It’s Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft. We graded the first round, now let’s hand out grades for every second-round pick.
For scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide.
Grade: A-
Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition. This matters less for the Suns, since he’ll play in a role in which he just needs to do the simple stuff as a floor spacer rather than worry about shot creation.
Grade: C+
Penda plays with a veteran’s mind and a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense, and high-level feel. It’s a bit of a risk for Orlando though since Penda needs to improve his jumper to shine in the long-term. But his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to build on.
Grade: B
Fans who happen to root for both Duke and Charlotte know that James has role-player qualities that can fit next to the Hornets’ core pieces. James is a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle, and after years of laying bricks he worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. But without the handle of a primary creator, it’s critical he sustains his newfound success as a shooter.
Grade: A
A ton of teams were hoping Kalkbrenner would fall to them in the second round, but the Hornets land him here after trading away center Mark Williams during Day 1 of the draft. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It’s a bit strange he isn’t a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside, which could allow him to help facilitate for Charlotte’s offensive engines.
Grade: B+
Could Broome be the best backup center of the Joel Embiid era? Perhaps so, because he brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his jumper hasn’t progressed as much as NBA teams would hope, Embiid’s ability to space the floor could make for intriguing two-big lineups this season. In Philadelphia, it’s more important that he progresses moving laterally on the perimeter.
Grade: A
The Lakers made multiple aggressive trades to move up within the second round, and Thiero was the perfect target. He’s a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step who last season logged 45 dunks and had six games with 10 or more free throws. He lives in the paint, and that’s despite his limitations as a shooter. If he’s able to figure out the shot then his length and defensive versatility could make him a key player on a contending Lakers team.
Grade: A+
Perfect pick for Detroit. Wanna know why? Just look at the comparison for Lanier: Malik Beasley. Much like Beasley, Lanier is a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. Without great size or playmaking at his age, he’s a second-rounder for good reason. But the Pistons needed more shooting and now they got it.
Grade: A+
Tyrese Haliburton will be out for all of next season, but Jones could help handle some of the shot-creation responsibilities. Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league. That’s fine for Indiana, since he’ll develop positive habits sharing the rock in a fast-pace system.
39. Toronto Raptors
40. New Orleans Pelicans
41. Phoenix Suns
42. Sacramento Kings
43. Washington Wizards
44. Oklahoma City Thunder
45. Minnesota Timberwolves
46. Boston Celtics
47. Milwaukee Bucks
48. Memphis Grizzlies
49. Cleveland Cavaliers
50. New York Knicks
51. LA Clippers
52. Golden State Warriors
53. Utah Jazz
54. Indiana Pacers
55. Chicago Bulls
56. Memphis Grizzlies
57. Boston Celtics
58. Cleveland Cavaliers
59. Golden State Warriors
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