NBA Draft Shocker: Ace Bailey’s Surprise Team, Nets Score Five First-Round Picks!

The 2025 NBA draft was packed with excitement. The initial selections of the lottery were largely predictable, except for Ace Bailey’s unexpected move to the Utah Jazz. As the evening progressed, the atmosphere intensified with a flurry of trades (some questionable, some astute), a handful of unexpected picks, and a typical dose of draft night thrills.

By the end of the night, it was clear which teams had made the most of the draft and which might have regrets. This analysis will explore which teams came out ahead and which might wish for a redo.

Winners

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks emerged as the biggest winners, defying the odds by securing the first overall pick. They used this opportunity to select Cooper Flagg from Duke, a player considered one of the most promising in recent years. Flagg’s arrival is a significant boost for the Mavericks’ fanbase, which has been eager for a turn of fortunes.

While it was not certain that Dallas would choose Flagg, ultimately, they did not trade the pick and instead, embraced the opportunity to build around him. Regardless of how the decision to trade Luka Doncic ages, Flagg is expected to be a cornerstone for the Mavericks for years to come, marking a pivotal moment for the team.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs made strategic use of their two first-round picks. They selected Dylan Harper at No. 2 and Carter Bryant at No. 14, both of whom fit well with the team’s youthful core.

Harper will enhance the backcourt, complementing Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and playing alongside De’Aaron Fox. Bryant, known for his defense and three-point shooting, seems a perfect addition to bolster the team alongside Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio’s straightforward approach this year has positioned them well for future success.

Sometimes, sticking to a straightforward strategy is all it takes to come out ahead, and the Spurs have demonstrated that beautifully this draft season.

Miami Heat

The Heat were fortunate when Kasparas Jakucionis, a top prospect, unexpectedly fell to them at No. 20. Initially projected as a higher pick, his slipping stock worked in Miami’s favor.

Jakucionis, with his size and vision, may have concerns regarding his athleticism and ability to create his own shots, yet he represents the type of ambitious pick the Heat need to revitalize their roster.

International prospects

The impact of NIL agreements in college basketball has significantly thinned the pool of domestic talent entering the NBA draft, benefiting international players. This year, six non-NCAA international players were picked, with four in the latter half of the first round, including a surprise pick by the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 16.

This trend highlights the growing depth of talent available internationally, which NBA teams are increasingly willing to invest in.

Losers

Ace Bailey

Ace Bailey’s attempt to control his draft outcome backfired spectacularly. His refusal to engage with teams, coupled with his last-minute cancellation on the Philadelphia 76ers, cast him in a negative light. Despite his efforts, he was drafted fifth by the Utah Jazz, a team he reportedly did not wish to join.

While Bailey might find success with the Jazz, who need his scoring ability, his draft night did not go as planned, tarnishing his image and leaving him in a less-than-ideal situation to start his NBA career.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns, in need of core players, made the puzzling decision to select two centers in the first round. They chose Khaman Maluach with their lottery pick and later traded for Mark Williams, a move that has been criticized given their recent struggles with center positions and the departure of Kevin Durant.

This strategy has raised questions about the Suns’ management and their approach to building a competitive team.

New Orleans Pelicans

Joe Dumars made an immediate impact as the Pelicans’ new GM by moving up 10 spots to pick Derik Queen at No. 13. While this move addresses a need in the frontcourt, it came at a high cost, as New Orleans traded their 2026 first-round pick without any protections.

This risky strategy puts significant pressure on Queen to perform and fit well with Zion Williamson, making it a potentially costly gamble for the Pelicans.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets entered the draft with a surplus of first-round picks, holding five due to various transactions. Despite expectations to trade some of these picks, they used all five, potentially complicating the integration of so many rookies.

This approach by general manager Sean Marks has been seen as inefficient, particularly given the overlapping skills of the players selected. This strategy could hinder the team’s performance, as they may struggle to find enough playing time for all these new recruits.

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