The day we have been waiting months for is finally here, the NBA Draft. Read below to see a full NBA Mock Draft of the first round including team needs, stats, and who they should take.
All picks are through 1 PM ET Wednesday. Any trades after that will not be reflected.
1) Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards- SG (Georgia)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 19.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.7 TO, 40.2 FG%, 29.4 3P%
Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, Backup Point Guard- Center
What they should take: Shooting guard
The Timberwolves need anything they can get right now, and they believe that Anthony Edwards is their best chance of getting to contender level alongside D’Angelo Russell and Karl Anthony-Towns. Edwards is an elite scoring threat and would work perfectly alongside Russell in the backcourt. If he can get his mind into the game and convince himself it’s more than a job then he can be an All-Star very soon.
2) Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman- C (Memphis)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 19.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 3.0 BPG, 1 TO, 76.9 FG%
Team Needs: Scoring (28th), Center, Backup Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Center
What they should take: Center
This is a perfect fit for the Warriors. They have an above average player at each position, including two of the best players at their position in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson at the guard spots. Wiseman is a huge upgrade over Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney at the center position, thanks to his efficient scoring, great rebounding, and all-star worthy defense, especially blocking shots. Adding Wiseman makes them a true threat in an already loaded western conference, where they might find themselves holding the trophy once again.
3) Charlotte Hornets: Lamelo Ball- PG (Australia)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 17 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.5 TO, 37.5 FG%, 25 3P%
Team Needs: Scoring (30th), Rebounding (26th), Steals (26th), Center, Backup Point Guard-Center
What they should take: Center
I know it says they should take a center, but they can’t pass up on someone as good as Ball at the third pick. Ball has the highest potential of any player in the draft and can be a triple-double threat. The Hornets just paid Terry Rozier a lot, and Devonte Graham just had a career year, so their plan might be to see how Ball does, and if he outperforms either trade one of the two or just move them to the bench.
If the Hornets were smart, they would trade down with a team like the Pistons or the Hawks so they can take Ball. This way the Hornets can take the player they actually want, which is Okongwu, and get more value for that.
4) Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija- SF (Israel)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 1.6 TO, 50.5 FG%, 33.3 3P%
Team Needs: Scoring (27th), Rebounding (30th), Blocks (26th), Small Forward, Center, Backup Shooting Guard-Center
What they should take: Small forward, Best Available
The Bulls need a solidified small forward to go along with the rest of their young core. Deni fits in perfectly as a guy who can help out and make his teammates better. With a new coach and management, this is a great start for their future.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro- SF (Auburn)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 12.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 2 TO, 51.4 FG%, 28.6 3P
Team Needs: Scoring (26th), Blocks (30th), Small Forward, Power Forward, Backup Guard, Backup Small Forward
What they should take: Small forward, best forward available
This pick will most likely be between Okoro and Obi Toppin. Okoro is a much better fit for a team that doesn’t have a true small forward, and his defense will also be very important for a team that doesn’t necessarily succeed in that department. He will pair well with their two young guards in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton plus if Kevin Love doesn’t get traded he could be a great mentor for Okoro as he develops.
6) Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Haliburton- PG (Iowa State)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 15.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.8 TO, 50.4 FG%, 41.9 3P%
Team Needs: Three Point Shooting, Depth
What they should take: Best available
Hawks need the best available and Halliburton is that guy. He’s an efficient scorer for his position and can also shoot when need be. The Hawks have a solid young player at every position so they could use anything. Don’t be surprised if they trade this pick in an attempt to get a star like Bradley Beal.
7) Detroit Pistons- Onyeka Okongwu: PF/C (USC)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 16.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.7 BPG, 2 TO, 61.6 FG%
Team Needs: Rebounding (30th), Every position (starting and backup)
What they should take: Best available
As you can see, the Pistons really struggled rebounding the ball, and with Christian Wood becoming a free agent, they desperately need a leader at Center. Okongwu is a great scorer and shot blocker, and will help them. The Pistons need everything, and this is a good way to start.
Don’t count out the possibility that we see a trade like Luka Doncic for Trae Young here where both teams take the players then make the trade. Charlotte could use a center so that would be a win-win for both teams.
8) New York Knicks: Killian Hayes: PG (France)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: Stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.2 TO, 48.2 FG%, 29.4 3P%
Team Needs: Scoring (29th), 3 Point Shooting (30th), Passing (27th), Small Forward, Backup Guard, Backup Small Forward
What they should take: Point guard
Knicks need a point guard and get their guy with Hayes. With RJ Barrett showing good signs last season, the Knicks are a piece away from the playoffs. Hayes can do that for them, and like most overseas players has boom or bust potential.
9) Washington Wizards: Devin Vassell: SG/SF (Florida State)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 12.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1 BPG, 0.8 TO, 49 FG%, 41.5 3P%
Team Needs: Rebounding (28th), Point Guard, Small Forward, Backup Point Guard-Power Forward
What they should take: Point guard, Small Forward or Center
The Wizards can go a lot of different ways with this pick, but with the top two centers already gone and the Wizards still believing in John Wall, Vassell is the best option. Vassell is a great all around player who will play above his experience at all times. He and former top 10 pick Rui Hachimura will form a nice forward tandem, making them a team to watch in future years.
10) Phoenix Suns: Obi Toppin- PF (Dayton)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 20 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.2 TO, 63.3 FG%, 39 3P%
Team Needs: Blocks (29th), Power Forward, Back Up Guard, Back up Forward, Backup Center
What they should take: Point guard, Power forward
Suns fans all around are rejoicing after trading for Hall of Famer Chris Paul. Not only that, but they kept this pick as well which many people thought they would have to give up in the trade. With Oubre gone, they can use another forward to go along with Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges. Toppin is a great overall player, and his scoring ability will add another weapon next to Devin Booker, and open up the floor for Chris Paul to do what he does best.
11) San Antonio Spurs: Patrick Williams- PF (Florida State)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 9.2 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 APG, 1 SPG, 1 BPG, 1.7 TO, 45.9 FG%, 32 3P%
Team Needs: 3 Point Shooting (26th), Small Forward, Power Forward, Center, backups at those positions
What they should take: Forward, Center
Lamarcus Aldridge is getting up there in age, making Williams the perfect replacement. A lot of scouts have Williams going higher in the draft, so this pick could be a steal for them.
12) Sacramento Kings: Aaron Nesmith- SF (Vanderbilt)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 23 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.7 TO, 51.2 FG%, 52.2 3P%
Team Needs: Rebounding (27th), Blocks (27th), Center, Backup Point Guard, Backup Small Forward, Backup Center
What they should take: Best available
The Kings traded Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Bucks yesterday for Donte Divincenzo, filling the shooting guard role as the Kings try to shop Buddy Hield. Harrison Barnes still owns the small forward spot, but he’s continually declined since coming to Sacramento making Nesmith the best option for the future.
13) New Orleans Pelicans: Tyrese Maxey- SG/PG (Kentucky)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 14 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.2 TO, 42.7 FG%, 29.2 3P%
Team Needs: Depth, Shooting Guard
What they should take: Guard
Jrue Holiday is gone, and the Pelicans received 100 draft picks and Eric Bledsoe. This leaves the shooting guard position wide open. Maxey is arguably the best shooting guard available, and it’s up to the Pelicans if they like him or RJ Hampton at this pick.
14) Boston Celtics: Kira Lewis- PG (Alabama)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 18.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.5 TO, 45.9 FG%, 36.6 3P%
Team Needs: Center, Depth
What they should take: Center, Best available
Celtics are also in a best player available scenario and Kira Lewis is definitely that guy. Brad Wanamaker is currently the backup so this is an easy replacement.
15) Orlando Magic: RJ Hampton- PG/SG (Australia)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 8.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.5 TO, 40.7 FG%, 29.5 3P%
Team Needs: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Backup Point Guard, Backup Forward
What they should take: Guard
The former top 5 recruit out of high school struggled overseas, but has a lot of room to grow, With Evan Fournier becoming a free agent this year and Markelle Fultz still not selling himself as the point guard of the future, RJ Hampton is a good addition to a team looking to get out of the 7th-8th seed range they’ve been stuck in the past few years.
16) Houston Rockets: Precious Achiuwa- PF (Memphis)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 15.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 2.8 TO, 49.3 FG%, 32.5 3P%
Team Needs: Passing (30th), Steals (28th), Forward, Backup Point Guard, Backup Forward
What they should take: The Rockets got this pick when they traded away Robert Covington, so they’ll draft Achiuwa as a replacement. This pick is hard to evaluate because Westbrook and Harden are both rumored to be traded, and the return is unknown so their priority position is unknown. As of now, it’s a big and Achiuwa is a great option.
17) Minnesota Timberwolves: Saddiq Bey- SF (Villanova)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 16.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 47.7 FG%, 45.1 3P%
What they should take: Forward
After taking Lamelo earlier, they are set at the guard position. Now, they need to solidify the forward position. Bey is a great shooter and scorer. His presence will help greatly, and give the Timberwolves another talented young player to work with.
18) Dallas Mavericks: Cole Anthony- PG (UNC)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 18.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.5 TO, 38 FG%, 34.8 3P%
Team Needs: Steals (29th), Small Forward, Backup Small Forward, Backup Point Guard
What they should take: Point Guard, Small Forward
19) Brooklyn Nets: Aleksej Pokuševski- PF (Greece)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 9.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 1.8 TO, 40 FG%, 32.1 3P%,
Team Needs: Steals (27th)
What they should take: Power Forward
Nets don’t really need anything unless they trade a lot of their team to get James Harden. Durant is aging and coming off a career altering injury so his time left in the league is uncertain. Aleksej is still under 19 years old, so he’ll have a ton of time to develop and could become the next greek freak.
20) Miami Heat: Jalen Smith- PF (Maryland)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 15.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 1.7 TO, 53.8 FG%, 36.8 3P%
Team Needs: Power Forward, Trade Pieces
What they should take: Forward
The Heat are already one of the deepest teams in the league, so they don’t really need anyone. Heat played Jae Crowder at the 4 a lot in the playoffs, so they don’t have a true power forward and Jalen Smith can do that for them.
21) Philadelphia 76ers: Isaiah Stewart- PF (Washington)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 17 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 2.2 TO, 57 FG%, 25 3P%
Team Needs: Depth
What they should take: Forward
This is another team who’s priorities might change based on what trades they make, especially if they trade for Harden. Al Horford is getting old and didn’t look like himself last year, so the 76ers get a great young player in Stewart.
22) Denver Nuggets: Desmond Bane- SG (TCU)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 16.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.3 TO, 45.2 FG%, 44.2 3P%
Team Needs: Power Forward, Depth
What they should take: Best Available
Desmond Bane has been rising up draft boards and deservedly so. He’s a great shooter and rebounder especially at his position, and can hold his own on defense. Gary Harris is coming off a really poor season, and Bane could very well replace him. The Nuggets need guys who can win now as they try to reach the championship, and with 4 years of experience under his belt, Bane is the perfect fit.
23) New York Knicks: Tyler Bey- SF (Colorado)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 13.8 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.4 TO, 53 FG%, 41.9 3P%
What they should take: Small Forward
Knicks fill another hole in their roster with this pick. Kevin Knox proved this year he may not be the player of the future for them, which opens up the opportunity for Bey to be selected. The Knicks moved up 4 picks to get here, so they must really see someone they like. Bey is a great defender, rebounder, and effective shooter that could be a leader on defense for them. This is their second pick after taking Hayes with the 8th pick.
24) New Orleans Pelicans: Tyrell Terry- PG (Stanford)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 14.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.6 TO, 44.1 FG%, 40.8 3P%
What they should take: Guard
Pelicans take Maxey to replace Jrue Holiday earlier, now they take Tyrell Terry as a possible point guard of the future to pair with him. The Pelicans do have Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and Lonzo Ball in front of him, but Eric Bledsoe and Hill are both aging, and Lonzo hasn’t really proved he’s a point guard of the future. Terry is more of a scoring point guard than a passing guard, so he can play alongside Maxey, and he can use these years to develop and become a star.
25) Oklahoma City Thunder: Malachi Flynn- PG (San Diego State)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 17.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.8 TO, 44.1 FG%, 37.3 3P%
Team Needs: Three point shooting (27th), Passing (28th), Point Guard, Power Forward, Backup Point Guard-Power Forward
What they should take: Point Guard
After trading Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder, the Thunder are left with no point guards. Flynn was tremendous last year at San Diego State, showing he can do a little bit of everything and won games for his team. All signs point towards a Thunder rebuild, and with 200 picks in the next 5 years, this is a good way to start it.
26) Boston Celtics: Jaden McDaniels: SF (Washington)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 13 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 3.2 TO, 40.5 FG%, 33.9 3P%
What they should take: Small Forward
Rumors have been circulating that the Celtics are shopping Gordon Hayward, which means the small forward position will be open. McDaniels had a disappointing season compared to what was expected, but still has a lot of room to grow. He probably won’t be ready right away, but long term he could be a great investment for this Celtics team.
27) Utah Jazz: Devon Dotson: PG (Kansas)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 18.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.4 TO, 46.8 FG%, 30.9 3P%
Team Needs: Passing (26th), Steals (30th), Blocks (28th), Point Guard, Backup Point Guard, Backup Forward
What they should take: Point Guard
Dotson is lightning quick and when it comes to driving to the basket, he’s one of the best. He’s a great perimeter defender that is great in the passing lanes and can get a big stop. Mike Conley is aging and declining as the years go, and they need a point guard to pair alongside Donovan Mitchell. Dotson can be that guy and proved last season that he has tons of potential.
28) Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Nwora- SF (Louisville)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 18 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.1 TO, 44 FG%, 40.2 3P%
What they should take: Forward
The Thunder get this pick from the Lakers in the Dennis Schroder trade. Danilo Gallinari is currently a free agent so the position is wide open. Kelly Oubre will take one of the forward spots, and Nwora could potentially take the other. Nwora was one of the best players in college and while he might not be the best defender, his offense and rebounding make up for it.
29) Toronto Raptors: Zeke Nnaji- C (Arizona)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 16.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 2.2 TO, 57 FG%, 29.4 3P%
Team Needs: Center, Backup Point Guard-Center
What they should take: Center
Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka are both free agents and both could walk, so the Raptors need someone who can play the position. Nnaji was very hit or miss in college, sometimes showing he should be a lottery pick and sometimes showing he shouldn’t even be drafted. Raptors need someone who can rebound and defend, and Nnaji needs to be that guy for them.
30) Boston Celtics: Vernon Carey- C (Duke)
Embed from Getty ImagesStats: 17.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 2 TO, 57.7 FG%, 38.1 3P%
What they should take: Center
Vernon Carey was a top 3 recruit out of high school, and there’s a reason for that. Carey is a dominant player in the post, and can score at ease when given the opportunity. Celtics don’t necessarily have a player that is a lock at the center position, and with a strong season, Carey could fill that role.