2026 NBA Mock Draft V.1
The No Ceilings team installs their first Mock Draft of the 2026 NBA Draft Cycle.
The college basketball season kicked off in style on Monday, with some of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft class getting their first chances to shine this year. The long way for the return of NCAA play is over, and the early results have been fascinating.
While some might think it’s too early, we here at No Ceilings are always deep in the weeds and ready to talk draft. The NBA and NCAA seasons may have just gotten underway, but plenty of players have already made strong impressions.
For those of you who are new to the No Ceilings Mock Draft experience, the No Ceilings crew gathers behind the scenes to go through all 60 picks. After a Tankathon simulation to determine our order, the team discussed each and every pick, trying to best match player and team. We also provide write-ups for all 30 picks in the first round.
For those of you who are part of the NC+ family (thank you, as always!), we will release the video of the Mock Draft later today to get all of the details of our decisions. For now, though, it’s time to kick our draft talk into another gear—the floodgates are fully open.
Enjoy, No Ceilings family!
#1. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES — Cameron Boozer | F | Duke
Position: F
Measurements: 6’9”, 250
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Metcalf: If the Timberwolves end up with this pick, it would be an incredible consolation to a season that would’ve gone off the rails. As we’ve seen in recent years, though, the lottery can get crazy. There was a lot of debate over this pick, mainly between Cam Boozer and Darryn Peterson. A backcourt of Peterson and Anthony Edwards for the next 10+ years would be incredibly fun, but the well-roundedness at the forward spot by Boozer edged Peterson out in a close vote. Boozer is one of the most physically and mentally ready prospects we’ve seen in a long time. He’s a dominant rebounder, smart passer, versatile scorer, and consistent defender. The nitpicks with his game revolve mostly around whether or not he can be a true number one option. Well, that wouldn’t be an issue with Edwards on the team. Boozer’s immediate injection of feel, skill, and physicality would give the Timberwolves a ton of flexibility and talent in the front court moving forward.
#2. BROOKLYN NETS - Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 205
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Jam: Brooklyn would be ecstatic to land Darryn Peterson, one of the most complete and NBA-ready lead guard prospects that we’ve seen in quite some time. It’s an easy first overall pick profile in any class. Equipped with dynamic physical tools and a mature frame, Peterson is a creative and polished multiple-level scorer alongside advanced playmaking ability and real two-way upside. Brooklyn needs to get a face of the franchise and potential superstar from this rebuild. There is little doubt that Peterson fits the bill.
#3. SACRAMENTO KINGS - AJ Dybantsa | F | BYU
Position: F
Measurements: 6’9”, 210
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Nick: The start of the season has not exactly gone according to plan for the Sacramento Kings. Luckily for them in this Mock Draft exercise, they managed to jump to third in a draft with a pretty clear Big 3 at the top. AJ Dybantsa would be a wonderful prize for a rough season in Sacramento. He would instantly help to fill their utter lack of forward depth, and would have a plethora of other scoring options to take some of the pressure off on that end of the floor, such that he could bring along his elite scoring arsenal slowly. Defensively, Dybantsa has shown some impressive flashes, and he would have a clear role as the other mobile forward alongside Keegan Murray.
#4. INDIANA PACERS - Caleb Wilson | F | North Carolina
Position: F
Measurements: 6’10”, 215
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Corey: The backslide of the Pacers this season due to Tyrese Haliburton’s injury might end up as a blessing in disguise. Fresh off a Finals run, Indiana lands one of the draft’s biggest upside swings in Caleb Wilson–a 6’10” swing forward who moves like a guard and thrives in controlled chaos. Wilson’s unique blend of length, bounce, and fluidity gives him real mismatch potential. He’s comfortable facing up and hitting faders in the midpost, using his functional handle to create space and rising up into a jumper that’s tough to contest due to his size and release point. The handle can get loose when he is overtaxed as a creator, but the creation flashes are worth betting on. In transition, Wilson runs the floor like a gazelle; he finishes through contact at the rim, and lives on the glass on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Wilson is a havoc-wreaking event creator. His 7’-plus wingspan fuels blocks, strips, and deflections all over the floor, and he covers ground with the kind of ease coaches dream about. Add in sharp, creative connective passing flashes and legitimate rebounding instincts, and you’ve got a Jonathan Isaac meets Tari Eason meets Lamar Odom archetype tailor-made for Indy’s frenetic style. For a team already built to contend, Wilson could be the move that not only keeps the Pacers in the championship conversation for years but ultimately puts them over the top.
#5. ATLANTA HAWKS (via NOLA) - Mikel Brown Jr. | G | Louisville
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 190
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Albert: Because it’s our first Mock Draft of the season, we’ve got some weird teams here in the lottery and in the Top 5. Heading into the season, not even the biggest Hawks Pessimists would have predicted they’d be making a pick here, but here we are. A slow start to the season, paired with a serious injury to their superstar, Trae Young, has led to this less-than-ideal start. Although it’s likely they don’t make a pick this high by next June, if they were sitting here, Mikel Brown Jr. is a tantalizing option who could be part of the current team and potentially be the star of their future. In Brown, the Hawks would be getting a dynamic guard with special athleticism and a terrifying set of perimeter skills. Brown has parking lot range, is a high-level passer, and can play both on and off the ball. It would be great if he could improve his efficiency around the basket and continue to add strength, but neither is a major concern for his future outlook. He’s trending in the right direction and hopefully will show more flashes in the future.
#6. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Jayden Quaintance | F/C | Kentucky
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6’10”, 255
Class: Sophomore
Age: 18
Stephen: Not very many bad teams are as fun to watch as the Washington Wizards. Kyshawn George has been a point forward of sorts, and he has been one of the most versatile young players in the NBA. Tre Johnson hasn’t been uber-efficient, but there are flashes of real promise. Alex Sarr has developed a game that is closer to the basket compared to anything we’ve seen so far. Some would suggest that the Wizards should get a point guard here, but adding the best available talent should be the play. Jayden Quaintance makes a strong case to be a “best available” candidate. Jayden has reportedly grown to about 6’11” and weighs close to 250 pounds. Also, even though he is a second-year prospect, Quaintance is younger than many freshmen in this class. While he was in his age-17 season, “JQ” was 19th in the nation in Block Percentage, and was a solid rebounder. He also shows some strong passing feel. With the league looking to be as big and as skilled as possible, Quaintance could give Washington a frontcourt that could rival Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
#7. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Tounde Yessoufou | G | Baylor
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 215
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Nathan: The Charlotte Hornets had a great draft in 2025, bringing in four rookies who are already playing minutes in Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James, and Liam McNeeley. This organization has made it a point to bring in players who make quick decisions, are physically ready to handle the NBA, and offer versatility in terms of the perimeter talent brought in. Tounde Yessoufou would complement LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and the rest of the young core with his frame at 6’5” with a reported 6’9” wingspan, athleticism, and driving ability. The more players that can attack the rim for this Hornets squad, the better. And if Yessoufou’s defense can translate along with his improving jump shot? This could be an excellent selection for Charlotte’s future.
#8. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Nate Ament | F | Tennessee
Position: F
Measurements: 6’10”, 207
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Albert: It’s easy to be intrigued by a prospect like Nate Ament. It’s not common for human beings of his size to be as fluid and skilled as he is. Standing 6’9”, Ament has a unique blend of coordination, fluidity, and hand-eye coordination. That alone doesn’t make you a potential star, but it does create a solid foundation to build upon. Ament is especially intriguing because of his ability to handle the ball, shoot, and mix in some passing flashes as well. Ament had an inflated role in high school, where he handled the ball a ton and was asked to create for himself and others regularly. At this point in his physical development, it might be a stretch to imagine that he’ll be able to do the same on the college level. The highlights with him will be a ton of fun, and it’s almost impossible to pass up on a guy with his skill set and height. For whoever ends up taking him in this range, patience will be the key word. He will need time to grow into his body and strength. You cannot draft Nate Ament in this range expecting a fully formed, ready-to-contribute-from-day-one guy. If a team gives him adequate time and support, we may have a very special player on our hands.
#9. TORONTO RAPTORS - Hannes Steinbach | C | Washington
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6’11”, 220
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Nathan: The Toronto Raptors have a lot of depth at different positions, between established veteran starters and recent draft picks. One area where this team lacks, though, is size on the interior behind Jakob Poeltl. Already, the Raptors have had to experiment with small-ball lineups given Poeltl’s recent absence, and the results haven’t worked out well. Hannes Steinbach would give this team a backup big man who also has a high ceiling in the long term. Steinbach was a monster in FIBA U19 play this past summer as a ferocious rebounder, athletic finisher off two feet, and emerging face-up scorer and jump shooter. If Steinbach can continue his two-way play at Washington this year, selecting him in this range may not be so crazy come June.
#10. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via PHX) - Braylon Mullins | G | UConn
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 196
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Stephen: The Grizzlies have been in the media for all the wrong reasons lately, and seem to have some sort of frustrations boiling to the surface. This team will need to add players who can succeed whether the team is contending or rebuilding. Braylon Mullins comes into this class projected as the best shooting prospect in the class. Floor spacers can make life easier for All-NBA-level talents by providing driving lanes, but they can also simplify plays on teams that are still figuring out how to prioritize their players. Considering how both Reed Sheppard and Kon Knueppel were both drafted in the Top 5, Memphis could be the winners of the draft if Mullins fell to them at 10.
#11. NEW YORK KNICKS - Isaiah Evans | G/F | Duke
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6’6”, 180
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Albert: Some may be surprised to see the Knicks drafting in this range, but the success of the young Wizards in this simulation gives the Knicks a lottery pick. New York’s veteran-led roster makes it difficult for young players to come in and find a place in their rotation, even with their new Head Coach, Mike Brown. Guys like Tyler Kolek and Areil Hukporti are having trouble finding consistent minutes. Isaiah Evans is an interesting pick here because he could be an exception with a skillset unique enough to crack the Knicks roster, even if it’s in a small role. Isaiah Evans is one of the most electric floor-spacers in the country. In a limited role for the Duke Blue Devils last season, Evans took it upon himself to be as influential as possible when he did find the floor, either by creating havoc as a shooter or by competing and giving good effort on the defensive end of the floor. Evans is a good mover on the move, as he knows how to find his balance and get his feet set, even after running off a flurry of screens and his man chasing close behind. Evans is okay on the ball, but there is a ton of room for growth. He kind of plays at one pace with the ball in his hands, but that can be detrimental because he’s not very fast. If he can learn to mix tempos more and be tighter with his handle, he could become more of a threat with the ball in his hands.
#12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via UTA) - Shon Abaev | G | Cincinnati
Position: G
Measurements: 6’8”, 210
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Rucker: I know what you’re thinking. The Thunder…again? Well, OKC has four first round picks at this point in the season. As one of the most talented and deepest rosters in the league, OKC is going to be able to go in a number of different directions. That is, of course, given that OKC even keeps most of these picks. OKC has a plethora of super-talented depth in the backcourt. Given the emergence of Ajay Mitchell as well, there’s not much of a need for the guard position. However, OKC has shown a desire to continue to take talented players with upside, regardless of roster logjams. Insert Cincinnati freshman Shon Abaev. The 6’7” ball-handler has an intriguing set of tools. He could become a fascinating piece with OKC, given his positional versatility. For now, OKC continues to add fun pieces to the treasure chest of assets.
#13. DALLAS MAVERICKS - Meleek Thomas | G | Arkansas
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 185
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Corey: The basketball gods clearly love drama. After shocking the world last year by trading a prime Luka Doncic and somehow being rewarded by the ping-pong balls of destiny, Dallas finds itself back in the late lottery looking to restock its backcourt. With Cooper Flagg stretched thin as a lead creator and Kyrie Irving dealing with age and injury, the Mavericks add some much-needed guard juice here in Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas. Thomas is a 6’5” combo guard with good length who plays with real fervor. Thomas brings real role versatility to the table as he can serve as a lethal off-ball shooter while still feeling comfortable creating his own looks off the bounce. He’s shifty, confident, and competitive, blending shotmaking with secondary playmaking flashes and a nose for the ball on the glass. He’s not a pure point guard, but Thomas’s ability to create for others, pressure the rim, and space the floor makes him a seamless complement alongside the core for the Mavericks once the roster stabilizes. Most importantly, he plays with the kind of relentless chip that Nico Harrison has been trying to bake into the franchise’s identity.
#14. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Bennett Stirtz | G | Iowa
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 190
Class: Senior
Age: 22
Metcalf: What do you get the team that has everything? I guess just more of what they already love. Bennett Stirtz put up some of the most insane numbers in the country last year, but still has some skeptics about whether or not it’ll translate to a power conference. If Stirtz gets close to replicating what he showed at Drake, he’s going to go somewhere in this range with his shooting, playmaking, and defensive playmaking. The Thunder have never shied away from taking guards, especially if they’ve shown high feel and versatility. Stirtz would fit like a glove into their schemes and continue to provide important depth as the team continues to move forward and get more expensive.
#15. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via ORL) - Koa Peat | F | Arizona
Position: F
Measurements: 6’8”, 235
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Nick: The Charlotte Hornets have had great early returns on their 2025 NBA Draft picks, and they are on track to continue that trend in this Mock Draft. After lucking into Tounde Yessoufou with the seventh pick, they grab Arizona’s supreme wrecking ball, Koa Peat, with the 15th pick. Peat already has a 30-piece under his belt, with a dominant performance against the reigning National Champions in the Florida Gators. Peat’s NBA-ready frame and exceptional downhill game have already paid dividends; while his jump shot still needs work, you can get away with not shooting three-pointers when you can get to the basket at will and draw 12 free throws against one of the best frontcourts in the country.
#16. ATLANTA HAWKS (via CLE) - Chris Cenac Jr. | F/C | Houston
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6’11”, 240
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Jam: In Chris Cenac Jr., Atlanta arguably drafts the highest upside big in the class. He’s an incredible ball of clay. We’re talking about an athletic, fluid-moving 6’11” big man with modern tools and a projectable shooting stroke. Ideally, Cenac Jr.’s NBA role is as a stretch big who can finish plays above the rim and protect it on the other end. His selection aligns with Atlanta’s collection of young, athletic, and toolsy bigs with shooting upside (Newell, Okongwu, Gueye) who can be impactful members of their frontcourt over both the short and long term.
#17. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) - Dame Sarr | G/F | Duke
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6’6”, 190
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Nick: The Spurs end up with this pick after a complicated series of deals, and with it they take a swing on one of the higher-upside players left in the draft. Dame Sarr made the move to Duke after strong showings for Barcelona and at Hoop Summit, and he enters the year as one of the biggest wild cards for the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6’8” wing has the size and shooting potential to make a lottery case quickly; while Duke has plenty of talent on the wing, Sarr’s size and mobility could be the differentiating factor that allows him to break through–even in the crowded Blue Devils rotation.
#18. BOSTON CELTICS - Thomas Haugh | F | Florida
Position: F
Measurements: 6’9”, 215
Class: Junior
Age: 22
Rucker: The Boston Celtics are plugging along this year, and time will tell which way the team is trending when it comes to the draft rankings. For now, Boston has been scrappy and has gotten some sensational play from star guard Jaylen Brown while Jayson Tatum recovers from his injury. There’s a clear need for some frontcourt depth for Boston, regardless of some of the solid play from Neemias Queta. But there’s also too much value here for Boston with a player on the board like Thomas Haugh. The Florida junior is a pick-and-pop weapon who plays with great passion and energy. He’s a maniac on the court who does all of the little things that the “stars” might not want to do. Haugh would be a fantastic get for the Celtics as a rotation piece with great two-way upside.
#19. MIAMI HEAT - Labaron Philon | G | Alabama
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 185
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Corey: If there’s one thing Miami looks for out of prospects, it’s Heat Culture, baby, and Labaron Philon might as well have it tattooed on his forearm. Philon measured at 6’2.75” without shoes with a 6’6.25” wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and brings the kind of toughness, grit, and defensive pride that makes Erik Spoelstra giddy. Philon is perfect for the NBA’s early-season trend of pressuring the ball 94 feet. He’s an absolute pest at the point of attack and plays with real grit. Offensively, Philon thrives at breaking down defenses and making plays for his teammates. His vision and willingness to spray the ball all over the court make him valuable, though his leap this season will hinge on consistency as a shooter. Philon’s finishing inside also needs more polish after dipping below 50% in the halfcourt as a freshman. But his pace, processing, and toughness fit seamlessly with the guards Miami already has at the point guard spot. With Davion Mitchell’s size limiting his longevity and Kasparas Jakucionis capable of playing off the ball, Philon adds another tough, versatile competitor to a Heat backcourt that lives on feel and intestinal fortitude.
#20. DENVER NUGGETS - Darius Acuff Jr. | G | Arkansas
Position: G
Measurements: 6’3”, 190
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Stephen: Few players have done more to improve their stock in the draft cycle’s infancy than Darius Acuff Jr. Many evaluators have been familiar with Acuff, but seeing him in a system like the Arkansas one makes his evaluation a bit easier. Acuff dropped 17 points twice over in exhibitions against Cincinnati and Memphis–showing good feel and scoring prowess. Considering the Nuggets have to be more prudent with their depth, they would do well to add a player who can get downhill and play with some toughness at the guard spot.
#21. DETROIT PISTONS - Billy Richmond III | G/F | Arkansas
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6’6”, 205
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Metcalf: The Pistons have made it clear that they value plus defenders with plus athletic tools. Billy Richmond checks those boxes while also adding a bit of crazy to the equation (this is a compliment). Richmond is a toolsy guard who makes his living on defense, crashing the glass, attacking the rim, and in the open court. He does all the little things while also sprinkling in some stunning playmaking flashes. If he can shoot it at all this year (it looked good in the preseason), Richmond has a great chance to skyrocket up boards and sneak into the first round.
#22. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Yaxel Lendeborg | F | Michigan
Position: F
Measurements: 6’9”, 240
Class: Senior
Age: 23
Jam: After swinging on wing with star upside with their first pick (Abaev) and later adding a plug-and-play guard (Stirtz), OKC goes with the potential plug-and-play route here in Yaxel Lendeborg. Lendeborg’s ability to leverage his strength, skill, feel, and motor on both ends of the floor is a wonderful fit in OKC. His rebounding, defensive playmaking, and connective passing all allow him to complement their stars and core without requiring much usage. Even with a deep rotation that will be tough to crack, this sets up OKC with depth that’s ready to step in whenever needed and allows them to do whatever they want with their last first rounder at #27.
#23. MILWAUKEE BUCKS - Neoklis Avdalas | G/F | Virginia Tech
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6’9”, 215
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Albert: The Greek Freak gets a disciple to develop. Neoklis Avdalas doesn’t have the physical advantages that Giannis has, but he’s a very unique player. Avdalas is a play-making forward, standing at 6’9” with a unique blend of unselfishness and on-ball ability. There are real questions about his ability to shoot the ball from all levels. The reason why you take a chance on a guy like Avdalas is because he can really pass the ball, and he can manipulate defenses with his ability to spray passes all over the floor. The issue is that if he never shoots it well, shows real limitations in creating for himself, and eventually hesitates to put up shots, you end up with a very limited offensive player. Early reports from Virginia Tech claim that he’s bulked up a ton and looks physically different already. Avdalas will be given a unique opportunity to run the show for the Hokies this season. Hopefully, he puts up a ton of shots this year and shows improvement before the draft rolls around next year.
#24. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Brayden Burries | G | Arizona
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 205
Class: Freshman
Age: 20
Nathan: Arizona has a nice group of prospects coming in this season, headlined by not only Koa Peat, but also Brayden Burries. The electric scoring combo guard has handles for days, isn’t afraid to mix it up in driving lanes, and can really score off the bounce. He’s the kind of player who could mesh well in a motion-heavy system that the Golden State Warriors utilize. Burries can work off screens, catch and go in handoff situations, and knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers off kickout passes. There would be an immediate role for Burries, while also putting him in a situation around veteran guards like Stephen Curry to learn from for his long-term development. The Warriors love guys who can dribble, pass, and shoot, and Burries fits that description right out of the gate.
#25. LOS ANGELES LAKERS - Patrick Ngongba II | C | Duke
Position: C
Measurements: 6’11”, 250
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Stephen: The Lakers adding Patrick Ngongba II is a fun outcome for a few reasons. Even if the Deandre Ayton experiment works perfectly, he will be due for a payday. There is also the possibility that Ayton falls back into older habits by trying to dominate the mid-range area. Pat Ngongba could be the answer to LA’s long-term questions at the center position. Ngongba plays very hard, and is a very good rebounder and rim protector. He has good size and is capable of paving lanes open for players like Luka, LeBron, and Austin to exploit. He also shows some fun passing feel, which could be used by Coach Reddick in the short roll or around the elbow/mid post. If recent history shows us anything, a productive Duke big man is normally worth lottery consideration, so Ngongba being taken at 25 could be a major steal.
#26. CHICAGO BULLS (via POR) - Bryson Tiller | F/C | Kansas
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6’11”, 240
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
Corey: After a red-hot start to the season that’s vaulted them to the top of the East, the Bulls find themselves in an unfamiliar position, picking late in the first round. Enter Bryson Tiller, a listed 6’11”, 240 lbs redshirt freshman out of Kansas who’s quietly rebuilding his draft stock after an injury dimmed his once top prospect shine during his time with the Overtime Elite. Tiller fits the Arturas Karnisovas mold to perfection. He’s big, versatile, and can make an impact without a bunch of touches. He thrives doing the little things that Josh Giddey could help look like big things. He’s a smart cutter and play finisher who can clean the glass. There’s a quiet maturity to his game, always playing within himself. If he is to rise as a dude in this class, he’ll have to prove he can stretch the floor, as he’s always felt more comfortable in the mid-range. Defensively, he brings the kind of frontcourt flexibility Chicago’s front office covets. Tiller is capable of sliding with wings on the perimeter or muscling up and banging with larger forwards in the post. His blend of size, mobility, and low-maintenance impact makes him an ideal late first round swing for a team that’s rediscovered its competitive edge.
#27. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Nikolas Khamenia | G/F | Duke
Position: G/F
Measurements: 6’8”, 215
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Rucker: What a shocker; the Oklahoma City Thunder have cleaned up during this mock draft exercise. With four first round picks, there are plenty of paths OKC could go down towards adding to their roster. Odds are, OKC would eventually have to try to trade some of these picks. However, that’s not what we project at No Ceilings. Instead of moving the pick in this exercise, the Thunder add a heck of a long-term talent here in Nikolas Khamenia. The Duke freshman wing is a high-IQ player with a gorgeous shot from outside. Khamenia might not put up any eye-opening box scores this year, but he’s going to be a player who knows how to make winning plays for the Blue Devils. He could be a multi-year player in college, and if so, would be one of the top breakout candidates in college basketball as a sophomore. The tools are there, and Khamenia really stands out with his natural feel for the game. Time will tell if he will be a true one-and-done prospect. For now, the Thunder take a piece that could become a legit piece for the future.
#28. CHICAGO BULLS - Alex Condon | C | Florida
Position: C
Measurements: 6’11”, 236
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Nick: He had a rough showing in Florida’s first game against Koa Peat and the Arizona Wildcats, but Alex Condon is an enticing prospect for multiple different reasons. His defensive versatility would be a huge boost for a Bulls team that has gotten off to a hot start on the strength of their offense. Condon’s biggest question mark at this point is whether he can be a true spacing threat or not–given that his shooting volume was arguably a bigger concern than his percentage from deep, Condon going 0-1 from deep in Florida’s opening was not great to see; the six turnovers weren’t pretty, but aren’t likely to indicate any sort of trend. If Condon can continue to switch across frontcourt positions effectively, run out in transition, and take and make a couple more triples per game, he could make people forget about his brutal opening game pretty quickly.
#29. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via SAS) - Karim Lopez | F | NZ Breakers
Position: F
Measurements: 6’8”, 220
Class: 2007 Born
Age: 18
Albert: Karim Lopez is an interesting player; he has good size for his position and is an interesting ball-handler who can pass the ball. He’s pretty good at attacking closeouts and has shown growth so far as a shooter in the NBL for the New Zealand Breakers. Shooting is going to be a swing skill for him. So far through 10 games, Lopen is shooting 44.8% on threes on 2.9 attempts per game. Not a huge volume, but overall that comes out to 13 for 29 so far from three. He’s also shooting 76.5% from the free-throw stripe, also on low volume; he’s only taking 1.7 per game. The volume may not be there yet, but the early signs are encouraging. Lopez has interesting tools and size, but whether or not he puts it all together will be the question. Using a late first-round pick on a prospect like this is always going to be worth it, considering he could potentially severely outplay his draft slot. Cleveland gets to take a shot on a high-upside guy who probably won’t be expected to contribute for at least the first two seasons.
#30. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via OKC) - Christian Anderson | G | Texas Tech
Position: G
Measurements: 6’3”, 188
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
Nathan: The Washington Wizards have numerous questions at the point guard position. Bub Carrington hasn’t emerged yet as the long-term answer, CJ McCollum may not be on this roster next year, and Kyshawn George is best suited as a secondary ball handler. Is Tre Johnson going to develop as a lead creator? If not, the point guard room could still use another body. Christian Anderson is set for a breakout season at Texas Tech as a pick-and-roll guard who can create, score from all three levels, shoot off movement, and operate without the ball in his hands. He showed off some great defensive chops for Germany this past summer in FIBA U19 play, and consistently played in big spots for the Red Raiders last season. Anderson has shown up in the biggest games in college and overseas play. If he’s able to prove he’s ready to create and operate on higher usage, then he could be a versatile backcourt piece for the Wizards moving forward.
SECOND ROUND
#31. BOSTON CELTICS - Henri Veesaar | F/C | North Carolina
Position: C
Measurements: 7’0”, 225
Class: Junior
Age: 21
#32. BROOKLYN NETS - Magoon Gwath | F/C | San Diego State
Position: F/C
Measurements: 7’0”, 212
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#33. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Tahaad Pettiord | G | Auburn
Position: G
Measurements: 6’1”, 170
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#34. NEW YORK KNICKS - Ryan Conwell | G | Louisville
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 215
Class: Senior
Age: 21
#35. TORONTO RAPTORS - JT Toppin | F | Texas Tech
Position: F
Measurements: 6’9”, 230
Class: Junior
Age: 20
#36. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Cameron Carr | G | Tennessee
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 175
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#37. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Otega Oweh | G | Kentucky
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 220
Class: Senior
Age: 22
#38. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - John Blackwell | G | Wisconsin
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 203
Class: Junior
Age: 20
#39. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Karter Knox | F | Arkansas
Position: F
Measurements: 6’6”, 220
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#40. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Alvaro Folgueras | F | Iowa
Position: F
Measurements: 6’10”, 230
Class: Junior
Age: 20
#41. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Tomislav Ivisic | C | Illinois
Position: C
Measurements: 7’1”, 255
Class: Junior
Age: 22
#42. BOSTON CELTICS - Paul McNeil Jr. | G | NC State
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 190
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
#43. ATLANTA HAWKS - Dash Daniels | G | Melbourne
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 198
Class: 2007 Born
Age: 17
#44. BROOKLYN NETS - Tucker DeVries | G | Indiana
Position: F
Measurements: 6’7”, 225
Class: Senior
Age: 22
#45. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - Tyrone Riley | G | San Francisco
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 200
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
#46. NEW YORK KNICKS - Aday Mara | C | Michigan
Position: C
Measurements: 7’3”, 255
Class: Junior
Age: 20
#47. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - London Jemsion | F | Alabama
Position: F
Measurements: 6’8”, 205
Class: Freshman
#48. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Flory Bidunga | F/C | Kansas
Position: F/C
Measurements: 6’10”, 235
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#49. HOUSTON ROCKETS - Boogie Fland | G | Florida
Position: G
Measurements: 6’3”, 185
Class: Sophomore
Age: 19
#50. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - LeJuan Watts | F | Texas Tech
Position: F
Measurements: 6’6”, 225
Class: Junior
Age: 22
#51. PHOENIX SUNS - Isiah “Zai” Harwell | G | Houston
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 220
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
#52. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Chase Ross | G | Marquette
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 210
Class: Senior
Age: 22
#53. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Braden Smith | G | Purdue
Position: G
Measurements: 6’0”, 170
Class: Senior
Age: 22
#54. TORONTO RAPTORS - Dwayne Aristode | F | Arizona
Position: F
Measurements: 6’8”, 220
Class: Freshman
Age: 19
#55. ORLANDO MAGIC - Matt Able | G | NC State
Position: G
Measurements: 6’6”, 205
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
#56. NEW YORK KNICKS - Xaivian Lee | G | Florida
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 180
Class: Senior
Age: 21
#57. HOUSTON ROCKETS - Adrian Wooley | G | Louisville
Position: G
Measurements: 6’4”, 200
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
#58. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Alex Karaban | F | UConn
Position: F
Measurements: 6’8”, 230
Class: Senior
Age: 22
#59. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Derek Dixon | G | North Carolina
Position: G
Measurements: 6’5”, 200
Class: Freshman
#60. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Alexandros Samodurov
Position: C
Measurements: 6’11”, 200
Class: 2005 Born
Age: 20
Nice one. Are you sure that OKC has four 1st round picks? I thought they only had 3.
Awesome to see this, especially with the wild sim for first overall! Surprised Henri fell out the first round given how high y'all seem on him. Any thoughts on Sergio de Larrea, think he won't be declaring or genuinely think he's outside of top-60?