While the lottery picks grab headlines, the NBA Draft’s second round has a rich history of unearthing future stars and vital rotation players. Legends like Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, Draymond Green, and Manu Ginobili famously heard their names called after the first 30 selections. The 2025 NBA Draft was no different, offering teams opportunities to find potential breakout players, specialists, or long-term projects.
Grading second-round picks operates on a different curve than the first. Expectations are generally lower, and the “misses” aren’t as costly. Success is often measured by simply finding someone who can contribute to an NBA rotation, make a roster on a two-way contract, or develop into a valuable asset down the line, even if via draft-and-stash. Here’s a look at every pick made in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, alongside analysis and grades based on value, fit, and potential. (Note: Grades here reflect a more lenient scale appropriate for the second round).
Boston Celtics (Grade: B-)
46. Amari Williams, Center, Kentucky: A physically imposing 6’11”, 255-pound big man known for his high-level passing, particularly from the high post. Scouts note his lower NBA athleticism, which raises questions about his ability to defend in space or be an elite rim protector. He also lacks a consistent outside shot. Likely a two-way or G-League candidate, he’ll need to prove his game is more than just passing to stick.
57. Max Shulga, Guard, VCU (via trade with Orlando): A Ukrainian-born 6’4″ guard who spent five years in college after playing in Spain. He’s valued for his shooting prowess, hitting 38.7% from three last season and 41.5% the year prior. The major swing skill for Shulga is his defense, which draws mixed reviews. He projects as a poised, versatile shooter, likely starting on a two-way deal while working to prove he can defend his position effectively.
Charlotte Hornets (Grade: B+)
33. Sion James, Guard, Duke: A 6’5″ senior guard with four years at Tulane before his final season at Duke. Praised for his quality defense and smart decision-making, traits expected to translate. His jumper improved significantly, hitting 41.3% from three last season. The primary question revolves around his offense beyond spot-up shooting; he was a relatively low-usage player, needing to demonstrate he can be enough of a scoring threat at the next level.
34. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Center, Creighton: A 7’2″ super senior and defensive force at Creighton, averaging 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. He’s a classic drop-coverage rim protector. While his size and instincts are NBA-ready, his athleticism is considered low by league standards, potentially making him vulnerable in space. Shooting outside 10 feet is also a question. Acquired via trade, he could immediately see backup minutes, especially after the team moved Mark Williams.
Chicago Bulls (Grade: C)
55. Lachlan Olbrich, Center, Illawarra (via trade): A 6’9″ center from Australia with an excellent feel for the game and high IQ. His NBA fit is challenging; he’s undersized to defend NBA centers and lacks the shooting range required for a modern power forward. Scouts appreciate his high motor and toughness, projecting him as a screen-and-dive reserve. He’s a likely draft-and-stash candidate who will continue to develop in the NBL, hoping to add a respectable outside shot.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Grade: B+)
49. Tyrese Proctor, Guard, Duke: Seen by some as a potential steal. The 6’4″ guard became a high-level shooter at Duke, hitting 40.5% from three last season. He lacks explosive athleticism and isn’t viewed as an NBA point guard but could carve out a role as a 3&D combo guard if he can add strength (listed as skinny, which impacts his defense). He also possesses great passing vision. An appealing short-term piece, potentially replacing Ty Jerome.
58. Saliou Niang, Guard/Forward, Dolomiti Energia Trento: An Italian wing with impressive physical tools and high energy, but his shooting and ball-handling are not yet NBA ready. Considered very raw, needing significant improvement in shooting and decision-making. Niang is likely a draft-and-stash player who will continue his development overseas.
Detroit Pistons (Grade: B+)
37. Chaz Lanier, Guard, Tennessee: Addressing Detroit’s clear need for shooting, Lanier is highlighted as a perfect fit. He shot 39.5% from three last season and is a good movement shooter, drawing comparisons to Malik Beasley. The challenge is everything else; he isn’t a strong defender or playmaker, lacking size and playmaking for his age. He needs to round out his game, but taking a skilled shooter at this spot was a sound decision.
Golden State Warriors (Grade: B)
52. Alex Toohey, Forward, Sydney Kings (via trade with Phoenix): A 6’8″ Australian wing recognized as an impressive defender with a good feel for the game. He fits the Warriors’ motion offense. The primary question is his shooting; he hit just 30.2% from three last season. He’s a potential draft-and-stash to develop this skill in the NBL, seen as a versatile “jack-of-all-trades.”
56. Will Richard, Guard, Florida (via trade with Memphis): A 6’3″ guard who was a key player on Florida’s national championship team. He’s good at many things but lacks an elite, NBA-level skill. Known for his energy defense and versatile shooting off the dribble, his path to sticking in the league is difficult, but Golden State might use a two-way spot to see if something clicks.
Indiana Pacers (Grade: B)
38. Kam Jones, Guard, Marquette (via trade with Spurs): At 23, Jones is an older, experienced playmaker who averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists. He’s in the second round due to a lack of explosive athleticism and streaky shooting (31.1% from three). He’s a steady, crafty combo guard and lead handler, offering advanced shot creation and developing playmaking feel, making him a solid pickup to potentially fill point guard minutes, seen more as a “cog” than a star.
54. Taelon Peter, Guard, Liberty: A 6’4″ guard known for his shooting, though he primarily came off the bench. He was not highly ranked on most draft boards but was a true sleeper who led the NCAA in true shooting percentage. The Pacers took a chance on his knockdown 3-point ability and crafty finishing late in the round.
LA Clippers (Grade: B)
50. Kobe Sanders, Guard/Forward, Nevada: A 6’7″ wing who averaged 15.8 points, showcasing impressive pull-up jumpers and an excellent feel for the game. He impressed at the Portsmouth Invitational and NBA Draft Combine. While athleticism is a concern, his size, touch, passing, and potential to play a “Ben Simmons role” with added shooting give him an NBA chance, likely on a two-way contract.
Los Angeles Lakers (Grade: A-)
36. Adou Thiero, Forward, Arkansas (via trade): The Lakers reportedly made aggressive trades to target Thiero, seeking depth and athleticism on the wing. Thiero is potentially one of the most explosive athletes in the entire draft. With good size (6’6″ with a 7-foot wingspan), he’s an excellent defender and plays hard, projecting as someone Lakers fans will appreciate. He can attack the rim, but his jump shot (25.6% from three) needs significant improvement to make a big impact in the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies (Grade: B)
48. Javon Small, Guard, West Virginia: A 6’1″ guard with potential as a backup playmaker. Despite being undersized, he plays bigger thanks to his athleticism and grit, described as a scrappy, hard-working player. He’s a knockdown catch-and-shoot player and solid lead guard. His lack of size caps his upside, but he’s a good roll of the dice, capable of playing alongside or filling in for Ja Morant.
59. Jahmai Mashack, Guard/Forward, Tennessee (via trade): As “Mr. Irrelevant,” the last pick, Mashack follows in the footsteps of past successful late picks like Isaiah Thomas. His primary strength is being an elite defender, considered one of the best in the draft overall. If he can develop enough of a shot and ball-handling skills, he has a path to an NBA role, but currently has significant work to do offensively.
Milwaukee Bucks (Grade: B+)
47. Bogoljub Marković, Forward, Mega Basket: A 6’11” Serbian big man who fits a familiar archetype: intriguing offensive skills but serious defensive questions. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds and showed promise as a shooter and quality playmaker in the Adriatic League. Some analysts considered him a steal, ranking him much higher than 47 on their boards. To stick with the Bucks, he needs significant muscle gain and defensive improvement, potentially benefiting from a draft-and-stash year, but is seen as a high-upside stretch four.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Grade: B)
45. Rocco Zikarsky, Center, Brisbane: An 18-year-old Australian project who stands 7’3″, making him one of the tallest players in the league immediately. He moves well for his size and projects as a traditional rim-running, paint-protecting big man. Still raw, this is a long-term play; he may remain in Australia’s NBL for a year or two to continue developing.
New Orleans Pelicans (Grade: B)
40. Micah Peavy, Guard/Forward, Georgetown (via trade): A 6’6″ wing and a high-level defender who had a significant offensive breakout as a fifth-year senior, averaging 17.2 points and shooting 40%. While scouts are often skeptical of such late offensive leaps, this one appears potentially real. He’s a switchable wing stopper with NBA-ready defense, instincts, and passing feel, seen as a good fit alongside Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. If his improved shot holds, he could be a rotation player for a decade.
New York Knicks (Grade: B-)
51. Mohamed Diawara, Forward, Cholet: A 20-year-old French wing with impressive athleticism and a 7’4″ wingspan, but he is still very raw and finding his way playing overseas. He possesses ideal physical dimensions but limited production. Likely a draft-and-stash player to develop overseas for a year or two, seen by some as a “big swing” pick rather than an immediate prospect.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Grade: B)
44. Brooks Barnhizer, Guard/Forward, Northwestern: A 6’5″ guard with a 6’11” wingspan, known for playing with a very high IQ and being disruptive defensively. He fits the “Thunder mold.” However, he needs significant work on the offensive end, particularly his catch-and-shoot jumper. Given OKC’s deep roster, he may need to earn his spot via a two-way contract, with potential for shot improvement under the team’s development staff.
Orlando Magic (Grade: A-)
32. Noah Penda, Forward, Le Mans (via trade with Celtics): A 6’8″ French forward described as an outstanding defender who plays with a veteran’s mind and winning mentality. He offers connective playmaking and switchable defense with a high-level feel for the game, fitting the Magic’s defensive-minded style as a “glue guy.” Like many second-rounders, questions remain about his shot, but his unselfishness and defensive utility provide a strong foundation, making this a strong pick.
Philadelphia 76ers (Grade: B)
35. Johni Broome, Forward/Center, Auburn: The SEC Player of the Year and a highly productive college player (6’9″ big man). There are questions about whether his game, good at many things but potentially lacking one elite NBA skill, will translate. He’s seen as a ready-made interior finisher with passing feel and tone-setting defense, potentially the best backup center of the Joel Embiid era if his perimeter lateral movement improves. Considered a good bet in the second round.
Phoenix Suns (Grade: A-)
31. Rasheer Fleming, Forward, Saint Joseph’s (via trade with Minnesota): Phoenix traded up to secure the first pick of the second round for Fleming, a 6’8″ 3&D forward with athleticism and a 7’5″ wingspan. He can defend energetically and shot 39% from three last season. Evaluated as a hustler and good spot-up shooter, he feels likely to play minutes for the Suns next season as a floor spacer.
41. Koby Brea, Guard, Kentucky (via trade with Golden State): Potentially the best catch-and-shoot player in the draft, with good size at 6’5″ for an NBA wing. While his shooting prowess is a clear path to a rotation spot (drilled 43.4% from three in college), his defense and most other parts of his game need significant work. Taking a specialist shooter at pick 41 is considered a good risk.
Sacramento Kings (Grade: B)
42. Maxime Raynaud, Forward/Center, Stanford: A 7-foot “stretch five” called a potential steal by some analysts who believed he could have been a first-round pick. He brings significant offensive skills, averaging 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds and shooting 34.7% from three. He also shows ability to slash and make “eye-popping” passes. The main question is his defense – can he hold his own well enough to stay on the floor? If so, this is a quality pick.
Toronto Raptors (Grade: B)
39. Alijah Martin, Guard, Florida: A 6’1″ fifth-year senior guard known as one of the best defenders in the draft class. He’s a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size, impacting the game with toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit. His size and streaky shooting/creation likely kept him out of the first round, but he “just knows how to ball” and fits the Raptors’ focus on building a defensive identity. Projects as a solid backup.
Utah Jazz (Grade: B)
53. John Tonje, Guard, Wisconsin: An older player (will be 24), a college veteran known for playing with force and not shying away from contact, averaging 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds and shooting 38.8% from three. He enters the NBA with ready-made skills as an off-ball movement scorer. His main concern is defense. What the Jazz see is likely what they’ll get, making him a good gamble at No. 53 as a potential backup.
Washington Wizards (Grade: B)
- 43. Jamir Watkins, Guard, Florida State: Another older player (will be 24) taken in the second round with hopes of contributing immediately. He’s a strong defender who stood out at the NBA Draft Combine on that end. He averaged 18.4 points, but teams are not sold on his offense translating sufficiently to keep him on the court. He fits the Wizards’ strategy of drafting versatile pieces who can slash and switch defensively. Considered a decent bet at 43.
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Second Round Themes & Takeaways
The 2025 NBA Draft’s second round highlighted several trends. Teams frequently targeted players with specific, translatable NBA skills, particularly high-level shooting (Shulga, Lanier, Brea, Tonje, Proctor) and elite defense (James, Thiero, Mashack, Peavy, Martin, Barnhizer, Penda, Watkins).
There was a notable presence of older college veterans expected to potentially contribute sooner, contrasting with younger, rawer high-upside projects often eyed for draft-and-stash roles overseas (Olbrich, Niang, Zikarsky, Diawara) or needing significant development time (Williams, Thiero, Markovic, Barnhizer, Penda, Broome).
Trades were prevalent, with many second-round picks being moved on draft night as teams zeroed in on specific targets (Suns trading up for Fleming, Lakers trading up for Thiero, Pacers acquiring Jones and Peter, Magic acquiring Penda, etc.). This reflects a strategy of using second-round picks as currency to acquire desired players rather than simply picking based on best player available.
Several players were flagged by analysts as potential “steals” based on where they were drafted relative to their talent or rankings, including Maxime Raynaud (42), Bogoljub Markovic (47), Taelon Peter (54), and Tyrese Proctor (49).
While some analysts viewed the 2025 second round as weaker than past years, potentially due to the impact of NIL keeping players in college longer, teams still found players with clear paths to potential NBA roles, whether as specialists, defensive anchors, or high-upside projects. Additionally, a number of notable college players immediately signed as undrafted free agents after the draft concluded, including Hunter Dickinson (Pelicans), Mark Sears (Bucks), and Eric Dixon (Lakers).
The second round is where teams hope player development and fit can unlock hidden value. Only time will tell which of these 59 players will join the esteemed list of second-round success stories.
