The 2027 NBA Draft class has a lot of room to surprise people. After two years packed with headline prospects, this group has long been viewed as a weaker one. There’s no obvious talent on the level of Cooper Flagg, Cameron Boozer, Dylan Harper or A.J. Dybantsa, though there is a fairly clear early favorite for the No. 1 pick. The picture gets much less certain after that, and the projected top five looks a step below recent classes.
That could change as the season unfolds. Every draft class has someone who breaks out, and this time it might be a player who spends several years in college rather than a one-and-done prospect. NIL deals are keeping more players in school, while a less heralded freshman group leaves plenty of room for the rankings to shift before June.
Two other factors make this draft especially hard to forecast. The NBA’s new anti-tanking rules are intended to make the lottery order less predictable. And several teams that could be near the bottom of the standings have already traded away their first-round picks: Brooklyn owes its pick to Houston, the Clippers to Oklahoma City, Milwaukee to New Orleans, New Orleans to Atlanta, and Phoenix to Houston.
Here’s an early projection of the 2027 draft. This mock is based mainly on my own prospect rankings, with team fit playing a smaller role.
1. Sacramento Kings – Tyran Stokes, F, Kansas
Stokes has been a prominent prospect for years. Back in 2023, I ranked him fourth among high school players, behind Dybantsa, Boozer and Flagg. His final seasons of high school brought some uncertainty, but he still enters the college year as the strongest candidate to go first overall.
At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan, Stokes has a powerful frame and a useful blend of downhill force and passing feel. He can create an advantage as a point-forward, then either find a teammate while moving or drive hard to the rim. His jumper needs work, and turnovers could be an issue. But if he brings consistent energy and makes plays defensively, he’ll be difficult for anyone else in this class to catch.
2. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks) – Jordan Smith, G, Arkansas
Smith is an unusual 6-foot-2 guard who plays with the strength of a power forward. The Arkansas freshman is already a disruptive defender, capable of staying with quick guards or holding his ground against bigger frontcourt players. He rebounds extremely well for his size and should spark transition chances with steals, deflections and blocks.
He isn’t a natural point guard, and his off-ball shooting isn’t a strength yet. Cutting, putbacks and fast breaks can give him offensive value, but he’ll need to improve his ability to dribble, pass and shoot to fit comfortably in the NBA. Even so, he looks like one of the safer freshmen in this group after Stokes, which puts him second for now.
3. Chicago Bulls – Quentin Coleman, G, Illinois
Coleman isn’t Keaton Wagler, but comparisons will come if Illinois’ new freshman guard also develops into a top-five pick. Wagler was a patient guard with a great step-back jumper and limited burst. Coleman is more explosive attacking the basket and has an easier time scoring inside the arc.
He may not have one signature skill like Wagler’s jumper, but Coleman has a balanced dribble-pass-shoot game and a good feel for basketball. He looks like a combo guard who can shoot off the catch and use his quickness to get to the rim. He’s not an extraordinary passer, though he generally makes sound decisions. Defensively, he uses his hands well; adding strength to his lean frame will matter. This ranking may be higher than some people expect, but his potential is getting harder to overlook.
4. Houston Rockets (via Nets) – Bruce Branch, F, BYU
Branch is a long, mobile forward with the potential to defend several positions and contribute as a spot-up shooter. The 6-foot-7 wing has a remarkable 7-foot-3 wingspan, moves well laterally and uses his length to disrupt plays and block shots.
There’s more work to do on offense. His handle is limited, and he can struggle to build on an advantage, but his jumper is solid enough to offer some floor spacing. To go this high, Branch will probably need to be a major defensive presence. Even modest progress with the ball would strengthen his case as one of the draft’s best prospects.
5. Orlando Magic – Caleb Holt, G, Arizona
Holt is a versatile guard who should have a major role on an Arizona team expected to stay in the national spotlight. He’s 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, with a longer-than-average wingspan, and brings good defensive instincts and rebounding for a guard.
His shot improved considerably in his final year of high school. He looked comfortable taking pull-ups and was less hesitant when shooting off the catch. There’s still some distance to go in his offensive development, and he doesn’t yet seem like a player who regularly creates advantages. Still, he has enough going for him to open the season as a likely top-five pick.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz) – Patrick Ngongba, C, Duke
Ngongba was a lottery pick on my board throughout last year’s draft cycle, when the overall class was stronger. NIL opportunities and another foot injury brought him back to school. At 6-foot-11, he has plenty to offer if he can stay healthy.
He makes efficient use of his touches, passes well for a center, finishes reliably near the basket and attacks the offensive glass. There are also early signs that his shooting range could grow. Defensively, he has good instincts and active feet, along with above-average rim protection. His foot injury history is a real concern, but he’s young for a junior and among the best players in college basketball this season. NBA teams will be keeping a close eye on him.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) – Colben Landrew, F, UConn
Landrew is a strong, 6-foot-6 wing who can shoot, rebound and make life difficult for opponents defensively. At around 240 pounds, the UConn freshman has a reliable jumper and is beginning to show that he can attack a closeout and get to a pull-up shot.
He has a good sense for where the ball is, both on the glass and on defense, and should have enough athleticism to meet the NBA’s usual standards for steals and blocks. His handle and playmaking need development. Still, his ability to influence a game without demanding the ball is appealing.
8. Indiana Pacers – Ivan Kharchenkov, F, Arizona
Kharchenkov was already one of college basketball’s most troublesome defenders as a freshman, using his 6-foot-7, 230-pound frame to fight through screens, strip ball handlers and take on different assignments. He could make a major offensive jump in his second season.
His season-opening performance against UCLA was an exciting glimpse of what that improvement might look like: 38 points, powered by strong drives to the basket and better outside shooting. His defense gives him a high floor. If he becomes a credible three-point shooter or shows he can handle the ball regularly, he’ll have a strong case to move even higher on draft boards.
9. Houston Rockets (via Suns) – Abdou Toure, F, Arkansas
Toure is an exceptional athlete with the tools to become a two-way player, though his skills still need polish. The 6-foot-5 freshman wing is powerfully built and plays with explosive speed on both ends. He can disrupt plays defensively and attack the rim with force.
His physical gifts should make him a strong defender, and he can recover even after getting caught out of position. On offense, he can be deliberate with the ball, but give him room to attack one-on-one and he can produce spectacular finishes. His jumper and handle will be important to watch. The upside, at least, is easy to imagine.
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
Krivas was my choice for the best player in college basketball entering the season, even though his offense still has room to develop. At 7-foot-2, he already has a dependable NBA skill in his shot-blocking. He stays vertical, contests without fouling too often and moves better than many players his size.
He can also pass effectively, especially from the short roll, and his 80 percent free-throw shooting is encouraging. He rebounds well at both ends. Krivas could play with more force near the basket, and his potential as a shooter is still more promise than proof. Even so, he could give Atlanta a useful big man who raises the team’s floor, even if his ceiling is less obvious.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Stefan Joksimovic, G, Baskonia
Joksimovic is a tall ball handler whose strong showing at the U18 EuroBasket tournament put him firmly on the draft radar. The 6-foot-7 Slovenian averaged 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals during a gold-medal run, then also played well for the senior national team in World Cup qualifying.
He can run a pick-and-roll, create as a scorer or passer, and make difficult shots. The concerns are his modest athleticism, underdeveloped outside shooting and uncertain defensive outlook. If his jumper improves, he could become a surprise candidate to go first overall. I’m not ready to make that leap yet, mostly because it’s hard to see how his defense will translate.
12. Washington Wizards – Austin Goosby, G, Texas
Goosby is a 6-foot-5 guard who plays with plenty of energy and has made progress as a ball handler, passer and shooter. He has the makings of a good defender, though some technical details need cleaning up. He closes hard, moves his feet well and has active hands that can create steals and deflections.
At times, he looks like a one-man fast break, pushing the pace and showing good vision and body control in the open court. How he scores against a set defense will be worth watching. His speed, passing and ball handling should make him a useful connector, and Texas is likely to give him plenty of opportunities to impress scouts.
13. Charlotte Hornets (via Mavericks) – Obinna Ekezie Jr., F/C, Louisville
Ekezie reclassified to enter college a year early and joined a talented Louisville team, where he has so far backed up Flory Bidunga, another possible first-round pick in 2027. Unlike some other early college entrants, Ekezie is eligible for this draft. His raw tools could be enough to make him a first-round prospect.
The 7-foot-1 big man combines unusual size with shooting potential. His 7-foot-5 wingspan makes him an imposing rim protector, and he rebounds forcefully and finishes emphatically around the basket. He’s also willing to shoot from three, having made several during Louisville’s exhibition games. In a draft without many sure things, he’s a fascinating risk and could even attract lottery consideration.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets) – Anthony Thompson, F, Ohio State
Thompson is a 6-foot-8 wing with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and a smooth left-handed shot. He may be one of the best shooters among this year’s freshmen, with a quick release and high shooting point that help him get shots off over defenders.
He didn’t show much ability to create with the ball in high school and has had a difficult adjustment to college, including during Ohio State’s exhibitions. There’s a chance he’s better viewed as a 2028 prospect. I was high on him before the season, though, so for now he stays in the first round.
15. Charlotte Hornets (via Heat) – Luigi Suigo, C, Villanova
Big centers are back in fashion after the success of Aday Mara, Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey. Suigo, a 7-foot-3 Italian center, could be the next in that mold. He’s a huge target as a roll man, with soft hands and good touch near the basket.
He shoots confidently from midrange and could eventually extend his range to the three-point line. His size alone should make him a challenge around the rim, and he has been dominating the boards against weaker competition early in the season. He may be less athletic than Mara or Clingan, but size and skill can go a long way.
16. Portland Trail Blazers – Davis Fogle, G, Gonzaga
Fogle is a 6-foot-7 sophomore wing who could move into the first-round conversation with a strong season at Gonzaga. He has some appealing all-around qualities: he can slip past defenders on drives, finish with touch from awkward angles and rise above the rim.
Last season, he rarely took threes, making 35 percent on just 40 attempts. He’s shooting with more confidence early this year, which is an encouraging change. If the outside shot holds up, he could become the sort of wing who helps in several areas without needing the ball much.
17. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers) – Najai Hines, C, UConn
Hines’ shot-blocking and rebounding should keep him in the draft conversation. As a freshman at Seton Hall last season, he led the country in blocks per minute, posting a remarkable 16.3 percent block rate. He was also excellent on the offensive glass, with a 15.3 percent offensive rebound rate that ranked among the nation’s best, and he held his own as a defensive rebounder.
He’s somewhat undersized for a center and doesn’t offer much with the ball in his hands. Still, his strength and physical play at both ends make him worth tracking as the season continues.
18. Los Angeles Clippers (via Raptors) – Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, F, Nanterre 92
Yimga-Moukouri is another French prospect drawing NBA attention. The 18-year-old is a 6-foot-8 wing who has shown promising flashes of strength and athleticism. For now, he projects as a defender and off-ball scorer who is still growing into his tools.
He already attacks closeouts comfortably, showing a good burst toward the basket and enough length to finish over defenders. His shooting percentages aren’t strong yet, but he’s willing to take the shots, which is encouraging. His ability to cover ground on defense is a major part of his appeal, and he doesn’t shy away from physical play. He should remain on NBA teams’ radar as a possible first-round pick.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) – Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
The NBA passed on Tanner last year after a breakout sophomore season, and he returned to Vanderbilt after testing the waters at the combine. In a weaker draft, can the small guard change some minds? His size is an obvious obstacle: he measured under 5-foot-11 barefoot. But he plays with far more physicality than his height suggests.
Tanner gets steals, blocks and even dunks at a remarkable rate for a player his size. He has a quick first step and excellent speed in the open floor, which helps him finish among much taller players. The challenge is that small guards need to shoot well from outside to make an NBA impact, and that part of his game isn’t there yet. If his jumper improves, he could win over some teams.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Mullins looked like a likely lottery pick in the previous draft after his March Madness buzzer-beater sent UConn to the Final Four. He made the unexpected choice to return to Storrs for his sophomore season, so expectations will be higher now.
His shooting remains a clear strength, but he needs to show more ability to score going downhill and make plays for others on both ends. He should improve on last season’s 33.5 percent from three. Just as important, though, will be showing that he can contribute in more than one way.
21. Memphis Grizzlies – Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky
Moreno is a mobile 7-footer who can help with rebounding, shot-blocking and passing. He moves his feet well for a player his size and knows how to stay vertical as a rim protector. His passing may be his best offensive skill, giving him value as a short-roll playmaker or a passer from the elbow who can find cutters.
His work on the offensive glass should also translate well to an NBA game that puts a premium on extra possessions. Moreno’s wingspan is a little short for an NBA center, though, and he struggled to finish close to the basket last season, making 62 percent of his attempts at the rim.
22. Detroit Pistons – Brandon McCoy, F, Michigan
Before tearing his ACL during Michigan’s preseason trip to Europe, McCoy looked like one of the most explosive athletes in the class. He could return to school because of the injury, but if he enters the draft, he may still attract first-round interest despite missing the season.
McCoy is a physical defender who can pressure ball handlers, disrupt passing lanes and sprint out in transition. Most of his offense comes from putbacks and finishes near the basket, where he often seems able to jump twice before an opponent gets off the ground once. His jumper and passing remain uncertain, but his athleticism and effort should eventually draw NBA attention.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) – Thomas Haugh, F, Florida
Haugh was considered a possible lottery pick last year but chose to return to school, reportedly for an $8 million NIL deal. The 6-foot-9 wing should still have suitors. He runs well in the open floor and has looked more confident shooting from outside early this season.
He reminds me somewhat of De’Andre Hunter at Virginia: an older prospect on a strong college team who seems well-rounded but doesn’t clearly excel in one area. Haugh has shown flashes as a defender, rebounder and shooter, though he hasn’t been consistent enough to make his pro projection straightforward. He’ll turn 24 shortly after draft night, so teams may see him as a ready-made depth option. Another year at Florida should show whether he can make a meaningful jump.
24. Golden State Warriors – Alijah Arenas, G, USC
Gilbert Arenas’ son is back for his second season at USC after a serious car accident interrupted his freshman year and slowed his NBA momentum. The 6-foot-7 guard is a high-volume scorer who is most comfortable flowing into midrange pull-ups.
He has shown better finishing touch early this season and is contributing on the offensive boards. Arenas isn’t especially explosive attacking the rim and still hesitates to take threes. I like how he changes pace as a ball handler, but his shot selection will remain a concern until he becomes a more willing and reliable three-point shooter. He’s a high-risk, high-reward prospect, and a weaker draft class could make that gamble more appealing.
25. Phoenix Suns (via Timberwolves) – Arafan Diane, C, Houston
Houston has often played with smaller big men in recent seasons, but Diane changes the look of the frontcourt. The 7-footer weighs 300 pounds and has a 7-foot-4 wingspan, giving the Cougars a powerful presence inside. The McDonald’s All-American has soft hands and a gentle touch near the basket, suggesting real scoring potential.
His size alone should help him rebound and protect the paint. Diane has also been working on his conditioning, and choosing to play for Kelvin Sampson seems like a positive sign for his approach to the game. His physical development will be interesting to follow, as will his skills, particularly his passing.
26. Boston Celtics – JJ Andrews, F, Arkansas
Andrews is another notable freshman in John Calipari’s strong recruiting class at Arkansas. The 6-foot-7 left-hander can drive to the basket and has made progress as a shooter over the past year.
He has a 7-foot wingspan and plays with enough physicality to defend bigger players when teams switch. In high school, he looked powerful charging toward the rim. It’ll be worth seeing how that style holds up against college competition.
27. Toronto Raptors (via Thunder) – Juke Harris, F, Tennessee
Harris caught NBA scouts’ attention with a breakout sophomore season at Wake Forest and could take another step after transferring to Tennessee. The 6-foot-7 wing can make difficult shots in the half court and drive hard to the basket.
His Wake Forest film showed flashes of movement shooting, although his accuracy hasn’t quite matched his confidence from outside. He’s also had good defensive moments, using his physical tools to absorb contact and contest shots. A strong junior season, especially as an off-ball scorer, could make him more appealing to NBA teams.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Spurs) – Amari Allen, F, Alabama
Allen was a possible one-and-done prospect last year, but after measuring shorter than expected at the combine, he decided to return for his sophomore season. Alabama listed him at 6-foot-8, though he measured just 6-foot-5.5 barefoot. He’s still big enough to affect the game in several ways.
Allen has useful skills as a secondary ball handler: he can get to the rim, pass while moving and defend top perimeter scorers. If he builds on last season’s progress from three, his versatile, do-a-bit-of-everything game should attract interest.
29. Philadelphia 76ers – Tounde Yessoufou, G, St. John’s
Yessoufou is a strong defender with broad shoulders and the potential to guard opposing ball handlers at the next level. His offensive outlook is less certain after transferring from Baylor to St. John’s for his sophomore season.
As a freshman, he struggled to create with the ball and was unreliable from outside. If either his handle or shooting improves this year, his defense should give teams a reason to take a closer look.
30. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers) – Jeremy Fears Jr., G, Michigan State
Fears could be the best player in college basketball this season. The senior point guard had an extraordinary year as a playmaker, recording a 53 percent assist rate and nearly a four-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio.
His three-point shooting has held back NBA interest, but guards who can create shots, see the floor and get to the free-throw line tend to find an audience. If his jumper improves, that case becomes even stronger.
