NBA mock draft 2027: Updated projection with a lock at No. 1, but plenty of questions after that

Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation projected the 2027 NBA Draft, placing Kansas forward Tyran Stokes firmly at the No. 1 overall pick to the Sacramento Kings. O'Donnell notes that while Stokes is the clear consensus top prospect entering the college basketball season, the remainder of the draft class presents significant questions and a noticeable step down from recent years.

The mock draft projects Arkansas guard Jordan Smith at No. 2 to the New Orleans Pelicans and Illinois guard Quentin Coleman at No. 3 to the Chicago Bulls. O'Donnell highlights that factors such as the NBA's randomized lottery anti-tanking rules, numerous traded future first-round picks, and NIL incentives keeping players in college contribute to heightened draft variance.