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| Darryn Peterson, Kansas |
A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU
The Wizards came away as victors of the lottery on Sunday, securing the top spot in one of the most anticipated drafts in some time. A.J. Dybantsa is widely viewed as the top prospect in the cycle and could be the missing piece on a young and athletic Washington roster. But, don't discount the Wizards exploring trade scenarios - Utah could very well be tempted to move up one selection given owner Ryan Smith's long history with Dybantsa.
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Darryn Peterson is probably the best top-to-bottom prospect in this class, a polished three-level scorer with the potential to play and defend multiple positions in the pros. However, his strange lone season of college basketball does leave some with trepidations heading into the Draft. Peterson was incredibly impressive while he was on the court, but his odd health situation and seemingly lack of effort has to be on organization's minds at the top of the board. With all that being said, it's hard to imagine the Jazz going elsewhere given his talent and roster fit.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cam Boozer, F, Duke
The Grizzlies are firmly back in rebuilding mode after dealing away Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline and with Ja Morant's future up in the air. Cam Boozer would offer an ideal fit as they develop this young core, slotting in nicely next to Zach Edey in the frontcourt and with Cedric Coward on the wing. I have questions about whether Boozer's bullying game will translate to the NBA, but there's little question he's a Top 3 lock this cycle.
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
As frustrating as the post-Derrick Rose era has been for Chicago, this could be the Draft things turn around in the Windy City. They have two selections within the Top 15, and have a chance to add a real difference-maker here in North Carolina's Caleb Wilson. Wilson was a two-way force during his one season in Chapel Hill, and his versatility makes him an ideal fit for any roster construction.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
Indiana's loss is a win for the Clippers, as the fallout from the Ivica Zubac deal allows LA to steal away the No. 5 pick. Given the guards available in this spot they'll most likely invest in the backcourt, but Darius Acuff is the most talented of this grouping. The latest in a long line of John Calipari guards, Acuff was one of the country's best players down the stretch and has the looks of a proven floor general.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Brooklyn invested heavily in young guards in the 2025 NBA Draft, and none of them were particularly impressive during their rookie campaigns. Keaton Wagler is a skilled combo guard with the size to play off-ball - his scoring ability provides a lethargic offense some real punch.
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
It's hard to know what the Kings are doing after a lost season that saw them drop 60 games. Major changes are likely coming this offseason, but this selection has to be all about grabbing the best player available. Kingston Flemings is just that, a high-scoring guard who shone on a veteran Houston team this past winter.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
It was easy to forget Brayden Burries on a deep Arizona team that included a fellow star freshman in Koa Peat. But the dynamic combo guard played with a maturity well beyond his years, showcasing excellent leadership and playmaking. It doesn't feel like he has the ceiling of others in this Draft, but Atlanta would be adding a well-rounded prospect at this spot.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Few prospects projected to go in the lottery this year feel as boom-or-bust as Tennessee's Nate Ament. The 6'10" forward is an elite athlete who can blow you away with some of the players he makes, but he's quite inconsistent and wasn't particularly efficient in his lone season in Knoxville. He's worth taking a flier on at this point in the lottery for the Mavericks, but there's real risk involved here.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Mikel Brown, G, Louisville
For the second straight offseason, questions about the future of Giannis will loom all over the offseason in Milwaukee. Whether he stays or goes, the Bucks need some playmaking punch from this backcourt, especially with Kevin Porter Jr. entering free agency. Mikel Brown is an interesting talent who had a bumpy season at Louisville. NBA folks love his size and scoring ability, so this could end up being great value at ten.
11. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Despite receiving first-round projections last summer, Yaxel Lendeborg stayed in school and ended up being the key piece of a Michigan National Title. The move certainly appears ready to pay off, as Lendeborg is receiving lottery projections now. Some may be concerned about his age, as he'll be 24 next NBA season, but his two-way ability would be huge for a team like the Warriors.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
If you didn't watch much Washington basketball this past winter, you missed out on one of college basketball's underrated gems in Hannes Steinbach. The German product is a seven-footer with superb touch around the rim and constant activity on the glass. He already has a polished offensive game but could grow into more of a floor spacer in the pros. Steinbach just has the feels of an OKC pick in the late lottery here.
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
This is likely far too low for a player like Labaron Philon, an electric scorer who really showed out in his final season in Tuscaloosa. Philon is a tough ball-handler who we knew could get to the rim, but his growth as a three-point shooter has vaulted him into Top 10 consideration. The Heat always find ways to find steals no matter where they are drafting, and they could be getting one here.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
As disappointing of a season as it was for the Baylor Bears, guard Cameron Carr was a real bright spot, averaging nearly 19 points per game on the season. It was a full circle moment for Carr, who had all the potential but struggled with injuries over his first two seasons in Waco. NBA folks are intrigued by his 3-and-D potential, and he's one of the best rebounding guards you'll see coming out of this level.
15. Chicago Bulls
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Some of Chicago's best teams in the post-MJ era have included an elite rim protector setting the tone in the paint, from Ben Wallace to Joakim Noah. That's missing on this current roster. Enter Aday Mara, a 7'3" behemoth who swatted away everything while at Michigan. Mara moves well for his size and possesses a really solid all-around game. He'd like a great pick in this post-lottery range.
16. Memphis Grizzlies
Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
Few players in college basketball are as smooth with the basketball as Ebuka Okorie, who showed out in his one season at Stanford. Teams may be concerned about how well he translates to the pros given his 6'2" frame, but the Grizzlies will possess plenty of size elsewhere. You have to love he fit of Okorie next to a player like Cedric Coward, commanding the defensive attention and opening the floor up for Coward's shooting.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder
Karim Lopez, G/F, Mexico
At this point, it's just unfair. The Thunder are primed to take home their second straight NBA Title, and yet own multiple selections in the Top 20. Something tells me they take a swing, and Karim Lopez is the type of mystery international prospect who can imagine Sam Presti going for. He measured in well at the Combine, can play and defend multiple spots, and appears more pro-ready than the average fan may assume.
18. Charlotte Hornets
Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky
Talent is no issue for Jayden Quaintance, a former blue-chip recruit who started his career at Arizona State before a short-lived Kentucky stint. However, health concerns could threaten to drop him past the lottery, although I don't see him lasting much longer than this. He has the physical tools to be a dominant back-to-the-basket big and elite rim protector.
19. Toronto Raptors
Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas
After a pair of solid seasons at Xavier, Dailyn Swain emerged as a legit NBA prospect this past winter, as he averaged 17.3 PPG on 54% shooting for the Longhorns. He can get to the rim in impressive fashion with his size, but his complete lack of shooting makes him an interesting prospect. You can dream of a 3-and-D future for him, but this may be his range.
20. San Antonio Spurs
Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Bennett Stirtz was the engine behind an Iowa team that went to the Elite Eight this spring, and he feels like the type of prospect that will have a long and fruitful NBA career. Stirtz won't blow you away with his athleticism but he's so crafty and skilled in every facet of the game. He'd be a superb add for the Spurs, as he's a much different player than just about every other guard on their roster.
21. Detroit Pistons
Chris Cenac, F, Houston
Kingston Flemings was not the only Houston youngster who caught the eye of NBA folks this past season, as Chris Cenac flashed ample upside with the Cougars. Cenac is still raw in a lot of areas, but at 6'11" with the physical tools to be a really versatile frontcourt piece, you can imagine someone talking themselves into him. Detroit would be a nice landing spot, giving him time to learn and grow on the bench for a contender.
22. Philadelphia 76ers
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Taking down Boston was quite the postseason highlight for Philadelphia, but the loss to the Knicks showed there is still plenty of work to be done. Instead of taking a swing in this spot, I see the Sixers taking a guy like Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson. He's an older prospect at 22 years of age, but is a well-rounded scorer, solid defender, and fundamentally sound forward. He's versatile to fill any role the Sixers need as they look to rise up the totem pole in the Eastern Conference.
23. Atlanta Hawks
Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
Allen Graves is drawing interest in the transfer portal among big-name college programs, but I suspect he may end up staying in the Draft as his stock rises. He was a pleasant surprise as a freshman at Santa Clara, and projects as a 3-and-D prospect. A stellar Combine could end up helping Graves continue to ascend boards.
24. New York Knicks
Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke
It was easy to overlook Isaiah Evans on Duke teams that featured Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Cam Boozer, but the wing was a crucial part of his Blue Devil offense. He grew in a big way offensively from his freshman to sophomore seasons, and has potential to be a potent shooter in the pros. His 3-and-D upside would be welcome for a Knicks team coming in on their first NBA Finals trip since 1999.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Koa Peat, F, Arizona
Bolstering the frontcourt should be a priority for the Lakers this offseason, regardless of what happens with LeBron. Arizona's Koa Peat was impressive as a freshman, but there may be some concern around his fit in the NBA. He's a tweener, but a talented prospect who plays far larger than his 6'8" frame may suggest. Peat has the potential to evolve into a really effective two-way player in this LA frontcourt.
26. Denver Nuggets
Morez Johnson Jr., F/C, Michigan
Could Aaron Gordon be on the move this offseason? After a first round playoff exit, it's clear Denver needs to change up this roster, and Gordon's $32 million contract make him popular trade bait. Morez Johnson Jr. is not the perfect replacement, but he offers real defensive versatility and boasts the type of game that would be nice fit next to Nikola Jokic.
27. Boston Celtics
Tarris Reed, C, UConn
Boston's offseason may hinge on Giannis and whether they can swing a trade for him, but the roster does need work elsewhere. There's a prevailing thought the Celtics add a veteran big who can score, but they may also target one in the late first round. Tarris Reed grew into an imposing post presence with UConn, and he could be just the spark Boston is looking for in the frontcourt.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
Mike Conley is in the twilight years of his career, Donte Divincenzo could miss all of next season, and Ayo Dosunmu is a free agent. Needless to say, the Minnesota backcourt needs some help, even if all eyes will be on Julius Randle and his future this offseason. Christian Anderson is a skilled combo guard and one of the best distributors in this Draft. He will help maximize the rest of this talented T-Wolves roster.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyler Tanner, PG, Vanderbilt
James Harden's future will be the question mark that decides Cleveland's offseason, but other backcourt pieces like Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder are also set to be free agents. Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner was the floor general of one of college basketball's best offenses this past winter, and his skillset should be a welcome addition in Cleveland.
30. Dallas Mavericks
Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Darius Acuff is obviously the Arkansas guard NBA teams are most excited about, but Meleek Thomas feels like the type of prospect who could settle into a nice role player for a long time. He's got ideal size, can score inside and out, and has unwavering confidence in his game. Perhaps he's the spark Dallas needs to make the most of an underwhelming second unit.
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