2026 NBA Mock Draft V.7
The countdown is on. The No Ceilings crew installs V.7 of their NBA Mock Draft for the 2026 NBA Draft.
It’s getting to be that time, folks.
We have THREE MORE MOCK DRAFTS.
If you’re a regular around No Ceilings, you know how it goes.
In case you’re new, here’s how we do things around here.
Here’s how our FINAL THREE MOCKS go.
TODAY:
V.7 Mock
More of what we would do…sprinkled in with some intel
V.8: “What WE Would Do”
Mock Draft that is simply just what we would do, not intel driven.
V.9: MORNING OF DRAFT DAY aka “What WE’RE HEARING”
All Intel. The Goods.
So, that means don’t get too caught up with the projections in this one. The NBA Draft might be less than a week away…
But a LOT of intel is about to start cooking around in the next week. For now, this is another Mock Draft that showcases some names that could be in the conversation throughout the first round.
As always, our entire No Ceilings team comes together for a Mock Draft “War Room” exercise. We go pick-by-pick and nominate players that should be under discussion for each pick. After a round of nominations…we take it to a vote.
Disclaimer: it might have taken us an hour to get to the fifth pick.
Here are the results. Get pumped, folks; Draft Day is RAPIDLY approaching.
#1. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — AJ Dybantsa | F | BYU
Profile: 6’9”, 210
Year: Freshman
25.5 PTS | 6.8 REB | 3.7 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.3 BLK
51.0 FG% | 33.1 3P% | 77.4 FT%
35 Games | 34.8 MIN
Jam: Luckily for Washington, the franchise is in a situation where the consensus top three (in whichever order you want) are no doubt first overall picks in the wide majority of draft cycles. The two leading candidates appear to be AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, though. Here, Dybantsa gets the nod. He’s the type of potential big wing two-way superstar that every organization covets. An explosive athlete at 6’9” with a 7.0.5” wingspan, there is nobody in the class that matches his combination of elite physical tools, multiple-level shotmaking, ball skills, and an offensive skillset that’s still growing. It’s more so flashes defensively than real plus defense right now, but it’s an easy toolkit and a fiery competitive spirit to believe in to reach his defensive upside.
With All-Star veterans in Trae Young and Anthony Davis alongside an exciting young core (Sarr, Johnson, George, Coulibaly, Riley, Carringnton), Dybantsa is a franchise building block for both the short and long term that the fanbase can dream about leading deep playoff runs for a long time.
#2. UTAH JAZZ — Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas
Profile: 6’5”, 200
Year: Freshman
20.2 PTS | 4.2 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
43.8 FG% | 38.2 3P% | 82.6 FT%
24 Games | 29.1 MIN
Stephen: There are a million ways to have the discussions: “Which prospect worked out where?” “Which personal relationship has more weight?” “Should fit be taken into consideration within the Top Four prospects?”...and so on.
With Darryn Peterson, he may be the cleanest fit for what the Utah Jazz already have. The frontcourt of this team is largely in place. Ace Bailey looks like the star in the making on this team, and is likely to play between the Small Forward and Power Forward positions. Lauri Markkanen has been a mainstay on this team. They just invested a ton of capital into Jaren Jackson Jr. Walker Kessler may be on this team (more to follow, there). While Keyonte George has experienced a massive step in the right direction, there is a massive workload put on him. Darryn Peterson may fancy himself as a point guard, but he could play to his strengths off the rip with the Jazz while taking on some lead reps in particular lineups. His elite shooting gravity would be a welcome addition to this team–freeing up some of the pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop) actions between George and *insert frontcourt player here*. He’s also an awesome defender. Even if he isn’t a “point guard” exactly, the NBA at large–particularly in the Western Conference–has leaned into multi-guard lineups who have versatile skill sets.
This would be the perfect marriage of fitting a need, being a best-player-available candidate, and having the runway for Peterson to grow with roster help.
#3. MEMPHIS GRIZZLES — Cameron Boozer | F | Duke
Profile: 6’9”, 253
Year: Freshman
22.5 PTS | 10.2 REB | 4.1 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
55.6 FG% | 39.1 3P% | 78.9 FT%
38 Games | 33.4 MIN
Rucker: Regardless of how the top two picks go, the Memphis Grizzlies are in a perfect situation to add a heck of a talent here. If things go according to plan, though, the Grizzlies could land one of the best fits in the entire first round. Adding Cameron Boozer to the mix for Memphis is an absolute home run. The Grizzlies would have one of the best immediate frontcourt pairings in the NBA in Zach Edey and Boozer, two dominant rebounding machines who could pair beautifully together to give opposing defenses headaches. Boozer’s playmaking ability alone would give an immediate boost to Edey’s production.
The best possible outcome for Boozer is having him able to play alongside a natural five who can allow him to bully up on teams with an enforcer alongside him. Could we be looking at the NBA version of Fulton Reed and Dean Portman? The Memphis Grizzlies Bash Brothers? Print the shirts. Memphis could be a team that is looking to hit a bit of a “reboot” to their foundation moving forward. They look to have a heck of a piece in Cedric Coward, who is trending up rapidly. Adding Boozer to the mix, alongside some fun pieces on the roster already, gives Grizzlies fans reason to be excited for the immediate future.
#4. CHICAGO BULLS — Caleb Wilson | F | North Carolina
Profile: 6’10”, 211
Year: Freshman
19.8 PTS | 9.4 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.4 BLK
57.8 FG% | 25.9 3P% | 71.3 FT%
24 Games | 31.3 MIN
Corey: The Bulls have the easiest decision in the draft, and they don’t overthink it here, lucking into Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina.
Wilson is 6’10”, long, bouncy, plays with a ferociousness that feels like it never shuts off, and yet somehow that’s not even the most interesting thing about him because he can actually play. Wilson showed real feel, finishing with a 1.4 AST/TOV ratio on near-30% usage, consistently went deep into his midrange bad–drilling 46.6% of those. The three-point shooting finished at 26% on low volume, and yeah, that’s a real number you have to sit with for Wilson. However, the form isn’t broken, and the middy touch makes me think it’s a work in progress, not a red flag. Defensively, he’s already making life hard on people. He gets low, uses every inch of that length to be disruptive and make things hard on dudes. There are certainly moments of inconsistency, but the instincts are there, and the flashes were loud.
Chicago walks away with a two-way prospect with an upside that’s genuinely hard to put a ceiling on. If the shot comes, this pick is going to look very, very good.
#5. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS — Mikel Brown Jr | G | Louisville
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Freshman
18.2 PTS | 3.3 REB | 4.7 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.1 BLK
41.0 FG% | 34.4 3P% | 84.4 FT%
21 Games | 29 MIN
Albert: After the Top 4 find their respective homes, this is where the draft really gets spicy with all the different permutations of how things might actually go down. In our mock, we have the Clippers taking the most electrifying point guard in the class, Mikel Brown Jr. The sell with him isn’t crazy complicated. He struggled with some back issues early in the season, but once he got going, he was human dynamite: exhibiting his elite athleticism and his dynamic shooting ability from outside, both off the catch and off the dribble. Brown may have only shot 34.4% from three this season, but he’s a better shooter than the numbers show. You also know he’s got supreme confidence in the jumper because he took over 7.6 three-point attempts per game and 14.7 per 100 possessions. That’s real volume that only comes from real confidence. He also has good vision and is a creative passer who will get to show off even more on the NBA level with more space. The Clippers are in an interesting spot with a roster that still has some real star power to it, and adding a dynamic guard like Brown, who can easily play next to Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, they could easily find themselves fighting for a playoff spot next season. For all the concerns around Brown’s back issues, after spending time with him in Chicago, we can confirm he’s 100% healthy and ready to roll.
#6. BROOKLYN NETS — Darius Acuff Jr. | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’3”, 186
Year: Freshman
23.5 PTS | 3.1 REB | 6.4 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.4 FG% | 44.0 3P% | 80.9 FT%
36 Games | 35.2 MIN
Nathan: The Brooklyn Nets are looking for not just a great player in this draft, but a potential “face of the franchise” at #6 overall. And in Darius Acuff, they’re getting a lead guard who put the Arkansas program on his back and performed like few others have of late at his position in the SEC. Acuff is tough; he’s able to score from all three levels, distribute and find teammates out of the pick-and-roll, and is excellent at setting the pace and pulling levers as needed, depending on the situation on offense. His defense has been heavily scrutinized, and that will certainly be something to monitor from a developmental perspective in the NBA. But the Nets have a chance to grab a star offensive prospect with this pick, and shouldn’t think twice about it.
#7. SACRAMENTO KINGS — Kingston Flemings | G | Houston
Profile: 6’3”, 183
Year: Freshman
16.1 PTS | 4.1 REB | 5.2 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.3 BLK
47.6 FG% | 38.7 3P% | 84.5 FT%
37 Games | 31.7 MIN
Nick: The Sacramento Kings might not be in a good position as a franchise, but they are perfectly positioned in the 2026 NBA Draft to let the chips fall where they may in front of them and still pick up an elite point guard in one of the most loaded guard classes in a generation. Ultimately, after arguments for Brayden Burries and Keaton Wagler, the Kings went with Houston Cougars star guard Kingston Flemings with the seventh overall pick. Flemings would instantly boost the team’s defense while providing traditional point guard play offensively. His ability to get others involved while having some scoring punch himself when needed sets him up to be an ideal running mate for Keegan Murray and Maxime Raynaud as the franchise begins to plot the next steps for the team.
#8. ATLANTA HAWKS (via NOLA) — Keaton Wagler | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’6”, 188
Year: Freshman
17.9 PTS | 5.1 REB | 4.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.4 BLK
44.5 FG% | 39.7 3P% | 79.6 FT%
37 Games | 33.9 MIN
Jam: The Hawks address one of their two priority needs (lead guard and big) with the selection of Keaton Wagler. Wagler’s versatility at the guard spot is a fantastic match for them. Although best on the ball, he’s able to thrive oscillating on and off the ball from savvy pick-and-roll operation to spacing the floor with deep range and attacking closeouts for either scoring or playmaking opportunities. Because of his size (6’6”), ball skills, and shooting, Wagler is capable of playing 1-3 while complementing NAW and Daniels in the backcourt and being a formidable two-man game partner with Jalen Johnson. If Wagler’s meteoric draft cycle rise is any indication, there could be more potential within Wagler to unlock than he’s given credit for having.
#9. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Brayden Burries | G | Arizona
Profile: 6’5”, 215
Year: Freshman
16.1 PTS | 4.9 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
49.1 FG% | 39.1 3P% | 80.5 FT%
39 Games | 29.8 MIN
Stephen: Considering the Mavericks have their top guy–as well as a second banana–getting a player who can contribute from Day One while still having upside seems like such a no-brainer of a move. For all of the discourse that has taken place about the importance of winning, Burries is a winner. One of the most indicative plays of his was him diving on the deck for a loose ball during March Madness, with the game already well in hand. On a team with upperclassmen and other freshmen who were more highly recruited, Burries led the Wildcats in scoring on a balanced shot diet. Burries shot over 63% at the rim, 39% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, 45% on his long two-pointers, and over 40% on his dribble-jumper threes. Oh, and he led the team with 18 And-Ones. His power and twitch, while weighing in at roughly 215 pounds, make him somewhat safe.
BUT, Burries has upside! For all the ceiling conversations with Darius Acuff, Mikel Brown, Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, etc., Burries sacrificed on-ball dominance to play off other future NBA players! Who knows exactly what Brayden left on the table to fit into a role on a 36-3 team? His ability to play on and off the ball, while being a staunch defender, while having upside…this could lead to Burries being one of the biggest steals in this class.
#10 MILWAUKEE BUCKS — Cameron Carr | G | Baylor
Profile: 6’5”, 184
Year: Sophomore
18.9 PTS | 5.8 REB | 2.6 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.3 BLK
49.4 FG% | 37.4 3P% | 80.1 FT%
34 Games | 33.6 MIN
Corey: After two years of barely playing at Tennessee, Cam Carr needed a single season at Baylor to prove it was a circumstance problem, not a talent problem.
He proved it.
Coming off the heels of an NBA Finals series featuring dudes like Devin Vassell and Mikal Bridges, it’s easy to see why Carr would be appealing in the lotto. Carr is an elite athlete on the wing with insane length and a 3-and-D ready profile. Carr wrapped up his junior campaign at 18.9 points per game on 49/37/80 splits while finishing 67.4% at the rim and real-deal weak-side shot-blocking to boot. The ceiling conversation might be a short one. He’s probably not going to be the guy; if he does find himself in that situation, it probably looks like Bridges in Brooklyn. But Milwaukee isn’t drafting him to be the guy. They’re drafting him to be exactly what he is: a reliable, high-floor wing who can finish, defend, and hit shots in a system built around stars who you could see contributing for years on winning basketball teams.
#11. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — Yaxel Lendeborg | F | Michigan
Profile: 6’10”, 241
Year: Senior
15.1 PTS | 6.9 REB | 3.3 AST | 1.2 STL | 1.2 BLK
52.3 FG% | 38.3 3P% | 81.9 FT%
39 Games | 30 MIN
Nick: The Golden State Warriors appear to be gearing up for one last dance, with Steve Kerr inking a contract extension after plenty of indications that he might be moving on from the team. With one last run in mind, Yaxel Lendeborg slots in almost perfectly as one of the most ready-made prospects in the draft. The 6’9”, 240-pound forward should be a defensive force right away, and his exceptionally high-level playmaking and all-around offensive game will work wonders in Golden State’s system. Lendeborg’s age might be a turn-off for some teams (he will turn 24 before his debut), but the Warriors are positioned to benefit from him being ready to play NBA-level ball quickly and ink a rookie extension that would potentially lock him up for his entire prime.
#12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via LAC) — Morez Johnson | F | Michigan
Profile: 6’10”, 251
Year: Sophomore
13.1 PTS | 7.3 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.1 BLK
62.1 FG% | 34.3 3P% | 77.9 FT%
39 Games | 25 MIN
Albert: After falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals, some fans may be looking to make a big splash with the roster to ensure that they’re ready to take down the Alien that resides in San Antonio next season. With the roster they have, a dramatic overhaul just makes no sense. With Jalen Williams healthy next season and Thomas Sorber hopefully ready to contribute, adding a piece like Morez Johnson Jr. could be a phenomenal addition. It’s not hyperbolic to say that Johnson could be the best big man in this class and could go on to become an all-league defender. Johnson is an elite competitor who demonstrates exceptional lateral movement on the defensive end. Johnson is a strong rebounder and will be an enforcer inside with his ability to protect the rim and guard multiple positions. He’s also a strong finisher at the rim who doesn’t overcomplicate his game. He’s shown some growth as an outside shooter, but obviously will need some time before he becomes reliable from beyond the arc. Seeing him in Chicago at the combine, his mechanics looked clean and left us optimistic about his outlook as an outside shooter. The fact that he shot just under 80% from the free-throw line this season is also another reason to be optimistic about his shooting. Johnson brings a load of toughness to the Thunder’s front court and is a clean fit next to Chet.
#13. MIAMI HEAT - Ebuka Okorie | G | Stanford
Profile: 6’2”, 186
Year: Freshman
23.2 PTS | 3.6 REB | 3.6 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
46.5 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 83.2 FT%
31 Games | 35.1 MIN
Rucker: As of now, we are all anxiously awaiting to see if one gigantic domino shakes things up a little bit in the NBA Draft space. For now, Miami is sitting firm with the 13th overall selection and continues to be a team that could go in any direction, given they keep this pick. The roster continues to feel like an island of misfit toys. But in a good way. There’s intrigue to work with, but it feels like they are missing a large piece of the puzzle. In this draft, the Heat could be in an interesting spot to let value fall into their laps, or they could potentially take a bit of a swing. Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie was one of the most surprisingly attention-grabbing freshmen in the early portion of the season. Even as a founding member of the Okorie Fan Club, it was still shocking to see how good of a year he had, in terms of consistency and the level of play he took his game to by season’s end. Okorie has the need for speed, but pairs that beautifully with a change of gears and a desire to attack the basket. He’s got the goods to be a talent that could blossom into a heck of a weapon in the backcourt, and Miami might be willing to let him fly.
#14. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Aday Mara | C | Michigan
Profile: 7’4”, 260
Year: Junior
12.2 PTS | 6.8 REB | 2.5 AST | 0.3 STL | 2.6 BLK
67.0 FG% | 30.0 3P% | 56.4 FT%
39 Games | 23.3 MIN
Nathan: There’s been legitimate smoke for Aday Mara to go as high as #5 in this draft to the LA Clippers, with the Atlanta Hawks also being a popular destination at #8 for Mara’s services. Given how the board broke here, Charlotte Hornets fans would be thrilled to find a 7’3” center to round out a young platoon of bigs in Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Mara is similar in defensive role/style to what Kalkbrenner provides, except he covers even more space vertically with a 9’9” standing reach. In terms of offensive gifts, he not only has soft touch around the basket, but is a brilliant passer for a player his size. Having him run actions at the top of the floor with all of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller would be a ton of fun to watch, especially with several other wings/forwards who could cut and take advantage of offensive misdirections off the team’s backcourt shooting talent.
#15. CHICAGO BULLS (via POR) - Jayden Quaintance | F/C | Kentucky
Profile: 6’10”, 253
Year: Sophomore
5.0 PTS | 5.0 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.8 BLK
57.1 FG% | 0 3P% | 30.8 FT%
4 Games | 16.8 MIN
Corey: Scared money don’t make money. Chicago may have already homered on a potential franchise cornerstone at four with Caleb Wilson. At #15, they’re still swinging for the fences by selecting Jayden Quaintance out of Kentucky.
JQ barely played this season due to a knee injury he suffered during his freshman season, and that is the kind of thing that rightfully makes teams nervous. But when he’s healthy, the defensive impact is exceedingly rare; he’s equally adept at defending space vertically and laterally in a way that very few players at any level can accomplish. Though there are some fun flashes, the offense is still a major work in progress. He’s got no jumper and can get frazzled when things speed up. But if he’s right physically–and that’s the whole thing, really–the Bulls add a defensive centerpiece to grow alongside Wilson in the frontcourt: two high upside, two-way forwards who can get the Bulls back in contention if things go right.
#16. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via PHX) - Hannes Steinbach | F | Michigan
Profile: 6’11”, 248
Year: Freshman
18.5 PTS | 11.8 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.2 BLK
57.7 FG% | 34.0 3P% | 75.9 FT%
30 Games | 34.6 MIN
Nathan: The Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to turn one of the NBA’s most important skills in rebounding into a core strength of the team with a pick like Hannes Steinbach, after already taking Cameron Boozer at No. 3 earlier in the draft. At 6’11”, Steinbach is a monster on the glass, who uses his excellent hands, reach, and timing to secure boards on both ends of the floor. Winning basketball games is all about creating and ending possessions at a high level, and that’s exactly what Steinbach is best at. He’s an excellent finisher, and he is developing touch from the outside as well as a face-up game off the dribble. There are questions about how good he will be at defending in space and switching onto different matchups, but there’s no reason why Memphis shouldn’t target a third big to support Boozer and Zach Edey in the frontcourt, especially given how his strengths would complement the rest of the team’s young core.
#17. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via PHI) - Karim Lopez | F | NZ Breakers
Profile: 6’9”, 220
Year: 2007 Born
11.9 PTS | 6.1 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.2 STL | 1.0 BLK
49.4 FG% | 32.2 3P% | 73.9 FT%
30 Games | 25.6 MIN
Nick: The Oklahoma City Thunder have their stars locked down and are well-positioned to simply continue to fill out their already-deep roster. With one of the most versatile big men in the class already locked down with Morez Johnson Jr., the Thunder could use some more size and flexibility in their forward rotation. Enter Karim Lopez, the probable top international prospect in the class, who has continued to expand on his jack-of-all-trades game in his second season in New Zealand with the Breakers. Lopez has legitimate size, measuring in at 6’8.25” and 221.8 pounds with a wingspan just shy of 7’, and has the dribble-pass-shoot skill set that has been typical of recent Thunder picks. Lopez has real competitive fire, which is easiest to see when he puts his head down and attacks the basket, and his defensive playmaking will allow him to fit right in with the rest of the Thunder and provide solid complementary play on both ends of the floor.
#18. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via ORL) - Labaron Philon | G | Alabama
Profile: 6’3”, 176
Year: Sophomore
22.0 PTS | 3.5 REB | 5.0 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.2 BLK
50.1 FG% | 39.9 3P% | 79.8 FT%
33 Games | 30.9 MIN
Jam: The Hornets really need another guard that can generate paint touches, pressure the rim, and bend the defense without a screen. Enter Alabama’s Labaron Philon, arguably the draft’s best rim pressurer and the most improved collegiate returnee. Not only can he pressure the rim for scores, drop-offs, and spray-outs to Charlotte’s shooters, but Philon is also proving to be a reliable three-pointer and floor spacer. He’ll help alleviate some of LaMelo Ball’s ball-handling and playmaking burden, freeing Ball up to be more of a scorer at times and potentially with more in the tank to close games late. Additionally, Philon bolsters Charlotte’s improving defense with his defensive playmaking and feisty point-of-attack defense.
#19. TORONTO RAPTORS - Tarris Reed Jr. | C | UConn
Profile: 6’11”, 265
Year: Senior
14.8 PTS | 8.8 REB | 2.4 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.0 BLK
61.7 FG% | 0 3P% | 60.8 FT%
34 Games | 27.1 MIN
Stephen: When considering Tarris Reed Jr. higher than where he is usually mocked, it’s always easy to think: “Why not?” Reed doesn’t shoot. Reed isn’t the biggest big man. But he does so many of the “big man things” at an incredible rate. While he isn’t the tallest center in the class, Reed weighed in just under 264 pounds. He is an absolute unit who will annihilate defenders on screens, carve out rebounding pits, and be an immoveable object on defense. Despite being a tank, there is a certain “bumblebee” quality with him–in the sense that he shouldn’t be as nimble as he is. While it’s not something that he should spam, Reed can switch out onto the perimeter and survive some reps.
On offense, Reed being an outside threat may never come to fruition, and that’s okay. Playing at UConn, Reed had to learn how to make quick decisions as a passer. This skill should come in handy playing on the Raptors, who play a unique style of play that prioritizes decision-making from all positions. Reed will help mightily in that regard, but he’ll also be a bruiser in the paint, on the glass, and as a screener. While he may not seem like an exciting big man, for teams looking to add players who can drive winning, there aren’t other big men at this point who hold a candle to Tarris Reed Jr.
#20. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) - Zuby Ejifor | F | St. John’s
Profile: 6’8”, 245
Year: Senior
16.3 PTS | 7.3 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 2.1 BLK
53.6 FG% | 30.5 3P% | 71.8 FT%
37 Games | 30.0 MIN
Albert: Zuby Ejiofor is a big-time No Ceilings favorite. Most of us are big fans of his game and what he brings to both sides of the ball. After finishing off a glorious senior season with St. John’s, Ejiofor is becoming a hot commodity with teams drafting in this range. Despite him being a little older as a four-year player, Ejiofor flashed real growth over the course of his four-year career and comes into the league as a leader and influential force on both ends of the floor. Ejiofor’s calling card will be his defense, powered by his relentless drive. Ejiofor’s ability to blend power with lateral mobility and length makes him a real headache on defense for the opposing team. His ability to switch and guard guards and wings in a pinch makes him very valuable, and he relishes the harder assignments. Ejiofor averaged 3.3 stocks per game, as he really flashed his defensive playmaking ability. On offense, he’s shown real growth as a playmaker, as he averaged just under four assists per game in his senior season. Ejiofor won’t be looked upon as an offensive hub, but he can reliably get you into early offense as a grab-and-go threat, while also being a good connective passer in the halfcourt. Adding his toughness, size, and versatility to a young and exciting Spurs roster would be a five-star move. Also, for a team like the Spurs, who are trying to make it back to the Finals, adding a player like Ejiofor, who is mature and ready to contribute right away, is a huge plus.
#21. DETROIT PISTONS (via MIN) - Bennett Stirtz | G | Iowa
Profile: 6’3”, 186
Year: Senior
19.8 PTS | 2.6 REB | 4.4 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.7 FG% | 35.8 3P% | 84.8 FT%
37 Games | 37.8 MIN
Rucker: There are a lot of potential player/team fits in the first round you can get excited about, but Iowa senior guard Bennett Stirtz landing with the Detroit Pistons has to be up there. Detroit needs exactly what Stirtz can bring to the table. They need shooting and someone who can take some stress off Cade in terms of running the show. Stirtz can shoot with the best of them, and he’s a magician with the ball in his hands. Although older, Stirtz has some highs that cannot be overlooked at this point in the draft. If Detroit is looking for someone who can really open up the floor while also putting people in position to succeed, Stirtz can answer the call emphatically. There’s a great chance that Stirtz could be a player who really thrives early on with the right systematic fit. In Detroit, there’s a chance Stirtz could be asked to contribute early on, due to the team’s need for his strengths.
#22. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (via HOU) - Christian Anderson | G | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’2”, 180
Year: Sophomore
18.5 PTS | 3.6 REB | 7.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.2 FG% | 41.5 3P% | 80.5 FT%
33 Games | 38.4 MIN
Nathan: There’s been quite a bit of buzz swirling around Christian Anderson, given his recent green room invite, on top of reported performances in workouts. Anderson is only about 6’2” in shoes, but possesses a 6’6.5” wingspan, and is arguably the best shooter in the entire draft—not to mention he’s excelled as a floor general in pick-and-roll actions, both in terms of creating shots for himself and his teammates. A guard with parking-lot range, craft utilizing ball screens, and defensive aptitude in the sense of just knowing where to be and how to play against different matchups is so valuable in today’s NBA. There are questions around his turnover rate and whether he’s going to be able to pressure the rim any better than he did in college. But few players in this class have his blend of dribble, pass, and shoot skills with a mind that knows how to play the game the right way, and a heart that’s ready to compete from day one. He’d be an immediate boon to the Philadelphia 76ers as a backup guard who could offer on and off-ball flexibility alongside either one of Tyrese Maxey or VJ Edgecombe.
#23. ATLANTA HAWKS (via CLE) - Chris Cenac Jr. | F | Houston
Profile: 6’11”, 240
Year: Freshman
9.5 PTS | 7.9 REB | 0.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.5 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 62.1 FT%
37 Games | 24.8 MIN
Corey: Chris Cenac Jr. heads to Atlanta here at #23. Cenac’s tools have always been intriguing, as a near seven-footer with shooting touch and the physical tools that make teams drool. There are times when Cenac is a little too content with settling for perimeter jumpers, but that combination doesn’t grow on trees. Pairing Cenac with creators like Wagler, Niceil Alexander Walker, and Jalen Johnson should allow Cenac to thrive in ball screens and settle into a role where he gets efficient looks early on. Defensively, he is a strong mover on the perimeter, where his strength and length can really bother perimeter creators. He also has an argument to be considered amongst the top rebounders in the class. He’s struggled a bit as a rim protector–a trend consistent dating back to high school, which is slightly concerning given the tools. Cenac wants to be Anthony Davis, but might end up closer to Bobby Portis if he doesn’t figure that part out. Pick #23 is a good place to take the bet that he does.
#24. NEW YORK KNICKS- Koa Peat | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’8”, 245
Year: Freshman
14.1 PTS | 5.6 REB | 2.6 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.7 BLK
52.8 FG% | 35 3P% | 62.3 FT%
36 Games | 27.8 MIN
Albert: Your world champions, the New York Knicks, are on the clock at 24, and we have them selecting Koa Peat from Arizona, and this pick is so valuable on so many levels. The first thing you love about Peat is that he comes from a great sports family. He had a very successful freshman season at Arizona, where the team made the Final Four, and he showed he doesn’t need to be the team’s star. Peat finished the season averaging 14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.3 stocks per game. For all of his warts, and of course, he has some of those, the thing you want to focus on, especially at this point in the draft, is what he can offer to your team. Peat is a powerful athlete with the strength and mentality of an NFL offensive lineman. He’s also a good passer who can play within your system without needing the ball in his hands a ton. The Knicks love their backup bigs to grab boards, set good screens, and bring physicality to the defensive end of the ball. Peat can do all that while also offering much more of a ceiling on the offensive side of the ball with his ability to score in the mid-range, and once the reconstruction of his outside jumper is complete, who knows what type of shooter he might become. Peat may not have lived up to the hype coming into his freshman season, but he was still a strong contributor on both sides of the ball for a winning team, and that’s all he’ll need to do for the defending champs.
#25. LOS ANGELES LAKERS - Nate Ament | F | Tennessee
Profile: 6’10”, 207
Year: Freshman
16.7 PTS | 6.3 REB | 2.3 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.6 BLK
39.9 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 79.0 FT%
35 Games | 29.7 MIN
Jam: Although a big will certainly be in play for LA, Ament’s slide ends here in a landing spot where his blend of size, ball skills, and shooting is desperately needed. Standing at 6’11” with his growth plates reportedly still open, Ament’s shoot-pass-dribble skill set gives him the foundation to become an excellent complementary piece to the gravity-drawing duo of Luka and Reeves. Ament must find more ways to consistently leverage his defensive tools, but there is a 3-and-D baseline role for him to impact games and evolve from there, thanks to his uncommon size, skill, and touch profile.
#26. DENVER NUGGETS - Dailyn Swain | G | Texas
Profile: 6’7”, 211
Year: Junior
17.3 PTS | 7.5 REB | 3.6 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
54.2 FG% | 34.4 3P% | 81.5 FT%
36 Games | 32.8 MIN
Nick: The Denver Nuggets had plenty of positives last season, including a league-leading Offensive Rating, but they could still use more size on the wing and more downhill juice in terms of attacking the basket. Enter Dailyn Swain, one of the best rim-pressuring prospects in the class, who also showed more playmaking juice than ever before at Texas this season. His shot is still a question mark, though it has been on an upward trajectory, but he will have plenty of openings to drive and dish when surrounded by Denver’s elite marksmen as he continues to establish himself as a shooting threat.
#27. BOSTON CELTICS - Henri Veesaar | F | North Carolina
Profile: 7’0”, 227
Year: Junior
17.0 PTS | 8.7 REB | 2.1 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.2 BLK
60.8 FG% | 42.6 3P% | 61.5 FT%
31 Games | 31.3 MIN
Rucker: The Boston Celtics might as well have a neon sign in the streets telling someone what their top position of preference could be in the draft. Boston overachieved last year with a roster that looked to be trying to find some players who could be around for the upcoming year. It became evident that the Celtics are going to need to improve their frontcourt in some capacity before the upcoming year. Time will tell if Boston invests in that through the draft or on the trade market. The challenge for Boston doing that in the draft? They have a gauntlet of teams ahead of them that could be chasing a similar path. Much like the early portion of the draft with the guards, Boston could be facing a run of the bigs near the 20s in this draft. For now, Boston adds a big man who could be a perfect fit in terms of their scheme. North Carolina big man Henri Veesaar is more of a finesse big, but his strengths could blossom in “Mazzulla ball.” He’s a dangerous pick-and-pop weapon with a beautiful shot, and Veesaar has much more feel as a playmaker than some might suggest. If Boston could find some real muscle in the center position, potentially in free agency or via trade, which would make Veesaar even more attractive as an addition, because of the lineup versatility he could give you.
#28. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via DET) - Isaiah Evans | G | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 186
Year: Sophomore
15.0 PTS | 3.2 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.7 BLK
43.3 FG% | 36.1 3P% | 86.0 FT%
38 Games | 28.3 MIN
Stephen: It’s always hard to find the perfect fit at this stage of the draft, but Minnesota adding a wing player who can space the floor is a good fit here. With Donte DiVencenzo missing time, and there being some uncertainty with Ayo Dosunmu, shoring up the wing room makes a ton of sense. Isaiah Evans steps into his rookie season as one of the better shooters in the class. He has shot 36% and 41% over the past two seasons, respectively. That shooting also came off of crazy volume, with his lowest season saw him attempt 15.6 three-pointers per 100 possessions. Evans shocked many in the draft community with his newfound driving ability. His growth in going to the paint when being chased off the line helped him to grow as a more complete, complementary player.
“Slim” is Evans’s nickname, and it’s apt. The strength concerns show in his rebounding numbers and his willingness and capability to finish in the face of contact. BUT–even with a slender build–Evans gave a ton of effort on the defensive end. It’s that underlying competitiveness on top of the floor spacing ability that makes E vans a more-than-worthy selection here for Minnesota.
#29. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via SAS) - Allen Graves | F | Santa Clara
Profile: 6’9”, 225
Year: Freshman
11.8 PTS | 6.5 REB | 1.8 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
51.2 FG% | 41.3 3P% | 75.0 FT%
35 Games | 22.7 MIN
Nathan: This would be a surprising fall from one of the draft’s analytics darlings in Allen Graves. But should Graves actually be on the board for this long, Cleveland Cavaliers fans should be ecstatic. Graves has the size and length to compete at the power forward position, with an expanding offensive skill set that includes making plays for others out of post-up possessions, shooting from three-point range, and operating as a hub from the top of the floor. He may not have elite juice as a ball handler, but he produces on the glass, and lit up the charts as a defensive playmaker. Freshmen who produce with room to grow shouldn’t be ignored in the NBA Draft, especially if they can come in and fill an immediate need off the bench for a team that’s looking to continue taking the next step in the Eastern Conference.
#30. DALLAS MAVERICKS (via OKC) - Sergio De Larrea | G | Valencia
Profile: 6’7”, 204
Year: 2005 Born
7.2 PTS | 2.1 REB | 2.9 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
45.0 FG% | 41.2 3P% | 81.9 FT%
63 Games | 14.5 MIN
Rucker: Even after adding Brayden Burries with the ninth overall pick, the Mavericks could be a team that has all of the options on the table here. A new front office is going to mean a new vision for a team that is looking to build assets around rising superstar Cooper Flagg. International guard Sergio De Larrea has been a very popular name in scouting circles since last year. A crafty playmaker with good feel and floor spacing upside, Sergio offers great size and versatility on the offensive side of the ball, at around 6’7”. If he’s still on the board, which could be a big “if”, this could be a value pick that Dallas wants to have on the roster early, as De Larrea has the upside to be a jumbo creator with real potential.
#31. NEW YORK KNICKS (via WAS) - Ugonna Onyenso | C | Virginia
Profile: 7’0”, 237
Year: Senior
6.5 PTS | 4.9 REB | 0.6 AST | 0.6 STL | 2.9 BLK
56.8 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 72.7 FT%
36 Games | 18.6 MIN
#32. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via IND) - Joshua Jefferson | F | Louisville
Profile: 6’9”, 245
Year: Senior
16.4 PTS | 7.4 REB | 4.8 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.8 BLK
47.1 FG% | 34.5 3P% | 70.0 FT%
35 Games | 30.9 MIN
#33. BROOKLYN NETS - Meleek Thomas | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Freshman
15.6 PTS | 3.8 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
43.3 FG% | 41.6 3P% | 84.3 FT%
37 Games | 30.5 MIN
#34. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Alex Karaban | F | UConn
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: Senior
13.1 PTS | 5.1 REB | 2.4 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK
46.8 FG% | 37.8 3P% | 86.4 FT%
39 Games | 34.1 MIN
#35. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via UTA) - Richie Saunders | G | BYU
Profile: 6’6”, 205
Year: Senior
18.0 PTS | 5.8 REB | 2.1 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.9 FG% | 37.6 3P% | 81.7 FT%
25 Games | 31.4 MIN
#36. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via MEM) - Baba Miller | F | Cincinnati
Profile: 6’11”, 208
Year: Senior
13.0 PTS | 10.3 REB | 3.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.2 BLK
52.9 FG% | 19.2 3P% | 65.8 FT%
31 Games | 31.8 MIN
#37. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via DAL) - Ryan Conwell | G | Louisville
Profile: 6’3”, 215
Year: Senior
18.8 PTS | 4.8 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK
40.8 FG% | 34.5 3P% | 83.2 FT%
34 Games | 30.9 MIN
#38. CHICAGO BULLS (via NOLA) - Dillon Mitchell | F | St. John’s
Profile: 6’8”, 202
Year: Senior
8.3 PTS | 7.0 REB | 3.0 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.7 BLK
55.9 FG% | 6.7 3P% | 49.4 FT%
37 Games | 28.2 MIN
#39. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via CHI) - Trevon Brazile | F | Arkansas
Profile: 6’10”, 225
Year: Senior
13.1 PTS | 7.3 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.5 STL | 1.6 BLK
52.6 FG% | 34.1 3P% | 71.7 FT%
36 Games | 31.5 MIN
#40. BOSTON CELTICS (via MIL) - Jaden Bradley | G | Arizona
Profile: 6’3”, 205
Year: Senior
13.3 PTS | 3.4 REB | 4.4 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.1 BLK
46.3 FG% | 39.4 3P% | 80.9 FT%
39 Games | 30.6 MIN
#41. MIAMI HEAT (via GSW) - Tyler Nickel | F | Vanderiblt
Profile: 6’7”, 220
Year: Senior
13.5 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.5 BLK
44.5 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 84.7 FT%
36 Games | 30.6 MIN
#42. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via POR) - Maliq Brown | F | Duke
Profile: 6’9”, 217
Year: Senior
4.9 PTS | 5.2 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.6 BLK
62.9 FG% | 16.7 3P% | 50 FT%
38 Games | 20.3 MIN
#43. BROOKLYN NETS (via LAC) - Felix Okpara | C | Tennessee
Profile: 6’11”, 237
Year: Senior
8.0 PTS | 6.3 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.4 STL | 1.5 BLK
59.7 FG% | 36.4 3P% | 63.5 FT%
35 Games | 26.8 MIN
#44. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via MIA) - Emanuel Sharp | G | Houston
Profile: 6’4”, 208
Year: Senior
15.5 PTS | 3.0 REB | 1.7 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.1 BLK
41.3 FG% | 37.2 3P% | 89.1 FT%
37 Games | 29.3 MIN
#45. SACRAMENTO KINGS (via CHA) - Otega Oweh | G | Kentucky
Profile: 6’5”, 215
Year: Senior
18.6 PTS | 4.8 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
46.5 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 73.1 FT%
36 Games | 32.8 MIN
#46. ORLANDO MAGIC - Aaron Nkrumah | G | Tennessee State
Profile: 6’6”, 188
Year: Senior
17.7 PTS | 5.5 REB | 3.0 AST | 2.8 STL | 0.5 BLK
43.8 FG% | 35.1 3P% | 78.6 FT%
33 Games | 31.3 MIN
#47. PHOENIX SUNS (via PHI) - Quadir Copeland | G | NC State
Profile: 6’6”, 220
Year: Senior
13.9 PTS | 3.6 REB | 6.5 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.1 BLK
49.4 FG% | 39.7 3P% | 77.5 FT%
34 Games | 28.8 MIN
#48. DALLAS MAVERICKS (via PHX) - Tyler Bilodeau | F | UCLA
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: Senior
17.6 PTS | 5.6 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.4 BLK
51.8 FG% | 46.4 3P% | 87.3 FT%
31 Games | 30.3 MIN
#49. DENVER NUGGETS (via ATL) - Jack Kayil | G | Alba Berlin
Profile: 6’4”, 189
Year: Senior
12.2 PTS | 3.0 REB | 3.6 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.2 BLK
38.3 FG% | 30.3 3P% | 78.0 FT%
62 Games | 21.4 MIN
#50. TORONTO RAPTORS - Braden Smith | G | Purdue
Profile: 5’11”, 167
Year: Senior
14.3 PTS | 3.5 REB | 8.8 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.2 BLK
44.0 FG% | 36.2 3P% | 82.5 FT%
39 Games | 34.5 MIN
#51. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via MIN) - Ja’Kobi Gillespie | G | Tennessee
Profile: 6’1”, 188
Year: Senior
18.4 PTS | 2.8 REB | 5.4 AST | 2.1 STL | 0.2 BLK
41.0 FG% | 33.8 3P% | 81.4 FT%
37 Games | 34.7 MIN
#52. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via CLE) - Seth Trimble | G | North Carolina
Profile: 6’3”, 200
Year: Senior
14.0 PTS | 3.8 REB | 3.0 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.2 BLK
47.1 FG% | 28.6 3P% | 66.7 FT%
24 Games | 32.4 MIN
#53. HOUSTON ROCKETS - Bruce Thornton | G | Ohio State
Profile: 6’2”, 215
Year: Senior
19.9 PTS | 5.1 REB | 3.9 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
55.4 FG% | 40 3P% | 82.9 FT%
34 Games | 36.6 MIN
#54. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (via LAL) - Rafael Castro | F | George Washington
Profile: 6’10”, 224
Year: Senior
15.3 PTS | 9.1 REB | 1.7 AST | 1.8 STL | 1.7 BLK
62.7 FG% | 0 3P% | 66.1 FT%
29 Games | 27.2 MIN
#55. NEW YORK KNICKS - Kowacie Reeves Jr. | G | Georgia Tech
Profile: 6’7”, 194
Year: Senior
15.1 PTS | 3.8 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.7 BLK
45.6 FG% | 38.7 3P% | 77.9 FT%
29 Games | 30.2 MIN
#56. CHICAGO BULLS (via DEN) - Nick Martinelli | F | Northwestern
Profile: 6’7”, 224
Year: Senior
23.0 PTS | 6.2 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.4 BLK
51 FG% | 41.7 3P% | 80.9 FT%
33 Games | 35.5 MIN
#57. ATLANTA HAWKS (via BOS) - Lamar Wilkerson | G | Indiana
Profile: 6’6”, 206
Year: Senior
20.9 PTS | 3.5 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.2 BLK
46.3 FG% | 37.8 3P% | 88.8 FT%
32 Games | 34.1 MIN
#58. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (via DET) - Jaden Henley | G | GCU
Profile: 6’6”, 209
Year: Senior
17.7 PTS | 5.7 REB | 2.9 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
46.6 FG% | 26.8 3P% | 75.6 FT%
32 Games | 31.4 MIN
#59. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via SAS) - Kylan Boswell | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’2”, 225
Year: Senior
12.3 PTS | 4.0 REB | 3.0 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.0 BLK
44.4 FG% | 30.7 3P% | 78.1 FT%
30 Games | 30 MIN
#60. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via OKC) - Vsevolod Ishchenko | G/F | Lokomotiv Kuban
Profile: 6’8”, 215
Year: 2005 Born
8.7 PTS | 4.6 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.7 BLK
50.6 FG% | 45.1 3P% | 78.1 FT%
48 Games | 23.6 MIN
martinelli to the bulls would be perfect as a nu fan