There’s no better stage for college prospects to boost their draft stock than March. As the pressure ramps up, defenses tighten, and every possession carries weight, the players who perform in these moments draw increased attention from NBA teams.
The Final Four delivered, and now the tournament is in the books, with Dusty May’s Michigan squad cutting down the nets in Indianapolis on Monday night. Performances on this stage have already reshaped parts of the draft conversation, and that movement is likely to continue as teams finalize their boards.
Outside of a relatively settled top four, the rest of the draft remains fluid. Here’s a look at where things stand coming out of the tournament and heading toward draft night.
Methodology: Lottery order is based on a randomized Tankathon simulation. Picks 15–30 reflect Tankathon standings as of April 7.
Lottery Picks
1. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa | Wing | BYU
Dybantsa moves into the top spot after a dominant March run. He’s scored 20 or more in every game since February 4, showcasing three-level scoring and the ability to carry an offense for extended stretches.
2. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Darryn Peterson | CG | Kansas
Availability is the key question for Peterson. After the loss to St. John’s, he acknowledged that injuries left him out of rhythm and not feeling like himself. If healthy, his talent is undeniable, but durability will heavily influence how teams evaluate him.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer | F | Duke
Boozer consistently impresses with his ability to play beyond his physical limitations. He may never match tthe raw skills of Dybantsa or Peterson, but he outperformed both at the college level. He projects as a day-one starter and one of the most immediate contributors in this class.
4. Utah Jazz: Caleb Wilson | F | UNC
While not an ideal roster match alongside Jaren Jackson, Lauri Markkanen, and Kyle Filipowski, Wilson’s game-breaking athleticism and long-term upside are too significant to pass on. Utah needs talent wherever it can find it, and Wilson provides it.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND): Keaton Wagler | CG | Illinois
Wagler aligns well with the Clippers, bringing size, shooting, and versatility. He complements Darius Garland off the ball and can step into primary creation when needed.
6. Washington Wizards: Kingston Flemings | PG | Houston
Flemings struggled to elevate his play in March, but his two-way ability and polished fundamentals still position him as one of the safer point guard options in the class.
7. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff | PG | Arkansas
An offensive dynamo with a knack for being clutch when needed, Acuff could be next in the line of John Calipari guards to excel in the league. His size and lack of burst, however, are likely to make him a defensive target early on.
8. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | Louisville
Brown’s polarizing college career has impacted his stock. Season-long back issues, questionable shot selection, and high-risk playmaking could push teams to view him as a scoring spark plug rather than a primary lead guard.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries | CG | Arizona
Far from a flashy creator, Burries leaned on efficiency and decision-making to evolve into the top option on one of the nation’s best teams. He projects as a reliable long-term starter.
10. Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance | F/C | Kentucky
Quaintance remains the top defender in the class, but a limited four-game sample at Kentucky raises concerns. Even so, his ceiling makes him a worthwhile swing for a team thin in the frontcourt.
11. Golden State Warriors: LaBaron Philon | PG | Alabama
A crafty ball-handler with a soft touch in the paint, Philon provides the three-level scoring Golden State will need in a post-Curry era.
12. Portland Trail Blazers: Nate Ament | Wing | Tennessee
Ament is still a developmental piece, but his shooting and ability to attack closeouts should allow him to carve out an early role alongside ball-dominant Deni Avdija.
13. Miami Heat: Thomas Haugh | Wing | Florida
Haugh is a plug-and-play contributor who impacts multiple areas. He defends, shoots, and moves well without the ball, making his transition to the next level straightforward, and he stays in Florida.
14. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): Karim Lopez | Wing | NZ Breakers
Lopez brings physicality and strength on the wing, and Memphis provides an environment conducive to his growth as both a shooter and defender.
Mid First Round
15. OKC Thunder (via LAC): Yaxel Lendeborg | F | Michigan
Lendeborg is a jumbo playmaker with a defensive edge who aligns naturally with Oklahoma City’s system. His age is less of a concern for a team focused on immediate contention.
16. OKC Thunder (via PHI): Cameron Carr | SG | Baylor
Carr is a high-upside swing with top-tier athleticism and a solid shooting base. The foundation is there for significant growth on both ends.
17. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat | F | Arizona
Peat is a downhill force who thrives attacking the paint. While his jumper is still developing, he can be a relentless interior scorer when surrounded by spacing.
18. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz | PG | Iowa
A high-IQ guard who controls tempo, excels in pick-and-roll situations, and makes difficult shots despite average athletic traits.
19. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX): Hannes Steinbach | C | Washington
Steinbach offers floor spacing, rebounding, and interior scoring. His defensive instincts need refinement, but the effort level and physical makeup are encouraging.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Braylon Mullins | SG | UConn
San Antonio adds perimeter shooting. Mullins is a long-range threat who can also attack closeouts, making him a clean addition to their young core.
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Dailyn Swain | Wing | Texas
A stingy defender with offensive upside, Swain showcased the full scope of his game during Texas’ March run.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Montiejus Krivas | C | Arizona
Krivas projects as a defensive anchor with strong rim protection. Offensively, his touch and finesse allow him to contribute efficiently.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Patrick Ngongba II | C | Duke
Ngongba is a dependable finisher with strong defensive fundamentals and solid passing instincts. He projects as a natural long-term frontcourt piece.
24. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr. | F/C | Michigan
Johnson’s role is clear, attack downhill and finish plays. His athletic profile alongside Luka Dončić should make that transition seamless.
25. New York Knicks: Christian Anderson | PG | Texas Tech
Anderson is a skilled creator who shoots efficiently and brings scoring punch, even if he may be targeted on the defensive end.
26. Denver Nuggets: Chris Cenac Jr. | C | Houston
Cenac is a smooth, oversized floor spacer who complements one of the league’s best offensive hubs. His defense can also help offset Jokić’s limitations.
27. Boston Celtics: Amari Allen | Wing | Alabama
A big wing who impacts multiple facets of the game, Allen has a strong shooting base and the defensive chops to contribute right away.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Tyler Tanner | PG | Vanderbilt
At 6’0”, Tanner compensates with explosiveness, relentless defense, and strong playmaking instincts.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SA): Isaiah Evans | SG | Duke
Evans projects as a classic 3-and-D wing. He brings shooting, length, and enough off-ball scoring to contribute early in a limited role.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Maleek Thomas | CG | Arkansas
Thomas is one of the purest scorers in the class, with deep range and a complete shot-making package. His development as a playmaker and defender will be key.
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