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NBA Draft 2025: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe headline first-round picks

NBA Draft 2025: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe headline first-round picks

Time of India17 hours ago

Cooper Flagg
went first overall to the
Dallas Mavericks
, bringing his 6-foot-8 two-way prowess and Duke-freshman pedigree to a star-studded lineup.
Rutgers guard
Dylan Harper
followed at No. 2 to the
San Antonio Spurs
after averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a freshman.
At No. 3, versatile wing
VJ Edgecombe
- fresh off a breakout season - became the third headline grabber of the night.
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"I'm feeling amazing," Flagg said as he stood with his family. "It's a dream come true, to be honest. I wouldn't want to share it with anybody else."
ALSO READ -
NBA Draft 2025: Complete List of first-round picks
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Flagg arrives as the Mavericks' new franchise face after last season's controversial swap of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. At Duke, he powered the Blue Devils to an
NCAA Final Four
, posting averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks as a freshman.
— NBADraft (@NBADraft)
With the second overall pick, the Spurs turned their attention to Harper. The 6-foot-6 guard - son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper - steps into a backcourt alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
Harper said he 'can't wait' to arrive in San Antonio and begin training with his new teammates.
— NBA (@NBA)
The 76ers turned in at No. 3 to grab Baylor freshman guard Edgecombe, the reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year after posting 15.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Immediately afterward, the Charlotte Hornets tapped Duke freshman Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick - making him the second Blue Devil selected in the top four.
The 2025 NBA Draft's top five rounded out with the Utah Jazz selecting Rutgers forward Ace Bailey at No. 5, while the Washington Wizards chose Texas guard Tre Johnson at No. 6, New Orleans Pelicans grabbed Oklahoma's Jeremiah Favors at No. 7, and the Brooklyn Nets took BYU center Egor Demin at No. 8.
Toronto followed with South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9, and Duke big man Khaman Maluach went No. 10 to Houston - whose rights were then flipped to Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant deal.
Memphis traded up for Washington State swingman Cedric Coward at No. 11, Chicago selected French forward Noa Essengue at No. 12, and Maryland's Derik Queen was picked 13th by Atlanta before being dealt to New Orleans.
Arizona forward Carter Bryant closed out the lottery at No. 14 to San Antonio. The draft featured multiple multi-pick teams - Brooklyn landed four first-rounders, while Miami and Utah each secured back-to-back selections - setting the stage for a youth movement across the league.
— NBADraft (@NBADraft)
Defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder reinforced their frontcourt at No. 15 by selecting Georgetown center Thomas Sorber. At No. 16, the Portland Trail Blazers added Chinese big man Yang Hansen, followed by French center Joan Beringer going 17th to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Utah Jazz bolstered their backcourt at No. 18 with Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr.
The Brooklyn Nets emerged as the busiest team, landing four first-rounders: French wing Nolan Traore at No. 19, North Carolina guard Drake Powell at No. 22, Israeli forward Ben Saraf at No. 26 and Michigan guard Danny Wolf at No. 27.
— NBADraft (@NBADraft)
Miami Heat and Utah Jazz each drafted back-to-back from Illinois, taking Kasparas Jakucionis at No. 20 and Will Riley at No. 21, respectively - Riley's rights set to move to Washington.
Rounding out the first round, the Atlanta Hawks picked Georgia forward Asa Newell at No. 23; the Sacramento Kings chose Colorado State's Nique Clifford at No. 24; and the Denver Nuggets grabbed Michigan State's Jase Richardson at No. 25.
Boston tapped Spanish guard Hugo Gonzalez at 28, Charlotte took UConn sharpshooter Liam McNeeley at 29, and the Los Angeles Clippers closed the round with Penn State big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser at No. 30.

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