NBA Mock Draft 9.0: Updated projections with a week to go!
Its one week until the 2026 NBA Draft! Heres my full two-round mock draft with analysis for every choice based on all the latest intel:"Ask Kevin O'Connor"Check out our new interactive feature on the NBA Draft Guide, which delivers AI-powered answers to your NBA Draft questions written in Kevin O'Connor's style and drawing from his in-depth analysis.1. Washington WizardsAJ Dybantsa, 6-9, BYU freshman forwardOn Monday, Shams Charania reported that both AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson think theyll be the first pick. Dybantsa worked out for both Washington and Utah, while Peterson worked out only for Washington and did multiple times. Dybantsa still gets the nod here, at least for now.Dybantsa could become one of the NBAs most unstoppable shot creators. At 6-9, he has a special blend of athletic tools with the way he bends, shifts, and explodes with the ball in his hands. He gets to the rim at will, cooks in the midrange, draws fouls at a high rate, and displays point-forward potential. In Washington, the pressure will be alleviated on him early in his career, now that he's teammates with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis. In the longer term, Dybantsa fits: Alex Sarr already looks like an effective two-way big, while guards and wings like Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Bilal Coulibaly have all shown flashes. But none of them project to be a superstar like Dybantsa, whose upside will be determined by whether he can become a knockdown 3-point shooter, as well as a more impactful defender to take full advantage of his physical tools. But even with those areas for improvement, Dybantsa has an MVP ceiling.2. Utah JazzCameron Boozer, 6-8, Duke freshman forwardAt 6-8 and 253 pounds, Boozer is the most polished player in the class. He scores from the post with both footwork and power, hits 40% of his 3s on high volume, and has enough handle to run offense as a point forward. He shifts between those modes based on what the defense gives him, and that adaptability led to a 35-win season at Duke and the Naismith Player of the Year award. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen are both more perimeter-based players, so Boozer can play inside with them. Walker Kessler, who could be re-signed, is an interior player, so Boozer can create. The Jazz would be massive across positions, especially since this group could even move Ace Bailey to shooting guard. Jackson and Kessler could both support Boozer on defense, alleviating concerns about his explosiveness and size to protect the rim full-time and his lateral quickness to switch onto guards. With the bloodline of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, the team that drafts him is betting that skill, adaptability, and a track record of winning at every level all lead to superstardom. And the Jazz have the right pieces to make that future a reality for Boozer.3. Memphis GrizzliesDarryn Peterson, 6-5, Kansas freshman guardPeterson is a buttery smooth scorer with a blend of fluid body control and positional size that gives him the ingredients to become an elite NBA player. At the high school level, he was a dynamic playmaker who used his burst to get into the teeth of defenses and generate buckets for himself and his teammates, while also showing off the kind of shot-making that draws comparisons to Hall of Famers. At Kansas, he thrived in an off-ball role, stroking jumpers out of movement actions and showing he can scale up or down depending on what a roster needs. Even when he isn't scoring, he's a high-impact defender who causes chaos off-ball and has the 6-11 wingspan to switch screens. The concern isn't his game. It's his body, which is why he slipped to third in this mock. Peterson missed 11 of 35 games and pulled himself out of others due to cramping, capping off one of the weirdest freshman seasons in recent memory. Questions about his burst, his availability, and what exactly is going on under the hood are going to define how NBA front offices feel about him at the top of this draft. But maybe that could work to the benefit of the Grizzlies given the need for a guard, his fit as a big guard alongside Cedric Coward and the two-man actions that could develop with a skilled center like Zach Edey.4. Chicago BullsCaleb Wilson, 6-9, North Carolina freshman bigWilson is the most gifted athlete in the draft. He's 6-9 with springs for legs. When he's flying above the rim, finishing through contact, and chasing down every shot in his area code, he looks like a future franchise cornerstone. That's exactly what the Bulls need in the frontcourt. But Wilson isn't a sure thing. He made too many aloof rotations as an off-ball defender at North Carolina, and the speed of NBA offenses will test him even more. He also won't be sharing the floor with two bigs like he often did in college. On offense, Wilson has never shot jumpers with any consistency at any level, so it'd be a bonus if he can figure that out. And he might have to for Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis to be optimized. Still, even without the jumper, he has a star upside.5. Los Angeles ClippersDarius Acuff, 6-2, Arkansas freshman guardAcuff gets the nod here because of the increasingly loud rumors that either the Clippers or Nets could select him to force the Kings (or another team) to move up for him, according to league sources. Acuff is a wiry scorer who can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor, but he is in no way a good fit next to Darius Garland since the backcourt would be far too small. However, there would undoubtedly be appeal in trading down a couple of spots to pick up additional assets. As reported last week, the Clippers are widely considered the most likely team to trade down from this range. Teams with multiple firsts: Atlanta (8th and 23rd), Dallas (9th and 30th), Oklahoma City (12th and 17th), and Charlotte (14th and 18th) are worth monitoring. Milwaukee could be added to that list if Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded to Miami (the Bucks would then have the 10th and 13th picks).6. Brooklyn NetsMikel Brown Jr., 6-4, Louisville freshman guardThere is a sense in opposing front offices that Brooklyn could trade down from this spot, whether its with a team trying to leap way up the board or even up just one spot in the Kings or two spots in the Hawks. Brown is the choice here though. When Brown is in the zone, he has an unstoppable pull-up jumper, an ambidextrous finishing ability, and the quick reads to rifle passes before the defense has time to react. He had a 45-point breakout performance in February after a back injury dogged him all freshman year and then ended his year later in the month. The absences muddy the evaluation and leave real questions about his consistency that may not get answered until hes fully healthy.7. Sacramento KingsKeaton Wagler, 6-5, Illinois freshman guardThe Kings are working out Keaton Wagler this week, according to league sources. Though Acuff remains the favorite for the Kings, they might have to trade up to get him. The franchise is doing its due diligence and Wagler could be available. Wagler became the orchestrator of a high-powered Illinois offense with his high-IQ playmaking and crafty scoring. After he showed up at Illinois as a four-star recruit with no expectations of becoming a one-and-done, he scored 46 at Purdue against a top-ranked team in the country, then kept rolling and led the team to an unexpected Final Four appearance. But he's a quirky player in that he logged zero dunks. To become an NBA star, Wagler needs to overcome a lack of traditional athleticism. And teams question just how special he is as a shooter too.8. Atlanta HawksBrayden Burries, 6-4, Arizona freshman guardBurries has not scheduled many workouts, and it appears his range starts with the Clippers with the fifth pick, as I reported a few weeks ago, and ends with the Warriors at the 11th pick. Burries drops smack in the middle of that range in this mock with Atlanta. Burries arrived at Arizona as a top-10 recruit, started slow, and then erupted once conference play began, helping lead his team to the Final Four. He's a physical, versatile scorer who can beat you from all three levels, rebounds like a forward, and competes hard on defense. But he's a methodical creator rather than an explosive one, and his shooting history before Arizona gives scouts reason to wonder whether the efficiency is real or a blip.9. Dallas MavericksKarim Lpez, 6-8, New Zealand Breakers international forwardIf a bigger guard like Burries or Brown isnt available here for Dallas, the Mavericks could end up being a trade-down team Oklahoma City with the 12th and 17th picks stands out as a possibility or they could go with a forward here. And Lpez is the best-fitting choice next to Cooper Flagg. Lpez is the best basketball prospect Mexico has ever produced. He left Hermosillo at 14 to play professionally in Barcelona, then at 17 moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where he shined for two years in the NBL Next Stars program. He checks a lot of boxes with his excellent physical tools, a hard-nosed approach, a well-rounded ability to defend multiple positions and handle the ball, and a blossoming shot. But hes thus far more of a jack of all trades since his jumper runs hot and cold and he lacks the burst to blow by defenders off the bounce. Regardless, not every player is drafted with stardom in mind. Lpez has all the requisite skills to enhance a star teammate as a key piece on a winning team.10. Milwaukee BucksKingston Flemings, 6-3, Houston freshman guardAll eyes are on what the Bucks do with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Right now theyre trying to extract as much value as possible from Boston, Miami, or a mystery team.The Bucks should take a swing to jump start their new era, whether or not Giannis is part of it. Flemings could be that type of bet since he plays with surgical midrange touch, an explosive first step and the passing vision of a true point guard who can run an offense. But Flemings is also 183 pounds and midrange-heavy in a 3-point league, and he watched his efficiency crater against the stiffest competition late in the season. The question is whether his scoring package translates against NBA length and spacing, or whether opposing scouts figure him out the same way late-season defenses did. Still, he brings incredible effort and passion to the floor and will likely maximize whatever he's going to become.11. Golden State WarriorsAday Mara, 7-3, Michigan junior bigThe Warriors need a true center. There is no better option in this range than Mara, who stepped on UCLAs campus as a lottery-projected center from Spain. Then he fell off draft boards during two forgettable seasons there before transferring to Michigan and becoming one of the best true 5s in the country on his way to winning the national championship. He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing. The complication is he doesn't shoot from outside, makes below 60% of his free throws, and opponents are going to attack him on the perimeter.12. Oklahoma City ThunderYaxel Lendeborg, 6-9, Michigan senior forwardLeague sources fully expect the Thunder to trade up in the draft to nab their target. Who that is specifically is unknown, though its widely speculated that Michigan center Aday Mara is the target. If they stay put, Lendeborg could fill a need for the roster as a big forward. Lendeborg just kept getting better every single time the competition got harder in college and eventually won a national title with Michigan. He fills the stat sheet, he can play multiple positions, and he has a 7-foot-4 wingspan at 241 pounds with a genuine handle. But he'll be 24 as a rookie. The arc is a great story. Whether it ends with NBA stardom is still up for debate.(Dillon Marshall/Yahoo Sports Illustration)13. Miami HeatHannes Steinbach, 6-10, Washington freshman bigSteinbach will enter the NBA with some readymade skills as an interior scorer and rebounder. He has massive hands that he uses to grab every possible rebound and finish effectively around the basket. He also showed legitimate touch on 3-pointers in flashes, which would turn him into a very different player if it becomes real. But hes not quite a true 7-footer, and there are specific matchups where he gets targeted in space. Its encouraging, though, that he bulked up from 220 to 248 pounds from the start of his freshman year at Washington until now. He was already strong, and now hes making the case that he can be a true center for any team.14. Charlotte HornetsMorez Johnson Jr., 6-9, Michigan sophomore forwardYou know the guy on a championship team who never gets enough credit nationally? The one who sets the bone-crushing screen that springs the star, then immediately sprints to the rim for the lob, then turns around and blows up the other team's pick-and-roll on the other end all in one sequence? That's Morez Johnson. He transferred from Illinois to Michigan and became the connective tissue of the national champions as a 251-pound wrecking ball with surprisingly soft hands and the defensive IQ to guard 1 through 5 in a switch-heavy scheme. And the Hornets are in need of someone with Johnsons multi-position versatility since Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and Grant Williams all have just one more season on their contracts. The issue with Johnson is he's not quite big enough to be a true center and not yet proven enough as a shooter to guarantee he spaces the floor. But even without a jumper, Johnson has a long future ahead of him at the next level and that is why league sources say his stock is on the rise into the mid-late lottery range.15. Chicago BullsNate Ament, 6-10, Tennessee freshman forwardThe Bulls worked out Ament earlier this month, according to league sources. And though Chicago already has a number of tall, skilled forwards Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Noa Essengue theres no harm in adding another one. Players who can handle, shoot off the dribble, and stand at 6-foot-10 dont grow on trees. This physical foundation kept Ament in lottery consideration even after a dreadful start to his freshman season when he struggled to score efficiently and make an impact defensively. But over the second half of the year for Tennessee, he flipped a switch and shots began to fall. He averaged 23.8 points over a six-game stretch in January and February that reminded everyone why he was a top recruit in the country. Then he dealt with an ankle injury that ruined his momentum entering March and he severely struggled during the tournament.16. Memphis GrizzliesBennett Stirtz, 6-3, Iowa senior guardAfter landing Peterson with the third pick, the Grizzlies find a backcourt partner in Stirtz, who feels the game at a different frequency than everyone else on the floor, and yet still makes scouts squint because he doesn't look the part athletically. The question isn't whether he can play though. After transferring from Drake to Iowa, he kept cooking with bullseye passes, pump-fakes, and shooting touch off the dribble from NBA range. If he adjusts to the physicality and speed of the NBA, he could thrive as both a floor general and off-ball connector.17. Oklahoma City ThunderChristian Anderson, 6-1, Texas Tech sophomore guardLeague sources say that Anderson has worked out for multiple teams that hold top-10 picks this year, which makes him a possible selection at this spot given the likelihood that Oklahoma City trades this pick with the 12th pick to move up. Anderson showed up at Texas Tech as the 101st-ranked recruit and has played his way into the first-round conversation behind dynamic pick-and-roll creation and knockdown perimeter shooting. He does a good job of creating easier shots for his teammates, but at his small stature he hasnt shown a consistent ability to get to the rim with any regularity. And any small guard will always be a target on defense, so theres a lot of pressure on his shot translating to the next level.18. Charlotte HornetsCameron Carr, 6-5, Baylor sophomore wingCarr transferred to Baylor, and led the team in scoring, shot nearly 40% from 3 on high volume, and looked like a 3-and-D role player who also has blossoming skills off the dribble. With NBA genes in his blood, as the son of former player Chris Carr, Cameron has the skills to make it in the NBA. The Hornets have a lot of scoring already, but having another wing with his skill-set would be additive. But at 184 pounds with not a ton of games under his belt, he's going to get introduced to the NBA's physicality in a way college basketball never did.19. Toronto RaptorsLabaron Philon, 6-3, Alabama sophomore guardThe Raptors clearly needed two things after their Game 7 loss to the Cavaliers: A point guard and a center. Here, they get a point guard. Philon is a shifty, score-first point guard who blossomed into one of the best guards in college basketball as a sophomore. He doubled his scoring output with buttery floaters, a deceptive handle, and a feel for running an offense, while also beginning to shore up the shooting questions that once clouded his projection. But Philon is also a below-the-rim athlete and listed under 180 pounds, so his slight frame remains the one thing standing between him and stardom.20. San Antonio SpursAllen Graves, 6-8, Santa Clara freshman forwardThe Spurs could use a big forward like Graves, who could grow alongside Carter Bryant. Graves was a point guard before a late growth spurt, and the floor skills carried over when he sprouted to 6-8. He came off the bench at Santa Clara as a redshirt freshman and quietly became one of the most efficient producers in college basketball. While he lacks great athleticism, and had some struggles against the limited top competition that he faced, the analytics love him, and he passes the eye test with his elite feel for the game.21. Detroit PistonsMeleek Thomas, 6-3, Arkansas freshman wingThe Pistons need more shooting and more creation, and league sources say Detroit is weighing whether to free up salary cap space to pursue a player who fills that need. Sources also list the Pistons as a team that could look to trade up from this pick. But if they stay put, Thomas checks the boxes. He has the confidence to "run for president," according to Arkansas head coach John Calipari. You could see that on the court the way he never hesitated to fire, stepped right into the lead role when Darius Acuff was sidelined at Missouri to close the regular season, and willed Arkansas to the SEC championship game with 29 against Ole Miss. He's a legit NBA shooter with deep range, a quick release, and creation juice off the bounce. But he doesn't get to the rim, his shot selection drifts into hero-ball, and there are questions about how hell deal with NBA physicality.22. Philadelphia 76ersChris Cenac Jr., 6-10, Houston freshman bigFinding a center to play behind Joel Embiid needs to be prioritized. Embiid simply cannot be trusted to stay on the floor. Cenac checks every box on paper as a superb athlete who moves like a wing, has the length to alter shots, and shoots from the perimeter. Houston handed him a starting role with national title aspirations and trusted him with heavy minutes. But the Cougars fell short again, in part because Cenac struggled to stay out of foul trouble, couldnt score efficiently, and was overeager to play on the perimeter despite having the body of a bruiser. He arrived in college with lottery expectations, and he still could become that player in the future. But the NBA team drafting him is taking a project.23. Atlanta HawksJayden Quaintance, 6-9, Kentucky sophomore bigAfter selecting Burries in the lottery, the Hawks find their center here. Quaintance is going to get drafted based almost entirely on what he looked like before his knee exploded. As a freshman at Arizona State, he was blocking everything in sight, showing defensive instincts and mobility that players his size aren't supposed to have, and he was 17 years old doing it. Then came the ACL, the meniscus, the fractured knee, the transfer to Kentucky, persistent swelling, and a shutdown for the remainder of his sophomore season. Now teams have to make a decision after 28 games of great defense with eyesore offense.24. New York KnicksKoa Peat, 6-7, Arizona freshman forwardCongratulations to Knicks fans for winning the championship! Mitchell Robinson grabbed a clutch offensive rebound in the closing moments of the game, but hes a free agent this offseason so the Knicks may need to replace him. Peat's bloodline is so loaded with offensive linemen that it's almost funny he ended up playing basketball. His father played nine NFL seasons. His uncle was a Pro Bowl tackle. Two brothers played college ball on the line. And you can absolutely see it in how he plays: powerful, physical, relentless, and it genuinely takes something special to stop him from getting to where he wants to go. He opened the season with a 30-point game against defending champion Florida and backed it up as one of Arizona's best players all year on its way to the Final Four. Since Peat cant shoot yet, itll be important that hes paired with a floor-spacing center like Karl-Anthony Towns. Or he could serve as a small-ball center in switchable lineups. So even though Peat entered the year with top-10 hopes, it might be a blessing in disguise for him to fall to the end of the first round.25. Los Angeles LakersDailyn Swain, 6-7, Texas junior wingWhat type of support does Luka Doni need by his side? Versatile wing defenders who can serve as connectors on offense. Swain is relentless getting to the rim, creative as a finisher, and active enough defensively to project as a switchable wing. But the reason he lives at the rim is because his jump shot is genuinely terrible. He has stiff mechanics, bad percentages, and a reluctance to even attempt it that goes all the way back to high school. He made improvements at Texas, though, so theres hope his soft touch at the line and from the paint will eventually translate.26. Denver NuggetsEbuka Okorie, 6-1, Stanford freshman guardThe Nuggets need some variety to their half-court offense aside from having Nikola Joki initiate everything. Well, heres a guy who could help. Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. He's not an above-the-rim athlete, though, and not long ago he was a kid from New Hampshire who ranked outside the top 100 and committed to Harvard. Then Stanford found him, he flipped his commitment, and he proceeded to lead the ACC in scoring with eight 30-point games and a habit for hitting clutch shots. NBA teams will have to decide whether what carved up the ACC will survive against bigger, longer defenders.27. Boston CelticsHenri Veesaar, 6-11, North Carolina junior bigAfter the Nikola Vuevi experiment fell short for the Celtics, Veesaar would present a new opportunity. He is an agile big with real shooting touch, connective playmaking, and baseline skills with the ability to set screens and catch lobs. He also offers rim protection and is a locked-in help defender. In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year. But he's 227 pounds and his lanky frame can get pushed around, plus he still hasn't fully defined his cornerstone skill.28. Minnesota TimberwolvesIsaiah Evans, 6-6, Duke sophomore wingJust look at how crucial Mike Conley still was to the Timberwolves in these playoffs. But hes 38. And Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland will both be upcoming free agents. The Wolves might need a secondary shot creator that can double up as a scorer. Evans is the kind of shooter that defenses guard and think theyve got him contained, then he uses a screen and catches it off a full sprint, moving away from the rim, and somehow manages to rise into a perfect 3-pointer. Hes a legitimate sharpshooter with the off-ball chops to thrive without even running any offense for himself, and he also has a developing handle that could unlock more creation chances. But hes still a perimeter-based player who needs to add more layers to his game to become a complete offensive talent.29. Cleveland CavaliersSergio De Larrea, 6-5, Valencia international wingKeon Ellis and Dean Wade will be free agents this summer, and Max Strus will be in one year. It may be time for the Cavaliers to get a wing one with more skill in the developmental pipeline alongside Jaylon Tyson. De Larrea is a tall playmaking guard with major feel and a knockdown jumper who thrives within team concepts. He suffered a dislocated shoulder that ended his 2024-25 season and removed him from draft boards, but it ended up a blessing in disguise since he returned with a bigger role and stronger production for a great team in the EuroLeague. With size, smarts, and defensive versatility, he could carve out a role in the NBA if his international skill can translate.30. Dallas MavericksJack Kayil, 6-4, Alba Berlin international guardKayil is a combo guard with a strong frame, a feel for the game that exceeds his youth, and the grit to become a high-level defender. He just became one of the youngest players to ever win the German Leagues Under-22 Player of the Year, joining Franz Wagner and Dennis Schrder on a list that bodes well for his NBA prospects. He committed to Gonzaga back in October, but has decided to stay in the draft a decision that surprised some scouts since he has yet to prove he can shoot consistently or run an offense full-time. The speculation around the NBA is that Kayil received a first-round promise. If its Dallas, the fit makes perfect sense pairing Kayil next to Flagg given how they can share the ball. And his size would allow him to play next to Kyrie Irving early in his career. Maybe Kayil will end up going much higher, though, because theres no denying his upside.SECOND ROUND31. New York KnicksRichie Saunders, 6-5, BYU senior wingSaunders is a hard-nosed, two-way wing who plays with manic energy, hustling around the floor hunting for steals on defense and jumpers on offense. The team that gets him knows exactly what theyre gonna get out of him. Hes also skilled, though, with a quick-trigger jumper, soft touch on floaters, and a feel for moving the ball. With less than ideal size and athleticism, he more likely projects as a solid role player. But hes not a guarantee to succeed at age 25 after tearing his ACL in February, ending his four-year career at BYU.32. Memphis GrizzliesTarris Reed, 6-10, UConn senior bigReed is a throwback center who played at his best on the biggest stage on UConns way to the national title game. He does all the dirty work inside the paint as a finisher and rebounder and shot-blocker. But beyond his ability to screen and pass, he isnt all too comfortable on the perimeter as a shooter or defender. So there are questions about his upside, especially since hell be 23 as a rookie.33. Brooklyn NetsZuby Ejiofor, 6-8, St. John's senior forwardAfter Ejiofors freshman year at Kansas, Bill Self told him he wasn't good enough to play major minutes on any Big 12 team. Three years later, he became the unanimous Big East Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year the first player in the league's history to sweep all four in a single season and he helped St. John's bounce his former team in the Round of 32 on the way to the program's first Sweet 16 in 25 years. Ejiofor found success with foundational skills: motor, length, and defensive versatility. The question with Ejiofor is the fact hes undersized for a center and his jumper is still a work in progress. But hes developed enough to deserve a chance to figure it out in the league.34. Sacramento KingsAlex Karaban, 6-7, UConn senior forwardKaraban makes defenses pay the moment they relax on him. He relocates for a 3, cuts when nobody's watching, and does everything efficiently. Hes a similarly high-effort, high-IQ player on the defensive end, which helps him overcome his average athleticism. But he'll be 24 as a rookie, and hasnt shown much upside. He rarely shoots off the dribble because of his funky mechanics. So if his role-player skills are slow to translate, his margin for error is narrower than for most.35. San Antonio SpursJoshua Jefferson, 6-8, Iowa State senior forwardSome players are drafted for their ceilings. Others for their floor. Jefferson lands in the latter category as a 22-year-old senior who spent four years in college getting better at everything to the point hes a steady, high-feel forward. He can pass out of the post, make connective reads, and guard multiple positions. He just needs his shooting progress to prove to be real, and right now there's not enough of a sample to be sure it is.36. Los Angeles ClippersBaba Miller, 6-11, Cincinnati senior forwardMiller is a fluid athlete who grew up playing guard before a late growth spurt. He retained his perimeter skills given the way he can handle in the open floor and make advanced moves. Hes also an equally compelling defensive player who can switch across positions. The big issue, and the main reason why he has spent four years in college, is that he still cant shoot.37. Oklahoma City ThunderDillon Mitchell, 6-7, St. John's senior forwardMitchell showed up at Texas as a McDonalds All-American, and back then it looked like a jump shot was the only thing standing between him and stardom. Four years and three schools later, the jumper is still nonexistent. And yet, hes played his way onto boards anyway as a left-handed power player who finishes everything around the rim, wrecks games on defense, and blossomed into a high-feel passer as a senior at St. Johns. The non-shooting is a problem, but on the right team his athleticism on offense and defensive versatility could allow him to carve out a long career.38. Chicago BullsRyan Conwell, 6-2, Louisville senior guardConwell's college career took him from South Florida to Indiana State to Xavier, and then to Louisville, and he got better at every stop. By the end of his senior year he was the leading scorer for the Cardinals at 18.8 points per game. Hes a stocky 6-2 lefty with broad shoulders, no real first step, and exactly one dunk in four years of college basketball. But he's a knockdown shooter with deep range and a bruiser at the rim who absorbs contact like a fullback. The question is whether the climb continues at the next level, when he can't muscle his way to the cup or shoot over the top of smaller defenders the way he could in college.39. Houston RocketsBruce Thornton, 6-0, Ohio State senior guardThornton is a three-level scorer with playmaking feel and the competitive fire that lifts a locker room. But hes short and not a bursty athlete, which means he projects as a reserve point guard. Players with his intangibles can prove to be important to winning teams, though. He was a four-year captain at Ohio State, and improved every year on his way to becoming the schools all-time leading scorer.40. Boston CelticsNick Martinelli, 6-7, Northwestern senior forwardMartinelli is a lefty who hunts mismatches in the post, uses footwork and physicality to compensate for his average athletic profile, and plays with a fire in his belly. He arrived at Northwestern as a three-star recruit, got notably better in each season, and proceeded to become the back-to-back Big Ten scoring champion. There are no questions about his work ethic. The real concern is about whether he can adapt at the next level when he cant feast on smaller players, and when hell be targeted on defense. But hes beaten the odds so far and will receive chances to prove he belongs in the NBA.41. Miami HeatUgonna Onyenso, 6-11, Virginia senior bigOnyenso has bounced from Kentucky to Kansas State to Virginia, finally finding a home in Charlottesville where he turned into one of the most feared shot-blockers in college basketball. He had 21 blocks across three ACC tournament games, including nine against Cam Boozer and Duke in the championship. He lays a brick wall around the basket, though he has heavy feet when guarding on the perimeter and is still developing his offensive skill set.42. San Antonio SpursMaliq Brown, 6-8, Duke senior forwardBrown guards all five positions and has both the length and IQ to anchor the defense when hes on the floor. As a 6-8 senior, he was named ACC Sixth Man of the Year and won the Lefty Driesell Award as the nation's top defender. But he struggles to shoot the ball, which will make his offensive fit a difficult one. Regardless though, his defense could be that special that his team cant help but put him on the floor.43. Brooklyn NetsBraden Smith, 5-10, Purdue senior guardSmith left Purdue as the NCAA's all-time assists leader, breaking a 33-year-old record. He's arguably the highest-IQ player in the draft who could orchestrate an offense at the college level while also providing scoring off the bounce. But the issue is the one every 5-10 guard faces: he isn't a plus athlete, and bigger guards are going to hunt him the moment he steps on an NBA floor. Thats precisely why he is a projected second-rounder and will need to work his way up.44. San Antonio SpursBryce Hopkins, 6-6, St. John's senior forwardHopkins is a big wing who bullies smaller defenders with hard drives to the rim. But hes not a one-trick pony. He also passes with feel, rebounds, and offers highly versatility defense. Hes a do-it-all player who couldve been in the NBA by now if it werent for injuries. He was a first-team All-Big East talent at Providence before a torn ACL ended one season and a bone bruise in the same knee wiped out most of the next, limiting him to 17 games over two years. He finally got a full, healthy run at St. John's, regained his explosiveness, and became a pivotal piece on a team that won the Big East title and made a tournament run.45. Sacramento KingsJaden Bradley, 6-3, Arizona senior guardBradley is a combo guard with a strong frame, a calm demeanor, and a knack for clutch moments. After arriving in college as a McDonalds All-American, he lost his starting spot as a freshman at Alabama then transferred to Arizona, where he got better every year and became the teams trusted leader. As a senior, he won Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Tournament MVP, and led the Wildcats to their first Final Four since 2001. There are questions about whether he can be a lead guard at the next level, but his connective passing, improved shooting, and gritty defense all give him the potential to play big minutes.46. Orlando MagicEmanuel Sharp, 6-3, Houston senior guardSharps calling card is his shooting ability. He can catch fire from 3-point range and be utilized as a weapon off screens. He plays with a high IQ even though he isnt a primary shot creator as well. On defense, he plays extremely hard to help compensate for the fact hes on the smaller side at only 6-3.47. Phoenix SunsJa'Kobi Gillespie, 6-0, Tennessee senior guardGillespie spent two seasons at Belmont, transferred to Maryland for a year, then came home to Tennessee as a senior and helped lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight. In the NBA, he projects as less of a lead guard and more of a spark plug who comes off the bench and fires jumpers and reliably runs the offense. The NBA's track record with guards his size is the obvious concern, but anyone who shoots like Gillespie and processes the game at his level deserves a real chance.48. Dallas MavericksIzaiyah Nelson, 6-8, South Florida senior bigNelson is a 6-8 athlete with a 7-3 wingspan who feasts on lobs, rebounds in traffic, and disrupts everywhere on defense. He sets a tone any time hes on the floor. After three years at Arkansas State, he followed his coach to USF and proceeded to put up one of the most decorated mid-major seasons in recent memory by becoming the first player in American Conference history to win Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. Even though he lacks creation and shooting abilities, he made jaw-dropping plays at the Portsmouth Invitational, then earned an NBA Draft Combine invite, and now has a chance to go in the second round.49. Denver NuggetsFelix Okpara, 6-10, Tennessee senior bigOkpara knows his role as a player who protects the paint, runs the floor, finishes lobs, sets screens, and doesnt try to be more than that. He spent two years at Ohio State, transferred to Tennessee, and helped take the Vols to the Elite Eight as their defensive backbone. He had four blocks in the Round of 32 with clutch defense down the stretch, then a 12 and 10 double-double in the Sweet 16.50. Toronto RaptorsMichael Ajayi, 6-6, Butler senior forwardAjayi brings role player qualities the way he rebounds at an elite level, passes within the flow of the offense, and defends multiple positions. After a strong year there, he transferred to Gonzaga but struggled, then went to Butler and earned an All-Big East performance by displaying the same qualities that made him an appealing prospect in the first place.51. Washington WizardsTobe Awaka, 6-8, Arizona senior forwardAwaka was college basketballs best rebounder and helped energize Arizonas bully-ball style over the past two years. At 6-8 with a brickhouse frame and an unrelenting style of play, he set a tone off the bench and earned Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year. The problem is everything else. He doesn't shoot. He doesn't pass. And he doesnt have a clearly defined position on defense. The team that drafts him is betting it can find enough of a defensive role to keep that elite rebounding and relentless motor on the floor.52. Los Angeles ClippersTyler Nickel, 6-6, Vanderbilt senior forwardNickel has a flamethrower jump shot that Vanderbilt used in a wide array of actions to consistent success all season long. The questions about him are the ones every specialist faces: Does he offer enough other than shooting? Will he survive defensively? But anyone who shoots like Nickel and stands at 6-6 will get a shot to make it in the NBA.53. Houston RocketsTyler Bilodeau, 6-7, UCLA senior forwardBilodeau was one of the most efficient stretch-4s in college basketball. With his 6-7 frame, he could bring real value with his size and spacing ability at the next level. But no one should mistake Bilodeau for Tyler, The Creator, since he rarely takes shots off the dribble or serves as a playmaker for teammates. He also struggles as a defender, which is truly the big question about his ability to make it in the modern NBA.54. Golden State WarriorsMilos Uzan, 6-3, Houston senior guardUzan is a high-IQ combo guard who knits teams together with his playmaking skills and defensive hustle. Those are the translatable skills that made him a fixture in Houstons rotations for back-to-back 30-win seasons. But then theres the nagging question about what he actually offers as a primary shot creator and as a shooter. Uzan couldve answered that question with a big senior season, but he didnt take the leap that scouts hoped for.55. New York KnicksOtega Oweh, 6-4, Kentucky senior wingAs a 6-4 wing with a strong frame, Oweh became one of the best slashing wings in college basketball and had one of the great games of the season with 35/8/7 against Santa Clara in the opening round of March Madness with a buzzer-beater to force overtime. At the next level, though, he doesnt project to be a primary creator because of his shaky handle and jumper, so the odds are hell need to adapt as a role player. Fortunately, he has a ton of those skills as a cutter, connective passer, and versatile defender.56. Chicago BullsTrevon Brazile, 6-10, Arkansas senior bigBrazile was a projected first-rounder before tearing his ACL nine games into his sophomore year at Arkansas, and the next two years were spent rebuilding the explosiveness that made him a prospect in the first place. He finally put it together as a fifth-year senior with a career year by anchoring Arkansas' defense. His long wingspan, explosive vertical, switchability, and perimeter jumper, all give him the potential to have a long NBA career. But at this point, hes already 23 and still projects only as a role player.57. Atlanta HawksTobi Lawal, 6-7, Virginia Tech senior forwardLawal is a London-born forward with elite athleticism, but he didnt start playing basketball until age 16 and it shows with his underdeveloped skills. Hes still figuring out his jumper and doesnt do much off the dribble. But with NBA-ready hops and a strong frame, he has the tools to be a highly versatile defender who serves as a role player on offense.58. New Orleans PelicansKeyshawn Hall, 6-6, Auburn senior forwardHall has been to UNLV, George Mason, UCF, and Auburn, and at every stop he just keeps scoring as a 6-6, 227-pound lefty wing by knocking down 3s and overpowering smaller defenders inside. But everywhere hes gone, his defense has been shaky and his decision-making has left a lot to be desired. After bouncing through four programs without seeing those flaws get resolved, hell need to figure it out in the NBA. Theres certainly a lot of talent worth betting on.59. Minnesota TimberwolvesDarrion Williams, NC State senior forwardWilliams is a broad-shouldered wing with the versatility to run point or do the dirty work as a power forward. A lack of top-end athleticism puts him in a role player bucket, but he brings winning qualities. During a stretch in which Williams was struggling to score, his college coach Will Wade said: "What'd he have? Six rebounds, four assists, zero turnovers. Everybody needs to shut the hell up about him. He's a damn good player and the shot's going to fall.60. Washington WizardsAaron Nkrumah, 6-5, Tennessee State senior wingNkrumah is a 6-5 wing with a 6-10 wingspan and has the motor to cause havoc on defense. His jumper is still developing, but it was quite a journey to even get to this point. He started his college career at Division III Nichols College, transferred to Division III Worcester State and won MASCAC Player of the Year, then jumped to Tennessee State and became the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year while leading the Tigers to the NCAA tournament as a 15-seed. He got a late invite to the G League Combine, dropped 33 points across two scrimmages to earn a call-up to the NBA Combine, and kept producing once he got there. He still needs to add muscle and tighten up his jumper, but nothing has stopped him yet.
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