4 July, 2025
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The 2023 NBA Draft has concluded, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with excitement and speculation. The Brooklyn Nets, in a move that stunned the league, utilized all five of their first-round picks, setting themselves up as favorites for the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League. Meanwhile, the draft saw clear winners and losers emerge, with the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers representing opposite ends of the spectrum.

The draft’s only certainty was Cooper Flagg being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Beyond that, the night was filled with unexpected turns as teams scrambled to secure potential future stars. As the dust settles, here’s a closer look at the teams that emerged victorious and those that left fans scratching their heads.

Winners of the NBA Draft

Utah Jazz: A Strategic Triumph

The Utah Jazz made bold moves, selecting Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick. Despite Bailey’s attempts to dictate his draft destination, Jazz President Danny Ainge and General Manager Austin Ainge secured the talented Rutgers guard. Bailey, considered the second-best prospect, joins the Jazz alongside Walter Clayton Jr., picked 18th. The Jazz, long in rebuilding mode, are now poised for a resurgence.

GRADE: A

Washington Wizards: Building for the Future

The Wizards embraced their rebuilding phase, stacking their roster with promising prospects. Tre Johnson, selected sixth, and Bub Carrington are expected to form a dynamic frontcourt. Johnson’s shooting prowess, nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, adds a scoring threat. The Wizards’ strategy mirrors the Thunder’s successful model, banking on young talent to blossom into stars.

GRADE: A-

Charlotte Hornets: Making the Most of a Tough Situation

Despite slipping to fourth in the lottery, the Hornets made strategic selections to bolster their roster. Kon Knueppel, a sharpshooter from Duke, was taken fourth, while Liam McNeeley, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner add depth. The Hornets are focused on creating a new culture, hoping these picks will be foundational.

GRADE: A-

Orlando Magic: A Calculated Approach

The Magic, known for their uneven draft history, made a savvy move by trading a first-rounder to Memphis and selecting Jase Richardson at 25th. Richardson, a standout at Michigan State, offers offensive potential. Additionally, the acquisition of French prospect Noah Penda adds international flair to their roster.

GRADE: B

Losers of the NBA Draft

Portland Trail Blazers: A Puzzling Decision

The Trail Blazers raised eyebrows with their selection of Chinese center Yang Hansen at 16th overall. Hansen, who watched the draft from the stands, is considered a risky pick given Portland’s depth at center. The Blazers’ lack of additional acquisitions on draft night leaves them reliant on Hansen’s development.

Brooklyn Nets: A Risky Bet on Youth

The Nets’ decision to retain all five first-round picks defied expectations. While this influx of young talent could pay off, the immediate roster congestion and lack of veteran presence pose challenges. General Manager Sean Marks faces pressure to prove this unconventional strategy can yield results.

Strategic Insights: How the West Was Won

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent championship victory highlights a successful blueprint for team building. Their strategic trades and draft picks, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, have set them up for potential dynasty status. The Thunder’s emphasis on defense and athleticism contrasts with the high-scoring, three-point reliant strategies of past champions.

“Oklahoma City is really good,” said Golden State Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy. “They play their cards right, they’re going to be really good for a long time.”

The Warriors, with aging stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, face a different challenge. They must balance maintaining regular-season success with preserving their players for playoff contention. The contrast in team-building philosophies between the Thunder and Warriors underscores the evolving landscape of the NBA.

New Orleans Pelicans: A New Direction

Under new General Manager Joe Dumars, the Pelicans are undergoing a roster transformation. The trade of CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole and the draft selections of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears signal a youth movement. Fears, a promising point guard, aims to fill the void left by Jrue Holiday and contribute immediately.

“I bring a lot to the game,” Fears stated. “Looking to build that connection with those guys and add a lot of wins to the win column this year.”

The Pelicans’ strategy reflects a commitment to developing young talent while integrating them with established stars like Zion Williamson.

As the NBA offseason progresses, teams will continue to evaluate their draft decisions and adjust their strategies. The Jazz, Wizards, and Thunder appear well-positioned for future success, while the Trail Blazers and Nets face scrutiny for their draft choices. The coming months will reveal whether these gambles pay off or if adjustments are necessary.