Jazz Co-Governor Dwyane Wade Reacts to Shocking 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Results
Utah Jazz co-governor Dwyane Wade reacted to the shocking 2025 NBA Draft Lottery outcome with a sense of optimism.
After the Jazz ended up with the No. 5 overall pick on Monday, Wade reflected on another notable No. 5 selection—himself in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Utah entered the NBA Draft Lottery with the best odds to land the No. 1 pick at 14 percent, which could have secured Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Instead, the Dallas Mavericks won the No. 1 pick despite long odds entering the day.
Wade was selected by the Miami Heat at No. 5 in the legendary 2003 NBA Draft, which saw LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh taken ahead of him. He spent 15 seasons in Miami, helping lead the franchise to its first three NBA titles, and also had stints with Chicago and Cleveland.
After losing out on what seemed like a sure No. 1 pick after a 17-65 season, the Jazz will still have some high-end talent to choose from with the No. 5 pick.
In Bleacher Report’s latest 2025 mock draft with a lottery simulation, Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears was projected to land in Utah at No. 5. Fears, a 6'4" freshman, profiles as both a point and shooting guard—an ideal fit for a Jazz team in need of a reliable ball-handler.
Rookie Isaiah Collier currently holds that role, stepping up after Jordan Clarkson suffered a season-ending injury. Collier averaged 8.7 points and 6.3 assists on 42.2 percent shooting in 46 starts. Fears, meanwhile, impressed in his lone season at Oklahoma, posting 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field.
Injuries heavily impacted Utah’s season, with power forward John Collins limited to 40 games, Lauri Markkanen sidelined for all but 47, and Clarkson appearing in just 37 contests. When healthy, the Jazz core has the talent to be competitive in the Western Conference.
