NBA Mock Draft: Pre-lottery edition

The NBA draft board is coming into focus. Now comes the shuffle.

Sunday’s lottery will lock in the order, but projections are already forming based on team needs and prospect momentum. The top of the class remains strong, with several freshmen expected to headline the first round.

Here’s how the first round could play out:

1. Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Dynamic scorer with size. Potential No. 1 option.

2. Pacers — Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
Polished, physical, ready now. High floor.

3. Nets — Darryn Peterson, PG, Kansas
Explosive guard. Franchise upside.

4. Jazz — Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
Athletic, active, still growing skill-wise.

5. Kings — Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Elite shot creator. Offensive engine.

6. Grizzlies — Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Fast, aggressive, attacks the paint.

7. Hawks — Keaton Wagler, PG, Illinois
Big guard. Feel and versatility.

8. Mavericks — Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Strong two-way presence. NBA-ready body.

9. Bulls — Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Creative guard. Playmaking upside.

10. Bucks — Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee
Skilled forward. Needs consistency.

11. Warriors — Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Huge rim protector. Passing touch.

12. Thunder — Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
Versatile defender. Team-first player.

13. Heat — Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
Shot-maker. Offensive confidence.

14. Hornets — Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
Physical, tough. Limited shooting.

15. Bulls — Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington
Skilled big. Strong rebounder.

16. Grizzlies — Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Athletic defender. High upside.

17. Thunder — Morez Johnson Jr., C, Michigan
Physical, reliable. Does the work.

18. Hornets — Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Steady, smart. True point guard.

19. Raptors — Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Shooter, pick-and-roll creator.

20. Spurs — Karim Lopez, PF, Mexico
Physical forward. Competes hard.

21. Pistons — Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Athletic scorer. Developing frame.

22. 76ers — Chris Cenac Jr., PF, Houston
Tools are there. Still raw.

23. Hawks — Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Stretch big. Offensive weapon.

24. Knicks — Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas
Rim runner. Defensive impact.

25. Lakers — Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida
Defense-first big. Limited offense.

26. Nuggets — Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Quick guard. Attacks downhill.

27. Celtics — Amari Allen, SF, Alabama
Versatile wing. Competitive.

28. Timberwolves — Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
Playmaker wing. Shooting questions.

29. Cavaliers — Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Smart, efficient. Role fit.

30. Mavericks — Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Shooter. Floor spacer.