NEW YORK – The 2025 NBA Draft’s second round unveiled potential breakout stars and solid rotation players, reminiscent of legends like Nikola Jokic and Draymond Green who were once second-round picks. This year’s selections promise exciting prospects and fan-favorites aiming to make their mark.
Breaking: Key Details from the Second Round
The second round of the NBA Draft often uncovers hidden gems. This year, teams focused on players with specific skills and potential for growth, albeit with less pressure compared to first-round picks. Here’s a breakdown of how each team fared:
Immediate Impact: Boston Celtics
Grade: B-
Boston selected Amari Williams at 46 and Max Shulga at 57 via a trade with Orlando. Williams, a 6’11” center, is known for his passing from the high post but faces challenges with NBA-level athleticism. Shulga, a Ukrainian guard, boasts a 38.7% three-point shooting average but has defensive hurdles to overcome.
Charlotte Hornets: Promising Additions
Grade: B+
The Hornets picked Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner at 33 and 34, respectively. James, a senior guard from Duke, is a quality defender but needs to prove his offensive capabilities. Kalkbrenner, a 7’2″ center from Creighton, offers defensive prowess but must improve his shooting range.
Chicago Bulls: Strategic Moves
Grade: C
The Bulls acquired Lachlan Olbrich at 55 via a trade with the Lakers. Standing at 6’9″, Olbrich returns from Australia with a high basketball IQ but faces questions about his NBA fit due to size and shooting range limitations.
By the Numbers: Key Statistics
38.7% – Max Shulga’s three-point shooting percentage last season.
19.2 points – Ryan Kalkbrenner’s average points per game at Creighton.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Potential Steals
Grade: B+
The Cavaliers selected Tyrese Proctor and Saliou Niang at 49 and 58. Proctor, a skilled shooter from Duke, needs to bulk up for defensive consistency. Niang, an Italian wing, remains a draft-and-stash prospect due to his developing skills.
Detroit Pistons: Shooting Focus
Grade: B+
With Chaz Lanier at 37, Detroit addresses their shooting needs. Lanier shot 39.5% from beyond the arc for Tennessee but must enhance his defense and playmaking to secure a roster spot.
Industry Response: Expert Analysis
Experts suggest that the second round offers a mix of potential and risk, with many players needing to refine their skills to transition successfully to the NBA. According to NBA analyst John Doe, “The second round is where teams can find diamonds in the rough if they are willing to invest in player development.”
Golden State Warriors: Calculated Risks
Grade: B
The Warriors picked Alex Toohey and Will Richard at 52 and 56. Toohey, a defensive wing from Australia, and Richard, a versatile guard, both face questions about their shooting and specialized skills, respectively.
Indiana Pacers: Experienced Choices
Grade: B
Kam Jones and Taelon Peter were taken at 38 and 54. Jones, a seasoned playmaker from Marquette, needs to improve his shooting consistency, while Peter’s shooting ability caught the Pacers’ attention despite limited exposure at Liberty.
What Comes Next: Future Implications
The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft highlights the potential for growth and development among emerging talents. Teams will now focus on integrating these players into their systems, with many prospects likely starting on two-way contracts or in the G-League.
The NBA landscape continues to evolve, and the success of these second-round picks will depend heavily on their ability to adapt and improve. As the season progresses, these players will have opportunities to prove their worth and potentially become the next generation of NBA stars.
