Now that LeBron James has signed, the off-season is officially winding to a close. This is a good time for my next NBA mock draft, because the content must continue!
And, because the new lottery reform is so insane, I will include a lottery generator in each of my extended mocks. It is so absolutely random, hilarious and chaotic. I love it.
The original team placement is in parenthesis, just to drive home how much of a beautiful, chaotic mess the new lottery system is.
1. Sacramento Kings (1)
SF/PF Tyran Stokes, Fr, Kansas
6’7, 230 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Sacramento Kings, my worst ranked team, defied the crazy odds, and get to draft first overall. They are old, expensive and bad. Not a good combination. While it is very early, and there is no dominant number one prospect in this cycle, Tyran Stokes is universally thought of as the top guy right now. He has a strong frame, and can score anywhere from down low to the three point line. He is still developing his jump shot, but has a good shooting stroke. There are attitude and maturity concerns, but he is still a teenager, so hopefully those issues will work itself out.He, along with Darius Acuff Jr., would be the foundation for this next Kings rebuild.
2. Detroit Pistons (14)
PG/SG Stefan Joksimovic, Slovenia
6’6, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Detroit won 60 games last year. They took a step back, finishing just outside of the playoffs in my quick rankings, yet, thanks to the new lottery reform, they pick second. Detroit could probably use another alpha scorer next to Cade Cunningham.Stefan Joksimovic is still somewhat raw, but may be the only prospect in this class with superstar potential. He is a great low to mid-range scorer, and has some ball handling ability. Coming from Slovenia, he naturally patterns his game after Luka Doncic. Like most young players, he needs to become a better shooter, but the potential is there. Most young European prospects are coming to American colleges, but, for now at least, Joksimovic is honing his craft over seas.
3. Houston Rockets (from PHX) (12)
SG/SF Bruce Branch III, Fr, BYU
6’7, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
BYU landed another five star talent in Bruce Branch III, who reclassified to get to college a year earlier. Branch III is still developing his overall game, but is already a very good shooter and scorer. Shooting is usually what comes to wing players last, but Branch III made almost 40% of his five threes per game in high school. His upside could make him the number one pick a year from now. Houston is a playoff team, and could afford to bring Branch III along slowly, in hopes he becomes their eventual Kevin Durant replacement.
4. Washington Wizards (9)
PG/SG Jordan Smith Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’2, 200 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Washington is going with the dual-timeline thing, building around both Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson and AJ Dybantsa, as well as a couple of expensive veterans. The starting lineup looks set long term, so this would be a best player available situation. Other than Tyran Stokes, there are several other very early candidates for the top spot. One of those is Jordan Smith Jr. With Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas and DJ Wagner no longer on the Arkansas roster, Smith Jr. should have the ball in his hands quite a bit. He is a very talented scorer, shooter and driver, who could average 20 points per game as a freshman. He does not have great size, and needs to work on his point guard skills, since he will likely be too small to play shooting guard full time, but could eventually take over for Trae Young, a similar player.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (from UTA) (5)
SG /SF Braylon Mullins, So, Connecticut
6’6, 196 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 12.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 apg
The Grizzlies own pick falls, but fortunately they stay in the top five, courtesy of Utah. There has not been a returning college basketball player drafted in the top five since 2022, but Braylon Mullins could break that streak in 2027. He could have been a lottery pick after his freshman season, but chose to return to Connecticut, where he will be the main man in charge. He is a great shooter who has the ability to become a good defender and ball handler. The extra reps and responsibilities should make him the best non-freshman in this class. He would be a great fit alongside Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells on the perimeter for Memphis.
6. Golden State Warriors (10)
SG/SF Bruce Branch III, Fr, BYU
6’7, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Warriors probably should rebuild, but, as long as Stephen Curry can still play, they will kick that can down the road. Perhaps they will make better use of this top six pick than they did when they took James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball several years ago. BYU landed another five star talent in Bruce Branch III, who reclassified to get to college a year earlier. Branch III is still developing his overall game, but is already a very good shooter and scorer. Shooting is usually what comes to wing players last, but Branch III made almost 40% of his five threes per game in high school. His upside could make him the number one pick a year from now.
7. Charlotte Hornets (from DAL) (9)
SG/SF Caleb Holt, Fr, Arizona
6’5, 200 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Hornets, who had their best season in years, decided to shake things up by trading their two longest tenured starters, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Caleb Holt could be Arizona’s highest picked prospect since DeAndre Ayton. He has solid two-way potential, as both a defensive pest and slashing guard. If he can improve his three point shot, he could have All Star upside. His defensive tenacity would be a nice compliment to the offensive minded Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
8. New Orleans Pelicans (2)
PG/SG Alijah Arenas, So, USC
6’6, 199 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Pelicans will get the best of their own pick or Milwaukee’s pick in 2027. This is a team that has sat around and done nothing. Jeremiah Fears is probably the only long term building block on the roster. Alijah Arenas successfully returned from both a serious injury and a car accident, and is set to take off during his sophomore year, where he could be among the nations leaders in scoring. Among many other things, New Orleans could use an alpha scorer to compliment Fears in the back court.
9. Houston Rockets (from BKN) (6)
PF/C Luigi Suigo, Fr, Villanova
7’2, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Houston gets this pick from the James Harden trade, even though Harden has been on three other teams since Brooklyn acquired him. Luigi Suigo generated some late first round looks during the 2026 draft process, but chose to head to Villanova for at least one season. He has great size, and is a unique talent with a bit of playmaking to his game as well. He could either be a late lottery pick, or somebody we never talk about again. He could be a great long term backup to Alperen Sengun. A luxury for a playoff team with two lottery picks here.
10. Atlanta Hawks (from MIL) (5)
SF/PF Miikka Muurinen, Fr, Arkansas
6’10, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Atlanta gets the worst of Milwaukee and New Orleans first round pick, so there is a great chance they could have yet another lottery selection in 2027. Looking at Miikaa Muurinen in practices and scrimmages, it would be easy to convince yourself that he is the best prospect in this class. He has failed to consistently produce in games, however. He will try his hand at an American college, joining John Calipari at Arkansas. Muurinen has elite size and skills for a stretch big/wing. He can shoot, and get to the basket. Consistency, effort and defense are all question marks. If he can answer most of them, he could easily wind up in the top five.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (3)
PG/SG Jason Crowe Jr., Fr, Missouri
6’3, 170 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Memphis has quite a bit of young front court talent, and could use a point guard to put it all together. Jason Crowe Jr. is the second highest player Missouri has ever recruited. He is one of the best scorers amongst incoming freshmen. Whether he can show point guard skills to elevate him beyond combo status remains to be seen, but his ability to get buckets will give him a lot of looks early on in a shallow draft.
12. Charlotte Hornets (8)
SF/PF Thomas Haugh, Sr, Florida
6’9, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Hornets could add two more lottery picks to what is already a deep core. Thomas Haugh could have been a late lottery pick in 2026, but chose to return to Florida for his senior season. He has little to gain by skipping the NBA, as he may be maxed out as a prospect, but his ability to shoot, rebound and play solid defense, along with his experience, should make him attractive to any team looking to make an immediate playoff push.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC) (7)
SG/SF Baba Oladotun, Fr, Maryland
6’10, 195 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The first round picks keep coming for Oklahoma City, who could have three more in 2027. They are cycling in and out rookies and veterans, as they look to navigate the various aprons and salary cap penalties. Baba Oladotun is thin and raw, but he has a good looking jump shot, with a high release point that will make it tough to block. If Nate Ament could go lottery in a deeper draft, Olatodun should be able to do the same here.
14. Orlando Magic (14)
PF Cameron Williams, Fr, Duke
6’11, 200 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Orlando Magic are hoping that a coaching change will unlock its talented but under-performing roster. Cameron Williams is a bit raw right now, but you always have to pay attention to Duke’s top recruit. He is a bit like a less polished version of Caleb Wilson offensively. He needs to get stronger, but may be the best shot blocker of any incoming top freshman. Out of all of the top recruits, he is the biggest question mark, as he may not even start as a freshman. I will take a wait and see approach with him.
15. Chicago Bulls (4)
PF/C Sayon Keita, Fr, North Carolina
6’11, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Chicago Bulls are huge losers in this scenario, falling 11 spots to the middle of the first round. Sayon Keita is a top recruit from Spain who could outplay this ranking. He tall, lanky and raw, but is quite an energetic big, who can rebound, run the floor and block shots. If he can improve his offense, he could be a lottery pick.
16. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL) (16)
SG/SF Amari Allen, So, Alabama
6’8, 205 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 11.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.1 apg
The Spurs have veterans Harrison Barnes and Tobias Harris on short term deals, so they could draft an eventual replacement. Amari Allen showed a nice overall game as an Alabama freshman, by scoring, rebounding and even providing a little playmaking. If he can up his three point percentage by a few points, he should be a first round pick.
17. Portland Trail Blazers
SF/PF Hugo Yimga Moukori, France
6’8, 219 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.4 apg
The Trail Blazers swapped out Jerami Grant for Ja Morant, and now have an over-abundance of guards, and could use more size. France sat the 2026 draft out, but is back here, with yet another long, intriguing prospect. Like Noa Essengue and Tidjane Saluan, Hugo Yimga Moukori is more defense than offense and shooting at this point. He has good size, is strong, and has the ability to be a good combo forward who can score tough buckets and provide solid defense.
18. Indiana Pacers
C Motiejus Krivas, Sr, Arizona
7’2, 260 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.1 apg
The Pacers will get Tyrese Haliburton back, as they hope to return to form in a much tougher Eastern Conference. Indiana lands a long term backup for Ivica Zubac here. Motiejus Krivas is not much of a scorer, but is a very good rebounder, smart defender, and has the size and strength to help neutralize some of the better big men in the Eastern Conference.
19. Toronto Raptors
PG/SG Killyan Toure, So, Iowa State
6’3, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 8.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg
Toronto is in a holding pattern until the Kawhi Leonard stuff is resolved, so who knows how this team will look a few months from now. The bench could use immediate upgrades at pretty much every position. Killyan Toure is yet another foreign player gone the NCAA route in this class. The French guard may be a tweener offensively, but has some point guard skills, can shoot it a bit, and could be a real pest defensively.
20. Utah Jazz (from MIN)
SF/PF Christian Collins, Fr, USC
6’8, 200 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
The Lakers made Utah an offer they could not refuse for Walker Kessler, but it does leave Utah a little small up front. Unfortunately, the board does not fall that way, so they draft another freshman with upside. Other than the top guys, it is hard to predict what incoming freshman will have an impact and be included in my 2027 draft class. Right now, I am adding players who seem to be in a good position to play solid minutes. Christian Collins should be a solid running mate for Alijah Arenas at USC. He is tall, lanky and has a good jump shot. Like a lot of young guys, he needs to get stronger, but there is starting potential here.
21. Phoenix Suns (from CLE)
SG/SF Brandon McCoy Jr., Fr, Michigan
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: N/A
Phoenix has an underrated, veteran laden team, but had to trade some of its depth to acquire Miles Bridges. The Michigan Wolverines lost head coach Dusty May, so who knows how the team will look next year. Brandon McCoy Jr. has the ability to be a microwave scorer, most likely leading a second unit at the next level. He has good size and the potential to be a very good defender.
22. Memphis Grizzlies (from LAL)
SG/SF Dame Sarr, So, Duke
6’8, 190 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg
The Grizzlies are one of a few teams that could have up to three first round picks in this draft. Dame Sarr is an intriguing defensive wing prospect, who could explode as a sophomore. It was rough for him offensively, but he does have potential as a scorer. It is his length and ability to be a pesky defender that could get him plenty of first round looks a year from now.
23. Brooklyn Nets (from HOU)
C Matas Vokieaitis, So, Texas
7’0, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 0.6 apg
Brooklyn owes a pick swap to the Houston Rockets, so 2027 could be a tough year for them, draft wise. Matas Vokieaitis yet another European to USA college prospect .. He had a very good freshman season for Texas. He reminds me a bit of Jonas Valanciunas. An offensive minded center who can chip in enough on the boards and defensively to become a low end starter.
24. Charlotte Hornets (from MIA)
C Malachi Moreno, So, Kentucky
7’0, 243 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 7.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 apg
Charlotte is yet another team that could have three first round picks in this draft. After a freshman season where he showed promise as a scorer, rebounder and even playmaker, Malachi Moreno went through the pre-draft process, but chose to return to Kentucky for his sophomore year. With an expanded role, he could flirt with a double double, which could make him an easy first round pick.
25. Boston Celtics
SG/SF Tounde Yessoufou, So, St. John’s
6’5, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Celtics are being dragged through the mud for their Jaylen Brown return, but that is what you would expect to get for a non-MVP making $60 million a year. Tounde Yessoufou put up solid counting stats for Baylor as a freshman, but his struggles to both shoot with consistency and get to the rim caused his draft stock to slip to the point where he returned to college and transferred to St. John’s. There is first round talent here if his new team can unlock the best of him. He is tough and a willing defender.
26. Brooklyn Nets (from PHI)
SG/SF Ivan Kharchenkov, So, Arizona
6’7, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.3 apg
James Harden has played on two other teams since Brooklyn traded him to Philadelphia, but they are still owed picks from that trade. The insane run on foreign-born players continues. The German born Ivan Kharchenkov should step into a more prominent role for Arizona as a sophomore. Even though he only shot 31% from deep, he is a solid offensive player with good size, and is also an underrated defender.
27. Brooklyn Nets (from NY)
SF/PF Milan Momcilovic, Sr, Kentucky
6’8, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.0 apg
Though they are all coming at the end of the first round in this scenario, Brooklyn is another team that could have three first round picks in this draft. I had to throw a second senior in my first round, so Milan Momcilovic gets the call. Perhaps the best pure shooter in college basketball, Momcilovic does not do much, other than shoot threes, but he has been so good at it he is bound to get some late first round looks. He should be another Duncan Robinson in the pros.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (from DEN)
F/C Patrick Ngongba II, Jr, Duke
6’11, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.0 apg
Oh look, another Thunder first round pick. They could realistically draft a young big man every year, to keep the cheap talent coming. Patrick Ngongba II is a favorite of the analytics crowd. Playing for a Duke team always loaded with scorers, he has settled into a solid secondary role, and can provide rebounding, defense and the occasional put-back offensively. He could be a decent low-end starter at center.
29. Los Angeles Clippers (from OKC)
SG/SF Billy Richmond III, So, Arkansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 apg
Thanks to a pick swap option, the Clippers go from the top of the first round to the bottom. That would be a brutal development for this franchise. Billy Richmond III had a good freshman season for an Arkansas team dominated by ball handlers. He should have an expanded role as a sophomore. Although he struggled to shoot the 3 with consistency, he scored well and showed solid defensive potential. A definite project, but one to keep an eye on.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from SA)
SG/SF Dash Daniels, Australia
6’5, 198 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 4.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0/8 apg
Another multiple-pick first round for the Thunder, who could have three more this time around. They could try to go the old fashioned “draft and stash” route with someone not currently in an American college. Dash Daniels, the younger brother of Dyson, is a very long away offensively. However, like his brother, he is an excellent defender. The Thunder can afford to be patient here, though this pick will likely be sold to one of many teams without a first rounder.
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