The NBA Draft has become a treasure trove for teams looking to find hidden gems, especially in the second round—where real surprises often lie. Remember the legends who slipped beyond the first 30 picks? Players like Nikola Jokic, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, and more recently, Jalen Brunson have proven that sometimes the best decisions are made after the first round. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, let’s take stock of which second-round selections might just become the next success stories while grading the picks.
Boston Celtics: B-
The Celtics snagged Amari Williams at 46 and Max Shulga at 57 via trade with Orlando. Williams is a physically imposing presence at 6’11” and 255 pounds and possesses impressive passing skills, particularly from the high post. However, his lack of elite athleticism raises questions about his shot-blocking ability and defensive versatility, which could be exploited defensively. On the other hand, Shulga, a Ukrainian-born guard, has shown he can shoot the three, hitting 38.7% last season while playing in Spain and spending the previous five years in college at VCU. The challenge for him will be proving he can hold his own defensively at the next level, as scouts remain divided on that aspect of his game.
Charlotte Hornets: B+
With Sion James at 33 and Ryan Kalkbrenner at 34, Charlotte is aiming to bolster its depth. James, a 6’5″ senior guard from Duke, is an adept defender and decision-maker, but his offensive consistency, particularly his jumper, poses questions. Kalkbrenner offers a significant frame at 7’2″, noted for being a defensive anchor during his time at Creighton. His size is both an asset and a concern—he lacks the explosive athleticism that typically characterizes NBA centers and has showed limited shooting range. With Mark Williams departing, valuable backup center minutes are ripe for the taking in Charlotte.
Chicago Bulls: C
The Bulls took a chance on Lachlan Olbrich at 55 via a trade with the Lakers. Standing at 6’9″, Olbrich comes with a solid basketball IQ and a nice feel for the game. Unfortunately, he may struggle to find his niche in the NBA—lacking the size to defend five positions and without robust shooting skills, he may need some time overseas to develop further.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B+
The Cavs might have uncovered a treasure with Tyrese Proctor at 49 and Saliou Niang at 58. Proctor shot an impressive 40.5% from deep at Duke last season, making him a promising 3&D prospect as he bulks up. While he doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a point guard, his skill set at shooting guard could be valuable. Niang, meanwhile, is a tantalizing prospect with considerable physical tools, but his current shooting and ball-handling need refinement before he’s NBA-ready.
Detroit Pistons: B+
With Chaz Lanier picked at 37, Detroit addressed their need for shooting. Lanier posted a 39.5% shooting mark from three, showcasing his potential as a capable movement shooter. However, his limitations as a defender and playmaker could hinder his role—he’ll need to enhance other facets of his game to secure a consistent spot in the rotation.
Golden State Warriors: B
The Warriors made two intriguing choices with Alex Toohey at 52 from Phoenix and Will Richard at 56 from Memphis. Toohey is a versatile wing defender at 6’8″ but struggled with his three-point shot at just 30.2%. The Warriors take a gamble at this stage, hoping he’ll develop his shooting with more seasoning. Richard, a 6’3″ guard, is a well-rounded player but lacks that standout skill often seen in successful NBA players; he’ll need to demonstrate growth to stay on the roster.
Indiana Pacers: B
Kam Jones at 38, traded with the Spurs, exemplifies the potential of second-round picks. A 23-year-old who averaged nearly 20 points and six assists at Marquette, he possesses experience but lacks elite athleticism. Still, he could fill valuable minutes for the Pacers as a steady lead guard. Taelon Peter, selected at 54, adds shooting potential to offset his draft stock, though he comes with considerable questions about his readiness at the NBA level.
LA Clippers: B
Kobe Sanders, selected at 50, offers a 6’7″ frame with a scoring touch, averaging nearly 16 points per game. He demonstrated significant upside at the Portsmouth Invitational and earned an NBA Draft Combine invite. The Clippers will likely bring him along slowly while figuring out his fit in the league, hoping his skill set translates successfully.
Los Angeles Lakers: A-
With Adou Thiero at 36 from Minnesota, the Lakers made a statement. Thiero is a tremendous athlete with a 7-foot wingspan, granting him significant defensive capabilities. While he possesses the skills to attack the basket, his shooting must improve for a lasting impact. This acquisition has fans buzzing with excitement about his potential to contribute on both ends of the court.
Memphis Grizzlies: B
The Grizzlies’ choice of Javon Small at 48 places them in the market for a gritty, skilled backup guard. While he’s undersized, his scrappy nature could endear him to fans and coaches alike. Jahmai Mashack, taken at 59, is an elite defender who could carve out a role if he can enhance his offensive skill set—even earning a title as this year’s Mr. Irrelevant shows promise for his career.
Milwaukee Bucks: B+
At 47, Bogoljub Markovic presents an interesting option for the Bucks. A 6’11” Serbian big who has showcased offensive promise but also comes with defensive question marks. If he can refine his skills on that end, he could very well prove himself as a worthy late second-round acquisition.
Minnesota Timberwolves: B
Selecting Rocco Zikarsky at 45 has the potential for a long-term payoff. At 7’3″, he’s a project worth investing in, especially given his ability to protect the rim. Minnesota may play the waiting game here, potentially allowing him to further develop his skills in Australia before making the leap to the NBA.
New Orleans Pelicans: B
Micah Peavy at 40—acquired through trade with Washington—brings defensive prowess to the table. His breakout season at Georgetown indicates his scoring ability translating into the NBA might be on the horizon. If he can prove that last season’s performance wasn’t a fluke, the Pelicans will have themselves a solid player for years to come.
New York Knicks: B-
Mohamed Diawara at 51 is a move geared toward the future as the Knicks may stash him overseas for more development. This 20-year-old wing possesses raw athleticism and potential, but he’s still finding his rhythm in Europe. The Knicks’ gamble here could pay off down the line, aligning with their long-term vision.
Oklahoma City Thunder: B
Brooks Barnhizer, selected 44th overall, represents a solid pick for the Thunder. At 6’5″ with a 6’11” wingspan, he plays an intelligent brand of basketball, yet he’ll need to shore up his offensive game to become NBA-ready. Oklahoma City is known for its strong development culture, so give him some time to adapt.
Orlando Magic: A-
Noah Penda at 32 could be a fantastic fit for the Magic. A 6’8″ forward who thrives on the defensive end, Penda brings playmaking skills that could help elevate the Magic’s overall game. His shot needs fine-tuning, but at this point in the second round, it’s a smart play for Orlando.
Philadelphia 76ers: B
The 76ers selected Johni Broome at 35, a noteworthy addition as last season’s SEC Player of the Year. However, concerns about his transition to the NBA persist—most notably, his lack of a standout skill. Still, for a second-round pick, Broome could provide depth and development opportunities.
Phoenix Suns: A-
Rasheer Fleming at 31 from the Minnesota trade and Koby Brea at 41 from Golden State represent two compelling prospects for the Suns. Fleming is an athletic forward with strong defensive upside and a proven three-point shooter, while Brea brings exceptional catch-and-shoot capabilities at a time when shooting is increasingly valued in the NBA.
Sacramento Kings: B
Maxime Raynaud at 42 adds intriguing potential for the Kings. The 7-footer has shown the ability to stretch the floor and brings a robust scoring touch. The primary question will be around his defensive capabilities—if he can hold his own, Sacramento may have found a valuable asset.
Toronto Raptors: B
Alijah Martin, taken at 39, brings unique skills to the Raptors. Despite his height limiting him as a possible first-round pick, his defensive acumen and athleticism could make him a reliable backup guard alongside a proven scorer.
Utah Jazz: B
John Tonje at 53 is a steal for a team looking for a competitive edge. Known for his tenacity and scoring ability, he will need to prove his defensive capabilities to get consistent minutes. Given his experience, he can be a wild card in the Jazz’s lineup.
Washington Wizards: B
Jamir Watkins at 43 adds an element of defensive skill and experience to the Wizards roster. He proved effective as a key contributor in college, and while he needs to improve offensively, his strengths could bring immediate value as they reshape their team.
As we look ahead to the next season, the impact of these second-round picks remains to be seen, but the potential for these players truly lies in their ability to develop in the right systems. The draft always offers both fans and franchises hope that the hidden talents can emerge from the shadows and shine in the league.
