The list of NBA legends who slid to the second round is extensive: Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton make up some of the recent names, and if you want to go back there’s Manu Ginobili, Lou Williams, Marc Gasol and many more.
The 2025 NBA Draft will feature some breakout names in the second round — or, at least, solid rotation players — as well as some fan favorites and two-way guys trying to make the cut. Let’s grade these picks (and note, my grading in this round is more gentle and on a curve compared to the first round; expectations are relatively low and with that the misses are not painful like missing in the lottery).
(Check out the grades for the first round picks here.)
Boston Celtics: B-
Amari Williams (46), Max Shulga (57 via trade with Orlando)
Williams is big — literally at 6’11” and 255 pounds — and is physically strong. However, what catches scouts’ eyes is his high-level passing, especially from the high post. The challenge is he’s on the lower end of the NBA athleticism scale, meaning he’s not a great shot blocker and defensively would get dragged into pick-and-rolls and hunted. He also doesn’t stretch the floor with his shooting. He likely ends up on a two-way contract or in the G-League and will have to prove he has more than just his passing.
Taking a chance on a shooter is always a good thing. Shulga is a Ukrainian-born 6’4″ guard who played in Spain and then spent five years in college, most recently at VCU. Last season, he shot 38.7% from 3 and was at 41.5% two seasons ago. The question with Shulga is if he can defend well enough to stick in the league (scouts were split on his defense and how big an impediment it is). He’s reportedly going to be on a two-way contract as he tries to prove he can defend his position.
Charlotte Hornets: B+
Sion James (33), Ryan Kalkbrenner (34)
James is a 6’5″ senior guard who was part of Duke’s run to the Final Four last season, and he played four seasons at Tulane before that. He’s a quality defender and makes good decisions, things that should translate to the…
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