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| Cam Boozer, Duke |
1. Washington Wizards
A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU
There has been a surprising lack of drama surrounding Washington and the No. 1 overall pick, suggesting they are comfortable moving forward with A.J. Dybantsa. Dybantsa's athleticism and versatility suggest he'll make an immediate impact, but the Wizards are hopeful he can be the connective tissue that brings all their disparate pieces together into a winner. With him in the fold and fresh off a massive extension for Trae Young, this organization is likely thinking about the postseason in 2026-27.
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas
Is the buzz around Cam Boozer potentially being the pick at No. 2 real or manufactured drama so late in the process? I have a hard time believing the Jazz stomach passing on a talent like Darryn Peterson, even if you believe Boozer fits their needs more directly. Peterson's complete skillset is among the most impressive I've seen coming out of the college ranks in years.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cam Boozer, F, Duke
If I'm the Grizzlies, I'm just fine sticking at pick three and taking whoever manages to drop from the trio of Dybantsa, Peterson, or Cam Boozer. My suspicion is it will be Boozer, which is quite the consolation prize for Memphis. He provides them an NBA legacy with potential to play the three or four at a high level in the pros. Most important, he provides direction for an organization that needs some after the Ja Morant era went sideways.
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
There's no reason for Chicago to overthink this one at pick No. 4. They should be racing to get their selection in, locking in a chance to get a supremely talented Caleb Wilson. I'm not sure I can recall a draft with a talent like this available so late, and it seems like Wilson is just scratching the surface. I would not be shocked if he ends up being the best player in the class when this is all said and done.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
The fun really begins with the fifth selection in this Draft but even here it feels like this is moving towards an inevitable conclusion: Keaton Wagler being the pick. The Illinois product has the ideal NBA size for a combo guard and is one of the most explosive scorers available. For the Clippers specifically, his fit next to Darius Garland in this revamped backcourt is the final selling point.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown, G, Louisville
The wild card of this Draft is undoubtedly Brooklyn. The Nets had an unorthodox draft a year ago, and it feels like they are ready to take a swing. Mikel Brown had a bumpy lone season at Louisville, but NBA folks are extremely high on his scoring potential, particularly off-the-dribble. He's a player that has helped himself out in a big way in the pre-Draft process.
7. Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas
With how loaded the top of this class is, just about everyone in the lottery is going to come away happy. But, Sacramento will be downright ecstatic if they stay at pick seven and still manage to land their top prospect, Darius Acuff. Acuff's size could be a detractor, and it does feel like his stock has slipped just a bit since the conclusion of the college basketball season. The Kings would love a ball dominant lead guard with his scoring impact right from Day One.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
The Hawks have some solid backcourt pieces, but they lack a true lead guard that can carry the offensive burden. That could change with his pick, as they take a chance on Kingston Flemings here after the freshman phenom showed out in his one-season pit stop at Houston. Flemings quickness with the ball will almost surely translate, and he shot the ball well with the Cougars. Funnily enough, he reminds me quite a bit of Trae Young coming out of college.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
It's easy for a guard like Brayden Burries to get overshadowed by a bit by all the high-upside, high-scoring guards set to go around him in the mid-lottery. But, the Mavericks have a chance for a steal in this polished two-way contributor. He's just a winning basketball player that plays with a maturity well beyond his years - new head coach Dusty May is going to find a way to get the ball in his hands.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
The Giannis sweepstakes continues, but I'm not sure that should end up being the deciding factor in this selection. The top guards are all off the board at this point, and Nate Ament makes the most sense given his upside and team need. I'm a bit wary of Ament given he's a bit of a project, but for a Bucks team that could be tearing it all down any moment, his timeline could work.
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara, F/C, Michigan
Even at their best, Golden State often lacked a true rim protector to lock down the interior. But, Aday Mara has the chance to be so much more than just a shot-blocker. The seven-footer has real mobility despite his size, and displayed an offensive game with real potential during his short stint in Ann Arbor. He continues to sneak up boards, and the Warriors appear to be a real possibility.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Morez Johnson Jr., F/C, Michigan
Back-to-back Michigan bigs go off the board here in the late lottery. Morez Johnson Jr. just has the feels of an Oklahoma City draft pick - he was a good college player at Michigan, but often overshadowed by the other talent on the roster. Yet, it would not shock if a year or two from now, NBA teams are scratching their heads how he lasted this late. His rebounding prowess and defensive energy at the very least should help him carve out an immediate role.
13. Miami Heat
Cameron Carr, G/F, Baylor
Miami is fully entrenched in the Giannis sweepstakes, so there's a real chance this selection isn't even made by them. If it is, adding a talented young wing with real upside feels right up their alley. Cameron Carr is the type of tough, gritty prospect the Heat have long coveted, and his continued growth as a scorer bodes well for his future.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
Charlotte could end up in a favorable position here with the final selection of the lottery with several prospects - notably Hannes Steinbach and Yaxel Lendeborg - that fit their needs. I have a sense they go with the upside selection in Steinbach, a guy who lit up the Big Ten as a true freshman in the Big Ten and still has plenty of room to grow.
15. Chicago Bulls
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
This is likely far too low for a player of Yaxel Lendeborg's caliber, fresh off a Big Ten Player of the Year season. His age, as he'll be 24 years old by next season, could be seen as a negative by some, but may actually be an asset for a Bulls roster that is full of youth and lacking clear direction.
16. Memphis Grizzlies
Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
Few players are trending up as quickly as Christian Anderson, who has gone from a range likely into the 20s to lottery discussions. Anderson's size has been cited as a common concern, but the former Red Raider plays much larger than his 6'1" frame may suggest, and few players are as fearless from the perimeter as he is. For a Grizzlies roster that needs all the shooting help it can get, Anderson is an ideal fit.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder
Karim Lopez, F, Mexico
Trading away Aaron Wiggins opened up one roster spot for the Thunder, but they are still heading into Tuesday night with far more picks than spots available. They likely either trade one or two away, or potentially look at international prospects they could stash. Karim Lopez has been a bit all over the place in most mocks, but is a high upside combo forward who has the physical tools to be well worth the value in the mid-first.
18. Charlotte Hornets
Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama
Labaron Philon Jr. is firmly in the second tier of guards in this Draft, a hair below the Acuff / Flemings / Wagler / Brown tier. That means he could land anywhere from the late lottery to early 20 range. Yet, I have a hard time believing Charlotte could pass on a playmaker with this skillset, particularly with his much improved three-point shot.
19. Toronto Raptors
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
The Raptors made real strides last season on the backs of a smothering defense but the reality is that the offense much get better if they want to ascend the ranks in the Eastern Conference. Bennett Stirtz is the type of prospect who elevates the entire roster with his smoother distributing and calm leadership. Nothing about him jumps out at you physically, but a polished, experienced guard like him should have little issue making the jump to the NBA.
20. San Antonio Spurs
Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
If this selection goes this direction, I have a feeling the rest of the league is going to be kicking themselves letting a young talent like Allen Graves slip to the rising San Antonio Spurs. Graves is going to find an immediate role as a pesky defender, adept passer, and solid scorer. His impact often goes far behind the stat sheet, and he would immediately upgrade this San Antonio bench.
21. Detroit Pistons
Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
I've had Meleek Thomas mocked at the bottom of the first round for some time, but I do get the suspicion the Arkansas guard could sneak into much higher position when it's all said and done. For Detroit, a pick like Thomas makes all the sense in the world. We do know this team can defend, but adding a confident three-level scorer with his physical profile? That's the type of value play that moves the needle towards an NBA Title.
22. Philadelphia 76ers
Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas
Dailyn Swain is the type of prospect who may never emerge as a star, but whose skillset immediately fills a role in this league. We know he can defend wings at a high level, is a constant presence on the glass, and will play with unlimited energy on any given night. If his shooting comes around, Swain has a chance to be a really pleasant surprise in this range. A playoff team like Philadelphia who just needs an extra boost with this pick could definitely take him.
23. Atlanta Hawks
Chris Cenac, F/C, Houston
Could Atlanta really double-dip with another Houston Cougar? While Flemings gives them the punch they need in the backcourt, Chris Cenac is the raw but talented big man project. At 6'10" with a 7'5" wingspan and great leaping ability, he'll make some highlight reel plays, but will need time to round out his game and continue filling out his massive build.
24. New York Knicks
Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke
The championship parade feeling won't be leaving the Big Apple anytime soon, but it's still important for the Knicks to make this one count if they want to retain their hold atop the Eastern Conference. Isaiah Evans has the chance to be a potent isolation scorer, fresh off a season in which he took a major leap from his freshman to sophomore campaigns. His scoring punch off the bench could be exactly what the Knicks need in future hard-fought playoff series.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky
Despite two seasons of college ball, Jayden Quaintance heads into this NBA Draft as one of the youngest prospects available. Somebody is going to take a flier in this range, and I actually like the fit here with the Lakers. Playing alongside Luka Doncic, Quaintance could fill a Dereck Lively-esque role as a high motor, rim-running big with potential to expand his skillset.
26. Denver Nuggets
Koa Peat, F, Arizona
So many teams drafting in this range covet flexibility, and that's exactly what Koa Peat offers the Nuggets. The 6'8" forward will play and defend multiple positions, and has a more throwback, hard-nosed game than one might expect at his size. He provides the versatility Denver will need, especially with Peyton Watson potentially on his way out.
27. Boston Celtics
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
With how many young, talented forwards there are this year, it's easy for Joshua Jefferson to get a bit lost in the shuffle. But somebody is going to add a productive, skilled forward late in the first round - and Boston could use his services. Jefferson isn't always flashy but he's got a well-rounded offensive game and his passing is sure to elevate any second unit he finds himself on.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Ebuka Okorie is considered firmly in the second tier of guards in this class, but I do wonder if he's the one that could slip. His freshman season at Stanford was a revelation, but he had the ball in his hands nearly 24/7 for the Cardinal. Can he play off ball? Minnesota could be a good spot to learn. The T-Wolves are still figuring out their backcourt, but could use a high energy playmaker like Okorie.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Henri Veesaar, F/C, North Carolina
As good as Cleveland's front line of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is, backcourt depth is a clear need. Taking a solid and steady big like Henri Veesaar could be a major boost come playoff time. He still has the size and toughness, but his floor-spacing ability will be much needed for an offense with so many players that need the ball.
30. Dallas Mavericks
Sergio De Larrea, PG, Spain
This is certainly the area to take a swing, and Dallas could do just that by taking a chance on 17-year old Spaniard Sergio De Larrea. The flashy youngster made the surprising decision to keep his name in the NBA Draft, which seems to indicate he may have more interest in the late first than was expected. He'd have time to learn the ropes with the Mavericks, who are not expected to seriously compete this next winter.
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