Initially, the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets were rumored to be keen on acquiring Bailey. However, just days before the draft, these teams shifted their focus, leading to the Hornets selecting Kon Knueppel and the 76ers choosing VJ Edgecombe.

With these uncertainties now behind him, Bailey expressed his readiness to don the Jazz jersey, addressing any lingering doubts about his satisfaction with the draft outcome. “I can control what I can control,” Bailey stated.

“They feel how they feel. But my team and I are focused on basketball, and things happen for a reason,” he added, conveying his mindset upon learning of his new role with the Jazz. Bailey’s positive outlook and determination signal a promising new chapter for both the player and the Utah Jazz as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

Bailey’s prospective future with the Jazz

The Utah Jazz are gearing up for a comeback in the upcoming NBA season following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that left their fan base dissatisfied. Contributing to the tumult were key mid-season roster decisions. Now, with the 5th overall pick in the first round of the draft, the Jazz aim to strengthen their lineup with top-tier talent.

This offseason, speculation surrounds a potential move for Bailey, with a trade to another team as a plausible strategy for acquiring new stars. However, such a trade seems unlikely given their comments on working in a relationship between the organization and the player.

If rumors regarding Bailey’s initial reaction to being drafted by the Jazz hold true, both parties may need to address this in order to ensure a productive collaboration moving forward. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Bailey had reportedly preferred landing spots in Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn, which might be key to resolving any discomfort stemming from his draft selection.

Bailey’s stats at Rutgers

Why is Bailey considered so promising? As noted by Rotowire.com, his impressive stat line at Rutgers University was further highlighted by a noteworthy performance at the NBA Draft Combine. Let’s delve into his last season collegiate stats.

Bailey’s stats during his sole collegiate season included:

• 17.6 points per game
• 7.2 rebounds per game
• 1.3 assists per game
• 1.3 blocks per game
• 1.0 steals per game
• 33.4 minutes per game
• 46/35/69 shooting splits on 14.7 field-goal attempts
• 4.5 three-point attempts and 3.6 free-throw attempts per game

[Watch NBA Draft 2025 live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

As the basketball world turns its attention back to New York on June 25–26, the 2025 NBA Draft promises drama and excitement, with the Dallas Mavericks holding the coveted No. 1 selection after claiming victory in the lottery.

All eyes are on Duke sensation Cooper Flagg, though late-night trade chatter could shake up the order before the first pick drops. Don’t miss a moment of the action—tune in live to catch every pick, surprise swap and rising star as the league’s future unfolds.

When will the NBA Draft 2025 match be played?

The first round of the NBA Draft 2025 will take place this Wednesday, June 25 at 8:00 PM (ET). The second round will be on Thursday, June 26 at 8:00 PM (ET).

NBA Draft 2025: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch NBA Draft 2025 in the USA

The NBA Draft 2025 will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Fans can also catch the action on ESPN, DirecTV Stream, ABC.

The 2025 NBA Draft order reveals a landscape full of promise and strategy. Several teams hold picks that could redefine their trajectories. The stakes are high as franchises prepare to select talent capable of shaping the league’s future.

Multiple teams have amassed several first-round picks, giving them a rare chance to rebuild quickly or bolster their rosters with potential stars. These selections create intrigue around which players will rise and how front offices will maneuver.

Not every team has equal footing—some must rely on trades and smart planning to stay relevant. This uneven distribution of picks adds layers of strategy and suspense, making the 2025 Draft a pivotal moment in the NBA calendar.

When will the 2025 NBA Draft rounds take place?

The 2025 NBA Draft is set to take place at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The First Round will be held on June 25 at 8 PM ET, broadcast live on ABC and ESPN, drawing fans worldwide to witness the league’s next stars.

Following the excitement of the first night, the Second Round will occur the next day, June 26, also at 8 PM ET, exclusively on ESPN. This two-night event format allows teams to carefully navigate their picks and finalize rosters.

First round of the 2025 NBA Draft

• Dallas Mavericks
• San Antonio Spurs
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Charlotte Hornets
• Utah Jazz
• Washington Wizards
• New Orleans Pelicans
• Brooklyn Nets
• Toronto Raptors
• Houston Rockets | Reportedly traded to Phoenix
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Chicago Bulls
• Atlanta Hawks
• San Antonio Spurs
• Oklahoma City
• Memphis
• Minnesota
• Washington
• Brooklyn
• Miami
• Utah
• Atlanta | Reportedly traded to Brooklyn
• New Orleans
• Oklahoma City
• Orlando
• Brooklyn
• Brooklyn
• Boston
• Phoenix
• LA Clippers

Second round of the 2025 NBA Draft

• Minnesota
• Boston
• Charlotte
• Charlotte
• Philadelphia
• Brooklyn
• Detroit
• San Antonio
• Toronto
• Washington | Reportedly traded to New Orleans
• Golden State
• Sacramento
• Utah
• Oklahoma City
• Chicago
• Orlando
• Milwaukee
• Memphis
• Cleveland
• New York
• LA Clippers
• Phoenix
• Utah
• Indiana
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Memphis
• Orlando
• Cleveland
• Houston

The 2025 NBA Draft is already stirring buzz across the league, not just for its talent pool but for the sheer number of picks certain franchises are stockpiling. This year’s draft outlook offers a revealing glimpse into long-term planning.

Front offices have been busy reshaping rosters and trading away veterans in exchange for draft capital. The result? Some teams have quietly built up a surprising arsenal of selections, positions that could reshape the future.

With contenders eyeing upgrades and rebuilders clinging to hope, the question isn’t just who will go first—but who holds the cards. The 2025 draft board is a chessboard in motion, and one team is sitting with more pieces than the rest.

Brooklyn Nets lead the pack with Draft-day firepower

No team enters the 2025 NBA Draft with more leverage than the Brooklyn Nets. Armed with five total picks—an impressive four in the first round and one in the second—the franchise has quietly built a powerful draft arsenal.

This stockpile is the result of several calculated moves in recent seasons, where Brooklyn prioritized long-term value over short-term success, trading away veterans and capitalizing on favorable deals to secure future assets.

The impact of those decisions is now coming into focus. With four first-round selections, the Nets hold more chances than any other team to reshape their roster with young talent or to maneuver strategically through the draft.

Hot on their heels are the Utah Jazz, who trail closely with four picks across the two rounds, granting them significant flexibility. With nearly as much draft capital as Brooklyn, Utah also finds itself poised to make bold moves.

Who did the Brooklyn Nets pick in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The Brooklyn Nets are entering the 2025 NBA Draft with unmatched capital: five first-round selections and one early second-rounder. According to ESPN, the franchise is slated to pick at #8, #19, #26, #27 and #36.

Mock drafts suggest a diverse mix of prospects: at #8, the Nets are projected to select Tre Johnson, a dynamic shooting guard out of Texas. At #19, they may target Asa Newell, a highly regarded power forward from Montverde Academy.

Later in the first round, predictions have Brooklyn choosing Nolan Traoré (a rising point guard) at #26, and Hugo González, a skilled wing from Real Madrid, at #27. With the #36 pick, ESPN’s mock points to Hansen Yang from the Shanghai Sharks.

Bailey, who has committed to play for Rutgers University, is expected to make a significant impact in the NBA, according to analysts. His combination of speed, agility, and height sets him apart from other prospects expected to be drafted on Wednesday.

Despite these strengths, there are teams that might pass on Bailey. Particularly, the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the fourth pick in the first round, reportedly have other preferences.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN notes that the Hornets are exploring trade-down scenarios or leaning towards selecting among Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, and Tre Johnson. On Bailey, Givony adds, “The fact that Bailey didn’t worked out with the team could be a crucial factor for them to not picking him.”

Paul George weighs in on Bailey’s strategy

While the 76ers are apparently not selecting Bailey, Paul George has publicly addressed Bailey’s decision not to participate in workouts with NBA franchises. He focused his response on his perspective regarding the draft, given that he has not yet been selected.

Speaking on his podcast, George criticized Bailey’s approach, stating, “You’re not in a position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first… his way of going about it is just not right.” These remarks have fueled speculation among fans that Philadelphia’s dissatisfaction may be influencing their draft decision.

A franchise with Bailey as a top priority

On a more optimistic note for Bailey, NBA Draft Consultant Rafael Barlowe has revealed that a specific franchise is highly interested in him. “Some believe Bailey could be hoping to find his shooting rhythm in a city known for jazz. But it’s not just Brooklyn. New Orleans has been linked to Bailey,” Barlowe shared on the NBA Big Board podcast.

Barlowe elaborated: “The interest was first reported by Kevin O’Connor weeks ago, and it’s only intensified. I’ve been told the Pelicans are very, very serious about trying to move up and make Bailey their guy.”

Bailey possesses a coveted blend of athleticism and skill, standing at an impressive 6-foot-10. Nearing his 19th birthday, he is a player that any franchise would be eager to acquire, setting the stage for him to be a standout next season in the NBA.

Noted NBA insider Brett Siegel reports that the Sixers were initially interested in drafting Bailey. However, current rumors indicate they may pivot towards another prospect.

“As of right now, the shared sentiment around the league is that the 76ers won’t be taking Bailey,” Siegel wrote in his analysis for Clutch Points. With this potential shift in strategy, fans are eagerly awaiting draft day to see how the Sixers plan to rejuvenate their roster for the upcoming season.

Sixers’ potential moves in the NBA Draft

The Sixers continue to weigh their options as the NBA Draft approaches, with recent reports indicating a shift in their strategy. Despite earlier speculation, Bailey is not expected to be their choice. As reported, the Sixers are contemplating two primary alternatives for their first-round decision.

According to Sieger, the Sixers could either opt to trade their draft selection or use their third overall pick to choose Edgecombe. Sieger shared these insights via his social media account on platform X, highlighting the potential paths the franchise might take with their coveted draft position.

Bailey’s highlights

Compiling comprehensive statistics for high school athletes can often prove challenging as they don’t always mirror the extensive data available for college or professional players. However, insights into Bailey’s senior year showcase his exceptional performance:

• Dominant Force: Bailey stood out as the star player for McEachern High School, regularly delivering impressive performances. His leadership was pivotal as he averaged approximately:
  • 20-25+ points per game
  • 10+ rebounds per game
• Team Success: Under Bailey’s leadership, McEachern enjoyed a successful season, contending for state championships and consistently ranking among the top high school teams at a national level.

The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, and once again, the league’s brightest young talents are preparing to hear their names called. But behind the spotlight lies a draft system that hasn’t changed much in decades.

Unlike other major sports leagues, the NBA keeps things tight. The structure is streamlined, the stakes are high, and for many prospects, the margin for error is razor-thin. It’s a format built on efficiency—but also on pressure.

With big franchises reshaping their futures and sleepers waiting for their shot, understanding the draft’s layout is as crucial as following the picks. Before the action tips off, here’s how it all works…

How many rounds are in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for two nights: Round 1 on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and Round 2 on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Both rounds will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET each night.

This year’s draft will feature 59 selections, one fewer than the usual 60, due to the New York Knicks losing their second-round pick as a result of a league investigation into their 2022 signing of Jalen Brunson.

The draft will follow a two-night format, a change from previous years when both rounds were held on a single night. This adjustment allows teams to regroup between rounds and provides fans with a more in-depth viewing experience.

How the draft format works in 2025

The 2025 NBA Draft begins with the lottery, determining the order of the first 14 picks for non-playoff teams. The remaining picks are assigned based on regular-season records, with playoff teams filling positions 15 through 30.

Each team has a set time limit—usually around 90 seconds for the first round and 60 seconds for the second—to make their pick once it’s their turn. This keeps the draft moving efficiently while giving general managers enough time to finalize decisions and consult with scouts or coaches.

The draft is a key moment for franchises to address needs, take risks on high-potential players, or select role players who fit their systems. The format emphasizes strategic planning and quick decision-making.

How many picks are made in total?

In total, the 2025 NBA Draft will feature 59 picks, split evenly between the two rounds. However, this number can slightly fluctuate due to traded picks or penalties imposed on teams. These slots represent the primary avenue for young talent to enter the league directly from college, overseas leagues, or other professional systems.

While undrafted players can still make rosters through summer leagues and training camps, being drafted significantly boosts a player’s chances of securing a guaranteed contract and early career opportunities. The draft’s limited number of picks underscores the competitive nature of the selection process.

Trades, rights and protections: The complexity behind the picks

Draft night is rarely straightforward. Teams often trade picks—sometimes years in advance—to position themselves better or acquire veterans. Additionally, some picks come with protections, meaning if certain conditions aren’t met, the pick may not transfer to the receiving team.

These protections add strategic complexity, as franchises juggle current needs with future flexibility. Draft rights also come into play, especially with international players, who might be drafted but continue playing overseas before joining the NBA.

“I like Ace Bailey. To me, Ace Bailey is the No. 1 pick. I think Ace Bailey’s the No. 1 pick…I think he’s the closest thing we’ve seen to Tracy McGrady,” stated DeMarcus Cousins on Run It Back. While Cooper Flagg continues to dominate media coverage, Bailey’s impressive talent has not received much attention. His physical capacity and scoring ability makes him one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

Bailey played 30 games this season and made a strong impact. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His shooting numbers also stood out. 46% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. These stats show he can score in different ways and do it efficiently. As a result, the McGrady comparison feels valid, especially when considering his offensive versatility.

With the Dallas Mavericks expected to take Cooper Flagg and the San Antonio Spurs reportedly targeting Dylan Harper, the Philadelphia 76ers now appear in line to draft Ace Bailey in the 2025 NBA Draft. Adding fuel to the speculation, Bailey reposted a TikTok video from a fan account that imagined him as a future Sixers player. The move sparked buzz among fans, many of whom now believe he’s genuinely interested in joining the franchise.

Sixers’ player Paul George praises Ace Bailey’s talent as future NBA star

DeMarcus Cousins is not the only one who praised Ace Bailey’s talent. Paul George joined the conversation during an episode of ‘Podcast P’. The Sixers star was asked who he would select as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Without hesitation, the Sixers star named Bailey as his top choice.

Moreover, George explained that the young Rutgers star standout is a raw talent with huge potential. He even said Bailey has a higher upside than Cooper Flagg. In addition, he praised the efficiency Ace shows on the court. However, he also made it clear that choosing Cooper would still be a solid decision.

Both players, according to George, have what it takes to become NBA superstars. After these comments, speculation around Ace Bailey’s possible future with the Philadelphia 76ers continues to grow.

Bronny’s father, the Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, shared his excitement on social media Wednesday. He touched on the journey of his sons, Bronny and Bryce, and expressed his gratitude for allowing him to be a part of their life and guide them through the trials and challenges.

What are the possible destinations for LeBron’s eldest son? Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves are on the list of possibilities. The final decision is just around the corner.

James: The Legacy

Bronny James has grown up in the spotlight, with every move scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. His high school performances have been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his scoring ability, court vision, and basketball IQ. But the NBA is a different arena altogether, and the draft is where dreams collide with reality.

The choice that might be more logical for Bronny James: number 55 overall, a selection that coincidentally is in the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team in which LeBron James has been since 2018.

The clock is ticking, and Bronny James waits, ready to make his mark on the NBA stage. The question remains: Which team will take the leap and bet on the next chapter of the James legacy?

As usual, all eyes were on the first pick, which in this edition corresponded to the Atlanta Hawks. They chose the 19-year-old Frenchman, Zaccharie Risacher. This preference marks a significant trend in the modern era, as Risacher becomes the fourth international player selected as the first pick since 2002.

It is important to clarify that a “foreigner” is considered to be someone who does not have U.S. or Canadian nationality, and these selections have not been consecutive.

NBA Draft 2024: France is here!

On the other hand, France has had a prominent presence in this event. In 2023, the first team was also French: none other than Victor Wembanyama.

In addition, it is relevant to mention that this year’s No. 2 pick, corresponding to the Washington Wizards, went to Alex Sarr, another French talent who was in the predictions.

The podium was completed by Reed Sheppard, a 20-year-old American from Kentucky, who was also emerging as one of the top prospects. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets.

NBA Draft 2024: Top 10 Picks

Let’s take a look at the top 10 picks from the NBA Draft 2024:

1. Zaccharie Risacher – Atlanta Hawks.
2. Alex Saar – Washington Wizards.
3. Reed Sheppard – Houston Rockets.
4. Stephon Castle – San Antonio Spurs.
5. Ron Holland – Detroit Pistons.
6. Tidjane Salaun – Charlotte Hornets.
7. Donovan Clingan – Portland Trail Blazers.
8. Rob Dillingham – San Antonio Spurs.
9. Zach Edey – Memphis Grizzlies.
10. Cody Williams – Utah Jazz.

Stay tuned for the second round, scheduled for Thursday, June 27!

Watch 2024 NBA Draft for free in the US on Fubo

There are different ways to watch the 2024 NBA Draft free live stream: Fubo (“Pro” channel package), YouTube TV (“Base Plan”) or DirecTV Stream (“Entertainment” channel package or above). These live TV streaming services have both ABC and ESPN included, and all of them come with a free trial.

The exciting 2024 NBA Draft is approaching by leaps and bounds, marking a milestone as it is held for the first time in this format of consecutive days.

When will be 2024 NBA Draft?

The first round will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., home of the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m. ET. The second round will continue the excitement on Thursday, June 27 at ESPN’s Seaport District studios in New York at 4 p.m. ET.

In an exciting lottery held on May 12, the Atlanta Hawks defied the odds and won the first spot in the 2024 NBA Draft. Next in line are the Washington Wizards and are followed by the Houston Rockets.

To be part of the 2024 NBA Draft show, future players must meet certain conditions that demonstrate their readiness and potential. Among these requirements, the university experience of 1 year before December 31 of the year in which the draft is held stands out.