Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.

A detailed and energetic conversation between Stephen A. Smith and NBA insider Brian Windhorst, focused on the 2025 NBA Draft and its implications for various teams. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and insights:

🏀 Top Draft Picks & Analysis 1. Cooper Flagg (No. 1 to Dallas Mavericks)

• Compared to Tim Duncan in terms of impact potential.
• Described as a “perfect modern player” — versatile, defensive-minded, and capable of initiating offense.
• May not be a high-volume scorer or Rookie of the Year due to team context (Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson).
• Could drive winning early, which is rare for rookies.

2. Dylan Harper (No. 2 to San Antonio Spurs)

• Talented and versatile guard.
• Spurs are building a positionless, modern roster similar to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• Concerns about a crowded backcourt (De’Aaron Fox, Stefon Cassell, Devin Vassell).
• Spurs took the best available talent, not drafting for fit.

🔥 Other Draft Highlights 🟢 Philadelphia 76ers

• Drafted Edgecombe instead of Ace Bailey due to Bailey’s refusal to work out for teams.
• Edgecombe impressed playing for the Bahamian national team.
• Daryl Morey emphasized depth in the backcourt and Joel Embiid’s expected return.

🟣 Utah Jazz

• Took a risk on Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr.
• Bailey is high-risk, high-reward; Clayton impressed in the NCAA tournament.
• Utah is talent-starved and needs to take big swings.

🟡 New Orleans Pelicans

• Traded up to draft Derrick Queen, giving up a valuable 2026 unprotected pick swap.
• Criticized by Bill Simmons as one of the “dumbest trades of the decade.”
• Windhorst notes the influence of Troy Weaver in the decision.
• High upside with Queen and Jeremiah Fears, but risky if Zion gets injured again.

🏆 Winners of the Draft

• San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper + Carter Bryant (compared to OG Anunoby).
• Atlanta Hawks: Got a top-20 talent (Arsenal) at 23 and a valuable future pick.
• Utah Jazz: Took bold swings on Bailey and Clayton Jr.

❌ Losers / Question Marks

• Phoenix Suns: Traded two first-round picks for Mark Williams, who failed a physical with the Lakers.
  • Drafted Malik from Duke (a solid pick).
  • Strategy questioned due to asset depletion and win-now pressure.

🧠 Final Thoughts

• Windhorst emphasizes that while some trades seem questionable now, player development and team context will ultimately determine success.
• The NBA offseason remains unpredictable, and more moves are expected.

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