The excitement is palpable as the NBA draft approaches, especially following a weekend filled with major transactions that set the stage for a thrilling selection night. The Suns made headlines by trading future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant to the Rockets, while the Celtics landed Jrue Holiday by sending him to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a couple of second-round picks. These moves signal that the landscape is shifting, and we can expect plenty of action when the teams gather on Wednesday night at Barclays Center.
At the center of the buzz is Ace Bailey, an incredibly gifted wing from Rutgers who has managed to stir intrigue despite not attending any pre-draft workouts with NBA teams. His situation could lead to significant changes in the early picks of the draft. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the expected first round, featuring some top prospects and potential surprises.
- Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, Duke (F, 6-7, 221 pounds)
This pick is as clear as day. Flagg does it all on the court — defending, rebounding, shot-blocking, scoring, playmaking, and shooting with remarkable efficiency. The fact that he dominated college basketball as a freshman, despite being young enough to still be in high school, highlights his immense talent. The Mavericks were fortunate to win the lottery, and Flagg’s selection feels inevitable. - San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, Rutgers (G, 6-4, 213 pounds)
While the Spurs currently have DeAaron Fox, Harper’s elite skills cannot be overlooked. He possesses the type of talent that could have easily warranted the number one pick if not for Flagg’s reclassification. A prolific scorer and the son of five-time champion Ron Harper, he can fit right into a Spurs team that includes stars like Victor Wembanyama and Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle. - Philadelphia 76ers
V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor (G, 6-4, 193 pounds)
Edgecombe has caught the eye of many scouts due to his fiery competitiveness and athleticism. With comparisons being drawn to Dwyane Wade, his knack for clutch plays makes him an appealing choice. Questions about his shooting will linger, but his ability to perform when it matters is undeniable. - Charlotte Hornets
Tre Johnson, Texas (G, 6-4, 190 pounds)
The Hornets desperately need some shooting after struggling in that area last season. Johnson proved he can hit shots consistently, making over 39% of his attempts from deep. His ability to shoot off screens makes him a perfect fit to address Charlotte’s perimeter issues immediately. - Utah Jazz
Kon Knueppel, Duke (G, 6-5, 219 pounds)
Known primarily for his shot-making, Knueppel is much more than just a scorer. He can also defend well and play with a chip on his shoulder. If paired with Keyonte George, this duo could create a dynamic backcourt for years to come. His positive impact on winning at Duke speaks volumes about his potential. - Washington Wizards
Ace Bailey, Rutgers (G/F, 6-7, 202 pounds)
Bailey is generating significant discussion leading up to the draft, especially after opting out of workouts. His camp appears set on landing him with a team where he can make an immediate impact. The Wizards, who often find themselves in rebuilding mode, could provide that opportunity. - New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, Duke (C, 7-0, 252 pounds)
Maluach is a prototypical modern center with impressive size and versatility. There’s potential for an untapped jumper here, and whether or not it emerges, he’s certainly equipped to guard the rim and provide offensive threats around the basket at just 18 years old. - Brooklyn Nets
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma (G, 6-2, 179 pounds)
Fears might be a name to watch if the Nets make a move up in the draft. His impressive ability to navigate defenses and draw fouls makes him an enticing choice for Brooklyn, even if they needed to settle somewhat lower in the draft order. - Toronto Raptors
Carter Bryant, Arizona (G/F, 6-6, 214 pounds)
While Bryant’s college output might leave some questioning his lottery status, his physical attributes stand out. A 6-foot-11 wingspan and extraordinary leaping ability from the draft combine only add to his appeal as a high-upside prospect. - Phoenix Suns
Noa Essengue, France (F, 6-10, 204 pounds)
The Suns are expected to leverage the pick they acquired from the Durant deal on Essengue, a potential defensive powerhouse. His age and impressive build suggest he could be a valuable addition to their roster. - Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois (G, 6-4, 205 pounds)
A creative playmaker who fits in well with the Blazers’ young squad, Jakucionis’ ability to connect the dots on offense will be crucial as they look to develop their core. - Chicago Bulls
Derik Queen, Maryland (F, 6-9, 247 pounds)
Queen highlights the promise of offensive skill among big men in this draft class. With potential questions surrounding defense and conditioning, he nevertheless carries the title of the most offensively skilled big man of the group. - Atlanta Hawks
Joan Beringer, France (C, 6-11, 234 pounds)
Beringer is relatively new to the game but has generated excitement with his shot-blocking ability and towering presence. His story of growth since starting basketball just three years ago is remarkable, and he could be a versatile defender with time. - San Antonio Spurs
Danny Wolf, Michigan (F, 6-10, 251 pounds)
After a productive year at Michigan, Wolf has shown promise playing alongside other talented teammates. He possesses depth as a scorer and could complement the Spurs’ stellar roster. - Oklahoma City Thunder
Nique Clifford, Colorado State (G, 6-5, 202 pounds)
One of the standout guards with an impressive all-around game, Clifford’s experience despite his age gives him a unique advantage as he enters the league. - Memphis Grizzlies
Cedric Coward, Washington State (G, 6-5, 213 pounds)
Coward’s journey from Division III to the NBA is compelling. His late-career surge highlighted by his performance at the Draft Combine showcases just how far he’s come. - Minnesota Timberwolves
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown (C, 6-9, 262 pounds)
A frontcourt pick that could provide the Timberwolves with much-needed depth and versatility. Sorber’s potential tools are on display, even as he continues to recover from foot surgery. - Washington Wizards
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina (F, 6-6, 239 pounds)
A defensive specialist with potential to turn heads, Murray-Boyles shows a lot of promise despite questions around his shooting form. - Brooklyn Nets
Egor Demin, BYU (G, 6-8, 199 pounds)
Demin offers solid size and playmaking skills, leaving the selection feeling like a steal if he can overcome any shooting concerns. - Miami Heat
Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s (F, 6-8, 232 pounds)
With his combination of length and shooting talent, Fleming should provide immediate help on both ends of the floor for Miami. - Utah Jazz
Hugo Gonzalez, Spain (G/F 6-6, 222 pounds)
Gonzalez may be a bit of a project, but his physical tools and hustle on defense are worth developing. - Atlanta Hawks
Nolan Traore, France (G, 6-3, 175 pounds)
Traore was once considered a top-10 pick, but his inconsistency this past season kept him from that status. Still, he has the tools to make an impact. - New Orleans Pelicans
Liam McNeeley, Connecticut (G/F, 6-6, 214 pounds)
McNeeley’s competitive nature will be essential as he looks to improve areas of his game, particularly his shooting consistency. - Oklahoma City Thunder
Will Riley, Illinois (F, 6-8, 185)
Riley may need some development, but his potential as a wing player is intriguing for the Thunder’s deep roster. - Orlando Magic
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford (C, 7-0, 236 pounds)
A developing player with a late start in basketball, Raynaud has the potential to grow into a strong contributor. - Brooklyn Nets
Asa Newell, Georgia (F, 6-9, 223 pounds)
Newell’s athleticism and shooting ability could make him a valuable addition without needing heavy coaching on effort. - Brooklyn Nets
Drake Powell, North Carolina (G/F, 6-5, 200 pounds)
Similar to some of his peers, while Powell hasn’t had the most productive freshman year, his physical attributes and potential make him an appealing pick. - Boston Celtics
Jase Richardson, Michigan State (G, 6-0, 178 pounds)
A dynamic scorer off the bench, Richardson could provide an offensive spark for the Celtics despite some defensive concerns. - Phoenix Suns
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida (G, 6-2, 199 pounds)
Clayton could prove to be a more valuable pick than initially anticipated, embodying the types of players who often surprise in the league. - Los Angeles Clippers
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton (C, 7-1, 257 pounds)
Kalkbrenner’s prowess as a rim protector can enhance the Clippers’ defensive schemes, following in the footsteps of elite defenders in Big East history.
With this deep pool of talent, one thing is for sure: when draft day arrives, fans and executives alike will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the future of their franchises unfold. The anticipation of how these prospects will shape their teams and the league for years to come is what makes this time of year truly special.
