The college basketball season is just over a week underway, but it is never too early to talk NBA Draft. Last year's draft cycle was one of the most hyped up ever. There were multiple superstar prospects, all of whom are already displaying their talent at a high level in the NBA ranks. The 2027 draft class is a little bit different. This is considered a weaker class without much star talent. It is also a class that will feature a number of sophomores and returning players because of the nature of NIL and the transfer portal. Finding contributors is important for NBA teams, regardless of the perception of a draft class. The last time a class was considered weak, in 2024, a number of players emerged as vital pieces, and the same will surely happen in 2027. With that said, here is ClutchPoints' first 2027 NBA Mock Draft of the year.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks): Tyran Stokes, Kansas
In a class without a lot of superstar talent, Tyran Stokes is the clear-cut number one pick. The Kansas freshman has far and away the most potential to become a top 10-20 player in the NBA and the number one option on whichever team drafts him. At 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, Stokes has a superstar frame. Stokes can do a little bit of everything on offense, too, as he can score from all three levels and create for his teammates. Kansas has blown out lesser competition to start the season, so Stokes has subbed out early, which has hurt his scoring numbers. Even so, the versatility and ability to stuff the stat sheet as a scorer, assister, and rebounder have been on full display.
The last time that the New Orleans Pelicans picked first overall, they took Zion Williamson, one of the most highly touted prospects ever. Williamson has been good when on the court, but he has been regularly hurt, and the Pelicans just haven't been able to become competitive with him leading the way. Drafting Stokes would provide them with a new top dog.
2. Sacramento Kings: Stefan Joksimovic, Slovenia
The Sacramento Kings passed on a Slovenian with the second overall pick in 2018. They won't make that mistake again. Luka Doncic is now the frontrunner for MVP, whereas Marvin Bagley is on his sixth NBA team. Now, Stefan Joksimovic isn't Doncic, but he is certainly worthy of being drafted this high in this draft class.
The left-handed European is silky smooth. He can make tough jumpers and use his size and basketball IQ to play make for his teammates. At worst, Joksimovic is a jumbo creator at the NBA level. At his best, he follows in Doncic's footsteps as the next big Slovenian superstar and someone who can be a lead option for his team.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Bruce Branch, BYU
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the deepest team in the NBA, and they are still bringing in a treasure trove of premier draft picks. Nobody else could survive offseason trades of Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Lu Dort, on top of potentially season-ending injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, on top of a long-term injury to Chet Holmgren. While the Thunder are doing just that, the one place Oklahoma City is thin at is the wing, and that has been the case since the aforementioned trades.
The Thunder need to bring in players who provide traditional wing size and can defend forwards. Bruce Branch is 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He is an elite defender and one of the best 3-point threats in the 2027 NBA Draft class. Some have questioned if Branch can develop into a top option at the NBA level, but the Thunder don't necessarily need him to be, despite drafting third overall with the Los Angeles Clippers pick here. The BYU product would be a perfect fit for what the Thunder do and plan on doing for years to come.
4. Chicago Bulls: Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas
Jordan Smith is viewed as a sure-thing prospect, and in this draft class that is perceived as weaker, that has led to him being in top one or top two talks. In ClutchPoints' first mock draft of the season, the Arkansas guard falls to pick four to the Chicago Bulls. Smith is a physically gifted guard who provides speed, strength, and athleticism. He'll thrive in transition, on defense, and as a downhill scorer because of it.
The playmaking and 3-point shooting still need to develop if Smith is to become a star, but the Bulls have Josh Giddey as their lead assister and Caleb Wilson as their franchise player. Smith would complement both quite well.
5. Orlando Magic: Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Pick five might be a tad high for a fourth-year center who averaged just 10.4 points per game last year, but Motiejus Krivas has improved each season of his collegiate career and appears to be breaking out in a big way this season. The 7-foot-2 Arizona big man should be an elite rebounder and rim protector at the NBA level. In fact, he is averaging 4.0 blocks per game through two games.
Nikola Vucevic has barely seen the floor during his second stint with the Orlando Magic, and Wendell Carter Jr. has always left a little bit to be desired. With a forward duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero leading the way, and the recent trade for shooting guard Desmond Bane, the Magic may look to add another center.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz): Caleb Holt, Arizona
Back-to-back Arizona players are selected in this 2027 NBA Mock Draft. Caleb Holt goes to the Memphis Grizzlies with the sixth pick. While Holt's teammate is a collegiate veteran, the shooting guard is just a freshman. Holt is somewhat comparable to Arizona's lottery pick shooting guard from last season, Brayden Burries.
He is a jack-of-all-trades who has a thick, strong build. The Grizzlies have performed much better than expected to start the season after trading Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Bane over the last year or so. Holt is a player who could make sure the rebuild continues on an upward trajectory.
7. Houston Rockets (via Nets): Quentin Coleman, Illinois
Like the Illinois point guard (Keaton Wagler) that came before him, Quentin Coleman joined the Fighting Illini as a pretty unheralded player, but he is already looking like a one-and-done lottery talent. With Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart both at risk of hitting free agency this offseason, the Houston Rockets could use another combo guard. Coleman is one who plays at his own pace, gets to his spots, and makes shots from all over the court.
8. Indiana Pacers: Alijah Arenas, USC
Alijah Arenas is one of the most polarizing players in the 2027 NBA Draft class. Of course, that largely stems from the fact that his dad is Gilbert Arenas, a legendary former NBA player who had a rollercoaster of a career that has continued during his podcasting journey.
The younger Arenas then missed most of his freshman season at USC because of a torn meniscus. This season, he is showing that he got his daddy's scoring genetics. Silky smooth, Arenas scored 21 points in his first game of the season. Arenas has great positional size and the ability to make tough shots. A good chunk of Arenas' makes are mixtape-worthy. However, he isn't the most efficient player. Arenas shot just 34.1% from the field after his return to the court last year, but hopefully that shouldn't be as big of an issue after a full offseason to recover behind him.
9. Houston Rockets (via Suns): Braylon Mullins, UConn
The Rockets are firmly in the title picture this year. However, because of their prior James Harden trade, they could be drafting in the lottery twice in 2027. After adding guard depth/insurance with their first pick, the team gets a 3-point specialist two picks later. Braylon Mullins made 72 long bombs en route to a national championship appearance with UConn last season.
He proved he can play a role on a contender as a freshman. Now, he will look to show what else he has in his bag as a sophomore. A Rockets team that has a freak athlete, but one who struggles as a shooter, like Amen Thompson, could use another catch-and-shoot specialist.
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Patrick Ngongba, Duke
The Atlanta Hawks are all in on perimeter defense. With Lu Dort, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels on the roster, teams should struggle to get into the painted area on Atlanta. That makes Patrick Ngongba a decent fit in Atlanta. Typically, elite rim protectors cover for poor point-of-attack defense, but Atlanta's incredible perimeter defense should make up for the lack of what Ngongba does as a shot blocker.
Ngongba is an enticing offensive prospect, though. The Duke big man is an impressive passer and has nice footwork and interior scoring skills.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Thomas Haugh, Florida
The Charlotte Hornets' MO over the last year or two has been to add play-now players with winning traits, rather than athletically gifted projects. In 2025, they drafted Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. In 2026, they drafted Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson. A superstar with a loser label like LaMelo Ball was traded away, too.
The pick of Thomas Haugh aligns with their recent roster-building philosophies. Haugh is in his fourth year of college basketball and has championship experience. Haugh likely won't be an NBA superstar, but he plays hard, is a solid slasher, and can hit open jumpers.
12. Miami Heat: Ivan Kharchenkov, Arizona
The third Wildcat in the lottery of this 2027 NBA Mock Draft, the Miami Heat take Arizona's Ivan Kharchenkov with the 12th overall pick. The 6-foot-7 forward originally from Russia scored 38 points in Arizona's opener, which could signal a big year to come. Kharchenkov plays solid defense and can hit mid-range shots. The hope is that he will take and make more 3-pointers with a big offensive usage rate this year.
13. Charlotte Hornets (via Mavericks): Dame Sarr, Duke
Dame Sarr would make for three straight first-round sophomore selections for the Hornets, dating back to the selection of Christian Anderson in 2026. Sarr didn't do much as a scorer as a freshman, but he was a contributor for Duke nonetheless. That is because Sarr is a disruptive defender with great length and athleticism. A projection in the lottery here is based on Sarr improving as a scorer in his second collegiate season.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets): Amari Allen, Alabama
The Thunder double dip in the lottery with wings. Amari Allen gained some serious draft buzz at the end of the season last year. He returned to Alabama to take on a bigger role as a sophomore. Allen is a high feel player who thrives making swing passes. Of course, that is one of the areas where OKC thrives, making him a perfect fit for what they do.
15. Washington Wizards: Anthony Thompson, Ohio State
Anthony Thompson has the potential to be drafted much higher than pick 15. If the Ohio State freshman fell to the Washington Wizards, though, the team would be ecstatic to get him. Thompson is 6-foot-9 but has an impressive perimeter game in which he can hit jumpers and handle the ball. That skill set would mesh perfectly with 2026 rookie first overall pick, AJ Dybantsa.
The Wizards are progressing. They have tons of young talent, the potential Rookie of the Year, and veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. An A+ draft pick like this one on Thompson would catapult them into Eastern Conference contention.
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Cameron Williams, Duke
Cameron Williams isn't a big man who will spend a lot of time posting up with his back to the basket, but when he faces the rim or operates as a play-finisher, he can really thrive. The Portland Trail Blazers are a team with a ton of depth, but they could use more power forward play, making Williams a seamless fit.
17. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers): Obinna Ekezie Jr., Louisville
The Utah Jazz have an intriguing long-term core. Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded for to provide defense in the frontcourt, and Darryn Peterson was drafted to be the team's megastar. They join Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Ace Bailey, all of whom are or have the potential to be really good.
After trading Walker Kessler, what the team is missing is center depth. Jusuf Nurkic was hurt before the start of the season, and Jackson is best off at the four, not the five. Enter Obinna Ekezie Jr., a center from Louisville. Ekezie had four 3-point makes and five blocks in a preseason game. If more elite shot-blocking prowess and 3-point potential are displayed going forward, Ekezie is going to shoot up draft boards. For now, he'd be a good positional fit for the Jazz.
18. Los Angeles Clippers (via Raptors): Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, France
With five first-round picks lost because of the Kawhi Leonard scandal, the Los Angeles Clippers have to make the most of the picks that they do have. Hugo Yimga-Moukouri looks the part of a player who is guaranteed to find success at the NBA level, even if that is as a role player and not a star. Yimga-Moukouri is already a 3-and-D threat. He has impressive athletic traits that could convince a team that there is untapped on-ball abilities, too.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks): Malachi Moreno, Kentucky
There are a number of centers who returned to college and are expected to take big leaps this year. Malachi Moreno is another example. Moreno looks the part of a great interior scorer. He has soft touch to combine with impressive mobility. The Brooklyn Nets have drafted seven players in the first-round of the last two drafts, and only one of them was a center (Danny Wolf). Even Wolf just started a game at shooting guard, though. The Nets' rebuild needs to include interior help, and Moreno could provide that.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): JJ Andrews, Arkansas
JJ Andrews is a bowling ball on the basketball court. Defenders bounce off of him when he drives, and offensive players struggle to play through his physically. The San Antonio Spurs drafted two first-round centers last year to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Their backcourt of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper is also one of the best in the league. What the team needs is more wing help.
21. Memphis Grizzlies: Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Tyler Tanner made some sense as a fit for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he decided to return to Vanderbilt. Heading into 2027, Tanner may make even more sense in Memphis. That is because Ty Jerome is in the midst of a breakout season. The do-it-all guard who plays at his own pace would be complemented well by a bolt of lightning like Tanner. Tanner is a nightmare to guard and also racks up the steal numbers.
Article Continues Below22. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets): Kanon Catchings, Georgia
A sleeper pick who could develop into a first-round prospect, Kanon Catchings didn't stand out for Georgia last year, but he has NBA tools and could become a solid role player at the next level. Another year, another draft in which the Nets have multiple first-round draft picks.
23. Phoenix Suns (via Timberwolves): Tounde Yessoufou, St. John's
Tounde Yessoufou dipped his toes into the draft waters after last season while at Baylor. Now back in college and playing for Rick Pitino at St. John's, Yessoufou will look to improve his draft stock. As of now, he is projected to go around the same place he would have in last year's draft, in the mid-20s of the first round.
Yessoufou is athletically gifted and imposes his will as a driver, transition scorer, and defender. The playmaking, ball handling, and 3-point shooting all leave a lot to be desired, though. Even if those skills don't develop, he'd fit the gritty nature of the Phoenix Suns.
24. Golden State Warriors: Brandon McCoy Jr., Michigan
It isn't easy to predict where Brandon McCoy will be selected, if he declares for the draft at all. The Michigan guard tore his ACL in the summer and will likely miss all of his freshman season, which is too bad because the Wolverines had high hopes that he'd be a big part of their title defense.
The Golden State Warriors have been in a weird place when it comes to the draft for years now. Their core is aging and arguably out of their contention window, but they have still wanted to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and, when he is back from injury, Jimmy Butler. They hit the nail on the head with that philosophy when they took Yaxel Lendeborg in 2026. The sixth-year collegiate player who was fresh off a national championship has made an immediate and huge impact as a rookie. Taking McCoy, an injured freshman, would not follow suit for Golden State, but at some point the Warriors need to start thinking about the future with Curry and Green.
25. Detroit Pistons: Austin Goosby, Texas
The Detroit Pistons' young core lacked shooting for a couple of years. When the roster gained that, the team became the number one seed in the Eastern Conference last year. Now, with Kevin Huerter, Isaiah Joe, and Duncan Robinson on the roster, there are plenty of 3-point specialists on the team, especially at the shooting guard position. The Pistons might need to go back to their roots and add more of a defensive guard like Austin Goosby.
26. Boston Celtics: Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
Microwave scorers who need the ball in their hands and don't create for others are falling out of favor in the NBA. Jason Crowe Jr. fits the description of a score-first shot chucker. He certainly can get buckets in waves, though, and if he can show flashes of more assisting ability and defensive output at Missouri, then there will be a role for him at the NBA level. The Boston Celtics could use another player who can score with the ball in his hands after trading away Jaylen Brown. Crowe has the potential to be their sixth-man spark plug.
27. Philadelphia 76ers: Caleb Gaskins, Miami
Caleb Gaskins is raw as of now, but he has the makings of a stretch four with defensive versatility. Many assume that LeBron James will retire at season's end, but he does have one more year on his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. If James picks up his player option, he would be the perfect player for Gaskins to learn under.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers): Sayon Keita, UNC
Sayon Keita profiles as a typical big man, a center who can secure rebounds, protect the rim, catch alley-oops, and finish putbacks. His offensive game isn't advanced, but prototypical size and traits still have a spot in the NBA. The Grizzlies could view Keita as someone who could play alongside Cam Boozer.
29. Toronto Raptors (via Thunder): Baba Oladotun, Maryland
Baba Oladotun still has a long way to go. He is playing at Maryland at just age 17 after reclassifying, and he is averaging just 4.5 points per game through two performances. Oladotun looks the part of a Toronto Raptor, though. He has great length and defensive potential, two things that the Raptors prioritize. Still, he will need to show more flashes throughout his freshman season to become a first-round pick in 2027.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Spurs): Alex Condon, Florida
The Thunder have three picks in the 2027 NBA Draft, as of now. They already have enough depth that they likely won't make all three selections, but financial constraints may force the team's hand and lead to big trades. The Thunder have the option of replenishing their roster with rookie contracts. Alex Condon is a play-now prospect who can slot in at either the four or five. He hasn't made many 3-pointers, but he dunks the ball a lot and plays with effort.