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Darren & Vic's Takes: A Recap of the 2025 NBA Draft
Published: Saturday, June 28, 2025
by Darren Worrell and Victor Lisboa
The 2025 NBA Draft has officially come to an end, and it was one that fans did not want to miss. Out of the 30 first-round picks, 18 were freshmen, a clear sign of the level of talent in this year’s class. The draft featured plenty of winners and losers, and even some well-known players that dropped out of the first round managed to find a team by the end of the second round. In this edition of Darren and Vic’s Takes, we share our reactions to everything that went down during the draft.
Darren’s Takeaways
The NBA Draft marks one of the best times of the year for basketball fans. Along with seeing the next generation of young talent fulfilling their dreams, it is also an introduction to the next wave of young talent on each fan’s favorite team. This year’s draft did not disappoint, however there were some questionable picks as well.
One team that seems to be a clear winner of the 2025 Draft is the Phoenix Suns. They have already been making impactful moves this offseason, and their draft strategy was no exception. One of their biggest needs was front court depth, and they addressed it well. They selected 7’2” Duke center Khaman Maluach, a strong interior defender who can make an immediate impact. While his shooting still needs work, that can develop over time. They also acquired Mark Williams in a trade with Charlotte, adding size, rebounding, and a veteran presence to help mentor Maluach. On top of that, they traded up to grab Rasheer Fleming, a versatile player who can rebound, shoot, and defend. Overall, it was a solid draft for the Suns, and it’s clear they’re not done making moves to improve their roster in free agency.
Additionally, former Seton Hall guard Kadary Richmond who went undrafted is officially
in the NBA on a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards, and man, they got a
steal. Richmond is the full package: elite defender, high basketball IQ, strong rebounder,
solid mid-range shooter, and excellent passer. The only real weakness in his game
is his three-point shooting, which he struggled with in college but is actively working
on. Still, any team would’ve been lucky to pick him up. Players with his all-around
talent and potential do not come around often. I, personally, am very excited to see
what he can do at the next level.
And finally, a brief summary of the New Orleans Pelicans’ draft, which disappointed
many. While Derik Queen is a great player, he does not seem to fit the Pelicans, and
Joe Dumars gave up his possible lottery pick in next year’s draft to the Hawks. It
is still confusing what the plan is for them moving forward, but we will see.
Vic’s Takeaways
Like Darren expressed, every year the NBA Draft is full of surprises, and expectations
being shattered. I have come up with my winners, losers and picks that I would like
to highlight as well.
Starting with my biggest winner, we have the Utah Jazz. With the fifth overall pick,
Utah selected the controversial, but extremely talented Airious “Ace” Bailey out of
Rutgers University. For Utah, they were in desperate need of talent, as they are still
rebuilding years after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. While Lauri Markkanen
has stepped up, they still seem unable to find “the guy.” Ace Bailey has all those
tools and potential to be a superstar in this league. He just needs a coach and organization
that will help him evolve his game to that next level. At 18 years old, I have no
doubts Bailey will showcase his talent in Utah regardless of the outside noise, and
drama. I also love that Utah was able to trade up and acquire Walter Clayton Jr from
Florida. Arguably the best shooter in the draft, who led his team to an NCAA championship.
The Jazz got two of the most intriguing prospects in this draft, and that should expedite
their rebuild. The Utah Jazz will certainly be on my radar next season.
Now on to my biggest loser, the Portland Trail Blazers, whose pick at number 16 I
strongly disliked. Portland selected Chinese prodigy, Yang Hansen. The big man is
an intriguing prospect with a lot of talent. Do not get me wrong, in fact, I thought
he would be a sleeper in the second round. However, I not only don’t like this pick
for the massive reach, but also because they have other glaring needs on this roster
that could have been addressed. The center position now seems clogged up in Portland,
as they already have Deandre Ayton under contract for 35-million dollars for the 2025-26
season. Furthermore, the Blazers drafted arguably the best big man prospect in last
year’s draft, selecting 2-time NCAA champion Donovan Clingan with the 7th overall
pick. Clingan, coming off the bench last year, averaged nearly 8 rebounds and 1.6
blocks per game, in just 19.8 minutes per game. Therefore, with Clingan still blooming
in a crowded frontcourt with Deandre Ayton still listed as the starter, it is hard
to foresee much room for Hansen’s development. Thus, the Hansen pick for the Trail
Blazers is my most questionable pick in this draft. My prediction, however, is that
they will trade Ayton before the season starts or before the trade deadline in February,
which could then create more opportunities for their young front court’s development.
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