By Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo | ESPN, 2025-05-06 19:30:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2025年NBA选秀乐透抽签将于周一（美国东部时间晚上7点，ESPN直播）如期而至，这再次引发了全联盟的关注。几乎所有球队都将齐聚芝加哥，并正式进入休赛期运作。
普遍预测库珀·弗拉格(Cooper Flagg)将成为状元，并领衔本次NBA选秀。迪伦·哈珀(Dylan Harper)有望成为榜眼，还有许多令人期待的年轻球员——其中很多是大一新生——紧随其后。周一的抽签夜注定会充满悬念，至少有13支NBA球队的命运将很大程度上取决于最终的抽签结果。
ESPN NBA选秀分析师乔纳森·吉沃尼(Jonathan Givony)和杰里米·胡(Jeremy Woo)将对每支乐透球队的前景进行分析，并提供休赛期情报，同时模拟预测如果选秀顺位保持不变，最适合各队的潜力新秀。当然，历史经验表明情况往往并非如此，惊喜随时可能出现。
以下是您在关注周一的选秀乐透抽签前需要了解的信息。
跳转至球队：
犹他 | 华盛顿 | 夏洛特 | 新奥尔良
费城 | 布鲁克林 | 多伦多 | 圣安东尼奥 | 休斯顿
波特兰 | 达拉斯 | 芝加哥 | 亚特兰大
No. 1 犹他爵士
状元签概率： 14% | 前四顺位概率： 52.1%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 库珀·弗拉格，杜克大学，小前锋/大前锋
- 迪伦·哈珀，罗格斯大学，控球后卫
如果他们最终获得状元签，最有可能的选择： 弗拉格
任何NBA球队都会很高兴得到弗拉格，但犹他爵士尤其需要这位杜克大学大一新生的明星效应。爵士队本赛季有意识地摆烂，最终以联盟最差战绩（17胜65负）收官。在交易了鲁迪·戈贝尔(Rudy Gobert)和多诺万·米切尔(Donovan Mitchell)，并正式开启重建进程后，爵士队在过去两个选秀乐透年份（2022-24）一无所获，分别赢得了37场和31场比赛。
即使弗拉格无法解决爵士队的所有问题，但他也能与劳里·马尔卡宁(Lauri Markkanen)（如果被认为符合爵士队的时间表）和沃克·凯斯勒(Walker Kessler)组成一个身材高大、多才多艺且极具威胁的锋线组合，同时也将获得足够的持球进攻机会，从而充分发挥他的潜力。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于爵士队的消息： 从历史上看，吸引明星自由球员加盟犹他州并非易事，这给球队管理层带来了压力，他们需要在交易市场，尤其是在选秀大会上有所斩获，而球队在选秀大会上的储备颇为充足，为未来的成功奠定了基础。
爵士队在今年的选秀大会上拥有两个首轮选秀权（包括本次抽签的选秀权和第21顺位选秀权）和多个次轮选秀权，此外还拥有来自骑士队、森林狼队、湖人队和太阳队的大量未来选秀权（截止到2031年）。犹他州热情的球迷们将在抽签夜屏住呼吸，希望弗拉格能为球队带来惊喜，最坏的情况是不要跌出前两顺位，因为哈珀同样是一个有希望的长期选择。– 吉沃尼
No. 2 华盛顿奇才
状元签概率： 14% | 前四顺位概率： 52.1%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 埃奇科姆(Edgecombe)
- 贝利(Bailey)
如果他们最终获得榜眼签，最有可能的选择： 哈珀
哈珀是一位擅长持球进攻的球员，奇才队可以利用他来长期提升进攻火力。他有能力给防守端施加压力，让队友打得更轻松。尽管罗格斯大学未能进入NCAA锦标赛，但哈珀在组织进攻和得分方面都展现出了天赋，他的终结能力和传球视野让他能够掌控主要球权。他将成为亚历克斯·萨尔(Alex Sarr)出色的挡拆搭档，并且拥有与有希望的后卫布布·卡林顿(Bub Carrington)并肩作战的身材。
他的球感和体型将与一支仍在重建中的球队的理念相符，这应该会让他对所有乐透球队都具有吸引力，而且无论哪支球队获得榜眼签，他都有很大的机会被选中。– 胡
我们听到的关于奇才队的消息： 奇才队是弗拉格特别有吸引力的潜在下家，他将与萨尔组成坚固的防守骨架，并且有机会在华盛顿充分发挥他的进攻才华。球队管理层中也有很多人是哈珀的忠实拥趸，这位罗格斯大学的后卫将为奇才队提供一位值得球队围绕其打造进攻体系的首席组织者。
华盛顿仍然致力于他们的长期重建计划，并且很可能会在明年再次参加乐透抽签，这使得奇才队能够继续在选秀大会上大胆尝试。如果说2024年的选秀大会有任何预示的话，那就是奇才队非常重视体型，并倾向于选择球感出色的年轻球员。如果他们最终未能获得前两顺位的选秀权，这些标准仍然会指导他们未来的发展方向。– 胡
No. 3 夏洛特黄蜂
状元签概率： 14% | 前四顺位概率： 52.1%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得探花签，最有可能的选择： 贝利
贝利将代表着巨大的天赋潜力，并且在位置上也与球队非常契合，他是一位身材高大、爆发力强且充满活力的外线投射型侧翼得分手，这是每支NBA球队都梦寐以求的。他远未达到自己的潜力上限，但在罗格斯大学的大一赛季中，他展现出了伟大的潜质。
他在纸面上与夏洛特黄蜂队拉梅洛·鲍尔(LaMelo Ball)的活力四射的组织能力以及布兰登·米勒(Brandon Miller)的进攻多样性、技术水平和球场感觉非常契合，这有助于最大限度地减少贝利在这些方面的不足。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于黄蜂队的消息： 在经历了所有权变更以及管理层和教练组的全面改革之后不到两年，黄蜂队仍然坚定地处于人才引进模式，今年选秀乐透抽签的结果将对他们摆脱NBA的低迷状态起到至关重要的作用。
黄蜂队在2023年选中的榜眼秀米勒在健康时展现出了相当大的潜力，但由于手腕伤病和其他疾病缺席了本赛季的大部分比赛。球队还面临着一个重要的决定，那就是关于23岁的鲍尔，他被认为是潜在的交易对象，但由于伤病，他在过去三个赛季中只打了105场比赛。
在与湖人队交易马克·威廉姆斯(Mark Williams)失败后，以及新秀蒂贾尼·萨劳恩(Tidjane Salaun)令人有些失望的赛季之后，黄蜂队还有时间，但他们非常需要5月12日的好运，以推动球队朝着更加明确的方向发展。– 吉沃尼
No. 4 新奥尔良鹈鹕
状元签概率： 12.5% | 前四顺位概率： 48.1%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 埃奇科姆
- 贝利
如果他们最终获得第四顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 埃奇科姆
埃奇科姆对新奥尔良鹈鹕队来说显然非常有吸引力，这支球队一直渴望在后场拥有一位年轻的球星。一旦弗拉格和哈珀被选中，各支球队对于哪位新秀应该排在第三位将会存在大量的争论和分歧，这使得选秀的这个位置变得特别有趣，尤其是在联合试训临近之际。
联盟中的一些人认为埃奇科姆比贝利略微稳妥一些，即使两人都可用，他可能也更适合鹈鹕队。埃奇科姆的身体素质以及作为一名持球手的成长空间给了他很大的上升空间，但他还有很长的路要走才能承担起如此重要的角色。– 胡
我们听到的关于鹈鹕队的消息： 拥有资深管理人员乔·杜马斯(Joe Dumars)和特洛伊·韦弗(Troy Weaver)掌舵的鹈鹕队将采取什么样的选秀策略，还有待观察，竞争对手对此感到好奇。过去几个赛季，新奥尔良队一直在原地踏步，锡安·威廉姆森(Zion Williamson)的伤病和状态不佳是球队表现不佳的主要原因。
当然，球队阵容中已经有足够的天赋，下赛季实现积极的转变应该是一个可行的目标，这使得本次选秀大会可能成为鹈鹕队在可预见的未来中最有希望获得高顺位选秀权的机会。从历史上看，杜马斯和韦弗都没有回避大胆尝试，这可能会使他们成为选秀大会和交易市场上的黑马，因为他们从人员和选秀权的角度来看，继承了一个相对有利的局面。– 胡
No. 5 费城76人
状元签概率： 10.5% | 前四顺位概率： 42.1%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第五顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 耶利米·菲尔斯(Jeremiah Fears)，俄克拉荷马大学，控球后卫
菲尔斯和特雷·约翰逊(Tre Johnson)都将获得比这个顺位更高的关注——甚至可能从第三顺位开始，因为NBA圈子里对这两位新秀的长期发展前景都抱有很大的热情。菲尔斯在本赛季末的SEC分区锦标赛和NCAA锦标赛上的表现突出了他作为一名主要进攻发起者所拥有的巨大明星效应和潜力。他可以随意突破到内线，以多种方式得分，并且可以在移动中创造性地找到队友。
约翰逊更适合球队的位置（与泰雷斯·马克西(Tyrese Maxey)和贾里德·麦凯恩(Jared McCain)搭档）、即战力以及他的身高和臂展，这些都将使他始终处于讨论之中。试训、面试和背景调查的结果可能会对76人队（或其他在这个顺位选秀的球队）的最终选择产生重大影响。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于76人队的消息： 76人队从拉斯维加斯季前赛夺冠赔率榜前五的球队变成了以联盟第五差的战绩（24胜58负）结束赛季的球队。如果两支或更多球队在选秀乐透抽签中超越他们，并将费城队推至第7顺位或更低，这意味着他们的选秀权将作为2020年艾尔·霍福德(Al Horford)交易的一部分转让给俄克拉荷马城雷霆队，那么情况可能会变得更糟。
如果76人队最终进入前六顺位（他们有64.6%的概率），他们将面临一个艰难的决定。他们是应该选择最能帮助球队在下赛季赢球的球员，还是应该选择他们认为在五年后会成为最佳球员的新秀？– 吉沃尼
No. 6 布鲁克林篮网
状元签概率： 9.0% | 前四顺位概率： 37.2%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第六顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 特雷·约翰逊，德克萨斯大学，得分后卫
约翰逊在本赛季展现出了他的得分能力，尽管效率有所下降，但他的选秀行情有所上涨。虽然篮网队在过去两个赛季严重依赖卡姆·托马斯(Cam Thomas)——另一位同样擅长控球的得分后卫——但约翰逊的身材、年龄和进攻潜力使他值得篮网队考虑，因为篮网队上赛季的进攻效率排名联盟倒数第三。
约翰逊喜欢投高难度投篮以及偶尔出现的过度侵略性行为让球探们对他褒贬不一，但在一个以进攻为主导的联盟中，他是选秀大会上最有天赋的得分手之一。他是一位值得培养的球员，并且可以在布鲁克林立即扮演重要角色。– 胡
我们听到的关于篮网队的消息： 竞争对手之间的传言是，即使在去年夏天重新获得了自己的选秀权之后，篮网队也不打算真正进行长期的摆烂。篮网队在今年休赛期拥有联盟最多的薪金空间，但考虑到2026年选秀大会上的顶级新秀以及球队需要进行重大调整才能争夺季后赛席位，因此耐心仍然是一种美德。
布鲁克林目前缺少一位核心级别的球员，无论选秀顺位如何，他们都有机会利用这次选秀来发掘潜力，从而确定球队未来的发展方向。篮网队可以等到合适的球星出现后再改变策略。– 胡
No. 7 多伦多猛龙
状元签概率： 7.5% | 前四顺位概率： 31.9%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第七顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 哈曼·马卢阿奇(Khaman Maluach)，杜克大学，中锋
猛龙队在本赛季末的出色表现——在最后43场比赛中取得了22胜21负的战绩——降低了他们获得高顺位选秀权的机会，他们希望能够像2021年那样拥有好运。当年他们从第7顺位跃升至第4顺位，并选中了最终获得NBA年度最佳新秀和全明星的斯科蒂·巴恩斯(Scottie Barnes)。雅各布·珀尔特尔(Jakob Poeltl)即将进入合同中由球队控制的最后一个赛季（2026-27赛季拥有球员选项），因此考虑他的继任者是有道理的，因为他在2025-26赛季开始前将年满30岁。
马卢阿奇拥有多伦多队管理层一直渴望的身高、防守多样性、强度和性格，而且鉴于他们过去的选秀历史以及马卢阿奇的南苏丹和NBA非洲学院的背景，猛龙队将会非常了解他。（猛龙队在去年6月选中了来自NBA非洲学院的第一位球员乌尔里希·乔姆切(Ulrich Chomche)。）– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于猛龙队的消息： 为巴恩斯配备合适的球员，并找到弥补他并不稳定的三分球投篮的优化策略将继续是管理层优先考虑的事情，尤其是考虑到布兰登·英格拉姆(Brandon Ingram)也在球队中。
考虑到球队的大部分核心球员都在21岁到27岁之间，猛龙队下赛季的进攻端会有怎样的提升将是一件有趣的事情。球队对于这次选秀的选择方向——无论是后卫、侧翼、前锋还是大个子——都将揭示人们应该如何看待这支球队的现有阵容。– 吉沃尼
No. 8 圣安东尼奥马刺
状元签概率： 6.0% | 前四顺位概率： 26.3%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 埃奇科姆
- 贝利
如果他们最终获得第八顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 卡斯帕拉斯·雅库西奥尼斯(Kasparas Jakucionis)，伊利诺伊大学，控球后卫/得分后卫
雅库西奥尼斯拥有的进攻创造力、无形资产和国际背景，这些传统上都对马刺队具有吸引力。
虽然圣安东尼奥马刺队在过去一年中通过选秀斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)和交易德阿隆·福克斯(De’Aaron Fox)大大改善了他们的后场，但马刺队应该被雅库西奥尼斯的外线投篮、无私精神和能够胜任两个后卫位置的能力所吸引，这些技能让他有机会成为NBA球队中一名出色的角色球员，并且对于球队的长期发展来说是一个明智的投资。– 胡
我们听到的关于马刺队的消息： 圣安东尼奥马刺队的目标是在下赛季让健康的维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)进入季后赛，这意味着他们将探索所有途径来在短期内改善他们的阵容，并且将会参与自由球员交易市场以引进成熟的天赋。
文班亚马的年轻以及马刺队的优势地位使得他们能够着眼于长远，正如去年选秀大会上，他们将第8顺位选秀权交易给明尼苏达森林狼队以换取未来的资产所证明的那样。围绕他们这位21岁冉冉升起的新星打好基础并建立一个可持续的长期基础仍然非常重要。
福克斯的交易表明马刺队愿意积极加快他们的发展时间表，而他们对待这些选秀权的方式可能反映了他们如何看待自己的需求以及其他年轻球员与球队的契合度。– 胡
No. 9 休斯顿火箭（来自菲尼克斯）
状元签概率： 3.8% | 前四顺位概率： 17.3%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第九顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 孔·克内佩尔(Kon Knueppel)，杜克大学，得分后卫/小前锋
火箭队通过与布鲁克林篮网队的一笔复杂交易获得了菲尼克斯太阳队的首轮选秀权（不受保护），这应该会在未来几年产生可观的回报。在经历了52胜20负的常规赛之后，火箭队在季后赛首轮被排名第七的金州勇士队淘汰，在七场比赛中失利，暴露出他们缺乏经验和进攻端不稳定等缺点。
考虑到2023年和2024年的首轮选秀权卡姆·惠特莫尔(Cam Whitmore)和里德·谢泼德(Reed Sheppard)在一支实力雄厚的球队中难以获得上场时间，因此火箭队对于再增加一名年轻球员的兴趣还有待观察。
克内佩尔的外线投篮、球场感觉、韧性和成熟度似乎会让他比这个顺位的其他新秀更有机会进入球队阵容并在短期内增加价值，特别是如果球队未来转向谢泼德/阿门·汤普森(Amen Thompson)的后场组合，而杰伦·格林(Jalen Green)能够在2027年成为一名完全自由球员。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于火箭队的消息： 在选秀大会之前，火箭队将成为交易活动的重要中心，因为他们的阵容显然与任何其他参加选秀乐透抽签的球队的时间表不同。
火箭队应该如何处理这个选秀权可能会引发激烈的争论，因为他们是像扬尼斯·阿德托昆博(Giannis Antetokounmpo)、凯文·杜兰特(Kevin Durant)或贾·莫兰特(Ja Morant)这样的老将球星的潜在目标，但他们也有薪金空间和奢侈税的影响需要长期考虑，因为格林和阿尔佩伦·申京(Alperen Sengun)的续约将在今年休赛期生效——而且随着弗雷德·范弗利特(Fred VanVleet)的球队选项和斯蒂文·亚当斯(Steven Adams)的完全自由球员身份即将到来，未来还将面临大量的支出。– 吉沃尼
No. 10 波特兰开拓者
状元签概率： 3.8% | 前四顺位概率： 16.9%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第十顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 德里克·奎因(Derik Queen)，马里兰大学，大前锋/中锋
奎因拥有其他内线球员所不具备的进攻潜力，但他必须提高自己的习惯，并在防守端付出更多努力，才能最大限度地抓住在NBA取得成功的机会。
波特兰开拓者队拥有一位出色的篮筐保护者多诺万·克林根(Donovan Clingan)，他可以在双塔阵容中帮助弥补奎因的不足，如果波特兰愿意在他身上赌一把并这样打球，他将是一个有趣的考虑对象。拥有一位像奎因这样的内线组织者可能会减轻他们后卫的压力，并最终使他们的进攻更具活力。– 胡
我们听到的关于开拓者队的消息： 波特兰的阵容在本赛季向前迈出了虽小但重要的一步，内部球员的成长以及德尼·阿夫迪亚(Deni Avdija)的加入使他们进入了附加赛席位的争夺范围。球队老板奖励了总经理乔·克罗宁(Joe Cronin)和教练昌西·比卢普斯(Chauncey Billups)续约合同，为开拓者队的领导层提供了更多稳定性。
球队还有很多工作要做才能提升实力，克林根有助于巩固防守，图马尼·卡马拉(Toumani Camara)看起来是一笔不错的发现，而斯库特·亨德森(Scoot Henderson)最好也已经准备好承担更多的责任。竞争对手一直对波特兰的竞争时间表感到好奇，而他们在这个休赛期采取的方向将表明他们对于竞争的紧迫性。在选秀乐透抽签中获得意想不到的好运将对确定球队的发展方向产生巨大的影响。– 胡
No. 11 达拉斯独行侠
状元签概率： 1.8% | 前四顺位概率： 8.5%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 埃奇科姆
- 贝利
如果他们最终获得第十一顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 科林·穆雷-博伊斯(Collin Murray-Boyles)，南卡罗来纳大学，大前锋
穆雷-博伊斯应该能够在下赛季从替补席上做出贡献，他的比赛中展现出的韧性和成熟度受到了球探的赞赏。即使在南卡罗来纳大学的失利环境中，他的效率和稳定性也使他始终处于首轮选秀的考虑范围之内，并且应该使他成为需要立即补充阵容深度的球队的考虑对象，例如达拉斯独行侠队。
独行侠队拥有一位真正的篮筐保护者德雷克·莱夫利二世(Dereck Lively II)，他可以让穆雷-博伊斯打4号位，这是他最适合的位置，而且他可能会立即在这里增加价值。在一个年轻新秀众多的选秀大会上，独行侠队可能想在这里选择一位经验更丰富的球员。– 胡
我们听到的关于独行侠队的消息：
卢卡·东契奇(Luka Doncic)交易的后续影响仍在NBA中回荡，独行侠队总经理尼科·哈里森(Nico Harrison)将自己和球队置于巨大的显微镜下，备战下赛季。
达拉斯队拥有自己的选秀权——并且有很小的机会在选秀中提升顺位——在经历了有效结束他们赛季的一系列伤病之后，这也许是一些小小的补偿。独行侠队应该在市场上寻找一位能够立即帮助球队的球员，或者利用这个选秀权通过其他方式升级球队，因为在凯里·欧文(Kyrie Irving)和安东尼·戴维斯(Anthony Davis)保持完全健康的情况下，竞争窗口似乎不会特别长。– 胡
No. 12 芝加哥公牛
状元签概率： 1.8% | 前四顺位概率： 8%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第十二顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 埃戈尔·德明(Egor Demin)，BYU大学，控球后卫/得分后卫
公牛队肯定会希望重演去年的选秀大会，当时马塔斯·布泽利斯(Matas Buzelis)莫名其妙地跌出了前5顺位，最终在第11顺位被选中，并在赛季进行过程中成为了一笔重要的发现。
埃戈尔·德明是一位更具争议的新秀，但他出色的体型、球场感觉、组织能力和长期潜力，将受到每支在这个顺位选秀的球队的密切研究。他与受限制自由球员约什·基迪(Josh Giddey)的契合度以及基迪的去留都需要仔细考虑，但他是一位多位置潜力新秀，如果他的外线投篮能够如预期般进步，他可以适应多种阵容。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于公牛队的消息： 公牛队在本赛季继续快乐地原地踏步，在附加赛首轮失利，此前他们以39胜43负的战绩结束了赛季，距离他们上次赢得季后赛系列赛已经过去了十年。
德玛尔·德罗赞(DeMar DeRozan)和扎克·拉文(Zach LaVine)的交易标志着芝加哥公牛队新时代的开始，这使得球迷们几乎没有球星可以依赖，并且正在寻找球队长期发展方向的线索。
公牛队可能需要在未来以更严肃的方式改变阵容，才能有切实的机会避免进入附加赛。基迪的受限制自由球员身份和科比·怀特(Coby White)的续约资格将在很大程度上影响公牛队的薪金空间和长期阵容，但管理层需要在前场和侧翼都填补空缺。– 吉沃尼
No. 13 亚特兰大老鹰（来自萨克拉门托）
状元签概率： 0.8% | 前四顺位概率： 3.8%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果老鹰队最终获得第十三顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 杰斯·理查德森(Jase Richardson)，密歇根州立大学，控球后卫/得分后卫
理查德森在本赛季为自己辩护，证明自己是一位扎实的辅助球员，并且有进步的空间，他在密歇根州立大学展现出了全面的能力，并且在有球和无球状态下都表现出了扎实的努力。这种多功能性与老鹰队目前的阵容非常契合，作为一名即插即用的选择，能够在特雷·杨(Trae Young)和戴森·丹尼尔斯(Dyson Daniels)身后和身边轮换，并且能够平衡阵容。
老鹰队也应该在这个顺位考虑大个子球员，以培养前场深度，琼·贝林格(Joan Beringer)和诺阿·埃森格(Noa Essengue)（都是国际球员）等球员都提供了有趣的潜力。– 胡
我们听到的关于老鹰队和国王队的消息： 萨克拉门托国王队只有在跃升至前四顺位的情况下才能保留这个选秀权，否则它将归亚特兰大老鹰队所有。这对国王队来说显然是一次政变，但这种概率只有3.8%。
老鹰队在解雇了兰德里·菲尔兹(Landry Fields)，晋升奥西·萨利赫(Onsi Saleh)为总经理之后进入了休赛期，并且正在寻找一位篮球运营总裁。
亚特兰大的最大问题，似乎每年都是如此，是特雷·杨(Trae Young)会发生什么，他在附加赛中输给魔术队，以令人失望的方式结束了本赛季。人们已经考虑了一段时间，老鹰队可能会放弃杨，但由于他庞大的合同以及亚特兰大队难以围绕他打造一支持续的胜利球队，他在交易市场上的前景也很棘手。老鹰队上赛季在阵容上取得了进展，戴森·丹尼尔斯(Dyson Daniels)取得了突破，扎卡里·里萨谢(Zaccharie Risacher)也立即成为了球队的固定阵容，但这些挥之不去的问题需要在休赛期得到解答。– 胡
No. 14 圣安东尼奥（来自亚特兰大）
状元签概率： 0.8% | 前四顺位概率： 3.4%
如果他们最终进入前四顺位，他们应该选择…
- 弗拉格
- 哈珀
- 贝利
- 埃奇科姆
如果他们最终获得第十四顺位选秀权，最有可能的选择： 威尔·莱利(Will Riley)，伊利诺伊大学，得分后卫/小前锋
马刺队获得了这个选秀权，这是他们第二次参加选秀乐透抽签，这是2022年精明的德章泰·默里(Dejounte Murray)交易的一部分，该交易还将在2027年为他们带来一个不受保护的老鹰队选秀权。马刺队拥有任何参加选秀乐透抽签的球队中最令人羡慕的地位，他们拥有文班亚马和卡斯尔这两位成本可控的年度最佳新秀，并且在未来几年内还将获得相当多的选秀权和互换权。
从长远来看，增加外线和前场的投射能力可能是球队的首要任务，雅库西奥尼斯、克内佩尔、莱特(Wright)和卡特·布莱恩特(Carter Bryant)（亚利桑那大学）都可能在第8和第14顺位获得长期关注。– 吉沃尼
我们听到的关于马刺队的消息： 马刺队去年交易了第8顺位选秀权，以换取明尼苏达森林狼队2031年的不受保护首轮选秀权和一个2030年的前一顺位受保护的选秀权互换权，这表明他们愿意采取耐心的方法来构建阵容。他们从2月份的福克斯交易开始兑现他们的选秀权，而他们如何对待今年的选秀将告诉我们很多关于他们如何看待长期阵容的信息。
他们是会继续增加年轻球员来围绕文班亚马，还是会为了像杜兰特或阿德托昆博这样的老将球星而全力以赴，从而努力向总冠军迈出更大的一步？– 吉沃尼
乔纳森·吉沃尼是一位NBA选秀专家，也是DraftExpress.com的创始人兼共同所有者，DraftExpress.com是一家为NBA、NCAA和国际球队提供服务的私人球探和分析服务机构。
杰里米·胡是一位NBA分析师，专门从事选秀前景评估和选秀大会。他此前是《体育画报》的专职作家和选秀内幕人士。
点击查看原文：2025 NBA draft lottery: Odds for every team, potential picks
2025 NBA draft lottery: Odds for every team, potential picks
The 2025 NBA draft lottery brings its annual wave of intrigue Monday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), with the entire league descending on Chicago and offseason proceedings fully underway for most every franchise.
With Cooper Flagg as the consensus projected No. 1 pick and the headliner of the NBA draft, Dylan Harper representing a strong option at No. 2, and a host of intriguing young players – many of them freshmen – behind them, Monday’s event is shaping up to be a fascinating lottery night, with the fates of at least 13 NBA teams hanging heavily on which combinations are drawn.
ESPN NBA draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo break down the outlook for every team in the lottery, with intel on their offseason ahead and mocking the best prospect fit for each if the order holds constant. Of course, history suggests it won’t, with surprises likely on the horizon.
Here’s what you need to know looking ahead to Monday’s draft lottery.
Jump to a team:
UTA | WAS | CHA | NOR
PHI | BKN | TOR | SAS | HOU
POR | DAL | CHI | ATL
No. 1 Utah Jazz
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Cooper Flagg, Duke, SF/PF\
- Dylan Harper, Rutgers, PG\
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 1: Flagg
Any NBA team would be thrilled to add Flagg, but Utah stands out in particular as needing the star power of the Duke freshman more than others. The Jazz made a concerted effort to bottom out and finish with the league’s worst record (17-65) this season. And Utah is coming off two relatively fruitless years in the lottery (2022-24), winning 37 and 31 games respectively, after trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell and officially kick-starting its rebuilding process.
While he wouldn’t solve all of their issues, Flagg would create a big, versatile and highly formidable frontcourt alongside Lauri Markkanen (if deemed to fit on Utah’s timetable) and Walker Kessler, while being provided with the type of shot-creation responsibility he needs to reach his full potential. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Jazz: Luring star free agents to Utah has historically not been easy, putting pressure on the front office to hit home runs in the trade market and especially via the draft, where the franchise is well-stocked for future success.
The Jazz have a pair of first-round picks (this, and the No. 21 pick) and second-rounders in this year’s draft, as well as a boatload of future picks coming from the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Lakers and Suns between now and 2031. Utah’s passionate fan base will be holding its collective breath on the night of the lottery, hoping to strike gold with Flagg at No. 1, and worst case, not fall past No. 2 where Harper also could be a promising long-term fit. – Givony
No. 2 Washington Wizards
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Edgecombe\
- Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 2: Harper
Harper is the type of ballhandling force the Wizards could use to bolster their offense in the long run, capable of putting downhill pressure on defenses and making life easier for teammates. Although Rutgers didn’t make the NCAA tournament, Harper had flashes of talent as a playmaker and scorer, with the finishing ability and passing vision to command major usage. He would be a strong pick-and-roll partner for lob threat Alex Sarr and has the size to play alongside promising guard Bub Carrington.
His feel and positional size would be a philosophical fit for a team that’s still rebuilding and should make him attractive to every team in the lottery, with a strong chance at being the No. 2 pick regardless of which team selects there. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Wizards: The Wizards stand out as a particularly interesting landing spot for Flagg, who would form a strong defensive backbone with Sarr and have the opportunity to stretch himself offensively in Washington, as well. There are also big fans of Harper in this front office, and the Rutgers guard would give the Wizards a lead playmaker worth building their offense around.
Washington remains committed to its long-haul process and will likely play the lottery again next year, positioning the Wizards to keep taking big swings atop the draft. If their 2024 draft class was any indicator, the Wizards are highly valuing positional size and targeting young players with strong feel. If they don’t end up with a top-two pick, those criteria will still guide what direction they go. – Woo
No. 3 Charlotte Hornets
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 3: Bailey
Bailey would represent both an immense talent swing, as well as a strong fit positionally, bringing in the type of long, explosive, dynamic perimeter shooting wing scorer every NBA team covets. He’s far from reaching his potential but showed flashes of greatness as a freshman at Rutgers.
He would be an excellent match on paper with the dynamic playmaking prowess of Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and the offensive versatility, skill level and feel for the game of Brandon Miller, helping to potentially minimize some of Bailey’s shortcomings in those departments. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Hornets: Less than two years removed from an ownership change and an overhaul of the front office and coaching staff, the Hornets are still firmly in talent acquisition mode, with a lot riding on the results of this year’s draft lottery to propel them out of the doldrums of the NBA.
Miller, the Hornets’ 2023 No. 2 pick, has shown considerable promise when healthy, but missed much of the season with a wrist injury and other ailments. A big decision awaits with the 23-year-old Ball, who has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, but he has played in only 105 games in the past three seasons because of injuries.
After the failed Mark Williams trade with the Lakers at the deadline, and a somewhat discouraging season from rookie Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets have time on their side but could sorely use good luck on May 12 to propel the franchise in a more defined direction. – Givony
No. 4 New Orleans Pelicans
No. 1 pick odds: 12.5% | Top-four pick odds: 48.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Edgecombe\
- Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 4: Edgecombe
Edgecombe would presumably be quite appealing to New Orleans, a team that has been wanting for young star power in the backcourt. There will be plenty of debate and variance from team to team on which prospect should rank third once Flagg and Harper are off the board, making this range of the draft particularly interesting to parse as the combine approaches.
Some around the league view Edgecombe as a slightly safer choice than Bailey, and he might make more sense for the Pelicans even if both are available. Edgecombe’s physicality and room to develop as a ballhandling option give him a good amount of upside, but there’s a long way for him to go to shoulder that large a role. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Pelicans: It remains to be seen what type of approach the Pelicans will take in the draft with veteran executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver now atop the decision-making tree, something rival teams are curious to assess. New Orleans has been treading water the past few seasons, with untimely injuries and Zion Williamson’s struggles to get on track defining their results.
There’s certainly enough talent on the roster that a positive turnaround next season should be a feasible goal, making this potentially the Pelicans’ best chance to pick near the top of the draft for the foreseeable future. Neither Dumars nor Weaver have historically shied away from taking a big swing, which could make them a wild-card team both in the draft and in the trade market as they inherit a relatively friendly situation from a personnel and draft pick perspective. – Woo
No. 5 Philadelphia 76ers
No. 1 pick odds: 10.5% | Top-four pick odds: 42.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 5: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, point guard
Both Fears and Tre Johnson will be getting looks even higher than this slot – potentially starting at No. 3, as there is quite a bit of enthusiasm in NBA circles around both prospects’ long-term futures. Fears’ late-season performances in the SEC and NCAA tournaments highlighted the significant star power and potential he possesses as a primary shot creator who can get paint touches at will, score in a variety of ways and find teammates creatively on the move.
Johnson’s superior positional fit (alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain), readiness to contribute and his size and length will keep him firmly in conversations here, too, with the outcome of workouts, interviews and background research likely to have significant sway in which direction the Sixers (or other teams picking in this range) end up going. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the 76ers: The 76ers went from being one of the top-five contenders in Las Vegas preseason odds to win the championship to finishing with the NBA’s fifth-worst record (24-58). Things could go from bad to worse on the night of the draft lottery if two or more teams jump ahead and push Philadelphia down to the No. 7 pick or lower, meaning their pick would be conveyed to Oklahoma City as part of the Al Horford trade in 2020.
If the Sixers do land in the top six (they have a 64.6% chance), they won’t have an easy decision to make. Do they look to draft the player best equipped to help this iteration of their roster win games next season, or go with the prospect they think will be the best player in five years’ time? – Givony
No. 6 Brooklyn Nets
No. 1 pick odds: 9.0% | Top-four pick odds: 37.2%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 6: Tre Johnson, Texas, shooting guard
Johnson has elevated his draft stock after a season that showcased his scoring prowess, albeit at the expense of some efficiency. While the Nets have leaned heavily the past couple of seasons on Cam Thomas – another 2-guard who can be similarly ball-dominant – Johnson’s size, youth and offensive upside make him worth consideration for a team that owned the third-worst offensive rating last season.
Johnson’s tendency to take tough shots and bouts of overaggressiveness make him polarizing for scouts, but he is one of the draft’s more talented scorers in an offense-driven league. He’d be a player worth developing who could step into a big role right away in Brooklyn. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Nets: The buzz from rival teams has been the Nets aren’t planning for a true long-haul tank, even after reacquiring their own picks last summer. The Nets have the most salary-cap space in the league this offseason, but with a top-heavy 2026 draft on the horizon and a roster in need of major modifications in order to compete for a playoff spot, patience is still a virtue here.
Brooklyn, currently lacking a centerpiece-caliber player, is in position to swing for upside with this pick regardless of where it falls in the lottery as it figures out what the next iteration of its team will look like. The Nets can afford to wait until the right star becomes available to shift gears. – Woo
No. 7 Toronto Raptors
No. 1 pick odds: 7.5% | Top-four pick odds: 31.9%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 7: Khaman Maluach, Duke, center
A strong finish to the season – going 22-21 over the final 43 games – diminished the Raptors’ lottery chances and left them hoping for good fortune similar to 2021 when they moved from No. 7 to No. 4 and selected eventual NBA Rookie of the Year and All-Star Scottie Barnes. With Jakob Poeltl entering the final team-controlled season of his contract (player option for 2026-27), it makes sense to consider his successor, as he will turn 30 before the start of the 2025-26 regular season.
Maluach brings the type of length, defensive versatility, intensity and character Toronto’s front office has often coveted, and he is someone the Raptors will be intimately familiar with given their past draft history and Maluach’s South Sudanese and NBA Academy Africa background. (The Raptors drafted the first player from NBA Academy Africa, Ulrich Chomche, last June.) – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Raptors: Surrounding Barnes with the right players and finding the optimal strategy for compensating for his inconsistent 3-point shooting will continue to be a front office priority, especially with Brandon Ingram in the fold.
With most of the team’s core between 21 to 27 years old, it will be interesting to see what kind of offensive jump the Raptors can make next season. The team’s direction with this pick – be it a guard, wing, forward or big man – will shed insight into how to view this existing group. – Givony
No. 8 San Antonio Spurs
No. 1 pick odds: 6.0% | Top-four pick odds: 26.3%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Edgecombe\
- Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 8: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, point guard/shooting guard
Jakucionis enters the NBA with the caliber of offensive creativity, intangibles and international background that have traditionally been attractive to the Spurs organization.
While San Antonio has significantly improved its backcourt in the past year by drafting Stephon Castle and trading for De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs should be attracted to Jakucionis’ perimeter shooting, unselfishness and ability to play both guard spots, a skill set that gives him avenues to becoming a quality supporting player on an NBA roster and that makes sense as a developmental investment for the long run. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Spurs: San Antonio has designs on getting a healthy Victor Wembanyama to the playoffs next season, which means it will explore all avenues to improve its roster in the short term and will be involved in the free-agent trade market for established talent.
Wembanyama’s youth and the strength of the Spurs’ position has allowed them to keep the long view in mind, as evidenced by draft night last year when they traded the No. 8 pick to Minnesota for future assets. Drafting well and setting a sustainable long-term foundation around their 21-year-old rising star remains important.
The Fox trade signaled the Spurs’ willingness to be aggressive in accelerating their timeline, and the direction they take with these draft picks might be a referendum on how they view their own needs and the fit of other young players on the roster. – Woo
No. 9 Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
No. 1 pick odds: 3.8% | Top-four pick odds: 17.3%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 9: Kon Knueppel, Duke, shooting guard/small forward
The Rockets acquired Phoenix’s first-round pick, unprotected, as part of a complex swap with Brooklyn that should yield significant dividends in coming years. After a 52-20 regular season, the Rockets were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors, losing in seven games while showing shortcomings in terms of their lack of experience and inconsistency on the offensive end.
With 2023 and 2024 first-rounders Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard struggling for minutes on a deep and talented roster, it remains to be seen what the appetite in Houston will be for adding another young player to the mix.
Knueppel’s perimeter shooting, feel for the game, toughness and maturity would seemingly give him a better chance of cracking the lineup and adding value in the near term than other prospects in this range, especially if the franchise pivots to a Sheppard/Amen Thompson backcourt down the road, with Jalen Green able to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Rockets: The Rockets will be a significant hub for trade activity in the lead up to draft night, as their roster is clearly in a different place than any other team selecting in the lottery regarding the franchise’s timetable.
There is likely to be significant debate about what the Rockets should do with this pick, as they are a prime target for an “all-in” type of move for a veteran star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or Ja Morant, but also they have salary cap and luxury tax implications to think about long-term with Green and Alperen Sengun’s extensions kicking in this offseason – and significant expenditure on the horizon with several other big decisions looming in the form of Fred VanVleet’s team option and Steven Adams’ unrestricted free agency. – Givony
No. 10 Portland Trail Blazers
No. 1 pick odds: 3.8% | Top-four pick odds: 16.9%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 10: Derik Queen, Maryland, power forward/center
Queen brings a level of offensive upside that separates him from the other big men in this draft, but he’ll have to sharpen his habits and turn in more effort defensively to maximize his opportunity to excel in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers have an excellent rim protector in Donovan Clingan who could help cover for Queen in double-big lineups, making him an interesting consideration in this spot if Portland is willing to swing on his talent and play that way. Having an interior playmaker such as Queen might take some pressure off their guards and eventually make their offense more dynamic. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Trail Blazers: Portland’s roster took a small but important step forward this season, with internal development and the addition of Deni Avdija putting them within striking distance of a play-in spot. Ownership rewarded general manager Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups with extensions, providing Blazers leadership some added stability moving forward.
There’s still work to do to improve the team, with Clingan helping solidify the defense, Toumani Camara looking like a find and Scoot Henderson ideally ready for more responsibility. Rival teams have been curious as to what Portland’s competitive timeframe ultimately looks like, and the direction it takes this offseason will be indicative of its urgency to compete. An unlikely stroke of luck in the lottery would be massive in determining that direction. – Woo
No. 11 Dallas Mavericks
No. 1 pick odds: 1.8% | Top-four pick odds: 8.5%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Edgecombe\
- Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 11: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, power forward
Murray-Boyles should be ready to contribute off the bench next season, with a level of toughness and maturity to his game that scouts appreciate. His productivity and consistency, even in a losing situation at South Carolina, has kept him in the first-round picture and should make him a consideration for teams that could use immediate depth, such as Dallas.
The Mavs have a true rim protector in Dereck Lively II, who would allow Murray-Boyles to play the 4 spot, the role he’s best suited for physically, and he might be an immediate value add here. In a draft class stacked with younger prospects, the Mavs might want to target a slightly more experienced player here. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Mavericks:
Fallout from the Luka Doncic trade is still reverberating around the NBA, with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison placing himself and the team under a huge microscope going into next season.
Dallas having its own pick – and a small chance at moving up in the draft – is perhaps some small recompense after a wave of injuries effectively ended its season. The Mavericks should be in the market for a rookie who can help the roster right away or to use this pick to upgrade the team by other means, as the competitive window with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, assuming full health, doesn’t appear to be a particularly long one. – Woo
No. 12 Chicago Bulls
No. 1 pick odds: 1.8% | Top-four pick odds: 8%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 12: Egor Demin, BYU, point guard/shooting guard
The Bulls will certainly be hoping for a repeat of last year’s draft, where Matas Buzelis inexplicably fell out of the top 5 to the 11th pick, emerging as a significant find as the season moved on.
Egor Demin is a more polarizing prospect but will be studied closely by every team drafting in this range with his outstanding positional size, feel for the game, playmaking prowess and long-term upside. His fit alongside Josh Giddey, who is a restricted free agent, will need to be considered along with Giddey’s status, but he’s the type of multi-positional prospect who could fit in a variety of lineups if his perimeter shooting progresses as expected. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Bulls: The Bulls continued to happily tread water this season, losing in the opening round of the play-in tournament after a 39-43 season, a decade removed from their last playoff series win.
The DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine trades signaled the start of a new era in Chicago, leaving the fanbase with little star power to grasp onto and searching for clarity on the franchise’s long-term direction.
The Bulls will likely need to shake up the roster in a more serious way to have a viable chance of avoiding the play-in tournament in the near future. Giddey’s restricted free agency and Coby White’s availability for an extension will play a significant role in how the Bulls’ salary-cap sheet and roster look long-term, but the front office have holes to fill both in the frontcourt and on the wing. – Givony
No. 13 Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
No. 1 pick odds: 0.8% | Top-four pick odds: 3.8%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if the Hawks stay at No. 13: Jase Richardson, Michigan State, point guard/shooting guard
Richardson made a good case for himself this season as a solid complementary player with room to grow, displaying well-rounded ability at Michigan State and solid effort playing on and off the ball. That versatility makes sense with the Hawks’ current personnel as a plug-and-play option, rotating in behind and alongside Trae Young and Dyson Daniels with the ability to balance lineups.
The Hawks should also be considering bigs at this spot to develop frontcourt depth, with names such as Joan Beringer and Noa Essengue (both international players) offering interesting upside. – Woo
What we’re hearing on the Hawks and Kings: Sacramento only keeps this pick if it jumps into the top four, otherwise it stays with Atlanta. This would be an obvious coup for the Kings, but those odds are at 3.8%.
The Hawks are entering the offseason in wake of ownership firing Landry Fields, promoting Onsi Saleh to general manager, and are in the market for a president of basketball operations.
The big question for Atlanta, as it seems to be annually, is what will happen with Trae Young, whose season ended on a sour note in a play-in game loss to the Magic. There has been thought for some time that the Hawks might move on from Young, but he has also been a tricky proposition on the trade market because of his sizable contract and Atlanta’s struggles to build a consistent winner around him. The Hawks made progress with their roster last season, with Dyson Daniels breaking through and Zaccharie Risacher becoming an immediate fixture, but those lingering questions will need answering this offseason. – Woo
No. 14 San Antonio (via Atlanta)
No. 1 pick odds: 0.8% | Top-four pick odds: 3.4%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- Flagg\
- Harper\
- Bailey\
- Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 14: Will Riley, Illinois, shooting guard/small forward
The Spurs receive this pick, their second lottery selection, as part of the shrewd 2022 Dejounte Murray trade that will also yield an unprotected Hawks pick in 2027. The Spurs are in the most enviable position of any team in the lottery, with back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners on cost-controlled contracts with Wembanyama and Castle, and quite a few draft picks and swap rights coming their way in coming years.
Adding shooting both on the perimeter and in the frontcourt likely will be a priority for the franchise long-term, with the likes of Jakucionis, Knueppel, Riley and Carter Bryant (Arizona) all likely to get long looks with the 8th and 14th picks. – Givony
What we’re hearing on the Spurs: The Spurs traded out of the 8th pick last year in exchange for Minnesota’s 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 top-one protected pick swap, signaling their willingness to take a patient approach to building out the roster. They started to cash in on their pick haul with the Fox trade in February, and how they approach this year’s draft will tell us quite a bit about how they view the roster long-term.
Will they continue to add young players to surround Wembanyama, or do they swing for the fences for a veteran star such as Durant or Antetokounmpo to try and take a larger step toward championship contention? – Givony
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.
By Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo | ESPN, via ESPN