2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 60 picks in Rounds 1 and 2playCameron Boozer’s NBA draft profile (0:54)Jeremy WooJun 23, 2026, 05:45 PM ETClose
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Covered the NBA and NBA draft for Sports Illustrated from 2015-2023
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The 2026 NBA draft is just hours away (Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN), and things are getting real around the league.
With the draft picture beginning to crystallize, the intrigue begins at the very top, where the Washington Wizards have a tough decision to make between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off the offseason in earnest late Monday night, dealing Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a trade package that includes the 13th pick in this draft. With that move agreed upon, expect trade activity to pick up around the league.
Here are my newest draft projections, with new intel from around the NBA shedding light on how things might go. As usual, this mock draft is informed heavily by my conversations with sources around the NBA, in addition to my own evaluations of prospects over the course of the season. These are not my personal rankings, which can be found in ESPN’s top 100.
This mock draft will be updated to reflect any new intel or transactions until Tuesday’s Round 1.
Last news: Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. ET, with several adjustments in the late lottery and throughout the 20s.
More NBA draft coverage:
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First round
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
The Wizards have continued to keep things quiet as they move toward a final decision. Signs continue to point toward Dybantsa as the most likely choice — one who best marries upside with fit for Washington.
Shams Charania stated Monday that the Wizards agreed to a four-year, $212 million contract with Trae Young. That long-term commitment muddies the upside of a pairing with Peterson, who wants to grow into playing point guard long-term. After Atlanta was unable to find much value for Young at the trade deadline, dealing him to Washington for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, the 27-year-old Young will presumably be a Wizard for a while. It’s difficult to envision a scenario in which Young’s production and Peterson’s development would both be maximized.
The margin between Peterson and Dybantsa is narrow enough that those circumstances could factor in. And Dybantsa’s downhill scoring and elite physical gifts are unlike any other player’s on the Wizards’ roster. Pairing Dybantsa with Young would lessen the immediate demand on the rookie to create offense in the half court and give him a path to maximizing his ability defensively, too.
Don’t expect Washington to tip its hand, but things are aligning for Dybantsa, who has been viewed around the league as the favorite at this spot dating back to the draft lottery in May.
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman
Peterson told reporters in New York on Monday that he met with Utah over the weekend. That’s indicative of mutual interest and a shift after Peterson’s initial decision not to visit with or work out for the Jazz.
Sources say the Jazz have shown strong interest in Peterson throughout the process, and the expectation from rival teams has been that Utah will pick whichever of Peterson or Dybantsa falls to them. Peterson’s initial decision to only visit Washington was more reflective of his confidence in his security as a top pick and desire to hear his name called first.
Sources say Peterson’s medicals have not raised major concerns with teams, clearing the way for him to be a top-two pick. Although his season at Kansas didn’t go according to plan — he dealt with serious cramping issues — he has always been viewed by teams as a strong candidate at No. 1. With some of those questions now in the rearview, he rates as my personal top prospect in the class, as a major offensive talent with potential to be one of the league’s best scorers.
Peterson would make for a strong match with the Jazz, immediately bolstering their offense and slotting in alongside Keyonte George as Utah pushes for playoff contention. Cameron Boozer is also held in high regard by the Jazz, but the likely scenario is that he hears his name called third.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
Not much has changed for Boozer as he enters what should be a straightforward draft night. Sources say he visited Memphis last week and previously visited Chicago and Utah, covering all bases other than Washington. Although he is under consideration in Utah, where his father is part of the front office, rival teams believe the Jazz will have a hard time passing on Dybantsa or Peterson.
There is a similar level of confidence around the league in the Grizzlies’ interest in Boozer, with Memphis one of the most analytically driven front offices and the historically productive Duke star sitting atop draft models.
Although the way the lottery played out seems likely to slot Boozer third, his addition would be no less massive for the Grizzlies, who moved up three spots in the draw last month. Boozer would represent a fresh start, with Ja Morant potentially on the move in the trade market. Boozer’s comfort level on the perimeter makes him an intriguing frontcourt partner for Zach Edey in what could be a standout offensive pairing.
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0:54
Cameron Boozer’s NBA draft profile
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman
Wilson took his only predraft visit with Chicago, conducting a solo workout last week and spending time with Bulls brass, including newly hired coach Tiago Splitter. The Bulls are thought to be Wilson’s preferred landing spot, and the most likely scenario remains that he will be available to them at No. 4.
While Wilson doesn’t have the same body of work as the three prospects projected ahead of him, the leap in productivity he took at North Carolina greatly enhanced how teams view his long-term potential — his exceptional quickness off the floor and improved motor make him a strong bet to be a high-impact NBA player. As a result, most view this pick as one of the lower-pressure spots and expect it to be a relatively simple decision for Chicago.
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Caleb Wilson’s NBA draft profile
5. LA Clippers (via Indiana)
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois Freshman
After the consensus top four prospects come off the board, the second stage of the draft starts here. The Clippers have been at the center of trade rumors over the past week, and rival teams say they’ll have options available, including moving back in the draft. LA has been signaling outwardly that it intends to make the pick, but this spot is fluid. Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. (who worked out there late last week) are considered by rival teams as the two most likely candidates if the Clippers stay put.
Wagler is strongly in play for the Clippers as a natural fit next to Darius Garland, who can handle point guard responsibilities while Wagler gradually develops into a higher-usage playmaker. He took only two visits — to the Bulls and Clippers — and canceled trips to Brooklyn and Sacramento, a decision that suggests he is comfortable with his standing. He is a player with a broad market who is thought to be coveted by a number of teams later in the lottery, making him a potential trade-in target at this slot.
Sources reported the Clippers have also shown late interest in Darius Acuff Jr., who did not work out for them but has had contact with their decision-makers in recent days. Rival teams, however, believe the overlap between Acuff and Garland would present on-court challenges for the Clippers, making the scenario feel unlikely.
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Keaton Wagler’s NBA draft profile
6. Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman
The Nets remain difficult for other teams to figure out, and this pick is the first major inflection point in the draft. If Keaton Wagler is available, he would make a lot of sense here, with his positional size and unselfish style aligning well with Brooklyn. Brown and Nate Ament are the two players viewed as top candidates at this spot.
Brown seems to have gathered momentum on the workout circuit, and Brooklyn has shown interest, with Nets executives visiting him in Orlando as well as bringing him in for a workout. His size and well-rounded skill set give him an argument as the ball handler with the highest offensive upside in this second tier of prospects. Teams say he has been impressive in workouts, displaying the deep shooting range and footwork that give him star potential, and helping to assuage concerns around his inconsistent freshman season. He opted not to visit Sacramento, which holds the No. 7 pick, late in the process, which suggests he feels good about his other options.
Ament is another player in the conversation here. His rare mix of positional size and perimeter skill arguably fits best with the Nets’ recent preferences. But it seems unlikely he’ll impact winning next season, with Brooklyn expected to improve and not holding control of its own draft pick. As we saw last year with the selection of Egor Demin, this is a front office capable of draft-night surprises.
The Nets also agreed to trade for Julius Randle on Monday in a three-team deal that sent Nic Claxton to Chicago and saw Brooklyn swap up from No. 33 to No. 28 with Minnesota. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Nets can still use their full $30 million-plus in cap room before the deal processes and then complete the deal as an over-the-cap team.
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Mikel Brown Jr.’s NBA draft profile
7. Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman
Sources say there is strong mutual interest between Acuff and Sacramento, the question simply being whether he makes it to the Kings’ pick. The team appears content to wait and see. The Kings have looked closely at the other guards in this range and have not seemed itchy to move up the board.
Acuff is drawing consideration from the Clippers and Nets, but much of the talk in recent days points to him landing at his preferred destination. He would plug in immediately for a Kings team hoping to land its point guard of the future.
More: Acuff wants to be the next Jalen Brunson, a star with more heart than height
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Darius Acuff Jr.’s NBA draft profile
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman
The Hawks’ pick is another major swing spot, with Atlanta reported to be weighing several options on the trade front. A potential move up to No. 5 has been rumored, as well as trading back or out, depending on how the board falls ahead of them. If the Hawks keep this pick, Flemings and Aday Mara have been the most popular names, according to sources around the league.
Flemings’ range seems to have narrowed, with the Hawks and Bucks feeling most realistic, and the Kings a potential spot if Darius Acuff Jr. is unavailable at No. 7. He has also drawn looks from the Clippers and Nets. While Flemings is the least-polished jump shooter among these freshman guards, his explosiveness and strong intangibles have kept him front of mind for lottery teams.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman
Dallas’ hiring of coach Dusty May away from Michigan was an intriguing Monday headline, with all three Michigan prospects — Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg — potentially on the board for the Mavericks at this slot. However, there is skepticism within the league about the extent of May’s influence on this pick, with team president Masai Ujiri set to make his first selection in charge.
Rival teams have come to view Ament as a candidate for the Mavs, with his range starting at No. 6 with Brooklyn and another potential landing spot at No. 10 with Milwaukee. He would be an intriguing frontcourt partner for Cooper Flagg, creating a tall, skilled forward pairing with plenty of long-term upside.
The Mavericks have expressed openness to moving back in the draft, keeping their options open as they build around Flagg. The franchise has signaled to other teams that it plans to keep Kyrie Irving entering next season.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman
The Bucks finally ripped the Band-Aid off late Monday night, dealing Giannis Antetokounmpo (and Bobby Portis) to Miami for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including this year’s No. 13), a future swap and a future second-round pick. Teams say that the deal was holding up a potential flurry of activity elsewhere around the league, portending quite a bit of movement on draft night.
Burries appears to have a narrow range between Nos. 8 and 11, with Dallas frequently mentioned and Golden State viewed as his backstop. He would present a best-available case here for the Bucks, giving them another ball handler and interchangeable perimeter option and a player who can immediately plug into their backcourt and fit alongside any of Milwaukee’s guards.
There were rumblings Tuesday that the Bucks made efforts to move up the board into the top seven using their two picks. As of Tuesday evening, the chances of Milwaukee getting that high seem unlikely.
If they keep both picks, expect this to be best-available for the Bucks, who can pair this player with whomever they select at No. 13. The Bucks quietly worked out or visited with nearly every player in this range of the draft, doing significant diligence that will give them great familiarity with their options.
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Brayden Burries’ NBA draft profile
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Junior
Mara sits firmly in the 8-to-12 range, with his massive dimensions and offensive skill creating a unique profile that a number of teams have come to covet. He would be a natural fit in Golden State if he falls down the board, with the Warriors lacking for size and depth up front and likely to value Mara’s playmaking talent in Steve Kerr’s ball movement-centric offense.
Rival teams believe Golden State is after a player who can contribute to the rotation next season — as it works to maximize its chances in the final stretch of Stephen Curry’s career — but will take a best-available positional approach. Mara, Brayden Burries (if he falls) and Yaxel Lendeborg are names to watch. The Warriors could also look to trade back if their preferred targets are off the board already.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
Sophomore
There appears to be a strong market for Johnson’s services, with multiple teams interested in the mid-to-late lottery. It remains to be seen how high he can climb on draft night, but he has appeal as a physical, plug-and-play rotation player who is just 20 years old. The Hornets and Bulls are both viewed as strong suitors at the back-end of his range. Oklahoma City could be the sweet spot.
The Thunder made a small but important move on Sunday night, agreeing to send Aaron Wiggins into the Hawks’ traded player exception for a pair of second-round picks. That deal cleared a 15th projected roster spot for Oklahoma City, giving them important flexibility to begin the offseason. While the Thunder can still move up in the draft if that opportunity presents itself, they can also take a simpler path of picking at 12 and look to trade 17 for a future asset.
13. Milwaukee Bucks (via Miami)
Karim Lopez (Mexico), SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Teams picking in this range of the draft have been operating in anticipation of the Bucks eventually acquiring this pick from the Heat, a move that finally took place Monday night. Whom the Bucks take at No. 10, as well as how they value their incoming younger prospects from Miami, will have an impact on what they do at this spot.
Lopez is one of the players Milwaukee has shown strong interest in and should be an option at this pick, particularly if the Bucks draft a guard at No. 10. His mix of physical tools, versatility and intangibles makes him a moldable long-term prospect. If he doesn’t come off the board by this slot, teams think he could wind up slipping into the teens. Cameron Carr is another name to watch for Milwaukee if this spot is a wing.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/SF, Michigan Senior
Lendeborg’s range starts with the Warriors at No. 11, with the Thunder (No. 12) also interested. There has been some speculation he could fall into the teens, but as of Tuesday afternoon, he feels safer in the lottery. His age (23) is one factor in this equation, and he has drawn mixed reviews from teams on the interview circuit. The Hornets are thought to have strong interest in all three Michigan players.
Rival teams say the Hornets are looking for frontcourt upgrades via both the draft and trade market, and could potentially move one of their two firsts for the right player. Charlotte has several players on movable expiring contracts, including Miles Bridges, giving the team flexibility to make deals.
More: How Lendeborg raised his stock by delaying the draft
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland)
Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor
Sophomore
Carr is expected to come off the board somewhere between Nos. 13 and 19, with his mix of explosiveness and shotmaking ability giving him intriguing upside in a draft that lacks wings in his mold. Chicago has been tied to him, with the Bulls likely to go best-available at this slot, but also having more of a need on the wing and at guard than up front after acquiring Nic Claxton from Minnesota on Monday night. The Bulls’ frontcourt is shaping up as somewhat crowded, with Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, and presumably, Caleb Wilson all needing developmental minutes next season.
In their first offseason under new leadership, the Bulls have cap space at their disposal and have signaled to other teams that they are open to all types of moves, including with this selection. They were able to bring in several players for workouts and will have great familiarity in their range if they move around.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Sophomore
Anderson was a surprise first-wave green room invite to the draft and seems to be trending up as he jockeys for position in a tier of point guards that includes Bennett Stirtz, Labaron Philon Jr. and Ebuka Okorie. His interest starts with Milwaukee at No. 13, but it remains unclear in which order those players will go. With Ja Morant’s future uncertain, the Grizzlies can pursue backcourt help with this selection.
The Grizzlies also have levers to maneuver up the board and target specific players, holding myriad future assets in addition to a massive $28.8 million trade exception created in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. GM Zach Kleiman has a history of doing draft-night deals, making them a potential team to watch. Memphis’ ability to take on multiple unwanted contracts also allows it to facilitate deals for other teams to create value.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia)
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Senior
Stirtz has interest from teams in the top 20, with his landing spot dependent on trades and where the second run of point guards begins. He is considered an option for the Mavericks and Warriors if they decide to trade back from their lottery slots, and in the mix for every team from 16-19. His ability to organize in the half court and keep defenses honest with his shot helps his case to play immediately, but his age (22) will make him a more specific fit for teams trying to win now.
The Thunder’s trade for Aaron Wiggins on Sunday gave them greater flexibility to pick at this slot if a player who they like falls here. They could also look to trade out for future asset, similar to their strategy holding the 24th pick in last year’s draft.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando)
Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington Freshman
Steinbach has interest as high as Atlanta and Dallas, two teams believed to be considering trading back. It’s also possible he could fall into the teens, with the Bulls and Grizzlies potentially targeting other positions at No. 15. He was helped by his combine measurements, which affirmed he has adequate size to play center even if he isn’t a vertically gifted shot blocker. He is viewed as ready to contribute, although he might be best paired with a more athletic frontcourt partner.
The Hornets appear to be taking a flexible approach with their two first-round picks, with this selection potentially available in trades as they look to upgrade their current roster. Steinbach is a player Charlotte is thought to be interested in and would potentially be worth picking and keeping for them if he does slip into the teens.
19. Toronto Raptors
Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Freshman
There have been rumblings in recent days that Okorie has worked his way up the board and is drawing consideration from a few teams picking in the top 20, including Memphis, Charlotte and Toronto.
His breakout freshman season at Stanford produced an analytic-friendly profile that is the throughline with those three teams. Some teams love his elusiveness off the dribble and scoring ability, but there are concerns about his size. Teams remain puzzled about the order this second group of guards — Anderson, Stirtz, Okorie and Labaron Philon — will go.
The Raptors have multiple needs and have largely been tied to guards with this pick. Allen Graves is in consideration if they don’t pick a backcourt player.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Junior
Swain’s range starts around No. 17 and ends in the early 20s. The lack of wings with a variety of tools in the middle tier of the draft works in his favor. There are still questions around his shooting, but teams view his ability to get downhill and solid defensive upside as worth the long-term investment.
San Antonio’s biggest need appears to be frontcourt help, with Allen Graves, Chris Cenac Jr. and Jayden Quaintance viewed as fits. However, this might be a best-available situation. While Swain doesn’t directly address a positional need, nor is he a great perimeter shooter, he has good length and is a solid enough rebounder and defender to shore up the margins of their rotation.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota)
Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama Sophomore
Philon is drawing consideration all over the board, with Milwaukee and Chicago thought to have interest. Still, his range has become wide, due in large part to the number of guards in his tier and the likelihood not every team will want to take one. Several teams believe he could be available in the late 20s. Last week, he worked out for the Timberwolves, who hold the 28th pick — a potential indicator that he could slip.
Rival teams expect the Pistons to target an offensive-minded player here, with Detroit’s glaring need for shooting coming to bear in the postseason. Adding a ball handler who can take pressure off of Cade Cunningham might also be prudent. Philon would tick all those boxes.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston)
Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Freshman
Graves should come off the board somewhere between Nos. 16 and 22, and where he lands might depend on how things unfold with potential trades. His excellent analytic profile, demonstrable feel and versatility at the 4 have made him appealing to teams in this range, including the Hornets, Raptors and Spurs. But his average athleticism and limited body of work against top competition have made him divisive for some evaluators.
The 76ers brought in a range of candidates for this pick last week and can go best-available at this spot in new president Mike Gansey’s first draft at the helm. Finding an immediate contributor at this spot would be a win, with much of Philadelphia’s salary structure tied up in Joel Embiid and Paul George, and cultivating depth behind them is likely a priority. Graves would fit a need here as a versatile power forward.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland)
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman
Cenac remains solidly in the first round, but teams in the 20s are beginning to wonder whether he might be available to them as other players continue to make pushes into the teens.
He’s still developing his identity as a player, and it will take time for him to become a contributor. His physical stature and developing skill at 19 years old, however, have helped to separate him in the predraft process. The fact that he is further away from helping a team win immediately — and that there are a few teams in the teens with multiple picks (some of whom might walk away with bigs earlier in the draft) — could limit his possible landing spots.
If Atlanta targets a guard at No. 8, it could grab a big here later on. But the Hawks have flexibility with their second selection and don’t need to roster two rookies next season, potentially making it attainable for another team. Teams say many of these picks in the 20s are viewed as available, and they expect to see movement.
There has been chatter in recent days that Cenac could be a trade-in target for New Orleans, which currently doesn’t hold a draft pick but has made overtures to get in the first round.
24. New York Knicks
Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
Senior
After making a strong case for himself by putting up three 20-plus-point games in the NCAA tournament, Reed has built momentum on the workout circuit and is trending toward the late first round. His mix of length, physical heft, rebounding instincts and offensive skill make him an appealing plug-and-play role player, and he should appeal to contending teams. The Knicks are reported to be in search of frontcourt depth, with Mitchell Robinson a pending free agent. Reed’s toughness would slot right in.
The Knicks also have the No. 31 pick, giving them bookend picks in this next range of the draft and a pathway to adding two potential rotation players in a cost-effective way — a highly important task as they work to sustain a contending roster. Sources reported New York could look to stash one of its two picks or trade down off this slot, depending on how the board falls.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Junior
Veesaar’s perimeter shooting and size should give him a path to rotation minutes relatively early and have put him in play for first-round teams that need depth at center. He seems likely to come off the board somewhere in the 20s, where he has several potential landing spots.
The center position has been a revolving door for the Lakers, who should be focused on the bigger picture of building around Luka Doncic but are also dealing with new contracts for LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Veesaar’s shooting ability would make him a viable ball-screen partner for Doncic.
26. Denver Nuggets
Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas Freshman
Thomas has worked out all over the first round but has put himself firmly in the mix for teams in the 20s. His size, scoring ability and improving defense have stood out in workout settings and helped solidify him as an option, after making 41% of 3s as a freshman.
The Nuggets should be taking a best-available approach as they work to improve their depth. They are working with cap constraints as Peyton Watson hits restricted free agency, a situation that could lead to them moving a veteran player to enable added flexibility. Denver is also reported to be a team that could move their pick.
27. Boston Celtics
Koa Peat, PF/SF, Arizona Freshman
Peat did not earn a green room invitation, but he has a good deal of interest in the 20s. Concerns around his shooting mechanics have been a primary issue since the combine and are the main factor that has hurt his standing. Boston, with a strong player development track record, might be able to get the most out of him.
The Celtics were in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo but came in second. Other teams have speculated that Jaylen Brown could still be on the move, now that Boston has clearly signaled his availability.
28. Brooklyn Nets (via Detroit through Minnesota)
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore
Teams have remained unclear about Quaintance’s floor, with some speculation he could slip out of the first round due to health. He did not earn a green room invitation as teams continue to express concern about the state of his injured knee, which multiple team sources fear could cause him to miss time next season. He had knee surgery in March 2025 after tearing an ACL at Arizona State, and he was able to play in just four games at Kentucky last season due to precautions around that injury.
Still, teams love his talent and physical tools as a vertical spacing 5-man and see major upside if he can get back to full strength. Where Quaintance lands will depend on individual teams’ comfort level selecting him. There remains enough enthusiasm around his ability that it’s hard to see him falling all the way out of Round 1. Brooklyn could have the patience and developmental runway to roster him.
The Nets traded up from No. 33 to No. 28 and acquired Julius Randle in a three-team deal that sent Nic Claxton to Chicago and saw the Timberwolves trade back and create cap flexibility, including a $33 million trade exception.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio)
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Sophomore
As the first round has come into focus, there’s some thought Evans could slip. He has nice size for a wing shooter, measuring 6-5½ barefoot at the combine, and has a pathway to becoming a valuable role player if he can continue to flesh out his game, particularly on defense. Though he is more of a play finisher and spacer than a creator, his ability to hit shots off movement is rare and perpetually coveted by NBA teams.
Cleveland should return a good amount of its depth next season and can go with a best-available approach at this pick. Evans is a talent swing who would be a developmental bench addition.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
De Larrea opted to stay in the draft ahead of last Saturday’s deadline, an indication he has a landing spot most likely in the 25-to-35 range. Teams believe he is open to remaining in Spain next season in the right situation, creating a stash option that could provide cap and roster relief for a first-round team. He has been most closely tied to New York but could also be an option here.
He measured at 6-foot-6 barefoot with a 6-9 wingspan, giving him massive dimensions for a ball handler, and is coming off a solid season in Spain, where he played a major part on a strong Valencia team and shot just under 40% from 3. Although de Larrea isn’t particularly quick, his playmaking feel and positional size give him clear potential to grow into a role.
Second round
31. New York Knicks (via Washington)
Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State, senior