Jonathan Wasserman's 2027 NBA Mock Draft, Way-Too-Early Predictions
The end of the 2026 NBA draft cycle means it's time to start a new one.
NIL swayed an unusual amount of first-round talent back to college. While the conversation normally revolves around the incoming freshmen, 2027's will include far more familiar names for fans, media and NBA teams who haven't watched as much high school film.
A mock draft this early mostly takes into account talent and potential rather than team fit. We used Andy Bailey's end-of-season power rankings and reversed them to create the order.
1. Sacramento Kings: Tyran Stokes (Kansas)
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For a few years now, 2027 has been known as Tyran Stokes' draft year.
He's separated himself with a blend of power, athleticism, three-level shotmaking flashes and playmaking versatility. At 6'7", 230 pounds, he can initiate offense, attack downhill and create matchup problems all over the floor.
Stokes figures to play different roles at Kansas, either as an initiating point-wing or power forward given his creation and size/physicality.
He operates with visible confidence and a vocal, assertive leadership style that some coaches love and others may view as abrasive.
Stokes will start atop the board, but he'll still have to earn it by next June by demonstrating enough consistency, shooting dependability and maturity.
2. Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Holt (Arizona)
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Caleb Holt has shown the type of gradual growth and development NBA scouts look for.
They'll still want to see more on-ball development with his creation, but every year he shows more shotmaking to complement the slashing, passing and defense.
The lack of advantageous size for a 2-guard may make evaluators question his upside, but in a draft lacking obvious star power, Holt figures to remain popular all year with a well-rounded offensive game and two-way impact.
3. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Smith Jr. (Arkansas)
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There's going to be debate about the upside of a 6'2" combo guard, but Jordan Smith brings outlier strength, athleticism and defense.
With Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas going pro, Smith should receive plenty of lead-guard reps to develop and showcase his ability to create downhill pressure, step into pull-ups and set the table.
Eyes will be on Smith's three-point consistency.
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4. Chicago Bulls: Braylon Mullins (Connecticut)
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A regular name in first-round conversations, Braylon Mullins should be right back in the mix with a bigger role and easier path toward the 2027 lottery.
The historic shot he hit to beat Duke in the NCAA tournament highlighted his signature shooting range and shotmaking confidence. He was one of the most potent off-ball scoring freshmen, but he also possesses functional athletic ability for finishing and defending.
He should have a chance to be used in more ball-screen situations and expand his self-creation as a sophomore.
5. Memphis Grizzlies: Bruce Branch III (BYU)
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Bruce Branch III will step into AJ Dybantsa's large shoes at BYU. He always pops quickly with a frame of an NBA wing, and the eye test approves of the way he's able to attack, finish and separate into jumpers.
The execution just isn't always there yet.
Branch's physical tools, skill set and defensive ingredients all scream first-round prospect. How quickly he's able to build confidence and consistency will determine how high he's able to rise in the 2027 draft.
6. New Orleans Pelicans: Cameron Williams (Duke)
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Cameron Williams' potential may outweigh his production next year. Though still raw offensively, there are going to be patient scouts still drawn to his 6'11" size, mobility, defensive court coverage and offensive flashes.
He should play to his strengths next year as a finishing target to remain efficient. But enough signs of Williams' three-point range and face-up moves should have scouts willing to wait on bigger results down the road.
7. Washington Wizards: Motiejus Krivas (Arizona)
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Motiejus Krivas would have gone in the first round in 2026, but he's now in position to become college basketball's most impactful big and a 2027 lottery pick.
NBA teams continue to show high level of interest in massive defensive centers like Donovan Clingan, Zach Edey and Aday Mara. Krivas is next in line at 7'2", 260 pounds, a frame he uses to help shrink the rim he's protecting.
Though he won't be for everyone, teams looking for an immediate paint presence figure to see a long-term anchor.
8. Utah Jazz: Patrick Ngongba II (Duke)
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Patrick Ngongba II would have had first-round suitors had he chose to stay in the 2026 draft. Instead, a few slight improvements could push him up the 2027 board into the lottery.
Ngongba's combination of rim protection, passing and finishing create an enticing archetype. With Cameron Boozer gone, Ngongba should see more opportunities in the post and a brighter green light to build on last year's 31 three-point attempts.
9. Phoenix Suns: Colben Landrew (Connecticut)
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The arrow is already pointing up for Colben Landrew this summer after very productive showing at the U18 AmeriCup. He shot over 50.0 percent from three, appearing on the right developmental trajectory for an NBA scoring wing.
He's going to play an immediate role at Connecticut with his shotmaking and driving, skills that will generate NBA interest due to his strong, 6'6" frame.
10. Dallas Mavericks: Baba Oladotun (Maryland)
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Baba Oladotun has been on the radar for years with the always enticing combination of big-wing size and perimeter skill.
His shotmaking is smooth, and he looks relatively effortless skying above the rim.
Scouts will have their eyes on his physical development and how successful he is creating higher-percentage shots for himself at Maryland.
11. Golden State Warriors: Amari Allen (Alabama)
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Amari Allen passed on a chance at the 2026 first round to return for a bigger role at Alabama.
He earned NBA interest with his positional size, three-point shooting and 3.6 assists per game, a combination that highlights versatility scouts love from a wing.
He'll look more convincing to them by next June if he's able to maintain his efficiency and increase production on more usage.
12. Portland Trail Blazers: Dylan Mingo (Baylor)
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After backing out of a commitment to North Carolina, Dylan Mingo will head to Baylor to play with his brother Kayden.
Dylan is a bigger, physical lead guard who's effective downhill with his pace and strength. He thrives in transition and out of ball screens, where his combination of size, handle, and vision allows him to create advantages for himself and teammates. His defensive tools stand out as well, with the versatility to guard multiple backcourt spots and disrupt passing lanes. The swing skill is his jump shot and overall efficiency in the half court, where he's still working to become more consistent as a decision-maker under pressure.
13. Philadelphia 76ers: Thomas Haugh (Florida)
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For Thomas Haugh, a big NIL offer and chance to win a second national championship apparently outweighed the potential to go top 20 in 2026.
Even if he looks like the same player, lottery teams figure to remain interested in a 6'9" combo forward who's productive from three, explosive above the rim and brings sound passing IQ. Teams will value his easy fit and archetype over the potential upside.
14. Los Angeles Clippers: Brandon McCoy (Michigan)
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Brandon McCoy suddenly has a new decision to make after coach Dusty May took the Dallas Mavericks job.
Regardless if he stays or transfers, McCoy has been viewed as a one-and-done candidate with his attacking and defensive pressure.
He needs to improve his shooting, but even without a reliable perimeter game, he's often found ways to make his mark handling the ball, passing and locking down scorers.
Late First Round Projections
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15. Toronto Raptors: Hugo Yimga-Moukouri (Nanterre, SF/PF)
16. Orlando Magic: Luigi Suigo (Villanova, C)
17. Atlanta Hawks: JJ Andrews (Arkansas, PF)
18. Indiana Pacers: Stefan Joksimovic (Saski Baskonia, PG/SG)
19. Miami Heat: Bryson Howard (Duke, SG/SF)
20. Houston Rockets: Anthony Thompson (Ohio State, SF)
21. Los Angeles Lakers: Alijah Arenas (USC, SG)
22. Charlotte Hornets: Abdou Toure (Arkansas, SG/SF)
23. Cleveland Cavaliers: Caleb Gaskins (Miami, PF)
24. Detroit Pistons: Tounde Yessoufou (St. John's, SF)
25. Denver Nuggets: Cameron Houindo (Cedevita Olimpija, PF)
26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt, PG)
27. Boston Celtics: Nigel James (Marquette, PG)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Davis Fogel (Gonzaga, SF)
29. San Antonio Spurs: Ivan Kharchencov (Arizona, SF)
30. New York Knicks: Malachi Moreno (Kentucky, C)
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