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Kevin O’Connor Reveals NBA Mock Draft 6.0 Featuring Post Combine Projections

John Canady

Host · Writer

30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
Jack Kayil is one of the younger guards in this class, but his poise and feel already stand out. He plays with toughness defensively, moves the ball well, and has the size to eventually thrive next to other creators in an NBA backcourt. Dallas could view him as another long-term upside swing alongside Cooper Flagg as the franchise reshapes its future.

“There’s no denying his upside.” - Kevin O’Connor
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa looks every bit the franchise-changing talent the Wizards have been searching for. At 6-foot-9, he has the kind of shot creation ability that instantly alters the ceiling of a rebuilding team, especially one that already has veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis to help stabilize the environment. Washington already has intriguing young pieces, but Dybantsa brings true superstar upside if his jumper and defensive consistency continue to develop.

“Dybantsa, who could become one of the NBA’s most unstoppable shot-creators.” - Kevin O’Connor
2) Utah Jazz: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson would give the Jazz a dynamic lead guard capable of becoming the franchise's centerpiece. His smooth scoring package, length, and ability to thrive both on and off the ball make him one of the safest bets near the top of this class. The talent has never been the concern with Peterson. The bigger question is whether his body can hold up through the grind of an NBA season.

“Maybe they’d prefer to stay put, and Peterson ends up the best in the class anyway.” - Kevin O’Connor
3) Memphis Grizzlies: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer feels like the exact type of polished, winning player Memphis would value highly. He impacts the game in multiple ways, whether it’s scoring from the post, stretching the floor, or facilitating offense as a point forward. The Grizzlies would be betting that his feel, versatility, and track record outweigh concerns about his athletic ceiling.

“Boozer is the most polished player in the class.” - Kevin O’Connor
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Caleb Wilson would immediately inject much-needed athleticism and frontcourt upside into Chicago’s rebuild. His explosiveness around the rim and defensive range give him the tools to become one of the most disruptive bigs in this draft if everything clicks. The jumper still needs work, but the Bulls desperately need star power, and Wilson offers exactly that type of swing.

“Wilson is the most gifted athlete in the draft class.” - Kevin O’Connor
5) LA Clippers: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
Brayden Burries has rapidly become one of the hottest names in this draft cycle, and his fit with the Clippers makes plenty of sense. He brings toughness, physicality, and scoring versatility to a backcourt that could use more size next to Darius Garland. Burries may not overwhelm defenders with elite burst, but his feel for the game and mature approach continue winning evaluators over.

“Executives around the NBA have spotlighted Burries as one of the biggest risers of the NBA Draft Combine.” - Kevin O’Connor
6) Brooklyn Nets: G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Keaton Wagler would give Brooklyn another creative offensive weapon capable of orchestrating an offense. His breakout freshman season proved he can control tempo, create shots, and elevate teammates despite lacking elite athletic tools. The Nets would be banking on his basketball IQ and scoring instincts continuing to translate against NBA athletes.

“He quickly became the orchestrator of a high-powered Illinois offense with his high-IQ playmaking and crafty scoring.” - Kevin O’Connor
7) Sacramento Kings: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Darius Acuff Jr. fits exactly what Sacramento has been missing at point guard. He’s a crafty shot creator who can manipulate defenses, make difficult reads, and score from all three levels despite lacking ideal size. Defensive concerns will follow him into the NBA, but offensively, Acuff has the creativity and confidence to eventually run a franchise.

“He reads defenses like someone who's been in the league for a decade.” - Kevin O’Connor
8) Atlanta Hawks: G Mikel Brown, Louisville
Mikel Brown could quietly become one of the steals of this class if he stays healthy. His pull-up shooting, quick processing, and ability to score with either hand make him a dangerous offensive guard when he gets rolling. Atlanta would be taking a calculated gamble on upside after injuries disrupted much of his freshman year.

“When Brown is in the zone, he has an unstoppable pull-up jumper.” - Kevin O’Connor
9) Dallas Mavericks: F Karim Lopez, New Zealand
Karim López feels like a very Masai Ujiri-type of prospect with his size, versatility, and long-term developmental upside. He already plays a mature style built around physical defense, ball handling, and positional flexibility, which should fit naturally alongside Cooper Flagg. López may not have one elite trait yet, but his all-around game gives Dallas another intriguing young building block.

“López is the best basketball prospect Mexico has ever produced.” - Kevin O’Connor
10) Milwaukee Bucks: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
Nate Ament would represent a major upside swing for Milwaukee during a transitional period for the franchise. At 6-foot-10 with shot creation ability, he flashes the kind of rare offensive skill set that teams cannot teach. Consistency remains the biggest hurdle, but the Bucks could afford to gamble on his star potential.

“Players who can handle, shoot off the dribble, and stand at 6-10 don’t grow on trees.” - Kevin O’Connor
11) Golden State Warriors: C Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Hannes Steinbach looks like the kind of frontcourt player Golden State could maximize immediately. His rebounding instincts, interior scoring touch, and improving perimeter skill set would pair well with Draymond Green while also easing pressure off Stephen Curry. Steinbach may not be flashy, but his physical development and polished feel have rapidly elevated his stock.

“Steinbach is widely considered by executives to be one of the big winners at the Draft Combine.” - Kevin O’Connor
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: C Aday Mara, Michigan
Aday Mara could become another terrifying long-term development project for Oklahoma City. His combination of size, touch, passing feel, and rim protection is difficult to find, especially in a player coming off a national championship season. The shooting limitations are real, but the Thunder have built enough infrastructure to maximize his strengths while developing the rest.

“At 7-3 and 260 pounds, Mara became one of the best true 5s in the country.” - Kevin O’Connor
13) Miami Heat: G Kingston Flemings, Houston
Kingston Flemings feels like a very Miami-type prospect because of the toughness and edge he plays with every night. Despite questions about his size, he consistently impacts games with his scoring instincts, explosiveness, and relentless energy on both ends of the floor. If the Heat believe in the competitiveness, they may not care much about the measurements.

“If anyone can overcome a lack of size, it’s Flemings.” - Kevin O’Connor
14) Charlotte Hornets: F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg has taken one of the more unconventional paths toward becoming a first-round prospect, and his rise has been impossible to ignore. He stuffs the stat sheet, defends multiple positions, and has the size and length to contribute in a variety of roles immediately. Charlotte would be betting that his steady improvement continues despite entering the league older than most lottery prospects.

“He just kept getting better every single time the competition got harder.” - Kevin O’Connor
15) Chicago Bulls (via POR): G Cameron Carr, Baylor
Cameron Carr would give Chicago another much-needed perimeter piece to develop alongside its young core. His outside shooting and defensive tools already project cleanly into an NBA role, but flashes of self-creation suggest there could be more upside to unlock. After a strong Combine showing, Carr looks like one of the bigger late risers in this class.

“Sources around the league agree was a performance that helps increase his chances of ending up in the lottery.” - Kevin O’Connor
16) Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): G Labaron Philon, Alabama
Labaron Philon would give Memphis another dynamic guard to potentially build around if Ja Morant’s future truly lies elsewhere. He took a major leap as a sophomore, showcasing improved scoring instincts, playmaking feel, and far more confidence as a shooter. The frame remains a concern, but Philon’s offensive creativity and pace could make him difficult to pass up in this range.

“Philon is a shifty, score-first point guard who blossomed into one of the best guards in college basketball as a sophomore.” - Kevin O’Connor
17) Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): F Morez Johnson, Michigan
Morez Johnson feels tailor-made for the Thunder’s system because of how many winning qualities he already brings to the floor. His defensive versatility, physicality, and connective passing would fit seamlessly next to Oklahoma City’s stars in a switch-heavy scheme. If the jumper develops even slightly, Johnson could end up becoming one of the steals of the back half of the first round.

“He became the connective tissue of the national champions as a 251-pound wrecking ball with surprisingly soft hands.” - Kevin O’Connor
18) Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): C Chris Cenac, Houston
Chris Cenac is exactly the kind of upside swing rebuilding teams should consider late in the lottery. The physical tools are undeniable with his mobility, length, and perimeter flashes at 6-foot-10, even if the production didn’t always match the talent at Houston. Charlotte would be betting on long-term development and the possibility that a bigger offensive role unlocks the player many expected to become a top-five pick.

“He still could become that player in the future.” - Kevin O’Connor
19) Toronto Raptors: G Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Bennett Stirtz continues to earn believers because of how advanced his offensive feel is. He controls games with pace, vision, and shot-making craft rather than overwhelming athleticism, which makes him one of the more unique guards in this class. Toronto could use another steady playmaker, and Stirtz has shown he can elevate offenses at every stop.

“Stirtz feels the game at a different frequency than everyone else on the floor.” - Kevin O’Connor
20) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Henri Veesaar would be a fascinating developmental fit for San Antonio because of his versatility on both offense and defense. His ability to shoot, pass, protect the rim, and function within team concepts makes him an intriguing complement to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt. The frame still needs more strength, but Veesaar’s year-to-year growth suggests there’s plenty more upside left to tap into.

“In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year.” - Kevin O’Connor
21) Detroit Pistons (via MIN): G Isaiah Evans, Duke
Isaiah Evans would fill an obvious need for Detroit as one of the purest shooters left on the board. His off-ball movement and perimeter scoring gravity would create cleaner driving lanes for Cade Cunningham while also giving the Pistons another young scorer to develop. Evans still has room to expand the rest of his offensive game, but the shooting alone gives him real value.

“Evans is the kind of shooter that defenses always need to worry about.” - Kevin O’Connor
22) Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): C Luigi Suigo, Mega
Luigi Suigo is one of the more fascinating long-term bets in this class because of his blend of size and offensive skill. At 7-foot-3, he already flashes legitimate passing instincts, shooting touch, and rim protection ability that could make him an ideal modern center if everything develops properly. Philadelphia desperately needs frontcourt insurance behind Joel Embiid, and Suigo offers major upside.

“Suigo has said he wants to be the Italian Wemby.” - Kevin O’Connor
23) Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): C Malachi Moreno, Kentucky
Malachi Moreno gives Atlanta another young frontcourt piece with a strong combination of size, physicality, and feel for the game. He already rebounds, protects the rim, and finishes above the basket at a high level while also showing flashes as a passer. If the shooting touch improves over time, Moreno could become a highly valuable two-way center.

“He’s in a good place for his age with skills that should be translatable to the next level.” - Kevin O’Connor
24) New York Knicks: F Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Jayden Quaintance remains one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this draft after battling multiple injuries early in his career. When healthy, his defensive instincts and mobility jump off the screen, especially for someone his size. New York could afford to take a swing on his upside, knowing they already have a competitive roster in place.

“As a freshman at Arizona State, Quaintance was blocking everything in sight.” - Kevin O’Connor
25) Los Angeles Lakers: F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Allen Graves is the type of analytics darling teams increasingly talk themselves into late in the first round. His background as a guard shows up in how he processes the game, handles the ball, and creates efficient offense despite not being an elite athlete. The Lakers could use another versatile wing, and Graves has the feel and skill level to eventually carve out a role.

“But the analytics love him, and he passes the eye test with his elite feel for the game.” - Kevin O’Connor
26) Denver Nuggets: G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Meleek Thomas would give Denver another much-needed perimeter creator capable of easing offensive pressure off Nikola Jokić. His confidence, deep shooting range, and scoring instincts make him one of the more dangerous microwave scorers in this class. Shot selection and physicality concerns are valid, but Thomas has the offensive talent to become a real value pick here.

“He's a legit NBA shooter with deep range, a quick release, and creation juice off the bounce.” - Kevin O’Connor
27) Boston Celtics: C Tarris Reed, UConn
Tarris Reed could help fill Boston’s long-term need for more frontcourt depth and interior toughness. He thrives on the dirty work as a rebounder, finisher, and shot-blocker while consistently impacting games with his physical presence. If the improved mobility he showed at the Combine is real, Reed’s ceiling becomes much more intriguing.

“Reed is a throwback center who played at his best on the biggest stage.” - Kevin O’Connor
28) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): F Sergio Da Larrea, Valencia
Sergio De Larrea feels like the exact type of international value pick contenders love finding late in the first round. His combination of size, playmaking feel, perimeter shooting, and defensive versatility gives him a strong pathway toward becoming a rotation guard. Minnesota could eventually view him as an important long-term backcourt piece as Mike Conley nears the end of his career.

“With size, smarts, and defensive versatility, he has the tools to far exceed his draft slot.” - Kevin O’Connor
29) Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio): F Dailyn Swain, Texas
Dailyn Swain would give Cleveland another aggressive downhill wing who can create pressure at the rim. He took a major leap offensively after transferring to Texas and consistently punished defenders in isolation situations throughout the season. The jumper remains a glaring concern, but at this stage of the draft, the Cavaliers could justify betting on the athleticism and scoring flashes.

“He somehow became the most efficient isolation scorer in the entire country.” - Kevin O’Connor
30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
Jack Kayil is one of the younger guards in this class, but his poise and feel already stand out. He plays with toughness defensively, moves the ball well, and has the size to eventually thrive next to other creators in an NBA backcourt. Dallas could view him as another long-term upside swing alongside Cooper Flagg as the franchise reshapes its future.

“There’s no denying his upside.” - Kevin O’Connor
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa looks every bit the franchise-changing talent the Wizards have been searching for. At 6-foot-9, he has the kind of shot creation ability that instantly alters the ceiling of a rebuilding team, especially one that already has veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis to help stabilize the environment. Washington already has intriguing young pieces, but Dybantsa brings true superstar upside if his jumper and defensive consistency continue to develop.

“Dybantsa, who could become one of the NBA’s most unstoppable shot-creators.” - Kevin O’Connor

Kevin O’Connor Reveals NBA Mock Draft 6.0 Featuring Post Combine Projections

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