Bleacher Report lead draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman released an early 2027 NBA Mock Draft projection today. The board sets the baseline for the scouting cycle immediately following the highly publicized 2026 class headlined by AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson.
Small forward Tyran Stokes tops the board. Wasserman projects Stokes as the No. 1 overall pick to the Utah Jazz. Shooting guard Caleb Holt follows closely behind, landing at the No. 2 spot for the Washington Wizards.
Key Details
- Local Star Stays Home: The Brooklyn Nets are projected to take Long Island Lutheran High School combo-guard Dylan Mingo at No. 3 overall.
- Wildcat Dominance: The 30-pick mock heavily features prospects tied to Kentucky, with 10 players connected to the program making the list.
- Frontcourt Additions: The Orlando Magic grab defensive-minded center Jaden Toombs with the No. 21 overall selection.
Front offices are already tracking local talent to build out their rebuilding strategies, with the Brooklyn Nets actively evaluating Dylan Mingo at No. 3 to anchor their future backcourt. Draft capital stockpiling makes these three-year outlooks critical for general managers.
Kentucky’s recruiting pipeline is clearly influencing early projections. Ten players connected to the Wildcats made the 30-pick cut, according to On3, including 2026 freshman guard Jasper Johnson landing at No. 22 to the Golden State Warriors.
Wasserman previously adjusted his 2027 watchlist following the early-entry withdrawal deadline in late May. That update was covered in a Sports Illustrated breakdown that highlighted returning college prospects moving into the new cycle. Gonzaga’s Davis Fogle and Massamba Diop, UConn’s Nik Khamenia, and Illinois’ Andrej Stojakovic all officially joined the 2027 consideration set.