2027 NBA Mock Draft Includes New York Knicks Legend's Son
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer will drive the conversation around the 2026 NBA draft. But we're looking further ahead to 2027 following the completion of this summer's AAU circuits.
Most of the top high school prospects were busy in July playing in EYBL or Adidas 3SSB. A few played in the U19 World Cup.
We're also looking at college basketball players who have the potential to generate NBA interest but may not be ready by this upcoming June. And a New York Knicks legend's son also appears by the end of the first round.
Using our post-NBA Finals power rankings as the basis for the order, here's our early look at how the 2027 NBA draft could play out.
1. Utah Jazz: Tyran Stokes (Notre Dame HS, SF/PF)
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Tyran Stokes' mix of power, skill and point-wing versatility has popped since early in his high school career.
He just won his third Gold medal with USA, finishing the U19 World Cup shooting 70.6 percent and with a rare triple-double against Jordan in 24 minutes.
Peach Jam's second-leading scorer last month, Stokes continues to show growth with his creation and shotmaking while consistently making plays off his physicality and vision.
2. Washington Wizards: Caleb Holt (Grayson, PG/SG)
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It's been a strong summer for Caleb Holt, MVP of Eurocamp, a gold medalist with USA and Adidas 3SSB champion.
At 6'5", competent shooting, defensive instincts and strong IQ create a coveted, built-in foundation for the 17-year-old combo guard.
Holt still has room to improve his creation skills, but he's consistently been able to generate offense off transition, downhill attack and shotmaking.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Dylan Mingo (Long Island Lutheran, PG/SG)
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The NBPA Top 100 Camp MVP, Dylan Mingo has been on a gradual, upward trajectory. And with his outstanding positional, unteachable driving/scoring talent and defensive tools, improving correctable skills like shooting could unlock top-five type of upside in 2027.
Though not explosive, Mingo uses his handles and footwork to get through gaps, slash and finish at tough angles. He's going to make plays at both ends, showing competent playmaking feel and overwhelming physical tools to blow up plays at the other end.
He's a capable shotmaker, but Mingo's mechanics and consistency will be under scouts' microscopes over the next few years.
4. Charlotte Hornets: JaShawn Andrews (Arkansas, SF)
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Buzz around JaShawn Andrews continues to build coming off Peach Jam MVP honors after leading Brad Beal Elite to a championship.
Defenses struggle to contain his mix of face-up power, agility and body control. He thrives initiating contract, playing through it and finishing in traffic. And from April to July, he shot a respectable percentage from the mid-range and deep, showing confidence and fluidity with his lefty stroke.
5. Toronto Raptors: Jordan Smith (Paul VI, PG/SG)
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Coming off a productive run with USA at the U19 World Cup, Jordan Smith just averaged 20.4 points and 4.2 assists at Peach Jam. While the FIBA setting highlighted more of his open-floor and transition offense, in EYBL, he was able to showcase his refined shot-creation and three-level shotmaking.
There figures to be some debate over his 6'2" size for a scorer, but he's delivered enough flashes of using his gravity for playmaking for scouts to at least see a combo guard. Strength and defensive toughness should also help ease concerns over Smith's height.
6. New Orleans Pelicans: Hugo Yimga Moukouri (Nanterre, SF/PF)
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Hugo Yimga Moukouri has always stood out for his physical profile and ability to use size, strength, length and athleticism to produce and defend.
His feel and perimeter skill need to improve, but flashes of mid-range scoring, shotmaking and footwork off the dribble suggest there's a pathway to lottery-range upside.
Yimga Moukouri will join Nanterre in Pro A after playing this past season in France's third division and having a strong ANGT tournament in Dubai.
7. Phoenix Suns: Cameron Williams (Saint Mary's HS, PF)
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The eye test instantly picks up Cameron Williams' big-man size and wing-like movement.
Though clearly raw, he possesses size and mobility that can translate to disruptive defense from different spots on the floor at every level.
Offensively, aside from the easy baskets, putbacks and low-post finishes, he's shown confidence in his three-ball and mid-range shot. The percentages and reliability aren't there, but Williams has a projectable enough, competent stroke to believe he could eventually become a regular perimeter threat.
A big producer and riser during Adidas 3SSB play, Williams has been making the type of flash plays (at his size) that can generate visions of enticing long-term outcomes.
8. Portland Trail Blazers: Sayon Keita (Barcelona, C)
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Currently making visits to the top powerhouse programs, Sayon Keita has become one of the biggest international names to track for the 2027 NBA draft cycle.
He won Defensive MVP of Top 100 camp with his ability to erase shots around the basket using his 7'0" size, length and quick movements.
Every year there are one-and-done first-rounders with Keita's tools and archetype, but he really stands out with how easily and fluidly he's able to get up for blocks and dunks. Keita has some post polish as well with his ability to drop-step into hooks, spin baseline and use touch over the shoulder.
From Serge Ibaka's Dreams Academy to playing ACB games with Barcelona, the excitement around Keita's development and rise continues to build.
9. Miami Heat: Brandon McCoy Jr. (St. John Bosco, PG/SG)
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With three FIBA gold medals, Brandon McCoy Jr. has been on NBA radars for years thanks to his positional tools, athleticism, backcourt versatility and defensive playmaking.
He's at his best attacking and finishing in the lane. Inconsistent shooting has raised questions about his ability to continue scoring in volume as he rises to college and the pros. But then there are games like the one he had at Peach Jam last month against City Rocks, when he put up 38 points and buried a number of pull-up and step-back jumpers/threes.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Bryson Howard (Heritage HS, SF)
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Bryson Howard has been on a tear during EYBL play. In 21 games with Pro Skills, he's shot 45.4 percent on 108 three-point attempts, exciting efficiency for a wing who already possesses NBA wing tools.
While he still has plenty of room to grow as a creator, he's still effective attacking closeouts, using the right footwork off the dribble and tapping into his athleticism for off-ball finishing.
Howard's stock continues to rise after he just averaged 19.8 points at Peach Jam.
11. Sacramento Kings: Christian Collins (St. John Bosco, SF/PF)
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A big riser over the past year, Christian Collins has stood out with his scoring versatility and NBA wing/combo forward size.
He's fluid attacking from the perimeter and tough around the basket. Scouts will want to see his three-point shooting improve over the next few seasons, but he shot 48.6 percent on long twos during EYBL play.
Collins has developed an attractive archetype that's bound to generate NBA interest if he continues to make strides with his handle and shot.
12. Chicago Bulls: Miikka Muurinen (AZ Compass, PF)
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Miikka Muurinen blew up around this time last summer. Now one of the biggest names in the 2026 high school class, he's become a surefire NBA prospect at 6'10" with exciting athletic ability and a unique offensive skill level.
The eye test buys Muurinen's shot and range. He's also an isolation threat capable of putting the ball down or separating into pull-ups and step-backs.
Muurinen may not offer plus vision or wild rebounding rates. But he does look like a textbook stretch-4 fit with plenty of scoring versatility.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Thompson (Hudson Western Reserve, SF)
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Anthony Thompson just averaged 22.8 points in Adidas 3SSB play. With power forward tools and wing skills, he scores in a variety of ways inside and out. Thompson shoots an extremely easy ball with an effortless flick of the wrist. And though not an explosive athlete, he's excellent in transition using his footwork and body control.
A threat to create in ball-screen situations, pick-and-pop and operate from the post, Thompson looks like one of the most versatile, well-rounded scorers in his class.
14. Atlanta Hawks: Caleb Gaskins (Columbus, SF/PF)
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Caleb Gaskins has shown gradual growth with his physicality and expanding skill set. One of the top performers at Peach Jam (20.0 points, 10.2 boards, 5-of-14 from three), the 6'8" combo forward scored in a variety of ways and showed off his improving perimeter game and shotmaking.
He profiles as a power forward, but Gaskins can look like a big wing at times when he's putting the ball down, euro-stepping through the lane or rising up for mid-range jumpers. And he'll still produce from the post or block with more typical big-man production over the shoulder or at the rim.
With the Boozer twins leaving for Duke, Gaskins should have a big opportunity to blow up this season at Columbus.
15. Indiana Pacers: Jason Crowe (Missouri, PG)
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Jason Crowe led Peach Jam in scoring off his signature bag of deep threes and pull-ups.
Perimeter skill separates Crowe and ultimately fuels his consistent 20-plus-point games. He has deep range and the ability to hit jumpers in a variety of ways from different angles.
While he shows touch with his float game and lay-up package, his last weight listing was 169 pounds, a number that suggests he'll continue to be reliant on difficult shotmaking.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Alijah Arenas (USC, SG)
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A torn meniscus will cost Alijah Arenas six-to-eight months and potentially a chance to build a strong one-and-done case to scouts.
At full strength, he's a skilled ball-handler and creator with advanced shotmaking ability. Arenas has developed into one of his class' top scoring prospects, though this injury could set him back a year.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Nikolas Khamenia (Duke, SF)
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A loaded 2025-26 Duke roster could cut into Nikolas Khamenia's reps and delay his optimal time to declare for the draft.
He possesses a coveted mix of 6'8" wing size, shooting ability, passing IQ and intensity. Coming off a strong Nike Hoop Summit week back in April, Khamenia looked sharp once again for USA at the U19 World Cup, where he shot 44.0 percent from three and flashed a mix of perimeter skill and interior scoring moves.
18. San Antonio Spurs: Dame Sarr (Duke, SG)
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Dame Sarr earned playing time last season in Euroleague and ACB games for Barcelona at 18 years old. He also had some outstanding moments at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he scored 17 points for the World Team.
A 6'8" wing, Sarr could enter the one-and-done discussion at Duke, depending on how effective he is at creating, and whether he continues to make strides with his shooting. At his best, he shows the ability to handle and score in ball-screen situations using size and change of direction.
He'll have Nikolas Khamenia, Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris to compete with for minutes/touches.
19. Boston Celtics: Tajh Ariza (St. John Bosco, SF)
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An injury forced Tajh Ariza to miss Peach Jam last month. But he made a strong impression on NBA executives during April's Nike Hoop Summit week with his defensive playmaking, athletic finishes and shotmaking flashes.
A coveted recruit, Ariza should quickly earn NBA fans as a 6'9" wing with a three-and-D foundation.
20. Detroit Pistons: Alex Constanza (Spire Academy, SF/PF)
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A strong, skilled combo forward, Alex Constanza will play next year for new coach Kevin Boyle at Spire Academy.
He's developed into a high-level scorer with isolation moves, a post game and the ability to shoot off the dribble at 6'8", 210 pounds.
21. Orlando Magic: Jaden Toombs (SMU, C)
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Jaden Toombs may need multiple years in college to add more offensive versatility. He still figures to be consistently productive from Day 1 next year using his size, length and hands for finishing, putting back misses, scoring around the post and converting short-range jumpers around the key.
Scouts should be drawn to his defensive fit as well, with Toombs possessing the type of length and foot speed for rim protection and keeping guards or wings in front of him away from the basket.
22. Golden State Warriors: Jasper Johnson (Kentucky, PG/SG)
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Jasper Johnson could enter the one-and-done conversation with his potent shotmaking and touch shots. Depending on how he looks as a playmaker and if scouts question his 175-pound frame for a scoring guard, he may also have something to prove after his freshman season.
Whether it's in 2026 or 2027, there should be interest in Johnson's confident shooting, uptempo pacing and instant offense. He came off USA's bench this summer at the U19s to average 8.0 points in 15.4 minutes while draining multiple threes in four-of-seven games.
Johnson will share the ball in Kentucky's backcourt with junior transfer Jaland Lowe and Collin Chandler.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame, SF)
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Jalen Haralson should pass eye tests right away at Notre Dame with his NBA physical profile and versatility to make plays on and off the ball.
Notre Dame has only had one one-and-done player, Blake Wesley, in its history, and there will likely be questions about Haralson's perimeter scoring after his freshman season. But a two-year timeline seems realistic for him to improve enough and complement his ball-handling, physical driving, passing and cutting with threatening shooting.
24. New York Knicks: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG)
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Scouts will want to see Darius Acuff develop his playmaking and decision-making at Arkansas. Though a tough scorer and shotmaker, it could take two years to fully maximize his draft stock alongside DJ Wagner.
He doesn't wow with speed or explosion, but he's very effective playing slow to fast to get to spots. Acuff uses that change of speed to crack the first line of defense and create pull-up, floater and assist opportunities.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Meleek Thomas (Arkansas, PG/SG)
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Meleek Thomas will have to compete for touches alongside DJ Wagner and Darius Acuff Jr. in Arkansas backcourt. That could cut into his opportunity to develop his playmaking and sell scouts on primary-ball-handler/lead-guard potential.
He should be able to generate attention and interest with his self-creation and shotmaking skill. At 6'5", Thomas is a dangerous one-on-one player, capable of scoring off a variety of moves into drives, step-backs, turnaround and floaters.
It just seems possible to expect some freshman struggles around shot selection, physicality and role before entering 2026-27 more comfortable and free.
26. Los Angeles Clippers: Shon Abaev (Cincinnati, SF)
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A 6'8" scoring wing, Shon Abaev should bring creativity and tough shotmaking to Cincinnati. He has clear range and confidence, which works for and against him.
He put up nine points in just seven minutes at the Nike Hoop Summit, and that type of instant offense is what Cincinnati will be expecting from Abaev.
The last one-and-done Bearcat was Lance Stephenson in 2010, and with Baba Miller and Moustapha Thiam transferring in, Abaev's role just might not be big or consistent enough for him to build a first-round case right away.
27. Houston Rockets: Kingston Flemings (Houston, PG)
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The return of Milos Uzan will push Kingston Flemings into a backup or bench spark role this season. The big breakout that sells scouts could come during his sophomore season, when he could have a chance to take over Houston's offense with his creativity, change of pace and playmaking.
Scouts need to see competent shooting from smaller guards, and Flemings will likely need multiple years in college to build up his shotmaking confidence and sell NBA teams.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kiyan Anthony (Syracuse, SG)
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Kiyan Anthony—son of Carmelo Anthony—has enough 2-guard size and three-level scoring skills for scouts to detect long-term pro potential.
Syracuse doesn't have a great track record of producing one-and-done first-rounders, however, and this season could be an adjustment year as he transitions from go-to option to tightening his shot selection alongside JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman.
Anthony has developed into a versatile shotmaker who creates well for himself with his handle and change of speed, getting into his pull-up and float game around the key. Being an Anthony, he's unsurprisingly added advanced footwork for separating and generating rhythm into his shot.
He'll have to continue to improve his catch-and-shoot stroke and playmaking for scouts to fully buy his fit at the NBA level.
29. Denver Nuggets: Omer Mayer (Purdue, SG)
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The hype is building for Omer Mayer after he averaged 20.0 points at the U19 World Cup and 16.7 points with 5.1 assists at the U20 European Championships.
His perimeter scoring is highly advanced, particularly Mayer's ability to shoot off the dribble. While Mayer will need to find more ways to earn easy baskets, his pull-up shotmaking production and efficiency was off the charts for Israel.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder: Zoom Diallo (Washington, PG)
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Zoom Diallo possesses traits and skills that could eventually help the point guard draw NBA interest. His limited shooting range suggests he's still multiple years away.
But Diallo shot 39.4 percent on mid-range jumpers and 50.0 percent on floaters. And his 6'4" size for a ball-handler is a plus for attacking and playmaking.
