tune of a 2.5 AST/TO ratio, demonstrating great feel and vision for his size.
If he can improve his efficiency and perimeter shooting, he can outperform his draft position in a big way.
26. New York Knicks: B-
51. Mohamed Diawara
Grade: B-
Still slightly raw offensively but with great physical tools, Diawara projects as a potential 3nD wing who can guard multiple positions.
Fine swing for a team needing wing depth and size. Diawara can develop overseas, giving New York some added flexibility.
27. Toronto Raptors: C+
9. Collin Murray-Boyles
Grade: C+
Not loving this pick, mostly because you are adding a notably poor shooter to one of the worst 3PT shooting teams in the league.
CMB is a menace, but landing spot was HUGE for him and this might be the worst possible landing spot in the top-10 for him.
His skillset feels slightly redundant with Barnes there, too. My biggest concern is what position does he slot into? Are they comfortable trotting him out to be an undersized C? Can be play on the wings without being a burden offensively? Is his shooting fixable enough that it wont matter?
A lot of questions to address, but CMB has the talent to silence them.
39. Alijah Martin
Grade: B-
Martin fills an obvious need in Toronto: shooting.
Martin is a career 36% 3P shooter on big volume (5.4 3PA/g), and this should increase playing next to the gravity of Barnes & Co.
He has a great wing span that mitigates his lack of height, making him a strong defender on the perimeter.
28. New Orleans Pelicans: C+
7. Jeremiah Fears
Grade: B
I think taking the BPA is important when you’re pivoting towards a new direction under a new FO, but Fears is heading to a very loaded backcourt looked to be dominated by Murray/Poole this year.
All in all, I’m fine with Pels looking to the future though and betting on Fears’ combination of age, ballhandling, and ability to get into the paint, even if that skillset kind of overlaps with the skillset of their franchise cornerstone, Zion Williamson. Is this pick an indication that the Pelicans are looking to upgrade their foundation?
To reach his ceiling, he needs to showcase that his shooting is much better than advertised, which will help him overcome his lack of height and relatively small frame.
13. Derik Queen (via Atlanta)
Grade: C
Queen is a stud. Insanely talented and gifted offensively for a big man.
In NO, he lands at a place with another talented big man whose game he can try to emulate in Zion.
However, with Queen’s lack of shooting upside and Zion’s tendency to live at the rim, there are concerns about fit. There are concerns about Queen’s defense, too, mostly because of his poor athletic traits. Queen is gritty, smart, and able to make reads, which has helped him quiet those concerns with his film.
But this draft grade is not just a reflection on Queen, who feels like good value at this pick in a vacuum. It also factors in the price they paid to make it, which includes an UNPROTECTED 2026 first. Mindblowing.
40. Micah Peavy
Grade: B-
For a team clearly invested in making noise last year, Peavy makes a lot of sense because of his skillset and ability to contribute from day one.
He has size, defense, feel, and versatility. More importantly, he LOVES to play defense (2.3 steals per game).
Think there’s guys on the board who are graded better, but Peavy checks a lot of boxes that the Pels need on the wings