The NBA Draft week has commenced! Although the top two selections are expected to be predictable, anticipation builds from the third pick onwards, as teams seek potential franchise cornerstones. This draft precedes what is predicted to be a tumultuous offseason, with several first-round draft picks already traded. Expect some surprises during the draft night itself.
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Sports Illustrated offers a complete first-round mock draft projection.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
Flagg is almost certain to be the first called on draft night, providing the Mavericks with a promising young star. His all-around game, competitive nature, and intelligence are poised to significantly aid Dallas’s playoff ambitions and position him as a future leader post-Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving era.
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2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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The Spurs are strategizing this offseason, focusing on leveraging Victor Wembanyama’s manageable contract. Harper, from Rutgers, is currently the best available player, known for his superior skills in ball-screen plays and ability to pressure the defense. He should integrate well with a youthful core that includes Wembanyama and last season’s Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Bears
Edgecombe is a strong contender for both the third and fourth picks. His athletic prowess and defensive skills make him a great fit for Philadelphia and Charlotte. At Philadelphia, he would complement high-scoring players like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, potentially offering immediate contributions more so than a younger prospect like Ace Bailey, who recently opted out of workouts in Philadelphia.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns
The scenario becomes complex for Charlotte at this point, especially if Edgecombe goes third. Bailey could still be an option, but his fit might be challenging alongside high-usage players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. However, if the Hornets retain their pick, a shooter like Johnson could be ideal due to his superior on-ball capabilities. Kon Knueppel from Duke is also a possibility.
5. Utah Jazz: Kon Knueppel, Duke Blue Devils
The Jazz, having considered Bailey, may change their pick following indications that Bailey’s camp is lukewarm about Utah. The Jazz might opt for Knueppel, arguably the draft’s top shooter and an immediate rotation player.
6. Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Bailey is too promising for the Wizards to overlook, especially as they continue to gather assets. Washington would offer him a platform to potentially shine, albeit he might benefit more from the guidance available in a more established team.
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Sooners
Fears is a likely choice for one of the picks between fifth and eighth. Assuming New Orleans doesn’t trade up using its extra first-rounder, Fears could be their pick and potentially establish a long-term pick-and-roll duo with Yves Missi.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke Blue Devils
With multiple first-round picks and a rebuilding agenda, the Nets are likely to select the best player available. Maluach, with his exceptional athleticism and defensive skills, stands out in this range. Other guards like Fears or Kasparas Jakucionis might also be considered.
9. Toronto Raptors: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Toronto is expected to focus on bolstering its frontcourt. Essengue, having showcased his skills in the German BBL, offers a balanced mix of offensive awareness and defensive potential, making him a suitable fit.
10. Phoenix Suns: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Gamecocks
Following the high-profile trade involving Kevin Durant, Phoenix enters the top 10. The Suns, now in a position to rethink their strategy, might find Murray-Boyles an appealing choice due to his defensive prowess and low-usage style that fits well within various team dynamics.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Egor Demin, BYU Cougars
Demin’s impressive size and vision make him a valuable prospect for the late lottery. He could greatly benefit from playing alongside Deni Avdija, who also thrives as a large playmaker. Portland, with its young roster, could use a low-usage wing like Demin.
12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland Terrapins
As Nikola Vucevic advances in his career, Chicago may look to revitalize its frontcourt. Queen, despite some defensive concerns and average measurements, offers a high basketball IQ and offensive skill set that could be beneficial.
13. Atlanta Hawks: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Fighting Illini
Jakucionis, consistently ranked in the lottery, offers a versatile skill set that could complement Atlanta’s needs, particularly if they seek an additional ball handler to play alongside Trae Young. His size and skill could mesh well in a backcourt role.
14. San Antonio Spurs: Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
Beringer is attracting significant attention as the draft approaches, potentially even before this pick. His defensive capabilities could help San Antonio build a formidable frontcourt alongside Wembanyama.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Carter Bryant, Arizona Wildcats
Bryant, with substantial lottery potential, could be targeted by teams like Chicago at No. 12 or San Antonio at No. 14. If he remains available, Oklahoma City could capitalize on his talent and slowly integrate him into their young core.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, Washington State Cougars
Acquired from Orlando in the Desmond Bane trade, this pick could be used on Coward, who balances potential with readiness to contribute immediately as an older, high-performing wing.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Asa Newell, Georgia Bulldogs
With Julius Randle and Naz Reid facing free agency, Minnesota might target the frontcourt. Newell has been drawing attention for his versatility, productivity, and strong presence around the rim.
18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Hoyas
Continuing their rebuild, the Wizards could opt for Sorber, a local talent from Georgetown, to potentially pair with Alex Sarr in the frontcourt for the long term.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Will Riley, Illinois Fighting Illini
Riley’s distinct offensive style and slim build make him a somewhat divisive figure, but his invitation to the green room signifies substantial interest. Brooklyn, with multiple first-round picks, might see his offensive prowess as a worthwhile gamble.
20. Miami Heat: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Spartans
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