Final projections, predictions for every pick

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Updated June 23, 2026, 11:08 a.m. ET

Follow along for live rumors and news from around the league on NBA draft day.

With just a few hours left until the 2026 NBA Draft, fans will soon know exactly where each prospect will begin their professional careers.

Following the NBA draft combine and weeks of pre-draft workouts, front offices will finalize their decisions this evening. After extensive conversations with folks around the league, we have more intel on when each prospect might hear their name called during draft nights at Barclays Center for the first round on June 23 and and the second on June 24.

Our mock draft includes data from CBB Analytics. We also spoke with P3, a sports science and athletic training company that uses biomechanical data and movement profiling to evaluate players and project NBA outcomes, to better understand how certain prospects translate physically to the next level.

While news of two big trades broke late night on Monday, June 22 – one involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the other involving Julius Randle – neither can be executed until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET, which is the start of the new league year. So, those 2026 picks remain with their current teams in our mock draft, although those teams will be selecting players on behalf of their trade partners.

Following our own conversations as well as other trusted reporting, here are our latest predictions.

Note: All heights and wingspans (as well as the distance between the two) are listed to the nearest inch and players were measured without shoes.

TEAM: BYU
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Massachusetts
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards have narrowed their choices down to two players: AJ Dybansta and Darryn Peterson, both of whom have already reportedly conducted workouts for Washington.

“I’m super confident in myself being the No. 1 pick. But you never know. There’s been crazy stuff that happens on draft night,” Dybantsa told USA TODAY Sports.

While he is prepared for various scenarios, especially after Washington re-signed Trae Young to a long-term contract extension, the Wizards remain far and away the most likely outcome. He would be a fascinating fit next to Young and Anthony Davis, who could help him play alongside veteran talent early in his career.

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson

TEAM: Kansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-5
WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+5)
DRAFT AGE: 19

While we had Duke forward Cameron Boozer mocked to the Utah Jazz in every mock draft we published for more than a month, all of the intel suggests the Jazz plan to select Darryn Peterson to join Keyonte George in their young backcourt.

According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the Jazz were “genuinely torn” about who to select once on the clock, and Boozer remained “firmly in the mix” at No. 2 overall. However, though he was no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Peterson is the most talented player in this class.

It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season. Even though he did not have an official workout with the Jazz, he confirmed that he did meet with the organization over the weekend before the draft.

TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-8
WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+5)
DRAFT AGE: 18

Any front office that values versatility and advanced metrics could very likely have Duke freshman Cameron Boozer at No. 1 overall on their big board considering he had one of the most statistically impressive freshman campaigns we have ever seen.

Those are two defining traits the Grizzlies have valued while drafting, and their franchise will enter a new chapter of their organization with this pick.

As the national collegiate player of the year, he wasn’t a human highlight reel. But he performed better than expected during athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. He offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set, and he can bring a culture of winning back to the Grizzlies after multiple championships in high school and playing on an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16.

TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Big
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 19

Bryson Graham, who was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls, has a simple task: Select whichever of the four top players is still available.

North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is not just a consolation prize. He is a perfect fit for what Graham wants to build in Chicago, as he values size, length, athleticism, and physicality. Wilson did more than enough to earn this placement before his thumb injury.

According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded and was one of the best vertical athletes who tested at the combine in Chicago. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.

“I feel like I’m a game changer,” Wilson told USA TODAY Sports. “Whatever needs to be done to win, that’s what you’re going to get from me.”

He added that he doesn’t just see himself as a traditional post player, showing pride in his ability to make reads in the open court and create for others as well.

TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Kansas
HEIGHT: 6-5
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+1)
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac, and while there is wide speculation they could trade this pick, they are closely linked with several guards in this range. As such, whether it’s their front office or another on the clock at No. 5 overall, look for any team on the clock to potentially call on Illinois standout Keaton Wagler.

“I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Wagler told USA TODAY Sports. “Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”

Wagler reportedly “emerged as the more impressive prospect” during a recent head-to-head workout for the Clippers against another lottery-caliber guard, per Jake Fischer. He explained why he canceled his workout with the Brooklyn Nets, on the clock next at No. 6 overall, following the visit.

The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, and he is a cerebral basketball player who is a good rebounder and playmaker as well.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.

DRAFT AGE: 20
TEAM: Louisville
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+4)

During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like talented Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., even though they drafted three point guards last season.

He said he met with the Nets three times during the pre-draft process and completed a second workout for Brooklyn, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Brown’s draft stock has improved during the pre-draft process as he has shown teams a clean bill of health. “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”

The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State, before his injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Michigan
HEIGHT: 6-2
WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+5)
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need a potential star, and it is widely speculated that their front office is targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.

En route to the Sweet 16, despite significant defensive deficiencies, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists as well.

P3’s evaluators highlighted his “really impressive start-stop tools” and ability to generate separation in multiple directions, key traits for a high-usage guard translating to the NBA.

It is also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff’s father in college, and one would expect there are few scenarios where he falls below this pick. If his name is called earlier, though, Kingston Flemings could also make sense here.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Kingston Flemings

TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Texas
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-4 (+1)
DRAFT AGE: 19

With the pick the Hawks received from New Orleans, Atlanta is expected to pick a big or a guard, and one potential target is Houston freshman Kingston Flemings.

“He can pretty much do it all. He can defend, he can shoot, and his playmaking is really underrated. And he’s a high-IQ, high-character guy,” Chris Cenac Jr., his teammate at Houston, told USA TODAY Sports. “Any organization that gets him is going to get a great player and a great person.”

Flemings’ smaller wingspan did him no favors at the combine but he measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across all his agility testing, projecting as one of the fastest guard prospects since De’Aaron Fox. He helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it is difficult to imagine he will be available past the Hawks on draft night.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries

TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Guard
BORN: California
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
DRAFT AGE: 20

After hiring Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations and Mike Schmitz as general manager, the Dallas Mavericks can add a lottery talent to grow alongside Cooper Flagg. One name to consider is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, who is consistently linked to the organization.

Burries had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. He was then an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four, where he played against new Mavericks head coach Dusty May.

Overall, the All-Big 12 guard displayed his tantalizing talent, and he has proven productivity. Burries is able to defend, relocate, move the ball, and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Our intel suggests he is in consideration as high as No. 5 overall as he impressed several decision makers, including Clippers head coach Ty Lue, during the pre-draft process.

TEAM: Tennessee
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+2)
DRAFT AGE: 19

While it is unclear which (and how many) picks the Milwaukee Bucks will actually have in the 2026 NBA Draft due to ongoing trade rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament.

The All-SEC forward averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking this forward, with a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1, in the lottery.

It is worth noting that Bucks executive Jon Horst and head coach Taylor Jenkins reportedly recently traveled to meet with Ament during the pre-draft process, per Jake Fischer. Jimmy Haslam, a co-governor for the Bucks, recently took a larger role with Milwaukee’s ownership group and also made the largest donation to the University of Tennessee in school history.

11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López

TEAM: New Zealand (International)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Mexico
HEIGHT: 6-8
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 19

Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. According to The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, his “range” starts at this pick to Golden State.

The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30 earlier this year. According to someone with knowledge of the situation who did not have authority to speak publicly on the matter, Warriors executive Mike Dunleavy attended that game.

Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and with a 38-inch max vertical. Our intel suggests he is also a serious consideration for the Bulls at No. 15 overall and is unlikely to fall past the San Antonio Spurs at No. 20 overall.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 7-3
WINGSPAN: 7-6 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 21

Oklahoma City tends to like low-usage big men, like Aday Mara, with high assist percentages as well as high block and steal percentages.

While leading his team to the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents rarely attempted field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics.

He could potentially hear his name called even higher than this, too, as teams look for large players like Mara (who measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach) as front offices value bigger bodies to throw at Victor Wembanyama. The Thunder are expected to consider Mara’s teammate, Morez Johnson Jr., as well.

13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach

DRAFT AGE: 20
TEAM: Washington
POSITION: Big
BORN: Germany
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+4)

While the Heat will be making this selection, it will be on behalf of the Milwaukee Bucks, who just snagged this pick in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that went down late Monday, which sent the two-time NBA MVP to Miami.

German big man Hannes Steinbach, who will get looks starting as early as around No. 10 overall, should get some serious interest from teams around this range, including the Bucks.

The center reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten center is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, Steinbach was one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.

14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr.

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Illinois
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois; he can bring that same mentality to the Hornets, who are searching for a new big man.

He should have interest as high as No. 9 overall, where he could reunite with his former coach Duty May on the Mavericks.

Johnson’s shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a very trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr

DRAFT AGE: 21
TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT: 6-5
WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+8)

The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament, and the player who improved his draft stock the most during the combine was Baylor junior Cameron Carr.

He scored 30 points in a five-on-five scrimmage, recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical and had great physical measurements. This should grab the attention of teams that tend to like athletic prospects, which new Bulls executive Bryson Graham indicated.

According to P3’s internal models, Carr grades as a 95th-percentile athlete with a rare “hyper flexor” force-production profile, a combination evaluators described as “double unique” for pairing elite explosiveness with unusually fluid movement mechanics.

The All-Big 12 wing brings shooting touch in addition to his athleticism and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Yaxel Lendeborg

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Forward
BORN: New Jersey
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-3 (+7)
DRAFT AGE: 23

Yaxel Lendeborg showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, however, reported that “there is potential for him to slip out of the lottery” on draft night, and his “pre-draft workouts have not gone particularly well” due to an ankle injury.

Despite his age and the ankle injury, he will intrigue teams like the Grizzlies, who have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. The Grizzlies have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.

A few years ago, research indicated that the Memphis front office tends to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Big Ten Player of the Year was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr.

DRAFT AGE: 19
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Big
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+7)

Regardless of whether or not the Thunder trade this pick, one name to consider is Chris Cenac Jr., whose range begins around No. 14 overall.

Cenac played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal.

“I got to earn my minutes. I got to do the little things … defending, rebounding, spacing the floor,” Cenac told USA TODAY Sports. “Whatever team takes me… they’re getting a winning player that loves winning and is going to buy into whatever to help that team win.”

Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.

P3 places Cenac within its “bigs plus” model, a rare archetype combining traditional size with wing-like mobility. Evaluators pointed to his “unique tools” and described him as a potential “matchup nightmare” due to his movement profile and physical traits, which suggest his significant untapped upside.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Christian Anderson

DRAFT AGE: 20
TEAM: Texas Tech
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-1
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+5)

The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who is a potentially perfect fit and received a green room invitation to attend the 2026 NBA Draft.

After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. Anderson managed to do that while also scoring well on spot-up possessions and handoffs. Even though he is a bit undersized, there are few better offensive creators in this class than Anderson.

TEAM: Iowa
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, on their priority list.

After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned him a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Tarris Reed Jr.

DRAFT AGE: 22
TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Big
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)

UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke.

There is plenty of interest in Reed from teams starting at No. 16 overall, based on our intel, and he is unlikely still available by No. 29 overall. After receiving consistently positive feedback during the pre-draft process, the Spurs could make a lot of sense for the big man.

During the combine, he did the dirty work, recording 5 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block in his first game and then scored 17 points (7-of-9 FG) with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the second. Reed also tested with elite agility for his position. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Dailyn Swain

TEAM: Texas
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-7
WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball.

The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he’s still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen.

P3 categorizes Swain as a “kinematic mover,” a fluid, efficiency-driven archetype that allows players to “get wherever they want on the court” and has produced the highest density of NBA All-Stars in its data.

Expect the Pistons to have serious interest in Swain, based on multiple people who spoke to USA TODAY Sports, though Detroit will also strongly consider shooters like Christian Anderson and Isaiah Evans if they are available.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Labaron Philon Jr.

TEAM: Alabama
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20

The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Labaron Philon Jr. from Alabama.

Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Ebuka Okorie

TEAM: Stanford
POSITION: Guard
BORN: New Hampshire
HEIGHT: 6-1
WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+7)
DRAFT AGE: 19

When the Hawks are on the clock, expect them to consider a player like Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz and should intrigue teams in this range, who may like the high assist-to-turnover ratio he recorded (2.3) last season.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves

TEAM: Santa Clara
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-8
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20

The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers like Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves. That’s an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.

The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State.

The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. All teams that prioritize analytical modeling in the pre-draft process will have this prospect ranked highly, which is why he is often linked even higher than this to teams like the Spurs.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat

TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Arizona
HEIGHT: 6-7
WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 19

Arizona forward Koa Peat is potentially an appealing option for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is naturally bouncy and athletic with a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position and the Lakers likely have serious interest in him due to his size and physicality.

The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level. But he’s still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.

26. Denver Nuggets: Meleek Thomas

TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Pennsylvania
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Denver Nuggets tend to look for players with a strong assist-to-usage ratio because they rely on high-efficiency passing and off-ball movement. Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent on 3-pointers during his 21 games as a starter last season.

He was efficient using off-ball screens and handoffs and occasionally showed some on-ball flashes as a pick-and-roll ball handler as well. He led the SEC in corner 3-pointers made (32) last season, per CBB Analytics, and his plus-four wingspan gives him solid length as a young guard who is still improving on both sides of the court. Thomas answered one of the biggest questions in college basketball when he decided to turn pro rather than return to the NCAA.

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans

TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Wing
BORN: North Carolina
HEIGHT: 6-6
WINGSPAN: 6-9 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 20

Boston tends to favor players with a high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage and low usage rate. They also like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and on corner 3-pointers.

Duke sophomore Isaiah Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made. Expect the Celtics to potentially have Evans higher on their big board than other teams might. UConn’s Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, also fits the bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Jack Kayil

TEAM: International (Alba)
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Germany
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
DRAFT AGE: 20

Much like with the Heat at No. 13, the Timberwolves will be making this selection on behalf of the the Brooklyn Nets, who acquired the pick and Julius Randle from the Minnesota. The Nets, in turn, are sending the No. 33 pick (third pick of the second round) to the Timberwolves.

One player the Nets may have their eyes on is Jack Kayil, who surprisingly decided to stay in the draft as an international candidate after initially committing to play for Gonzaga next season. He was likely confident in the feedback that he received during the pre-draft process if he chose to not play collegiate basketball.

Kayil was named the Basketball Champions League Best Young Player in Europe after averaging 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per 36 minutes across 65 appearances this season.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar

TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Estonia
HEIGHT: 6-11
WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 22

We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes will have him high on their priority list. He presumably felt comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Jayden Quaintance

TEAM: Kentucky
POSITION: Big
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+8)
DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Evaluators are “consistently expressing concern around his medicals” about the big man, per ESPN’s Jeremy Woo.

The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, though, and he showed elite flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class is still a worthy gamble. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter.

While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.