There are many talented guards in this draft class, but one that stood out was Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford. Standing at six-foot-one, Pettiford excelled at Auburn as an electric shot-creator off the bench who can provide three-level scoring. Furthermore, Pettiford has a great handle and has shown potential as a playmaker. While his size and defense are a concern, his potential as an offensive player will cause teams to be interested in drafting the rookie guard. Let’s dive into the best fits for Tahaad Pettiford in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Best Fits For Tahaad Pettiford In The 2025 NBA Draft
Brooklyn Nets
Given the needs of the Brooklyn Nets, Pettiford landing with them makes sense for both sides. On Brooklyn’s side, it’s obvious that the team needs to add more talent to their roster. They especially need players who can be a part of their future for the long haul. Pettiford can fill those needs as he has the talent and upside to be a part of Brooklyn’s future. He has real effectiveness and creativity to be a great scorer at the next level with further development. While his talents do overlap with Cam Thomas, his talent level is too great to ignore, and he is someone that the team needs to take a bet on.
On Pettiford’s end, going to Brooklyn would be beneficial for his development. Specifically, Pettiford needs to improve on defense and his strength. Given that the Nets are rebuilding, Pettiford can have the luxury of development without expectations. Ultimately, the Nets have numerous draft picks to play with in the 2025 NBA Draft, and using one on a talent like Pettiford wouldn’t be a waste.
Phoenix Suns
Another team that can use Pettiford and his skill set is the Phoenix Suns. While the Suns have many decisions to make in the summer, one clear need that they must fill is the point guard position. They lack any meaningful long-term solution at that position and can use an infusion of young talent to a slumping team. That’s where someone like Pettiford can help the Suns, as he has the potential to be a good playmaker alongside his talent as a scorer. He has the upside to be a part of Phoenix’s organization for years to come next to Devin Booker. For Pettiford, the Suns present an opportunity for him to get immediate minutes with the main team. The team has clear openings at both the starting and backup point guard roles, which Pettiford can fill.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic aren’t a team that can use Pettiford and cover his weaknesses. The Magic need another offensive shot-creator outside of the main stars to give Orlando more juice off the bench. His scoring abilities as well as his playmaking potential can help alleviate the scoring droughts that the Magic can suffer from time to time. Plus, the Magic have the defensive personnel to help hide Pettiford on defense. Pettiford’s size can make him a target on the defensive end, so Orlando’s defense can help him there. Given Orlando’s offensive and shooting woes, Pettiford will have a chance to earn minutes with the team.
Photo credit: © Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
