VJ Edgecombe (pictured) headlines the East as a high-upside pick with a chance, albeit a remote one, to become the best player in the class. NIL departures thinned what might have been a much deeper draft pool, especially in the late first and early second rounds, leaving several teams hunting for value amid a shallow field. With that context in mind, perhaps grading on a curve is in order. Here we present the Eastern Conference draft grades, featuring winners, question marks, and everything in between.
Atlanta Hawks: A
Picks:
23. Asa Newell 6-10, 225, PF, Georgia, Fr.
We received intel and reported that the Hawks were targeting Asa Newell at pick 13. Instead, they pulled off one of the savviest moves of the draft, trading down to 23 and still landing their guy, while also acquiring what could be a gem of a 2026 unprotected first-round pick from New Orleans. The value difference between picks 13 and 23 was minimal in this draft, and we had Asa Newell graded above Derik Queen, so we obviously loved the pick. Atlanta is surely raising a quiet cheers to New Orleans for what may go down as one of the more generous draft-night deals in recent memory. Newell infuses athleticism, defensive upside, and underrated offensive skill into Atlanta’s frontcourt. The Pelicans made what appears to be a reckless move, giving up an unprotected 2026 pick that alone wouldn’t have been worth the jump, much less paired with the 23rd pick. Considering the state of their roster and who their top player is (Zion injury prone), that future pick could be extremely valuable, especially in a loaded 2026 draft where teams will be angling for stars like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Add in the day before acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, and outside of Dallas, no team had a better draft night than the Hawks. It’s all thanks to New Orleans.
Boston Celtics: B
Picks:
28. Hugo Gonzalez 6-7, 225, SG/SF, Spain, Intl.
46. Amari Williams 7-0, 260, C, Kentucky, Sr.
57. Max Shulga 6-5, 195, PG/SG, VCU, Sr.
Brad Stevens continues to make it look easy. The Celtics managed to get under the second apron by moving on from Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, clearing space while adding Anfernee Simons as an intriguing offensive weapon. While his long-term fit remains uncertain, the value was clear. Hugo Gonzalez was a savvy choice at 28, offering long-term upside as a two-way wing who fits Boston’s culture. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Gonzalez becomes an even more logical developmental swing. Amari Williams is a surprisingly mobile and skilled big man who could carve out a role with his rebounding and passing. Max Shulga may not be flashy, but he brings high-level fundamentals and feel. Doubting Stevens at this point is a fool’s errand. This was a disciplined, forward-thinking draft that aligns with Boston’s long-term vision.
Brooklyn Nets: B-
Picks:
8. Egor Demin 6-9, 200, SG/SF, BYU, Fr.
19. Nolan Traore 6-4, 185, PG, France, Intl.
22. Drake Powell 6-6, 200, SG/SF, North Carolina, Fr.
26. Ben Saraf 6-6, 200, PG/SG, Israel, Intl.
27. Danny Wolf 7-0, 250, PF/C, Michigan, Jr.
The Nets kept all five of their first-round picks, going all in on volume and versatility. Egor Demin is a clear talent, but he is likely best suited as a secondary playmaker rather than the lead guard role Brooklyn may envision for him. Nolan Traore is raw but has intriguing tools and long-term upside. Drake Powell stands out as a potential “star in his role” two-way contributor with the chance to be much better if his offensive game continues to evolve. Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf both bring solid experience. Saraf offers scoring instincts, while Wolf provides elite passing from a 7-footer. All five players are notably strong passers for their positions, suggesting the front office was sending a message about improving ball movement. The strategy leaned more toward quantity than top-end talent. While the group adds depth, there is no obvious star. After keeping all five of their first-rounders and trading away their early second-round pick, some Nets fans may have been left wondering if the team’s 2025 draft strategy was beginning to resemble the definition of insanity: doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.
Charlotte Hornets: B
Picks:
4. Kon Knueppel 6-7, 215, SG/SF, Duke, Fr.
29. Liam McNeeley 6-8, 215, SF, UConn, Fr.
33. Sion James 6-6, 220, SF, Duke, Sr.
34. Ryan Kalkbrenner 7-2, 260, C, Creighton, Sr.
The Hornets reshaped their roster with four picks after trading away Mark Williams, who ultimately netted them two future first-rounders. They then replaced him with Ryan Kalkbrenner, a polished senior who provides instant rim protection and could play rotation minutes right away. For some reason, the team no longer seems to have a ban on drafting Duke players. Why that would be is anybody’s guess. But in all seriousness, Kon Knueppel may not have the ceiling you typically want at pick 4, yet for a team lacking maturity and cohesion, he is about as reliable and prepackaged as it gets. The alternative would have been stepping into the situation unfolding in Utah, and the Hornets don’t have the organizational strength to manage a potential malcontent. Ace Bailey may still report and play well in Utah, but Charlotte has problems of its own. Avoiding additional drama was likely the smart move, and Knueppel fits. Liam McNeeley was a solid value late in the first round and could contribute quickly. Sion James brings versatility and defensive potential, though his path to minutes is less certain. Overall, Charlotte made measured, pragmatic, albeit low-upside picks that help stabilize the roster.
Chicago Bulls: B-
Picks:
12. Noa Essengue 6-10, 200, SF/PF, France, Intl.
55. Lachlan Olbrich 6-10, 230, PF/C, Australia, Intl.
Chicago took a swing on upside with Noa Essengue, a long, fluid forward whose long-term potential is genuinely intriguing. We actually like Essengue and see the appeal, but the fit doesn’t seem great with Matas Buzelis already on the roster. There’s a real chance Essengue becomes a player, though it may not happen until after he struggles with his first team and figures things out elsewhere. He’s raw and lacks polish, especially as a shooter and decision-maker, but the physical tools are real. Olbrich doesn’t move the needle much, and projects primarily as a depth piece should he make the team.The effort is clearly there, but whether the talent is remains to be seen. NIL has clearly affected the draft’s depth, and these are developmental picks for a rebuilding team willing to bet on long-term growth.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B-
Picks:
49. Tyrese Proctor 6-5, 185, PG, Duke, Jr.
58. Saliou Niang 6-8, 205, SF/PF, Italy, Intl.
Cleveland only had two picks in the draft, both coming on Thursday night. Selecting Duke’s Tyrese Proctor was a solid move, as he could find a role on the team next season, especially if Ty Jerome departs. Playing alongside Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel gave Proctor a confidence boost, and he started to figure things out this year, but he still needs to find consistency and trust in his game. A few years ago, he was projected to go much higher, and the tools are still there. Cleveland will hope their development staff can unlock his potential. Saliou Niang was a player we had projected to Cleveland. He is expected to be stashed and developed overseas. The talent is intriguing, but the skill level still needs to catch up.
Detroit Pistons: A
Picks:
37. Chaz Lanier 6-5, 206, SG, Tennessee, Sr.
Detroit only had a second-round pick in this draft, and they made the most of it by selecting Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee. For a team pushing to contend, they did well adding a 23-year-old, NBA-ready player who could contribute early. Lanier is a strong shooter with unorthodox but efficient mechanics, an underrated athlete, and a confident scorer who fills a clear need for floor spacing around Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey. His long-term upside is somewhat limited due to age, but this was excellent value for a player we graded as a potential late first-rounder. The top 40 is typically a range where teams can still find potential contributors, and Lanier fits that mold.
Indiana Pacers: C+
Picks:
38. Kam Jones 6-4, 200, PG/SG, Marquette, Sr.
54. Taelon Peter 6-4, 210, PG/SG, Liberty, Sr.
The NBA feel-good story of the year made a smart pre-draft move by trading away their 2025 first-round pick at No. 23 in order to reacquire their own 2026 first-rounder. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to an Achilles injury and the possibility of further setbacks, regaining control of their own ’26 pick could prove important if the season takes a downturn. Kam Jones brings a lot of swagger and could find minutes as an iso-heavy guard. He gives Indiana another confident shot-maker who can help soak up guard minutes in the short term. The Pacers also selected Taelon Peter from Liberty, perhaps the biggest head scratcher of the entire draft. He didn’t start at Liberty, is one of the oldest prospects in the class. He’s a long shot to stick, NIL be damned.
Miami Heat: B+
Picks:
20. Kasparas Jakucionis 6-6, 205, PG/SG, Illinois, Fr.
The Heat selected Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis, a player many had ranked higher than No. 20. They got solid value here with a skilled guard who shoots it better than advertised and brings real offensive craft. His game may overlap somewhat with Tyler Herro, as both may be more suited to secondary ball-handler roles rather than running the offense full-time. Perhaps they can share some of the responsibility and find a rhythm together, but the concern is on the defensive end, where pairing them could present real challenges. Still, Jakucionis is a talented player who should find success in Miami’s system. Pat Riley certainly seemed to believe they had hit a home run following the pick.
Milwaukee Bucks: B-
Picks:
47. Bogoljub Markovic 6-11, 210, PF, Serbia, Intl.
The Bucks didn’t make any major moves on draft night, selecting just one player: Serbian forward Bogoljub Markovic at pick 47. Markovic brings legitimate shooting touch to the frontcourt, which is something Milwaukee will need around Giannis, especially if Bobby Portis or Brook Lopez are no longer in the picture. He won the class clown award at Nike Hoop Summit, but perhaps his lighthearted personality will blend well with Giannis and the Bucks locker room. The shot-making is there, but the key question is whether he can defend well enough to stay on the floor. This is a long-term play, and while he may not contribute right away, the potential is intriguing.
New York Knicks: B
Picks:
51. Mohamed Diawara 6-9, 225, SF/PF, France, Intl.
The Knicks made just one selection in the draft, taking Mohamed Diawara in the second round. He’s more of a lottery ticket than a ready contributor. At 6’9” with long arms, he has the physical tools to become a disruptive defender, which fits the defensive identity the team built under its former coach. Offensively, he’s showing some three-point development and has some vision, but he’s a project in every sense and will need time to adjust to the NBA game. The hope is that with patience and the right development, he can grow into a useful piece down the line.
Orlando Magic: B+
Picks:
25. Jase Richardson 6-2, 180, PG/SG, Michigan St., Fr.
32. Noah Penda 6-8, 240, SG/SF, France, Intl.
Orlando made its biggest move before the draft by acquiring Desmond Bane, but on draft night they stayed aggressive and added useful depth. At No. 25, they selected Michigan State’s Jase Richardson, a scoring guard with speed and confidence. He’ll need time to adjust and prove he can stay healthy after a significant knee injury in high school, but he has the tools to eventually fill a role similar to Cole Anthony’s. In the second round, they moved up to grab Noah Penda, a strong, defensive-minded wing who plays a connective role and could contribute early. The Magic made smart, targeted additions that fit their push toward contention.
Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Picks:
3. VJ Edgecombe 6-5, 195, PG/SG, Baylor, Fr.
35. Johni Broome 6-10, 250, PF/C, Auburn, Sr.
The Sixers added one of the highest-upside players in the entire draft in Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. While the fit alongside Joel Embiid may raise some questions, especially in the short term, Philadelphia could eventually pivot toward a younger core if they explore trading Embiid. Edgecombe brings explosive athleticism, defensive energy, and the potential to grow into a star-level two-way guard. He’s still early in his developmental arc and will need time, but there’s a Jimmy Butler or Dwyane Wade type of determination to his approach. In the second round, they selected Johni Broome, one of the most productive players in college basketball last season. While Broome lacks top-tier athleticism and may have a limited ceiling, he’s tough and skilled, with a chance to carve out a role as a reliable interior presence. If things go right, he has some Carlos Boozer lite potential.
Toronto Raptors: C
Picks:
9. Collin Murray-Boyles 6-8, 240, PF/C, South Carolina, So.
39. Alijah Martin 6-3, 210, SG, Florida, Sr.
Toronto made a surprising move at No. 9 by selecting Collin Murray-Boyles, a player we had graded lower in the first round. He’s a confident player with a real presence, but can he fit today’s game? With Scottie Barnes as the current centerpiece, adding another forward who doesn’t space the floor creates overlap and potential spacing issues. It’s unclear how Murray-Boyles complements the core, and for a rebuilding team, that matters. He gives off some Danny Fortson vibes with his old-school toughness, but in a league shifting away from that archetype, it’s a questionable fit. In fairness, the value dropped off after pick 6 or 7, but this still felt like a reach. One of the more intriguing storylines heading into the draft was the buzz surrounding Khaman Maluach and whether the Raptors, led by an African-born decision maker known for prioritizing length, would take him at No. 9. The fact that they passed was surprising, and now that it has been revealed Masai Ujiri was on his way out, the question of whether he would have drafted Maluach feels unanswered. Perhaps Ujiri’s impending absence influenced the decision to pass on the young African prospect.. Expect Ujiri, who is rumored to have declined the Atlanta GM job, to land on his feet quickly, with interest from potential expansion ownership groups eyeing him for a top leadership role. The second-round selection Alijah Martin could be serviceable, though not especially inspiring. He’s tough and experienced, but at 6-3, he figures to have a challenge overcoming height issues.
Washington Wizards: B
Picks:
6. Tre Johnson 6-6, 190, SG, Texas, Fr.
21. Will Riley 6-9, 185, SG/SF, Illinois, Fr.
43. Jamir Watkins 6-6, 215, SF, Florida St., Sr.
At No. 6, the Wizards selected Tre Johnson, a skilled shot-maker with good length and the ability to create for himself and others. He has the tools to become a high-level pro if he stays focused and committed to developing his game. If things click, Washington may have found another key piece to join Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr as part of a young core they can start building a winning team around. At No. 21, they added Will Riley, a decent pick who showed flashes at Illinois and could become serviceable if he gets stronger and more disciplined. In the second round, they took Jamir Watkins, a versatile wing who doesn’t excel in any one area but could carve out a role with his all-around game. The Wizards also officially pulled the plug on the Jordan Poole experiment, sending him to New Orleans and adding CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick in return.
