The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has captivated basketball fans worldwide, showcasing emerging talents and surprising picks. On June 26, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks made headlines by selecting Duke’s Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick, followed closely by the San Antonio Spurs, who chose Rutgers guard Dylan Harper.
- Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg first overall.
- Philadelphia 76ers choose VJ Edgecombe at No. 3.
- Utah Jazz surprise with Ace Bailey at No. 5.
- Brooklyn Nets make history with five picks.
- 11 freshmen tie lottery draft record.
- Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
As the draft unfolded, the Philadelphia 76ers stirred excitement by opting for Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe at No. 3, despite speculation around Ace Bailey. The Utah Jazz made a bold move by selecting Bailey at No. 5, marking a significant gamble on a player who didn’t showcase pre-draft.
This year’s draft highlighted the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation. With teams taking risks on lesser-known prospects, fans are left wondering: which selections will pay off? Key developments include:
- The Brooklyn Nets made history with five first-round picks.
- New Orleans Pelicans took a chance on Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
- 11 freshmen were selected in the lottery, tying a record.
- Arkansas coach John Calipari’s first-round streak ended.
As the second round approaches, fans are eager to see how teams will build on their initial selections. Will the surprises continue? Stay tuned for more updates and insights!