2027 оны NBA Draft: Тэргүүн сонголтын асуудал тодорхой болсон ч бусад байрлал эргэлзээтэй хэвээр байна

The 2027 NBA Draft class has nowhere to go but up. After star-studded draft classes the previous two years, the class of 2027 has been widely expected to be a letdown for multiple years. There’s no Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer or Dylan Harper or A.J. Dybantsa-level talent in this year’s class, though it does feel like there’s a strong consensus on the No. 1 overall pick entering the college basketball season. Where things get really interesting is the rest of the top-5, which feels like a clear step down from recent years.

Of course, a lot can change over the course of the season. Someone in this draft class is going to pop, and it’s totally possible it could be a multi-year college player rather than the one-and-dones we normally see populate the top of a draft class. The NIL era is keeping good players in college for longer than before, and that combined with a weaker freshman class puts a lot of possible variance on the table by the time June rolls around.

Two factors make this coming draft class even more interesting beyond the lack of consensus at the top. This is the first year of the NBA’s anti-tanking rules, which essentially randomizes the lottery order. There are also so many bad teams who have already traded their first-round pick, including Brooklyn Nets (whose pick is owed to Houston), Los Angeles Clippers (owed to the Thunder), Milwaukee Bucks (owed to New Orleans), and the Pelicans (owed to Atlanta), and the Phoenix Suns (owed to Houston). Check out our latest NBA power rankings for a big picture look at the league during the start of the season.

Here’s our first projection of the 2027 NBA Draft class. This mock is mostly determined by my personal draft board with less consideration for team fit.

1. Sacramento Kings – Tyran Stokes, F, Kansas

Stokes has been on the map for years, to the point where I ranked him as the fourth best prospect in high school basketball back in 2023 behind Dybantsa, Boozer, and Flagg. Stokes’ final years of high school ball provided more questions than answers, but he’s still firmly head-and-shoulders above the field to be the No. 1 pick entering the year. He’s an absolute beef tank at 6’8, 230 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, bringing an enviable combination of downhill power and live-dribble passing skill on the wing. Think of Stokes as a point-forward who can create an advantage and then capitalize on it by keeping his eyes up on the move or plowing his way to the rim. His jumper remains a work in progress and he could have turnover issues, but if Stokes showcases a high-motor and defensive playmaking this year, no one in the class should be able to touch him.

2. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks) – Jordan Smith, G, Arkansas

Smith is a totally distinctive player as a 6’2 guard who plays like a bruising power forward. The Arkansas freshman is a defensive beast who can guard shiftier ball handlers or wall up against more powerful front court players. He’s a massive plus on the glass compared to a typical guard, and he’s going to get his team out in transition like no other player in this class given his ability to get deflections, steals, and blocks. Smith isn’t a natural point guard and he’s not the best off-ball shooter, either. He can bring offensive value on cuts, putbacks, and fastbreak scoring, but could still be a tough fit on an NBA floor without additional dribble, pass, shoot development. Still, Smith feels like the safest freshman in the class after Stokes, and that earns him the No. 2 spot for now.

3. Chicago Bulls – Quentin Coleman, G, Illinois

Coleman isn’t Keaton Wagler, but the comparisons will be inevitable if the Illini’s new freshman guard rises into a top-5 draft pick like his predecessor. While Wagler was a methodical guard with limited athleticism and a great jump shot, Coleman has more burst going to the rim and an easier time scoring from two-point range. He might not have a standout skill to fall back on like Wagler did with his stepback jumper, but his well-rounded dribble, pass, shoot skill set and strong feel for the game makes him one of the better bets in this class. Coleman scans as a combo guard who can shoot it off the catch while having the quickness to get to the rim as a driver. While he’s not a passing virtuoso, he can be trusted to make smart decisions with the ball. He does a good job using his hands defensively, and will need be add enough muscle to his underdeveloped frame in time to avoid being targeted on that end. This is a bit higher than most have him entering the season, but it’s becoming harder to deny how bright Coleman’s future is.

4. Houston Rockets (via Nets) – Bruce Branch, F, BYU

Branch is a long, athletic forward who offers versatile defense and spot-up shooting upside. A 6’7 wing with a ridiculous 7’3 wingspan, Branch slides his feet well on the perimeter, disrupts plays with his hands, and blocks a ton of shots for a nominal perimeter defender. His offensive game is more of a work in progress with a limited handle and struggles to extend advantages, but he does have a pretty solid jump shot to at least give him floor spacing value. It feels like Branch needs to be a monster on the defensive end to get drafted this high, but any signs of gradual offensive improvement along the way would solidify his case as one of the top prospects in the class.

5. Orlando Magic – Caleb Holt, G, Arizona

Holt is a well-rounded combo guard set to play a big role on an Arizona team that should be in the national conversation all season. He has a nice frame, impressive defensive instincts, and an improving offensive skill set as he enters Arizona. A 6’5, 215-pound guard with a +3 or +4 wingspan, Holt is an active defender and plus rebounder in the backcourt. He made big strides as a shooter during his final year in high school, showcasing real comfort on pull-ups and less hesitation on spot-ups. His offensive process is still a bit of a work in progress and he doesn’t strike me as a real advantage creator, but he brings enough to the table to start the season as a likely top-5 pick.

6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz) – Patrick Ngongba, C, Duke

I had Ngongba as a lottery pick throughout last year’s cycle in a better class, but NIL money and another foot injury kept him in school for another season. There’s so much to like about the 6’11 big man if he can just stay healthy. He’s always been super efficient with his offensive touches, showcasing great passing touch for a center, reliable finishing in close, the ability to get after the offensive glass, and the early signs of developing shooting range. He’s also solid defensively with good instincts, active feet, and above-average rim protection chops. His history of foot injuries is concerning, but he’s young for a junior and clearly one of the best players in college hoops this year. The NBA should be watching closely.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) – Colben Landrew, F, UConn

Landrew is a beefy wing who can shoot, rebound, and get his hands on a lot of balls defensively. At about 6’6, 240 pounds, the UConn freshman offers floor spacing with a reliable shooting stroke and the early signs of being able to attack closeouts to get into his pull-up. He has a good nose for the ball both on the defensive end and the glass, and I’d guess he’ll pass the steal and block thresholds for NBA athleticism with ease. His handle and playmaking remains a work in progress, but his ability to impact the game without needing the ball should be highly appealing.

8. Indiana Pacers – Ivan Kharchenkov, F, Arizona

Kharchenkov brings obvious value as a defensive pest, and he could be in line for a major offensive leap in his sophomore season. The 6’7, 230-pound German forward was one of the best defenders in college hoops as a true freshman a year ago, blowing up screens, stripping ball handlers, and taking on a variety of assignments with his well-built frame. His sophomore season debut against UCLA was a thrilling showcase of his potential offensive evolution, with a 38-point explosion fueled by bully-ball drives to the rim and improved outside shooting. Kharchenkov’s defensive acumen is so impressive that if he starts hitting threes at all or proves he deserves a full-time on-ball role, there won’t be many players in this class who deserve to go ahead of him.

9. Houston Rockets (via Suns) – Abdou Toure, F, Arkansas

Toure is a freak athlete bristling with long-term two-way upside if he can iron out some kinks in his skill set. The powerfully-built 6’5 freshman wing plays like he’s shot out of a cannon on both ends, leveraging his elite quick-twitch explosion to disrupt plays defensively and attack the rim with malice. He has the physical tools to be a clear plus defender, and he can recover to the ball even if he’s out of position earlier in the play. He can be a bit deliberate with the ball in his hands on offense, but if he gets the opportunity to attack 1-on-1, it’s usually showtime with a highlight reel dunk. His shot and handle will be important to watch, but it’s easy to daydream on his ceiling, which is more than most of the freshmen in this class can say.

10. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona

Krivas was my pick for the best player in college basketball entering the year even with plenty of room to grow offensively. The 7’2 big man has a bankable NBA skill from day one with his rim protection. He’s awesome at staying vertical and contesting shots without (too much) fouling, and he’s more mobile than most guys with his size. Krivas has immediate offensive value as a passer, where he should be effective out of the short roll, and I love that he’s an 80% free throw shooter. He’s a great rebounder on both ends, too. He could stand to play with more power around the basket, and his shooting upside is more theoretical than tangible at the moment, but I like him as a floor raiser for an Atlanta team that needs size even if he doesn’t have the most enticing ceiling.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Stefan Joksimovic, G, Baskonia

Joksimovic is a tall ball handler whose killer run at U18 EuroBasket over the summer made him one of the hottest names in draft circles. The 6’7 Slovenian averaged 23.1 points 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on a gold medal run, then looked good for the senior national team in World Cup qualifiers. He can run pick-and-roll and manipulate defenses as a scorer or playmaker, and he’s shown some shot-making ability on difficult looks. The concern with Joksimovic is he’s not a great athlete or a developed outside shooter, and I can’t say I’m optimistic about his defensive projection. If the shooting improves, he could be a darkhorse candidate for No. 1 overall, but I personally can’t get there yet given the questions about his defensive translation.

12. Washington Wizards – Austin Goosby, G, Texas

Goosby is a 6’5 guard who plays with terrific energy at both ends of the floor while making real strides with his dribble, pass, and shoot skill set. The Texas freshman should be a good defender once he cleans up some technique issues because he closes out hard to the ball, slides his feet well, and has good hands to force deflections and steals. Goosby feels like a one-man fastbreak at times with the way he pushes the pace offensively, and he’s shown good passing vision and body control to score himself in the open floor. How he scores against set defenses in the halfcourt will be something to watch, but he should have good connective traits with his ball handling, passing, and speed. Texas is going to be elite this year, and Goosby will get plenty of chances to impress scouts.

13. Charlotte Hornets (via Mavs) – Obinna Ekezie Jr., F/C, Louisville

Ekezie reclassified to leave high school a year early and join a loaded Louisville squad, where he’s been backing up Flory Bidunga (another possible 2027 first-round pick) so far. Unlike other early college entrants like Duke’s Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, UCLA’s Nikola Kusturica, and Texas’ Marcus Spears Jr., Ekezie is actually draft eligible this year, and he just might turn into a first-round pick on raw talent alone. The 7’1 big man has a rare combination of size and shooting that will play at any level. He looks like a fearsome rim protector with a 7’5 wingspan, he hits the glass hard as a rebounder, and he dunks everything inside on offense. Best of all, he’s ready and willing to shoot from three, knocking down multiple triples throughout Louisville’s exhibition run. He’s a wildcard in a weak draft class, and he just might be worth taking a chance on with a lottery pick.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets) – Anthony Thompson, F, Ohio State

Thompson is a super long (7’3 wingspan) wing with a sweet lefty shooting stroke. At 6’8, Thompson projects as one of the best shooters in the freshman class with a quick trigger and high release that allows him to shoot over contests. He didn’t showcase much creation ability on the ball in high school, and he’s been struggling to adjust to the college level dating back to Ohio State’s exhibition slate. It’s possible he’ll be more of a 2028 prospect, but I was high on him coming in so we’ll stick him here for now.

15. Charlotte Hornets (via Heat) – Luigi Suigo, C, Villanova

Giants are back in style in the NBA after the success of Aday Mara, Donovan Clingan, and Zach Edey, and Luigi Suigo is next up in the lineage. The 7’3 Italian big man is a monstrous target as a roll man, where he looks to have pretty soft hands and quality touch when he gets in close. He shoots the ball confidently from mid-range and could develop into a three-point shooter in time. Suigo should be an intimidating rim protector on size alone, and it’s a good sign that he’s been dominating the glass against weaker competition to start the season. For now it feels like he’s a bit more limited athletically than even Mara and Clingan, but there’s no substitute for skilled size, and that gives Suigo a pathway to real upside.

16. Portland Trail Blazers – Davis Fogle, G, Gonzaga

Fogle is a 6’7 sophomore wing who can firmly put himself in the first-round conversation with a big season at Gonzaga. He has a lot of enticing connective traits with slippery driving ability, soft touch on awkward angles, and the athleticism to finish above the rim. He was a reluctant shooter last year (35% from three on only 40 attempts), but he’s shooting the ball with more confidence early in the season, and that’s the best possible sign for his draft stock. If shooting comes around, Fogle looks like a wing who can make an impact without the ball and do a little bit of everything.

17. Utah Jazz (via Cavs) – Najai Hines, C, UConn

Hines’ combination of rim protection and rebounding will be hard to deny by the time the draft rolls around. He was the most dominant shot blocker in the country on a per-minute basis last season as a freshman at Seton Hall, putting up a ridiculous 16.3% block rate. He was outstanding on the glass too, placing top-20 in the country in offensive rebound rate (15.3%) while putting up dependable defensive rebounding numbers. He’s a bit undersized for a center, and he can’t do anything with the ball in his hands, but his physicality at both ends is worth monitoring as the season continues.

18. Los Angeles Clippers (via Raptors) – Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, F, Nanterre 92

Yimga-Moukouri is next up in the NBA’s French invasion as a 6’8 wing with impressive early flashes of physicality and athleticism. The 18-year-old projects as a wing defender and off-ball scorer who’s just starting to grow into his long-term tools. Yimga-Moukouri already looks comfortable attacking closeouts with good burst going to the basket and the length to finish over contests at the rim. He’s a willing shooter even if his percentages aren’t great yet, and that looks like a good sign for how his shot will continue to progress. His ground coverage defensively is a key part of his appeal, and he’s not afraid to mix it up on that end from a young age. He’ll be firmly on the NBA’s radar as a potential first-rounder all year.

19. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) – Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt

The NBA didn’t want Tanner last year after a breakout sophomore season, and he decided to return to Vanderbilt after testing at the combine. Can the tiny guard change their minds in a weaker 2027 class? There’s just no getting around Tanner’s size issues after measuring under 5’11 barefoot, but he plays so much bigger than his frame. He’s super physical at both ends, racking up steals, blocks, and dunks like no other tiny guard in recent memory. He has a quick first step and great speed in the open floor, leading to some terrific finishes among the trees inside. It’s just very hard for a player this size to make an NBA impact when they’re not a great outside shooter yet. If the shot progresses, Tanner should find some believers this year.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Braylon Mullins, G, UConn

Mullins figured to be a lottery pick in the last draft after he hit a March Madness buzzer-beater that sent UConn to the Final Four, but he made the surprising decision to return to Storrs for his sophomore season. There will be a higher bar for his progression this year beyond the obvious value he brings as a shooter. Mullins needs to show a little more downhill scoring juice this year while improving his playmaking on both ends of the floor. He should be much, much better than a 33.5% three-point shooter this season, but it almost feels more important that he showcases a well-rounded game.

21. Memphis Grizzlies – Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky

Moreno is a mobile 7-footer who adds value with his offensive rebounding, shot-blocking, and passing. He slides his feet well on the perimeter for someone his size, and knows how to wall up in the paint as a rim protector. His passing might be his best gift offensively, giving him utility as a short-roll playmaker or an elbow hub who can hit cutters. His offensive rebounding is another big part of his game that should serve him well in an NBA game that continues to emphasize extra possessions. He lacks ideal length for an NBA five (sub 7’2 wingspan) and had trouble finishing in close last year (62% at the rim).

22. Detroit Pistons – Brandon McCoy, F, Michigan

McCoy projected as arguably the most explosive athlete in this draft class before suffering a torn ACL in Michigan’s preseason European tour. He could easily return to school next year because of the injury, but he should still draw some first-round interest if he does declare for the draft despite being out for the season. McCoy is a physical defender who can hound ball handlers, get into the passing lanes, and fly in transition. Offensively, he gets most of his points on putbacks and finishes around the rim, often showing the ability to jump twice before his opponents can jump once. His outside shot and passing are question marks, but McCoy is such an outlier athlete with a good motor that he’s bound to catch the NBA’s eye eventually.

23. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) – Thomas Haugh, F, Florida

Haugh was projected as a possible lottery pick a year ago, but returned to school for a reported $8 million NIL deal. He’ll still have plenty of suitors this year as a 6’9 wing who moves well in the open floor and looks more confident as an outside shooter early in the season. Haugh reminds me a bit of De’Andre Hunter back at Virginia as an older prospect on a great college team who is theoretically well-rounded but doesn’t truly stand out in any area. Haugh shows flashes as a defender, rebounder, and shooter, but isn’t consistent enough anywhere to offer a clean translation to the pro game. He’ll turn 24 years old just after draft night, so teams are bound to view him as a plug-and-play rookie who can provide wing depth. It will be fascinating to see if he can meaningfully improve his production with another year at Florida.

24. Golden State Warriors – Alijah Arenas, G, USC

The son of Gilbert Arenas is back for his second season at USC after a terrifying car accident halted his NBA momentum as a freshman. The 6’7 guard is a microwave scorer who does his best work flowing into mid-range pull-ups. He’s showcasing improved finishing craft early in the season, and is also showing he can help his team by attacking the offensive glass. Arenas isn’t super explosive going to the rim, and he’s still a reluctant three-point shooter. I’m impressed by his ability to manipulate pace as a ball handler, but his shot profile is going to be worrisome until he makes strides with his three-ball. He feels like a high-risk, high-reward style prospect who could be especially enticing in a weaker class.

25. Phoenix Suns (via Timberwolves) – Arafan Diane, C, Houston

Houston has had smaller bigs the last few seasons, but that changes this year with the arrival of Diane, a 7-footer with a 300-pound frame and 7’4 wingspan who brings unmatched power to the Cougars’ front court. The McDonald’s All-American has soft hands and feathery touch in close to provide real scoring upside. He should clean up the glass and protect the paint on shear size alone. Diane has been working on his conditioning, and deciding to play for Kelvin Sampson in college feels like a green flag for his overall mentality. It will be fun to track how his body and skill set (particularly his passing) progresses through the year.

26. Boston Celtics – JJ Andrews, F, Arkansas

Andrews is another standout freshman in a loaded recruiting class for John Calipari at Arkansas. The 6’7 lefty can put the ball on the floor and get downhill, and has shown signs of outside shooting progression over the last year. He’s a long (7-foot wingspan) and physical defender who has the size to defend up in the lineup on switches. Andrews looked like a tank rumbling to the basket in high school, and it will be interesting to see how that translates as he moves up a level.

27. Toronto Raptors (via Thunder) – Juke Harris, F, Tennessee

Harris put himself on NBA radars with a breakout sophomore season at Wake Forest, and he could be ready to take the next step after transferring to Tennessee. The 6’7 wing is a tough shot-maker in the half court who can also put his head down to get to the rim as a slasher. There are real flashes of movement shooting on his Wake Forest tape, though to this point his touch hasn’t caught up to his confidence on outside shots. Harris also has some nice moments as a defender where he uses his physical tools to play through contact and contest shots. His off-ball scoring should draw in front offices with a big junior year.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Spurs) – Amari Allen, F, Alabama

Allen was a potential one-and-done last year, but he measured a bit shorter than expected at the combine and ultimately opted to try to improve his draft stock as a sophomore. While Alabama listed him at 6’8, Allen came in at only 6’5.5 barefoot, but he’s still big enough to impact the game. Allen has a lot of enticing connective traits as a secondary ball handler who can get to the rim, pass on the move, and defend star perimeter scorers. If he continues the three-point shooting growth he showed last year, his Swiss Army Knife-style game should have lots of suitors.

29. Philadelphia 76ers – Tounde Yessoufou, G, St. John’s

Yessoufou is a physical defender with broad shoulders who should offer appeal as a point of attack defender at the next level. His offensive translation is a much bigger question after transferring from Baylor to St. John’s for his sophomore season. Yessoufou wasn’t really capable of putting the ball on the floor to make plays as a freshman, and he’s also a super shaky outside shooter. If his shooting or handle improves noticeably this year, his defense should still draw teams in.

30. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers) – Jeremy Fears Jr., G, Michigan State

Fears might be the best player in college basketball this season. The senior point guard put up one of the all-time great playmaking seasons last year with a 53% assist rate and nearly 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His shaky three-point shot has held back NBA interest thus far, but there’s usually a market for ball handlers with this level of shot-creation, passing vision, and ability to get to the free throw line.