The 2027 NBA Draft class is already taking shape with Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes emerging as the early favourite number 1 for most teams. It is interesting to also note that the 2027 group is less predictable – because a lot of players have returned to colleges so that has added a different level of curiosity.
The NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects look a lot like this:
NBA’s 2026-27 Draft Prospects: Early Number 1 Pick
Tyran Stokes, Kansas
Stokes enters this season as the player who is clearly the favourite of everyone, especially now that we are entering the NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects timeline.
This 6-foot-7 player was the number 1 in his recruiting class because he very smartly combines his size, athleticism, ball handling with some of the best three level scoring. In fact, according to the early mock drafts from CBS Sports and Tankathon both – they both have placed him at No. 1.
Known as one of college basketball’s 2026-2027’s top players, his enormous physical strength will help him join the NBA along with how his freshman season goes.
Top College Basketball 2026-2027 Players to Watch
Amari Allen, Alabama
Allen is one of the biggest players who returned to the stage when it comes to NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects. He averaged around 34.1% as a freshman, and now his next challenge will be to be more effective as a shooter and primary ball handler.
The CBS Sports that a breakout sophomore campaign could also push him into the top 10.
Braylon Mullins, UConn
Mullins makes his return to NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects and becomes one of the most sought after college basketball 2026-2027 top players.
His shooting ability and potential also make him a very intriguing return to the class because if he plays well this season, it could push him firmly into the lottery territory.
Thomas Haugh, Florida
Haugh may be the most important returning prospect in college basketball.
He is one of NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects, but can be a first round selection in 2026.
So CBS Sports also considers him a potential top 10 pick if he takes his offensive role again. His versatility is what makes him even more interesting to NBA scouts.
Alijah Arenas, USC
Arenas is also another high-upside name among the NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects. So, after missing the beginning of his freshmen season because of a knee injury – he also averaged 14.1 points in 14 games.
His ability to score is evident but his improved efficiency also determines how high he rises.
Jordan Smith Jr. Arkansas
Smith is one of the incoming freshmen who could challenge Stokes for the top spot. CBS Sports lists him as one of the top NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects because he can reach the top 5 very quickly.
The early mock drafts also consistently place him near the top of the lottery. He has a combination of guard skills and scoring ability that make him a very important NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospect.
Caleb Holt, Arizona
Holt is also another freshman with legitimate top pick potential. At roughly 6 foot 5. He offers:
- Positional size
- Athleticism
- Two way potential
CBS Sports also projects him to be a top pick when it comes to NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects.
More Returning Players Who Can Rise
Several players who could have entered the 2026 NBA draft order chose to return to college making the lineup for NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects quite small and unpredictable in comparison.
Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
Ngongba is a valuable interior player who has seen Duke through many wins. He now has another opportunity to establish himself as the top 5 NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects if he plays consistently.
Milan Momcilovik, Kentucky
One of the class’s most intriguing shooting prospects, he is known to strengthen any team he goes to. With his recent shift to Kentucky, everyone has eyes on his performance this year.
Mtoeijus Krivas, Arizona
Krivas made a huge leap last season when he averaged 1.9 blocks per game. He is also one of the top NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects if he continues to develop and stay focused.
Shelton Henderson, Miami
Henderson averaged 13.8 points as a freshman so he can receive a larger offensive role this season. This will also increase his responsibility and put him into the NBA’s 2026-27 draft prospects.
NBA Draft 2027 Predictions: Early Picture
Its too early to predict the actual draft order because the season has not yet started but we can still assume prospects based on past experiences:
| Projected Tier | Players |
| Number 1 contender | Tyran Stokes |
| Top 5 contenders | Jordan Smith Jr., Caleb Holt, Amari Allen |
| Lottery candidates | Braylon Mullins, Thomas Haugh |
| First round risers | Alijah Arenas, Patrick Ngongba II, Milan Momcilovic |
| Breakout candidates | Shelton Henderson, Tounde Yessoufou |
Why the 2027 Draft Could Be Different?
The NBA’s 2026-2027 draft prospects could be different because of the influence of NIL.
A lot of players who previously entered the draft now chose to return back to college because of the financial help and opportunities they got through NIL.
What Scouts Will Watch in 2026-2027?
When it comes to the NBA’s 2026-2027 draft prospects, scouts will be watching specific strategies such as:
Shooting
- Players like Momcilovic and Yessoufou will be observed more closely.
Playmaking
- Stokes and Allen will also have the ability to create their draft standings if they make way for their teammates.
Defense
- NBA teams want those players who can defend a lot of positions.
Consistency
- For freshmen especially, high level competition throughout the season will matter more than any one day.
How players will play, how the scouts will observe them and which players are chosen at the end of the season will determine the next few seasons of the NBA.
