2025 NBA Draft Lottery: Top Takeaways and Key Questions

No. 1: Dallas Mavericks

Given General Manager Nico Harrison`s history of roster changes, the Mavericks` lineup could significantly differ by the start of next season. How will their newly acquired first-round pick influence the team`s future direction?

The Mavericks quickly secured what could be another foundational young player. Just months after the surprising trade involving Luka Doncic, Dallas made franchise history by jumping to the No. 1 spot in the lottery, beating their slim 1.8% odds.

It is widely anticipated that the Mavericks will use this pick to select Cooper Flagg from Duke, often described as a generational talent.

Harrison reportedly emphasizes defense as a key to winning championships, and the 6-foot-9 Flagg aligns well with this philosophy.

No. 2: San Antonio Spurs

Holding two lottery picks (Nos. 2 and 14), are the Spurs likely to target a wing player with their second overall selection to complement their young core and improve floor spacing?

Certainly. San Antonio`s strategy during its extensive rebuild has been to accumulate versatile players who eventually find their role. However, with a foundational player like Victor Wembanyama already in place, along with other promising young players, the Spurs are likely to adopt a more focused approach to acquiring talent that specifically complements their existing pieces, rather than simply adding versatile depth.

Entering the draft, the Spurs have identified three main areas of need: backup center depth, improved supplemental shooting, and a reserve combo guard.

Given the Spurs hold the second overall pick, some might speculate they could use it as part of a package to trade for someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, acquiring the 30-year-old two-time MVP doesn`t align with San Antonio`s current rebuilding timeline and wouldn`t address their significant need for additional shooting. The team is prioritizing players who fit their long-term vision and specific roster requirements.

No. 3: Philadelphia 76ers

Considering they possess a top-three pick and have key player options (Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon) impacting their future flexibility, how crucial is it for the 76ers to make the correct selection with this pick?

It has been noted that the lottery results would significantly shape the 76ers` offseason strategy.

Given the Sixers` salary structure is top-heavy, with a large percentage (77%) committed to Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, their options would have been constrained if they hadn`t kept their first-round pick (which was top-six protected).

By retaining the pick (it was protected and would have gone to Oklahoma City if it fell outside the top six), Philadelphia now has more flexibility to either keep the selection and add talent, or potentially use it in trades.

An option Daryl Morey, the 76ers president, might explore is trading down in the draft for more assets or making a significant move if a potential All-NBA player becomes available via trade. Philadelphia now possesses several tradeable first-round picks, including this year`s third overall selection and an unprotected 2029 first-rounder from the LA Clippers.

However, at his season-ending press conference, Morey emphasized the intention to inject youth into the existing roster.

Morey stated, “If everything sets up well, we`ll have a younger, more dynamic roster around a healthy Joel, Tyrese, and Paul.”

No. 4: Charlotte Hornets

Considering their young core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, what type of player would best complement the Hornets roster with the fourth pick?

When a team wins only 19 games and hasn`t made the playoffs since 2016, the concept of `best fit` becomes less important. This holds true even with players like Ball, Miller, and last year`s lottery selection, Tidjane Salaun, on the roster.

Furthermore, there`s limited data on how Ball, Miller, and Bridges perform together due to injuries. The Hornets experienced the second-highest number of missed games, using 36 distinct lineups. Ball, Miller, Bridges, and Williams were on the court simultaneously for just 3% of the team`s possessions.

Taking the `best available player` approach, Charlotte is likely evaluating a pool of prospects, potentially including guards like VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, and Ace Bailey.

Last season (2024-25), the Hornets struggled significantly with perimeter shooting, finishing last in effective field goal percentage.

No. 5: Utah Jazz

With the potential for over $70 million in cap space by 2026, indicating potential aggression, what are the expectations for the Jazz regarding roster changes and additions?

The Jazz secured the fifth overall pick, which was considered the worst-case but also the most probable outcome for them.

It`s anticipated that Utah may face similar lottery odds next year (for the 2026 draft).

The Jazz are committed to a patient rebuilding process. It seems they may need to wait at least one more year before potentially adding the kind of franchise cornerstone talent the team requires.

No. 6: Washington Wizards

For the second consecutive year, Washington holds a top-six first-round pick along with another selection in the teens. What is the potential ceiling for this Wizards team?

The final two months of the past season (2024-25) offer a promising blueprint for the Wizards` 2025-26 campaign.

During a period when many lottery teams were intentionally losing to improve draft odds, the Wizards actually showed improvement, finishing 9-19 after the All-Star break – equaling their win total from the 25 games prior.

This modest success stemmed from the development of Washington`s recent first-round picks during their rookie seasons and the impact of veteran players acquired in recent trades, which also secured the Wizards additional future draft capital (such as the No. 18 pick overall from the Grizzlies).

Given how youthful Washington`s rotation will be, adding two more first-round rookies to last year`s draft class and acquired prospects like AJ Johnson (many of whom were teenagers entering the season), seriously competing for the postseason isn`t realistic yet.

But as long as the Wizards show progress towards becoming more competitive, their developing young core should provide fans in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area with more optimism than they`ve had since the team last finished above .500 in 2017-18.

No. 7: New Orleans Pelicans

Selecting in the top seven for the first time since drafting Zion Williamson No. 1 overall in 2019, how significant is this pick for the Pelicans` future?

Dropping from potentially picking fourth to ending up at seventh is disappointing for New Orleans, particularly after a season heavily impacted by injuries.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans are still positioned to add a significant player with the seventh pick to a roster that already features Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and last year`s first-round pick, Yves Missi.

A key question continues to surround Zion Williamson`s future and whether the front office, led by Joe Dumars, can successfully construct a roster that complements him.

Since entering the league, Williamson has participated in only 46% of regular-season games and has yet to appear in the playoffs.

No. 8: Brooklyn Nets

The Nets hold four first-round picks, possess significant cap space, and have considerable future draft assets. What strategic approach should they take this offseason?

The Nets experienced some misfortune on lottery night, dropping to the eighth pick as both the Spurs and Mavericks moved ahead of them in the draft order.

Despite the drop, Brooklyn remains a team to watch closely over the coming months. They possess the flexibility to potentially accelerate their path to contention by improving the roster, yet also have a strong incentive to remain patient and potentially improve their lottery odds again next year.

The upcoming free agent class isn`t considered particularly strong, the 2026 draft class appears promising at the top, and the Nets owe swap rights on their own 2027 first-round pick to the Rockets.

This situation suggests a logical strategy: remain patient, preserve cap flexibility, focus on successful drafting and internal player development, and then aim to become competitive perhaps a year from now.

Naturally, the potential availability of a star player via trade could alter this plan and prompt the Nets to pursue a significant acquisition. For instance, a trade scenario involving Giannis Antetokounmpo would undoubtedly attract Brooklyn`s interest.

However, given the relatively limited amount of proven talent currently on the Nets` roster, the potential cost and benefits of such a major transaction (and subsequent moves) would need to be highly appealing for Brooklyn to proceed now.

The most straightforward approach might involve staying the current course before accelerating their plans next summer.

No. 9: Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are adding a lottery pick to their roster, which already features last year`s four-player rookie class and veteran Brandon Ingram. What steps are necessary for Toronto to return to playoff contention?

Toronto has gathered young talent surrounding Scottie Barnes, but questions arise about the long-term fit, especially with Ingram potentially joining a group that includes RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick.

While Toronto has many players capable of scoring, on paper, the team needs more players who can facilitate ball movement and enhance team chemistry.

The player selected at this pick won`t address all the team`s needs, but key considerations for the Raptors include adding frontcourt depth, improving defensively, and establishing offensive balance, particularly regarding Ingram`s integration.

Prospects like Collin Murray-Boyles and Derik Queen are likely to be strongly considered, given the current roster`s lack of a true power forward.

No. 10: Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns)

Following their season`s conclusion, what are the Rockets` offseason plans, and is finding a big man to complement Alperen Sengun a priority?

The Rockets view maintaining continuity with their developing young core as an appealing option, but they are also evaluating potential opportunities to pursue a proven superstar on the trade market.

As General Manager Rafael Stone recently indicated, there`s a `high bar` for any trade that would significantly alter their core roster.

Houston`s management would need to be highly confident that a trade could elevate them to legitimate contender status before giving up core players or dipping heavily into their substantial draft asset pool.

The Rockets have reportedly been firm that rising star Amen Thompson is not available in trade discussions.

Regarding the need for a big man, the Rockets are interested in retaining Steven Adams, but are also exploring options to complement Alperen Sengun, recognizing the importance of frontcourt depth.

No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers

A key consideration for Portland this summer involves several veterans like Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, and Deandre Ayton. How will this draft pick influence the Blazers` roster construction and potential moves involving these players?

An advantage for the Blazers is that they are not strictly tied to drafting for positional need with this pick.

Portland possesses a young core including developing guards like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, forwards such as Toumani Camara and recently acquired Deni Avdija, and centers like Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.

This collection of young talent provides the Blazers with the flexibility and comfort to potentially trade some of their veteran players this offseason.

Some observers consider forward Jerami Grant to be the most likely trade candidate this summer.

Grant played only two games after the end of February, simplifying coach Chauncey Billups` decision-making regarding whether to start Grant (who hasn`t come off the bench since 2020) over one of the younger players.

Portland might prefer waiting until the trade deadline to move players who are on expiring contracts.

Considering the usual scarcity of teams willing to trade talent at the deadline, players like Ayton and Thybulle could hold more value for established contenders later, while Williams could use the time to demonstrate his ability to remain healthy.

Furthermore, the Blazers will have a clearer understanding of whether their young guards are ready to effectively take on a larger role, potentially replacing Simons.

No. 12: Chicago Bulls

Despite ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency and last in points allowed in the paint, are the Bulls prioritizing drafting for need or selecting the best available player? The front office focused on making the play-in tournament rather than maximizing draft lottery odds; will this approach prove beneficial?

Had the Bulls traded Zach LaVine before the trade deadline and prioritized improving their draft position, they would have had significantly better odds (e.g., a 26% chance at a top-four pick) to acquire the type of transformative talent needed to improve a team that has failed to advance past the play-in tournament for three consecutive seasons.

Instead, the management focused on providing experience for their existing young players, while other teams like Philadelphia, Toronto, and Brooklyn improved their positions in the lottery.

Chicago played competitively late in the season, making the play-in game where they lost decisively to Miami. This approach resulted in significantly lower lottery odds for the top pick (1.7%) and a top-four pick (8%).

Having finished with an identical 39-43 record in the last two seasons, the Bulls critically need to find a way to add superstar-level talent to rise above mediocrity.

No. 13: Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)

The Hawks have realigned their roster with a focus on youth and increased financial flexibility. How does Trae Young fit into the team`s future plans?

Over the past seven seasons, Atlanta has attempted to assemble the right supporting cast around Young. His skills as a scorer and playmaker have largely shaped the team`s playing style under multiple coaches, leading to inconsistent results.

The Hawks are still seeking a top executive to oversee basketball operations and are evaluating the future of Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension, as is Jalen Johnson, who won the NBA`s Most Improved Player award.

As Atlanta defines its future direction, a significant factor is how a substantial financial commitment to Young would affect their overall salary cap flexibility.

Should the Hawks decide to move in a different direction, the current timeframe is likely the optimal window to trade him, before a potential extension makes him more expensive and potentially harder to move.

However, the market for Young has not been particularly strong in recent seasons. The Hawks` ability and willingness to trade him may depend on the offers they receive and their valuation of his trade value.

What might differ now is that the emergence of Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher has provided the Hawks with more roster stability, potentially making a trade involving their star guard more feasible.

No. 14: San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks)

While Victor Wembanyama is a unique talent, the Spurs still need a player who can provide rim protection when he is not on the court. What are their options for addressing this need?

San Antonio traded backup center Zach Collins earlier in the season. Charles Bassey, another option at center, has faced significant injury issues, missing a large portion of the recent games due to a knee injury.

Bassey has a history of knee injuries, with his previous two seasons also ending prematurely, and he has not played more than 36 games in any of his four NBA seasons.

Considering Bassey`s injury history and his impending free agency, addressing the need for reliable depth behind Wembanyama is a priority for the Spurs.

However, San Antonio is unlikely to force a pick in the draft simply to fill this need if a suitable prospect isn`t available. It`s more probable that the team will look to add a reserve center through free agency, where there are typically more proven options ready to contribute immediately.

The Spurs may feel they don`t have the luxury of waiting for a young center prospect to develop.