Examining Draft Decisions: Who Stands to Regret Their Picks?

The 2025 NBA Draft is already casting shadows of doubt over several franchises as early-season performances begin to reveal potential regrets. While it may take a few years to fully assess the success or failure of these picks, some decisions have raised eyebrows right from draft night.

Pelicans’ Controversial Moves

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the draft hoping to enhance their roster but faced immediate criticism for their choices. Trading away their No. 23 pick and an unprotected first-round pick for Derik Queen at No. 13 was viewed as a major misstep. With the team struggling early and having already fired their head coach, one has to wonder about the long-term ramifications of such a decision.

Brooklyn Nets' Draft Dilemmas

Similarly, the Brooklyn Nets made headlines by selecting three point guards among their five first-round picks—a strategy that could be deemed risky. While they deserve credit for their bold approach, questions arise about positional gluts and whether they could have better utilized their resources. For instance, selecting Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34) instead of Danny Wolf (No. 27) could have reaped greater rewards, as Kalkbrenner has shone in his early opportunities.

Wizards’ Pick of Tre Johnson

The Washington Wizards found a bright spot with the No. 6 pick, Tre Johnson, who has performed as expected, averaging 11.5 points per game. However, their choice of Bub Carrington at No. 14 has left them wanting. Carrington’s inefficient early play has raised concerns about his future, especially as he struggles to find a consistent rhythm.

Phoenix Suns' Cautious Development

The Phoenix Suns chose to nurture Khaman Maluach slowly, a strategy partly necessitated by his youth and inexperience. However, comparisons with players like Cedric Coward and Derik Queen, who were chosen shortly after him, might leave the Suns feeling they've underutilized an opportunity. Maluach’s minimal game time and visible struggles beg the question of whether he was the right pick in the first place.

Jazz vs. the Surprise of Knueppel

Lastly, the Utah Jazz acquired high-risk, high-reward prospect Ace Bailey with the fifth pick. With Kon Knueppel's impressive early contributions showing he might have been a better choice, the Jazz may have to rethink their strategy. Bailey has displayed flashes of his potential, but questions linger about whether they should have secured a player like Knueppel, who is already making waves in the league.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen which franchises will ultimately pay the price for their 2025 draft decisions. For many, the pitfalls of an ambitious draft strategy loom large on the horizon.