The 2025 NBA Draft’s first round has concluded, and while many projected players landed where anticipated, just like any draft, several players slipped. Throughout this first round, there were multiple Draft Day steals, and here we will discuss a few of the best ones in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Memphis Grizzlies Land a Promising 2-Way Talent
The Memphis Grizzlies traded up in the draft to land a rising prospect who had been gaining momentum since the NBA Combine. They acquired Cedric Coward, a 6’6″ wing from Washington State, who is smooth, versatile, and can stretch the floor. Coward was originally selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 11th pick before being traded to Memphis.
Although he might not be a superstar athlete, Coward is a high-level competitor who can impact plays on the defensive side of the ball. The Grizzlies, having recently acquired assets in a trade involving Desmond Bane, needed a 3-and-D style wing to complement star Ja Morant, and that is precisely what they are getting.
Coward will thrive as a shooter and a secondary playmaker alongside Morant, and he should effectively penetrate defenses. Memphis gains a player with high potential and a strong work ethic, ready to make a significant statement in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs Bolster Wing Depth with Versatile Forward
With the second of their two lottery picks in the first round, the San Antonio Spurs selected Carter Bryant. In most mock drafts, Bryant was generally projected to be in the top 10 of this year’s draft. The 6’8″ forward from Arizona shot over 37.0% from the 3-point line this past season and 46.0% from the field.
Bryant is a high-level athlete, which could help him become a potentially high-level defender in the NBA. The Spurs add Bryant to an already rich pool of wing depth. After drafting Dylan Harper with the second overall pick, the Spurs now have six different players who can make a real impact on the wing.
San Antonio has youth, star power, and talent, allowing Bryant to take his time developing. He will enter the league as a 3-and-D wing with genuine starter upside.
Miami Heat Secure a Steady Playmaking Guard
The Miami Heat picked 20th in the first round of this year’s draft, and they acquired a player with substantial potential in Kasparas Jakucionis. Coming out of Illinois, Jakucionis was one of the better rebounding guards in the draft and a consistent playmaker.
Jakucionis could be a great fit alongside Tyler Herro, who emerged as a quality playmaker for the Heat last year. However, Herro’s true calling is as a scorer. Jakucionis allows Herro to transition back to the shooting guard position, where he excels. The lead Illinois guard averaged 15.0 points per game and shot 31.8% from 3-point range.
The 6’6″ guard has the potential to become a three-level scorer if he improves his outside jump shot. It appears the Heat have drafted a player with the potential to be an NBA starting-caliber player with this pick.
Sacramento Kings Add Maturity and Two-Way Upside to Roster
The Sacramento Kings traded into the first round to draft Nique Clifford. A senior from Colorado State, Clifford showed tremendous promise and poise this year. Clifford brings maturity, athleticism, and two-way upside that should translate well to the next level.
Despite being just 6’6″, the Colorado State guard is an outstanding rebounder, averaging 9.6 rebounds per contest in his final collegiate season. The Kings are a perfect landing spot for Clifford because he has time to grow and learn from veterans.
Clifford shares a similar skill set with DeMar DeRozan, who could become a valuable influence. Sacramento is getting a ready-made professional with the potential to impact the Kings in his rookie year and grow into a reliable contributor.
Charlotte Hornets Find Value in Talented Forward
During the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets acquired the 29th pick. They used this pick to select UConn Huskies freshman Liam McNeeley, who was originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns at pick 29 and then traded to Charlotte.
McNeeley enters the NBA as a high-IQ, mature offensive player who thrives in system play and decision-making. Notably, the UConn forward fell further than anyone expected in this year’s draft, making him a strong value pick for Charlotte.
A concern regarding McNeeley is his perceived lack of athleticism and his ability to guard in space at the NBA level. While that is an understandable concern, McNeeley’s high potential far outweighs these perceived drawbacks. Alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and fellow rookie Kon Knueppel, McNeeley should find the ability to play with rhythm and comfortably ease his way into quality NBA minutes.
While the second round of the NBA Draft may not feature the marquee names of round one, it still offers plenty of upside for teams looking to find hidden gems. With smart scouting and the right fit, general managers can uncover impact players who slipped through the cracks.
Round two of the 2025 NBA Draft tips off Thursday, June 26, at 8:00 p.m. EST, and more potential steals are still on the board.
