With the end of the second round, the 2025 NBA Draft has come to a close. Unquestionably, both the first and second rounds were filled with many exciting picks and surprising trades, resulting in teams securing their desired players in the draft. Let’s dive into the top five second-round selections in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Top 5 Second-Round Selections In The 2025 NBA Draft
1. Rasheer Fleming To The Phoenix Suns
First on this list is the very first player selected in the second round, forward Rasheer Fleming. The Suns add to their excellent collection of rookies this year with Fleming, getting first-round value in the second. Additionally, Fleming possesses the absolutely coveted 3-and-D skill set as a forward. Combined with his athleticism, Fleming is the exact type of player that Phoenix needs around Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Not only that, but he synergizes with Khaman Malauch in the sense that the paint will be a no-fly zone. Undoubtedly, the Suns left the 2025 NBA Draft with plenty of young talent, getting massive steals in both rounds of the draft.
2. Sion James To The Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are undoubtedly another team that had great success in both rounds of the draft. In particular, the player that made the Hornets successful in the second round is Duke guard Sion James. Joining fellow Duke Blue Devil Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, and Ryan Kalkbrenner, James will certainly help bring a mentality for winning basketball to a team that sorely needs it. Furthermore, he has a complementary skill set that fits well next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He already has experience playing in a lesser role next to star players. Undoubtedly, getting a player who can operate off the ball and defend next to those two is a win. James is definitely a top second-round selection in this year’s draft.
3. Adou Thiero To The Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers made multiple jumps up the draft board, eventually landing at the 36th pick. With that pick, the Lakers get a massive steal in Arkansas forward Adou Thiero. Unquestionably, Thiero is one of the most athletic players in the draft this year and is an excellent defender. He can give Los Angeles the two things they’ve absolutely lacked for years while also providing them upside for the future. The Lakers now have a player in Thiero who fits well next to Luka Doncic for the long term despite some shooting concerns.
4. Amari Williams To The Boston Celtics
Like their rivals in Los Angeles, the Boston Celtics also made a top second-round selection in the draft. For a Boston team full of uncertainty at the center position, drafting a center like Amari Williams late in the draft is a major get. He offers defense, rebounding, and elite passing out of the center position, all of which the Celtics need in the frontcourt. Considering next season will likely be a lost one for Boston, Williams has the benefit of adjusting to the NBA level. With that development, he can be ready to contribute once Jayson Tatum returns from his injury. With Kristaps Porzingis traded and the other bigs potentially leaving, Williams can serve as a stop-gap at center for the Celtics as they continue to tread water.
5. Alex Toohey To The Golden State Warriors
Last on this list are the Golden State Warriors, who landed a great wing in forward Alex Toohey. In Toohey, the Warriors get to add critical wing depth to a team that can use more size. He can provide high feel and defense on the wings while also having the potential to be a three-point shooter. Getting a potential 3-and-D wing towards the end of the draft is an excellent pickup for the Warriors. Additionally, Toohey already knows how to play off of veterans based on his time in the NBL. Toohey going to the Warriors is a great value pick for Golden State.
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