As our mock draft predictions enter the second half of the first round, the intrigue is only increasing. This year’s class remains deep with high-upside prospects, experienced college standouts, and several late risers who significantly boosted their stock with strong performances at the NBA Combine.
The draft order is far from set in stone, however. Trade discussions are heating up across the league, and several first-round picks could change hands before draft night. One potential blockbuster involving a perennial All-NBA star may even reshape the landscape just outside the top 20!
19. Raptors - Bennett Stirtz (G, Iowa)
The Toronto Raptors finished fifth in the Eastern Conference and nearly upset the Cavaliers in the first round before falling in Game 7. Toronto has established an identity built on toughness, effort, and defensive intensity.
While the franchise has its core in RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, adding more backcourt depth could help elevate the team into true contender status.
Stirtz feels like a perfect fit for a team that thrives on hustle plays, strong defense, and a team style of play. He is the definition of perseverance – the shooting guard started his collegiate career at a Division II institution, then followed his head coach to Drake, a mid-major school.
After proving himself there, he transferred to Iowa and emerged as the centerpiece of a Hawkeyes team that reached the Elite 8.
The Missouri native averaged 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 35.8% from the three-point line. Stirtz can facilitate offense but can excel without the ball because he is a catch-and-shoot threat.
He is efficient playing the pick-and-roll and makes good decisions with the ball. His pull-up jumper is deadly and will likely become his bread and butter in the pros.
20. Spurs - Luigi Suigo (C, Italy)
Once he arrived at the gym at the NBA combine, Suigo immediately sparked a lot of conversations among the scouts. His measurements sound almost ridiculous – he is 7-foot-3 with a 7’5’’ wingspan and 9’6’’standing reach.
Suigo's size is a nightmare in the paint for his opponents, but the center can also thrive on the outside. He can hit from deep, has a mid-range jumper, and can shoot off the dribble.
The Italian center can stretch the floor, knock down mid-range jumpers, and even create shots off the dribble. He is also an exceptional passer, a skill that often goes overlooked in evaluating big men.
Suigo has cited Victor Wembanyama as his role model, making San Antonio an especially intriguing landing spot.
If selected by the Spurs, Suigo could learn from one of the league's most unique talents while immediately contributing as a rebounder and rim protector. His combination of size, skill, and feel for the game gives him enormous upside.
21. Clippers (trade w/DET) - Allen Graves (F, Santa Clara)
This pick currently belongs to the Detroit Pistons, and while this is a bold take, there is a scenario in which it could become part of a blockbuster trade package for Kawhi Leonard.
The Pistons finished first in the East and had the third-best record in the NBA. Yet they were eliminated by the Cavaliers in the second round, proving they still need a little bit more to compete for the championship.
Leonard could become the ideal co-star to Cade Cunningham and the last piece missing from the title puzzle.
He had one of the most efficient seasons of his career, averaging 27.9 points and shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
This would tremendously benefit the Los Angeles Clippers. For years, the team overflew with potential, had championship aspirations, and targeted a deep playoff run.
But it never happened, and at the latest NBA trade deadline, the franchise decided to send superstars James Harden and Ivica Zubac elsewhere to focus on the future and start a rebuild.
For the Clippers, however, a trade could accelerate a long-overdue transition. Despite years of championship aspirations, the franchise never reached its ultimate goal – the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
At the latest NBA trade deadline, the franchise decided to send superstars James Harden and Ivica Zubac elsewhere – therefore, embracing a younger timeline, acquiring additional draft capital, promising talent, and future assets could make sense.
The Clippers stated that they would like to “win with Kawhi”, but he is going to turn 35 on June 29, and LA may pivot in another direction if given the right circumstances.
LA will draft a youth superstar with their fifth overall pick. So why not give up their lone star in exchange for another first-round pick, two reliable veterans in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, a promising forward, Roland Holland II coming off a solid rookie campaign, and future first-round picks?
This could be an ideal start to a transformation for the Clippers.
Should the Clippers acquire this selection, Graves would be an intriguing option.
He is a defensive machine with a sturdy frame who has a dynamic style of play, thrives in physical play, and impacts games in multiple ways. Graves is an excellent screener and rebounder, moves the ball well, and shot 41.3% from deep, making him a valuable modern forward.
22. 76ers - Henri Veesaar (C, North Carolina)
The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a disappointing postseason exit after getting swept by the Knicks in the second round. Given Joel Embiid's recent injury history, adding frontcourt depth should be a priority.
Veesaar is the perfect combination of playmaking, rim protecting, and floor spacing. He is a skilled four but can play at the five, making him an athletic and versatile big man.
For the Tar Heels, he recorded 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an astonishing 42.6% from three. The Estonian native has the potential to shine next to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe right away.
He’s physical and can score at all three levels, which is impressive for his size.
23. Hawks - Ebuka Okorie (PG, Stanford)
Okorie surpassed every expectation at Stanford and proved that he is ready for the next level. Despite lacking an ideal size, his offensive skill set is difficult to ignore.
The Atlanta Hawks could get a pure scorer who can also run the offense and facilitate. Adding a strong backcourt presence would give them multiple perimeter scoring options.
After trading away Trae Young, there are both points and minutes up for grabs.
The dynamic point guard averaged 23.2 points and 3.6 assists at Stanford. He has mastered his catch-and-shoot and is efficient off the dribble as well.
The Hawks are known for their sharpshooting – they ranked in the top 5 in three-point percentage. Okorie can be impactful, but he will have to learn how to overcome the size deficit in the pros.
If he is willing to fill in the gaps for Atlanta and excel as a role player at first, he could be an ideal fit.
24. Knicks - Zuby Ejiofor (F, St. Johns)
At first, Ejiofor was projected as a second-round pick. But his energy, relentlessness, physicality, and defensive mentality significantly boosted his stock and captured attention from teams, sparking conversations about his worth.
Ejiofor led St. John’s in scoring, rebounds, assists, and blocks – a remarkable achievement for a big man. He is the definition of an ultimate competitor with great instincts and a killer defensive mentality.
Athletic enough to switch onto guards and experienced after four collegiate seasons, he projects as a dependable rotation player with room for further growth.
This pick is New York’s, and it will be difficult to earn a bigger role on a team that is currently battling in the NBA Finals. But Ejiofor could be a tremendous future investment.
Furthermore, Mitchell Robinson is heading to free agency this summer, and the St. John's star could take over at least some of his minutes.
