Let’s recap the first three picks by discussing how well they fit into their respective teams, and when we can expect to see their impact.
The 2025 NBA draft, like the 2024 draft, will also take place over two nights. There will be 59 picks in this draft instead of the usual 60, as the New York Knicks lost a second-round pick due to a free agency violation in 2022. The first round was held on Wednesday night, and the second round will follow today.
1. Cooper Flagg (Duke) 6’8″ Forward
Cooper Flagg (photo courtesy Bleacher Report)
The consensus No. 1 pick falls to the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg, the freshman forward from Duke, has made waves this year. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes over 37 games during his season with the Blue Devils. His stats highlight what Flagg brings to the table—he’s got an all-around skillset.
He’ll be teaming up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Since both stars are often dealing with injuries, Flagg might find himself in situations where he has to step up and make a significant contribution.
2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers) 6’5″ Guard
The left-handed offensive guard was picked 2nd overall by the San Antonio Spurs.
His father, Ron Harper, is a 15-year veteran in the NBA. His mother works as an assistant coach at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey, and his brother, Ron Jr., is currently with the Detroit Pistons. So, you could say basketball runs in the family.
While he may need to make some adjustments since he’ll be teaming up with other wings like Fox and Castle, Harper’s skills are certainly going to be a massive asset for the Spurs. During his only season at Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Photo courtesy On Tap Sports Net
3. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) 6’4″ Guard
Last season, the 76ers were only 26th in team defense. While picking Edgecombe might not immediately fix the issue, it could significantly enhance their performance. Edgecombe’s knack for defense and reliable shooting could create a fantastic duo with all-star Guard Tyrese Maxey and wing Quentin Grimes. During his single college season, Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals in 32.7 minutes per game.
People are drawing comparisons between him and a young Dwyane Wade or Russell Westbrook, mainly due to his athleticism, which aligns perfectly with Maxey’s abilities. This might also indicate that the Sixers are moving on from the Joel Embiid and Paul George experiment, as they seem to be gearing up to become a stacked guard team, especially with McCain also on the rise and expected to return next season.
No. 4-6 picks coming soon….
