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New York, June 26, 2025 — The 2025 NBA Draft opened with a star-studded top three: Cooper Flagg went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, followed by Dylan Harper at No. 2 to the San Antonio Spurs, and VJ Edgecombe at No. 3 to the Philadelphia 76ers—a trio billed as the new cornerstone generation of the NBA.
No. 1: Cooper Flagg to Dallas Mavericks
- Background & Stats: Standing 6’9″ and weighing 225 lbs, the Duke freshman from Newport, Maine, averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks, earning ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC All-Defensive honors, and the prestigious Wooden Award as the nation’s best college player.
- Draft Context: Dallas secured the No. 1 pick with just a 1.8% lottery chance after trading Luka Dončić. Flagg’s selection has been graded an A+, highlighting his elite two-way game and immediate impact potential.
- Significance: Flagg becomes the first White American top pick since 1977 and the first from Maine since 1984. Analysts project he’ll be the Mavericks’ new franchise face.
No. 2: Dylan Harper to San Antonio Spurs
- Profile: A 6’6″ combo guard from Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning third-team All-Big Ten and All-Freshman honors.
- Draft Impact: Selected second by the rebuilding Spurs, Harper joins a promising core with Victor Wembanyama and rookie Stephon Castle. Analysts gave the pick an A grade, noting Harper’s size, court vision, and upside, though shooting remains a development area.
- Spurs’ Outlook: Harper expressed excitement to “make an impact any way I can” alongside his new teammates.
No. 3: VJ Edgecombe to Philadelphia 76ers
- College Career: The Bahamian guard from Baylor averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
- Historical Significance: At No. 3, Edgecombe becomes the highest-drafted player in Baylor history.
- Projection: The 76ers earned a B+ for the pick, citing his defensive talent and shooting potential, though further ball-handling growth is expected.
Draft Overview: Top Picks 1–10
Other notable selections in the top 10 include:
- Kon Knueppel (Duke) to Charlotte at No. 4
- Ace Bailey (Rutgers) to Utah at No. 5
- Tre Johnson (Texas) to Washington at No. 6
- Jeremiah Fears, Egor Demin, Collin Murray‑Boyles, and Khaman Maluach round out picks 7–10.
Grades & Reactions
- Dallas: Flagg’s selection receives rave reviews with many analysts declaring it a home run. The Mavericks are banking on his blend of two-way capability and leadership.
- San Antonio: The Spurs are lauded for their potential core build around Harper and Wembanyama, though some caution on shooting.
- Philadelphia: The 76ers’ pick is praised for potential but noted as a developmental project.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Draft firmly emphasizes the league’s youth movement. Flagg, Harper, and Edgecombe are emerging as potential franchise pillars capable of defining the NBA’s next era. With varying developmental trajectories and team fits shaping their futures, analysts and fans alike will watch eagerly as they begin their professional journeys this fall.
