The NBA season has concluded and we’re here for one of the biggest NBA drafts in recent memories. Whether you believe the actual lottery resultes were rigged or not, the landscape of the NBA will be reshaped after this draft. Will the East become stronger or with the Mavericks and Spurs in the top two spots continue the lopsided nature of the conferences? Let’s take a look at how we think this will shake out — with a keen eye toward a data-driven approach for making picks. This isn’t necessarily how things will play out, but gives a glimpse into how filling gaps can be the best strategy for drafting in 2025.

Methodology

We analyzed each lottery team’s 2024-25 season stats to identify their most pressing needs. While the draft is always unpredictable, understanding these statistical gaps gives us a strong sense of what each team might prioritize on draft night.

1

Dallas Mavericks

Team Needs

Wing defense, rebounding, bench depth
A defensive wing with rebounding ability would help Dallas on both ends.

Key Stats

21st in defensive rating, 23rd in rebounds per game

THE PICK:

Cooper Flagg
2

San Antonio Spurs

Team Needs

Point guard, shooting, perimeter defense
A floor general who can shoot and defend would complement the Spurs' young core, however, this team isn't too flawed.

Key Stats

19th in offensive rating, 25th in defensive rating, 26th in defensive rebound percentage

THE PICK:

Dylan Harper
3

Philadelphia 76ers

Team Needs

Wing depth, shooting, on-ball defense
A 3-and-D wing would give Philly much-needed versatility on the perimeter.

Key Stats

25th in bench points, 27th in 3PT%, 26th in defensive rating

THE PICK:

VJ Edgecombe
4

Charlotte Hornets

Team Needs

Perimeter shooting, defense, secondary playmaker
A two-way swing who can shoot and defend would help Charlotte on both ends.

Key Stats

28th in 3PT%, 29th in defensive rating

THE PICK:

Tre Johnson
5

Utah Jazz

Team Needs

Scoring wing, rim protection, playmaking guard
A versatile forward who can defend and create his own shot would fill multiple gaps for Utah.

Key Stats

Ranked 30th in defensive rating, 22nd in 3PT%, 21st in assists per game

THE PICK:

Ace Bailey
6

Washington Wizards

Team Needs

Interior defense, rebounding, shot creation
A big man with rim protection and rebounding skills is a natural fit for the Wizards' frontcourt.

Key Stats

Last in offensive rating, 27th in points allowed per game

THE PICK:

Khaman Maluach
7

New Orleans Pelicans

Team Needs

Point guard, perimeter defense, shooting
A lead guard with vision and defensive chops could elevate the Pelicans' backcourt.

Key Stats

19th in assists, 22nd in opponent 3PT%

THE PICK:

Kon Knueppel
8

Brooklyn Nets

Team Needs

Interior scoring, rim protection, playmaking
A skilled big who can score inside and protect the rim fits Brooklyn's needs.

Key Stats

27th in points in the paint, 27th in blocks

THE PICK:

Thomas Sorber
9

Toronto Raptors

Team Needs

Defense, shooting, backup center
A defensive-minded forward with shooting upside would help Toronto's rotation.

Key Stats

28th in blocks, 24th in defensive rebound percentage, 25th in offensive rating

THE PICK:

Carter Bryant
10

Phoenix Suns

Team Needs

Defense, any center, shooting
After trading away Kevin Durant, a backup big who can defend and stretch the floor fits Phoenix's needs.

Key Stats

28th in defensive rating, 25th in rebounds

THE PICK:

Derik Queen
11

Portland Trail Blazers

Team Needs

Playmaking, shooting, rim protection
A creative guard who can shoot and facilitate would boost Portland's offense.

Key Stats

27th in assists, 26th in 3PT%

THE PICK:

Jeremy Fears
12

Chicago Bulls

Team Needs

Point guard, shooting, rim protection
A swing who can shoot and defend would address Chicago's biggest holes.

Key Stats

19th in defensive rating, 23rd in steals, 18th in blocks

THE PICK:

Collin Murray-Boyles
13

Atlanta Hawks

Team Needs

Perimeter defense, shooting, playmaking
A two-way big who can shoot and defend would help Atlanta's rotation.

Key Stats

18th in offensive rating, 19th in defensive rating

THE PICK:

Danny Wolf
14

San Antonio Spurs

Team Needs

Point guard, shooting, perimeter defense
A floor general who can shoot and defend would complement the Spurs' young core, however, this team isn't too flawed.

Key Stats

19th in offensive rating, 25th in defensive rating, 26th in defensive rebound percentage

THE PICK:

Liam McNeeley

We’ll be back after the draft with our draft grades to see who statistically were the biggest steals and reaches.