NBA Draft Steals: 5 Players to Watch

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kasparas Jakucionis stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 20th pick by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

As every year, the NBA Draft has reserved its share of surprises and “steals” (these talents which are not chosen from the very first places, but which could be much more precious than expected). Although the attention was mainly paid to Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, several franchises took advantage of this draft to make clever choices outside the Top 10.

Teams like the Heat, the Grizzlies or the defending champion, the Thunder, were able to get out of the game and leave with real gems. Here are the five biggest steals spotted this year.

Kasparas Jakucionis: leader, Miami Heat (20th choice)

When the Heat has selected Yakucionemany were first surprised … before understanding the stroke of genius. The Lithuanian leader, brilliant in Illinois, was considered a talent worthy of the lottery. Over the first evening, the latter, however, experienced a descent in the classification, allowing Miami to recover it in 20th position from the NBA Draft.

With an excellent reading of the game, a surgical control of the pick-and-roll and a solid technical training inspired by European basketball, Jakucionis arrives in an ideal environment. With Erik Spoelstra, he could quickly become a major piece of rotation, thanks to his intensity and his vision of the game.

Heat has the reputation of excelling in the development of underestimated talents. With this competitive and structured context, Jakucionis has everything to explode much faster than you imagine.

Cedric Coward : Ailier, Memphis Grizzlies (11e choix)

Even before the draft, the story of Coward already looked like a film script. Passed by the modest University of Willamette (Division III), he then shone at Washington State and climbed in the rankings throughout the season.

With his large scale, his explosiveness and his defensive versatility, the young man was seen by some as a potential top 10. Memphis did not hesitate to exchange two first -round choices to obtain it, convinced of his enormous potential.

His profile combines offensive versatility, tactical intelligence and defensive commitment. In a collective that values ​​effort and team mentality, Coward will have time to evolve without immediate pressure. He could quickly become one of the most striking rookies of the season.

Thomas Sorber : Pivot, Oklahoma City Thunder (15e choix)

At only 19 years old, Sorber Already posted statistics comparable to those of Chris Webber in Michigan in the 1990s. In Georgetown, he compiled nearly 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 passes, 2 counters and 1.5 medium interception, a rare global impact for such a young interior.

With its explosiveness, its defensive instinct and its ability to play in the racket, Sorber is expected to replace Isaiah Hartenstein in the medium term.

His maturity of a game is impressive: he does not force, intelligently distributes and protects the circle as a veteran. Within the reigning champion, the latter could quickly become a fundamental element of the rotation and accompany the rise of the Thunder.

Jase Richardson: leader/rear, Orlando Magic (25th choice)

Son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, Jase arrives at Orlando with a prestigious name … but also a real talent. In Michigan State, he distinguished himself by his external address (41 % at three points) and his ability to assist in creation while keeping a scorcher’s role.

His profile perfectly corresponds to the needs of the Magic: a young team that lacks spacing and offensive maturity. With the return of Jalen Suggs and the arrival of Desmond Bane, Richardson will be able to integrate quickly and offer a reliable external threat.

His work ethics and seriousness should allow him to save playing time from his rookie season. A choice that could report big, far beyond the usual value of a 25th Pick of NBA Draft.

Hugo Gonzalez : Ailier, Boston Celtics (28e choix)

Finally, Boston has once again demonstrated his flair to locate European talents. Hugo Gonzalez, trained in Real Madrid, was not particularly coveted by the majority of scouts. But Brad Stevens and his staff did not let him pass.

Rather than staying in Europe, Gonzalez should immediately reach the rotation of the Celtics. With its overflowing energy, its aggressive defense, its vision of the game and its intensity, the Spaniard fits perfectly with Boston’s DNA.

His versatility and tactical maturity should quickly seduce Joe Mazzulla, and offer him precious minutes despite the density of the workforce.

These five players perfectly illustrate that the value of a choice is not limited to its position in the draft. Often, it is in the “steals” that future major contributors, even unexpected stars are hidden.

Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images