The Oklahoma City Thunder currently have three first-round picks in the 2027 NBA Draft and will likely use them to help ease their spending issues. The Thunder traded Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins this summer to dodge the second apron. Their roster gets more expensive next summer as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets a raise. OKC also has to sort out the futures of Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell. Spending will be an issue, and they need draft picks to keep their luxury tax bill down.
The 2027 draft class is filled with uncertainty at this stage. Tyran Stokes is the number-one prospect and a projected star. Beyond that, there are question marks. The prospects have an entire season to answer them, and players will emerge. This is also an opportunity for Sam Presti to find a couple of hidden gems in an uncertain class.
This will be the first draft with the NBA’s new 3-2-1 lottery system. That is guaranteed to shake up the order, as 16 teams are now eligible to land the number one overall pick, so Tankathon’s projected order before the lottery was used for this early mock draft. Much will change by draft night. This is just an early look at the prospects to help fans get to know the names to watch this season.
1. Sacramento Kings select Tyran Stokes, W, Kansas
Stokes is a 6’7 teenager with the potential to be a three-level scoring threat and two-way force. He will be a problem with the ball in his hands for Kansas. Stokes can get downhill, make plays, rebound, and shows flashes defensively. He must improve his jumper and tighten up his game at the NCAA level to be the number one overall pick.
This class doesn’t feature a Victor Wembanyama or a Cooper Flagg. There are still questions about Stokes, including on his maturity and on-court makeup. The 18-year-old will have to prove himself at Kansas and cement his status as the number one pick. Stokes may be the only true star in this class.
The Kings are no threat to the Thunder and could be one of the first teams penalized by the new lottery system. Remember, the teams that finish with the three-worst records only get two lottery balls in the new format. Teams with the fourth through tenth worst records each get three. Sacramento figures to be in the lottery and hopes to get the number one overall pick for the first time since 1989.
2. Memphis Grizzlies draft Stefan Joksimovic, G, Baskonia
This 6’7 teenage playmaker keeps gaining momentum. He was just MVP of Eurocamp in June and is now dominating the U18 European championships. Joksimovic looks like a primary ball-handler who can break down a defense with his scoring and passing. That alone should help him vault up draft boards.
The Slovenian won’t have the hype or accolades of Luka Doncic, but his potential and recent improvements give him a shot to blossom into the number one overall pick. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 10.7 minutes per game last season for Baskonia in Spain. Those numbers may not pop, but he was 17 years old playing professional basketball.
The Grizzlies just traded Ja Morant and selected Cameron Boozer to be the face of the next era. They will likely be looking for a lead ball-handler, and Joksimovic would give them positional size and defensive upside to go with his offensive potential.
3. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks) take Caleb Holt, W, Arizona
Holt looks ready to be an impactful role player in the NBA right now. He projects more as a secondary creator, which limits his upside, but there is a lot to fall in love with. The 6’5 teenager plays hard, can make shots, defend multiple positions, and make a few plays. This is a high-floor pick over shooting for superstar upside with significant risk.
Arizona will be a team to watch this season. They could have three lottery picks and will give Holt a massive stage to prove he has grown into a lead ball-handler. It may take that leap to cement him as a top-five pick.
Pelicans management under Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver has been difficult to figure out. They didn’t upgrade their roster after winning just 26 games last season. New Orleans has set high asking prices for Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, but never lowered them enough to make a deal. They traded their 2026 first-rounder to get Derik Queen.
Expect the Pels to fall in love with a prospect and go in that direction no matter where they pick in 2027.
4. Chicago Bulls choose Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Mullins is the first second-year college player off the board in this mock draft. The 6’5 wing averaged 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 28.2 minutes per game for UConn last season. The 6’5 wing would have been a first-round pick if he stayed in the 2026 NBA Draft.
He is a big-time shooter who made several clutch shots during the Huskies' run to the NCAA Finals. Mullins shot just 33.5 percent from 3-point range and must improve his consistency in year two.
The Bulls are searching for upside as they enter a rebuild. Mullins must grow into his frame, improve his defense, and become a better playmaker. Those are things scouts expect to see in year two at UConn. Don’t be surprised to see his name called in the top-five if those improvements become reality.
5. Houston Rockets (via Nets) draft Jordan Smith Jr., G, Arkansas
Smith Jr. could be the number one pick by the time the 2027 NBA Draft rolls around. He competes hard, makes plays on both ends of the floor, and has already proven to be a bucket. There is a lot to love on his tape, and John Calipari has a long history of developing score-first players into NBA stars.
The teenager is only 6’2 and enters college basketball with a questionable jumper. Smith Jr. profiles more as a scoring guard, but it is difficult to play him off the ball if he is a below-average shooter. Smith Jr. must consistently sinks 3-pointers at Arkansas to be a top-three pick. The evaluation gets more difficult if he struggles.
The Rockets need a point guard with Fred VanVleet aging and Reed Sheppard failing to step up. Smith Jr. would fit nicely and could fill some of the scoring void as Kevin Durant declines.
The Nets owe Houston this pick, and Brooklyn’s regret for the James Harden trade will only grow from here.
6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) select Anthony Thompson, W, Ohio State
This is an upside bet on talent. Thompson is a 6’7 wing with long arms and an impressive jumper. He needs to show more to make his case as a top-three pick. Can Thompson grow as a creator and defender? The spotlight will be on him at Ohio State. He has all the potential, but he will slide down boards if it doesn’t become reality.
The Hawks have a strong emphasis on size and defense. Thompson has all the tools and would be a needed floor spacer in Atlanta. The Hawks are building a dangerous roster, and the Pelicans figure to give them another high pick in 2027 to add to their core.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) choose Amari Allen, W, Alabama
The Thunder will be looking for players that fit Sam Presti’s mold. They must have size while being able to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend. Allen checks all those boxes. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in 28.2 minutes per game as a freshman at Alabama. The 6’7 wing would likely have been a first-round pick in 2026 if he had stayed in the draft.
Allen is noted for his basketball IQ and decision-making. Those traits should only further shine through in a larger on-ball role this season. There is a wide range of outcomes, but if he can show his playmaking and on-ball chops, while making 36-plus percent from 3-point range, Allen will be a top-ten selection in the 2027 draft.
8. Charlotte Hornets (via Mavericks) take Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky
The Hornets have been searching for a long-term answer at the five for years. They traded for Naz Reid, had Moussa Diabate break out, and drafted Ryan Kalkbrenner in the second round in 2025. Diabate will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Reid is a reserve combo big man, and Kalkbrenner may be best coming off the bench. Charlotte may still not have their answer.
Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 22.6 minutes per game as a freshman at Kentucky. Having a seven-footer that can protect the rim, act as an offensive hub, and control the glass is appealing. The Hornets could use Reid, Kalkbrenner, and Moreno to get 48 quality minutes at the five every night if Diabate departs.
9. Washington Wizards pick Thomas Haught, W, Florida
Haught would have been a first-round pick in 2026, but he decided to return for his senior season at Florida. The 6’9 forward was an All-American as he averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. The biggest question mark is his career 32.0 percent from 3-point range.
Finding a 6’9 athlete with his versatility isn’t easy, which gives Haught a wide draft range in an uncertain class. He will be 24 years old by draft night and must prove his junior breakout was the new norm. Haught could be a top-five pick if he becomes a knockdown shooter and improves defensively. This is a massive season for the Gators star.
10. Charlotte Hornets take Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, W, Nanterre
Yimga-Moukouri averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range playing professionally in France as a teenager. He only got 18.8 minutes per game, but there was a lot to be excited about. The 6’8 wing has shown a lot of flashes. He may never be a star, but getting a quality role player for the next 15 years would be a massive win.
The Hornets are looking for pieces who fit around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller in this draft. They have three first-round picks and already took Malachi Moreno in this mock. Getting a sharpshooting wing that projects to make a positive impact seems like the ideal fit.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz) select Bruce Branch, W, BYU
Branch is a 6’7 wing with a wide range of outcomes. BYU could put the freshman on the ball and let him showcase his versatility like they did AJ Dybantsa. If that happens, Branch has the opportunity to play himself into a top five pick. He has all the tools, but must show he has the strength, consistency, and all-around game to blossom into an elite two-way force.
The Grizzlies love versatile wings with upside. Cedric Coward, Cameron Boozer, Joksimovic, Branch, and Edey would be arguably the best young core in the NBA. They would have the size and versatility to threaten the Thunder and Spurs. This would take Branch proving he can consistently impact the game on both ends. It is worth watching him closely at BYU to find out.
12. Houston Rockets (via Suns) draft Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
Krivas is an elite rim protector and rebounder who keeps improving. He averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.4 minutes per game during his junior season. With the NBA's new emphasis on size, Krivas could quickly vault up draft boards. He is likely the NCAA’s best rim protector and can completely shut down the paint.
The Rockets have Steven Adams and Clint Capela behind Alperen Sengun. They clearly value size and could look to get an elite rim protector to pair with their All-Star big man. Krivas is developing a jumper and improving from the foul line. He could quickly become a two-way threat, and the Rockets are clearly ready to win now.
13. Orlando Magic choose Trey McKenney, G, Michigan
McKenney was the sixth man on the Wolverines' 2026 NCAA championship squad. He averaged 9.9 points and shot 39.1 percent from 3-point range as a freshman. There was plenty to like about the 6’3 guard, and he is expected to play an expanded role in year two.
The Magic need shooting and face significant spending concerns. If Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are their building blocks, Orlando may have to part with Anthony Black or Jalen Suggs to stay under the second apron. They will likely be looking for the replacement here, and McKenney is a breakout season away from being a lottery pick.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) take David Mirkovic, W, Illinois
The Spurs are still searching for their long-term answer at the four after signing Tobias Harris to be the stopgap. Mirkovic is a 6’9 shooter who can dribble and pass. There are questions about his athleticism and defense, but the Spurs have the world’s best defender to cover for him at the five.
Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 29.5 minutes per game as a freshman at Illinois. He shot 48.4 percent from the field and 37.5 percent on his threes. There is significant offensive upside, and the Thunder certainly don’t want to see the rival Spurs get another versatile weapon who is difficult to stop.
15. Portland Trail Blazers snag Ivan Kharchenkov, W, Arizona
Kharchenkov averaged 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 28.4 minutes per game as a freshman. He was a lockdown perimeter defender for a Wildcats squad that reached the Final Four. There is a lot to like about his game, but he shot just 31.7 percent from 3-point range last season.
The Blazers have an elite perimeter defender in Toumani Camara and could use another stout option to protect Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. If Kharchenkov can become even a league-average 3-point shooter, he’s an absolute steal in the late lottery.
16. Philadelphia 76ers draft Austin Goosby, W, Texas
Goosby is a mix of tools and high basketball IQ that could see him vault up draft boards. He comes from an athletic family, and his decision-making should pop on a talented Texas squad. The 6’5 wing has to prove he is a plus-shooter and versatile two-way force to cement his status in the lottery.
The 76ers won the offseason by trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James. They will be looking for a role player with a high basketball IQ if they keep this pick. Goosby can play stout defense, use his athleticism to shine, and will make the extra pass to keep the stars happy.
17. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers) select Brandon McCoy, W Michigan
The Grizzlies have three first-round draft picks and likely look to keep adding wings with size. McCoy plays extremely hard and has shown some ability to create off the bounce. Memphis is always looking for capable defenders, which could make him a fantastic fit.
McCoy’s jumper will determine his draft stock. He projects to be below average, but this is a skill he’s working to improve. Can he translate to the floor at Michigan? Scouts will be watching closely. If it doesn’t, he may not be a one-and-done player. McCoy has plenty of upside, but the jumper will make or break his NBA future. Â
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Heat) choose Quentin Coleman, W, Illinois
Charlotte also has three first-round draft picks and will likely try to fill out their wing depth. They’d love to take LaMelo Ball’s long-term replacement, but this class isn’t loaded with true point guards.
Coleman is a plus-shooter that competes hard. He is known for being a strong rebounder on the wing and should instantly make an impact for Illinois. The Hornets want depth, floor spacing, and versatility. Coleman checks those boxes and could become a lottery pick if he shines during his freshman campaign. Â
19. Golden State Warriors take Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida
Chinyelu was Florida’s starting center on their 2025 NCAA championship squad, and the 6’11 big man keeps improving. He averaged 10.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 block in 24.5 minutes per game last season. He is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and should be ready to make an NBA impact from day one.
The Warriors are still building around Stephen Curry, despite a disappointing offseason. They would love to add a strong rim protector and rebounder who is immediately ready to step in and play a role. The 6’11 big man may be more of a backup in the NBA, but he will make an impact like Mitchell Robinson in that role.
20. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) pick Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
Ngongba averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 21.9 minutes per game last season. The 6’11 big man could blossom into a starting center, but there are significant worries about his injury history. He has all the tools. Sadly, it could be the medicals that keep Ngonba as a late first-round pick.
The Nets are in the middle of a rebuild and shooting for upside. They could bank on the Duke product staying healthy and becoming an impactful NBA big man.
21. Indiana Pacers snag Colben Landrew, W, UConn
Landrew is a 6’6 wing with the potential to grow into a 3-and-D option that every contender wants. He already has the size, strength, motor, and jumper to make an impact. The problem is UConn’s depth on the wings. Landrew may struggle to get minutes, but he could quickly become a one-and-done player if he works his way onto the floor.
The Pacers want shooting and defense around Tyrese Haliburton. Landrew would have to earn head coach Rick Carlisle’s trust, which can be difficult for young talent. Getting on the floor at UConn could be a great first step in growing into a talented role player that quickly helps an NBA contender.
22. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers) add Dame Sarr, W, Duke
Sarr is a 6’8 wing with significant defensive potential. He made the ACC All-Defensive team as a freshman and should offer some intriguing versatility. The 20-year-old’s defense alone could earn him a role on a contender, but he must improve his offensive game to reach his ceiling.
Sarr shot 32.3 percent from 3-point range as a freshman and didn’t show much offensive juice. The Jazz are trying to develop several young talents and make bank on his jumper improving. If it does, Sarr could quickly look like a steal if he’s selected in the 20s.
23. LA Clippers (via Raptors) draft Tounde Yessoufou, W, St. John’s
Yessoufou averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 32.6 minutes per game last season for Baylor, but opted against staying in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6’5 wing must improve his jumper, efficiency, and defense to be a lottery pick. He can score, but NBA teams want a more versatile skill set.
The Clippers are just starting a rebuild and could be looking for offensive upside. Yessoufou is 6’5 with plenty of strength. He could grow into an above-average defender in time. This would be an upside shot, and LA would need a plan to fix his jumper.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets) select Shelton Henderson, W, Miami (FL)
Henderson is a 6’6 wing that showed athletic, defensive, and playmaking upside. He could be a true difference-maker in the NBA if he finds a consistent 3-point shot. He made just 25.5 percent of his 51 threes as a freshman at Miami. The rest of the package is exciting, but the jumper is a question.
The Thunder love prospects with versatile skill sets and would bank on helping him find his shooting stroke. Henderson could be a legit 3-and-D wing if he can just work out his jumper. OKC has the depth to develop him and the track record of helping fix shots.
25. Phoenix Suns (via Timberwolves) choose Jason Crowe Jr., G, Missouri
Crowe Jr. has a wide draft range and his freshman season at Missouri will determine where he lands. He is an elite scorer, but there are questions about the rest of his game.
The Tigers plan to run their offense around him, so Crowe will have a shot to prove he’s more than a bucket-getter. NBA scouts are looking closely at his passing, playmaking, and defense to determine if he’s a top-five pick or a late first-round selection.
The Suns have focused on adding defense around Devin Booker, but this could be their shot to get another elite scorer on a value contract. Crowe Jr. is already a plus 3-point shooter and could thrive sharing the ball with Book if he is still on the board when Phoenix selects for the Timberwolves.
26. Boston Celtics grab Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
Tanner is an undersized guard, but one who put up phenomenal numbers last season. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in 33.5 minutes per game. Tanner shot 48.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent on his threes. If he were 6’2, this would be a lottery pick, but the guard is just 5’11.
The Celtics have turned Payton Pritchard into an elite weapon. He was Sixth Man of the Year in 2025 and even better in 2026. They could follow the same blueprint to unlock Tanner. The Vanderbilt guard competes hard, makes plays, and can score. He deserves to be a first-round pick, but must find the right situation to thrive.
27. Detroit Pistons take Dash Daniels, W, SE Melbourne
Dyson Daniels’ younger brother is a 6’5 wing with similar defensive chops. Dash’s offensive game is questionable, but he shot 36.5 percent from 3-point range over 37 NBL games last season. If the 6’5 wing proves to be a plus shooter or adds an off-the-dribble game, he could be a lottery pick.
The Pistons are all-in on defense. They already have Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland, but may be looking for the next standout defensive wing as their roster gets more expensive. Do not rule out this connection if Dash Daniels shines after switching over to SE Melbourne this season.
28. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) draft Billy Richmond III, W, Arkansas
Richmond is a consistent jump shot away from being a lottery pick, but he has made just 23.0 percent of his 74 NCAA 3-point attempts through his first two years at Arkansas. The 6’6 wing has been a menace in transition, a stout defender, and shown some playmaking chops. He is working on jump shot mechanics and could quickly vault up draft boards if the changes result in production.
The Nets are rebuilding and should be looking for upside. It is clear that Richmond must improve his jumper. If Brooklyn can make that happen, he could quickly become one of the steals of this class.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Spurs) take Cameron Williams, F, Duke
This is a name to watch closely in this class. Williams has a ton of talent and could become the ideal stretch four. He’s 6’11, but lacks the strength to be a dominant center. Scouts will be watching his development and growth closely. If Williams fills into his frame, he could be a top-ten pick.
Duke is loaded with frontcourt talent. Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje reclassifying throws a wrench into their plans. Boumtje-Boumtje is projected to be the number one overall pick in 2028, but has to spend two years at Duke because of his age. They also have two veterans fighting for minutes. If Williams can shine, he will vault into the lottery.
The Thunder would love to add a stretch big man with a versatile skill set. No team is better at maximizing talent. Williams has plenty of that. The teenager just needs time to develop.
30. Toronto Raptors (via Thunder) select Matt Able, G, UNC
The 6’6 wing played well for NC State last season. He shot 35.5 percent from 3-point range and showed defensive potential. Able considered the 2026 NBA Draft, but decided to play for former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone at UNC instead.
Able hopes to show more as a scorer, defender, and shooter in year two. He could quickly vault up draft boards if he shines with the Tar Heels. Able must turn the flashes into consistent production. Fans should not rule that out. He has the talent.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will use the 2027 NBA Draft as a tool to replenish their roster. They are projected to have three first-round draft picks and will be looking for difference-makers. This is just the start of the cycle, and much will change. Stay tuned for plenty more on this class and what OKC should do ahead of an important draft.
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