Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN’s First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.
A detailed and energetic conversation between Stephen A. Smith and NBA insider Brian Windhorst, focused on the 2025 NBA Draft and its implications for various teams. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights and insights:
🏀 Top Draft Picks & Analysis 1. Cooper Flagg (No. 1 to Dallas Mavericks)
- Compared to Tim Duncan in terms of impact potential.
- Described as a “perfect modern player” — versatile, defensive-minded, and capable of initiating offense.
- May not be a high-volume scorer or Rookie of the Year due to team context (Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson).
- Could drive winning early, which is rare for rookies.
2. Dylan Harper (No. 2 to San Antonio Spurs)
- Talented and versatile guard.
- Spurs are building a positionless, modern roster similar to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Concerns about a crowded backcourt (De’Aaron Fox, Stefon Cassell, Devin Vassell).
- Spurs took the best available talent, not drafting for fit.
🔥 Other Draft Highlights 🟢 Philadelphia 76ers
- Drafted Edgecombe instead of Ace Bailey due to Bailey’s refusal to work out for teams.
- Edgecombe impressed playing for the Bahamian national team.
- Daryl Morey emphasized depth in the backcourt and Joel Embiid’s expected return.
🟣 Utah Jazz
- Took a risk on Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr.
- Bailey is high-risk, high-reward; Clayton impressed in the NCAA tournament.
- Utah is talent-starved and needs to take big swings.
🟡 New Orleans Pelicans
- Traded up to draft Derrick Queen, giving up a valuable 2026 unprotected pick swap.
- Criticized by Bill Simmons as one of the “dumbest trades of the decade.”
- Windhorst notes the influence of Troy Weaver in the decision.
- High upside with Queen and Jeremiah Fears, but risky if Zion gets injured again.
🏆 Winners of the Draft
- San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper + Carter Bryant (compared to OG Anunoby).
- Atlanta Hawks: Got a top-20 talent (Arsenal) at 23 and a valuable future pick.
- Utah Jazz: Took bold swings on Bailey and Clayton Jr.
❌ Losers / Question Marks
- Phoenix Suns: Traded two first-round picks for Mark Williams, who failed a physical with the Lakers.
- Drafted Malik from Duke (a solid pick).
- Strategy questioned due to asset depletion and win-now pressure.
🧠 Final Thoughts
- Windhorst emphasizes that while some trades seem questionable now, player development and team context will ultimately determine success.
- The NBA offseason remains unpredictable, and more moves are expected.
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