NBA · 8 hours ago

Yahoo Sports Reveals NBA Mock Draft 9.0 Featuring Updated Projections

John Canady

Host · Writer

30) Dallas Mavericks: G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
The Mavericks close out the first round with one of the more intriguing international prospects available. Jack Kayil plays with maturity beyond his years, bringing toughness, defensive upside, and a feel for the game that should fit well alongside stars like Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. If his offensive game continues to develop, this could be a tremendous value selection.

"Maybe Kayil will end up going much higher, though, because there's no denying his upside." — Kevin O'Connor
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have assembled an intriguing young core, but AJ Dybantsa is the type of prospect who can change the trajectory of an entire franchise. His ability to create offense from anywhere on the floor stands out, and the presence of veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis would allow him to grow without having to carry the offense from Day 1. If the jumper continues to improve, Washington could be looking at a future superstar.

"Dybantsa could become one of the NBA's most unstoppable shot creators." — Kevin O'Connor
2) Utah Jazz: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Few prospects enter the draft as polished as Cameron Boozer. He impacts the game in a variety of ways, whether it's scoring inside, stretching the floor, or facilitating offense from the frontcourt. Surrounded by talented bigs and versatile scorers, Utah would give Boozer an ideal environment to maximize his all-around skill set.

"With the bloodline of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, the team that drafts him is betting that skill, adaptability, and a track record of winning at every level all lead to superstardom." — Kevin O'Connor
3) Memphis Grizzlies: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
If not for lingering questions about durability, Darryn Peterson would have a legitimate case to go No. 1 overall. The talent is undeniable, as he brings elite scoring instincts, playmaking ability, and defensive versatility to the table. Memphis could be getting tremendous value here with a player capable of becoming the face of a franchise.

"The concern isn't his game. It's his body, which is why he slipped to third in this mock." — Kevin O'Connor
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The upside with Caleb Wilson is easy to see. His athleticism jumps off the screen, and his ability to impact games above the rim gives him a ceiling few players in this class can match. While there are still questions about his shooting and defensive consistency, Chicago would be betting on elite physical tools and long-term star potential.

"When he's flying above the rim, finishing through contact, and chasing down every shot in his area code, he looks like a future franchise cornerstone." — Kevin O'Connor
5) LA Clippers: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
This projection feels just as much about draft strategy as it does talent. Darius Acuff is one of the most dynamic shot creators in the class, making him an appealing target for teams looking to move up the board. Whether the Clippers make the pick or use it as leverage in a trade, Acuff's scoring ability is clearly generating interest around the league.

"Acuff is a wiry scorer who can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor." — Kevin O'Connor
6) Brooklyn Nets: G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
When Mikel Brown Jr. is healthy and in rhythm, he looks every bit like a lottery-caliber talent. His ability to score off the dribble, finish with either hand, and create opportunities for teammates gives him plenty of offensive upside. The biggest question moving forward is whether he can stay healthy enough to show those flashes consistently.

"When Brown is in the zone, he has an unstoppable pull-up jumper, an ambidextrous finishing ability, and the quick reads to rifle passes before the defense has time to react." — Kevin O'Connor
7) Sacramento Kings: G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Keaton Wagler may not overwhelm opponents with elite athleticism, but his feel for the game is difficult to ignore. He emerged as one of college basketball's biggest surprises and consistently delivered in big moments throughout the season. Sacramento would be banking on his skill, intelligence, and offensive versatility translating to the next level.

"Wagler became the orchestrator of a high-powered Illinois offense with his high-IQ playmaking and crafty scoring." — Kevin O'Connor
8) Atlanta Hawks: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
After a slow start to his freshman season, Brayden Burries steadily climbed draft boards with his production and toughness. He can score at all three levels, rebounds well for his position, and competes on both ends of the floor. Atlanta would be adding another versatile offensive weapon with room to keep growing.

"He's a physical, versatile scorer who can beat you from all three levels, rebounds like a forward, and competes hard on defense." — Kevin O'Connor
9) Dallas Mavericks: F Karim Lopez, Mexico
The Mavericks don't necessarily need another high-volume scorer next to Cooper Flagg, which makes Karim López an intriguing fit. His versatility, defensive upside, and willingness to do the little things could make him an ideal complementary piece. López may not have superstar expectations, but winning teams always need players with his skill set.

"López has all the requisite skills to enhance a star teammate as a key piece on a winning team." — Kevin O'Connor
10) Milwaukee Bucks: G Kingston Flemings, Houston
With uncertainty surrounding the franchise's future, the Bucks could use this pick to swing on upside. Kingston Flemings brings scoring instincts, playmaking ability, and a competitive edge that should appeal to teams searching for long-term building blocks. The concerns are real, but so is the potential if his offensive game continues to develop.

"Still, he brings incredible effort and passion to the floor and will likely maximize whatever he's going to become." — Kevin O'Connor
11) Golden State Warriors: C Aday Mara, Michigan
Finding frontcourt help remains a priority for Golden State, and Aday Mara could address that need immediately. His size, rim protection, and passing ability make him one of the more unique big men in this class. While perimeter mobility will always be scrutinized, his strengths align nicely with what the Warriors have been missing.

"He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing." — Kevin O'Connor
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg took an unconventional path to becoming a first-round prospect, but his production speaks for itself. He impacts nearly every aspect of the game and possesses the size and versatility that modern NBA teams covet. If Oklahoma City stays put, he'd be another intriguing developmental piece for an already loaded roster.

"Lendeborg just kept getting better every single time the competition got harder in college." — Kevin O'Connor
13) Miami Heat: F Hannes Steinbach, Washington
The Heat have built a reputation for developing frontcourt talent, and Hannes Steinbach feels like the type of prospect who could thrive in that environment. His strength, rebounding ability, and touch around the basket already give him a solid foundation. If the flashes of perimeter shooting become a consistent part of his game, his ceiling rises considerably.

"He has massive hands that he uses to grab every possible rebound and finish effectively around the basket." — Kevin O'Connor
14) Charlotte Hornets: F Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
Championship teams always seem to have players willing to do the dirty work, and Morez Johnson Jr. embraced that role throughout Michigan's title run. His versatility, physicality, and defensive instincts would address several needs for Charlotte's frontcourt. Even if the jumper never fully develops, he projects as a player that coaches love having on the floor.

"Even without a jumper, Johnson has a long future ahead of him at the next level – and that is why league sources say his stock is on the rise into the mid-late lottery range." — Kevin O'Connor
15) Chicago Bulls: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
The Bulls continue adding length and upside in this scenario with Nate Ament, one of the more fascinating boom-or-bust prospects in the class. At his size, players who can handle the ball and create offense are always going to generate interest. His strong finish to the season offered a reminder of why he entered college with so much hype.

"Players who can handle, shoot off the dribble, and stand at 6-foot-10 don't grow on trees." — Kevin O'Connor
16) Memphis Grizzlies: G Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
After landing a potential star earlier in the draft, Memphis adds another highly skilled guard in Bennett Stirtz. He consistently impacts games despite lacking elite athletic traits, thanks to his vision, creativity, and scoring touch. Stirtz feels like the type of player who could outperform his draft slot if his game translates to NBA speed.

"Stirtz feels the game at a different frequency than everyone else on the floor." — Kevin O'Connor
17) Oklahoma City Thunder: G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
The Thunder have never been afraid to invest in skill and upside, which makes Christian Anderson an interesting fit. His shooting ability and comfort operating in pick-and-roll situations stand out immediately. At his size, there will always be defensive questions, but his offensive value could make him worth the gamble.

"Anderson showed up at Texas Tech as the 101st-ranked recruit and has played his way into the first-round conversation." — Kevin O'Connor
18) Charlotte Hornets: G Cameron Carr, Baylor
Charlotte continues to add perimeter talent with Cameron Carr, a wing who boosted his stock considerably during his time at Baylor. His outside shooting and defensive potential fit well alongside the Hornets' existing core. The next challenge will be adjusting to the physicality and nightly grind of the NBA.

"Carr transferred to Baylor, and led the team in scoring, shot nearly 40% from 3 on high volume, and looked like a 3-and-D role player who also has blossoming skills off the dribble." — Kevin O'Connor
19) Toronto Raptors: G Labaron Philon, Alabama
Toronto enters this draft needing help at point guard, and Labaron Philon could provide exactly that. His ability to create offense, navigate defenses, and score from multiple spots on the floor helped him emerge as one of college basketball's top guards. The biggest hurdle will be proving he can hold up physically against NBA competition.

"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
20) San Antonio Spurs: F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
The Spurs have consistently targeted smart, versatile players, making Allen Graves a logical fit. His background as a former point guard shows up in the way he sees the floor and makes decisions with the ball. While he may never wow scouts with elite athleticism, his feel for the game could help him carve out a long NBA career.

"The analytics love him, and he passes the eye test with his elite feel for the game." — Kevin O'Connor
21) Detroit Pistons: G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
The Pistons need additional shot creation around Cade Cunningham, and Meleek Thomas offers plenty of offensive upside. He can knock down shots from deep, create off the dribble, and isn't afraid of the spotlight in big moments. Detroit would be betting that his scoring ability outweighs concerns about efficiency and physicality.

"He's a legit NBA shooter with deep range, a quick release, and creation juice off the bounce." — Kevin O'Connor
22) Philadelphia 76ers: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Adding frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid remains an important priority, and Chris Cenac Jr. brings intriguing long-term upside. His mobility, length, and shooting potential are all qualities teams covet in modern big men. Philadelphia would be drafting a project, but one with tools that could eventually pay off.

"He arrived in college with lottery expectations, and he still could become that player in the future." — Kevin O'Connor
23) Atlanta Hawks: C Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Few players in this draft have experienced a rollercoaster quite like Jayden Quaintance. Before injuries slowed his momentum, he looked like one of the most impactful defensive prospects in the country. Atlanta could decide the upside is worth the risk, especially if he returns to the player he looked like early in his college career.

"As a freshman at Arizona State, he was blocking everything in sight, showing defensive instincts and mobility that players his size aren't supposed to have." — Kevin O'Connor
24) New York Knicks: F Koa Peat, Arizona
The Knicks built their championship run around toughness, and Koa Peat would fit that identity perfectly. He plays with a physical edge, attacks the paint relentlessly, and brings an intensity that should resonate with New York fans. If the shooting comes around, this could end up looking like one of the steals of the first round.

"Powerful, physical, relentless, and it genuinely takes something special to stop him from getting to where he wants to go." — Kevin O'Connor
25) Los Angeles Lakers: F Dailyn Swain, Texas
The Lakers need players who can thrive next to Luka Dončić, and Dailyn Swain checks a lot of those boxes. He's an aggressive downhill attacker who brings defensive versatility and doesn't need the ball to make an impact. The jumper remains the swing skill, but if it continues trending in the right direction, Los Angeles could land a valuable rotation piece.

"Swain is relentless getting to the rim, creative as a finisher, and active enough defensively to project as a switchable wing." — Kevin O'Connor
26) Denver Nuggets: G Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
Denver's offense has long revolved around Nikola Jokić, but adding another creator could make life easier on everyone. Ebuka Okorie is one of the most difficult guards in this class to keep out of the paint, using craft and change of pace to break down defenses consistently. If his scoring translates against NBA athletes, the Nuggets could have a major value pick late in the first round.

"Okorie is the best driving guard in the class." — Kevin O'Connor
27) Boston Celtics: C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
The Celtics could use additional frontcourt depth, and Henri Veesaar offers a skill set that fits the modern NBA. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and make smart decisions as a passer, making him an intriguing developmental option. Boston would be betting that his steady year-over-year improvement continues at the next level.

"In all three of his collegiate seasons, he made a massive leap in production each year." — Kevin O'Connor
28) Minnesota Timberwolves: G Isaiah Evans, Duke
Shooting is always at a premium, and few prospects in this class can fill it up from deep like Isaiah Evans. His ability to knock down shots off movement and thrive without dominating the ball would fit seamlessly alongside Minnesota's current core. The next step is to expand the rest of his offensive game beyond a specialist role.

"He's a legitimate sharpshooter with the off-ball chops to thrive without even running any offense for himself." — Kevin O'Connor
29) Cleveland Cavaliers: Sergio de Larrea, Valencia
The Cavaliers may soon need more wing depth, and Sergio De Larrea brings an intriguing blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ. He has proven himself against high-level international competition while showcasing the playmaking and shooting ability teams covet. Cleveland would be taking a chance on his upside translating stateside.

"With size, smarts, and defensive versatility, he could carve out a role in the NBA if his international skill can translate." — Kevin O'Connor
30) Dallas Mavericks: G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
The Mavericks close out the first round with one of the more intriguing international prospects available. Jack Kayil plays with maturity beyond his years, bringing toughness, defensive upside, and a feel for the game that should fit well alongside stars like Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. If his offensive game continues to develop, this could be a tremendous value selection.

"Maybe Kayil will end up going much higher, though, because there's no denying his upside." — Kevin O'Connor
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have assembled an intriguing young core, but AJ Dybantsa is the type of prospect who can change the trajectory of an entire franchise. His ability to create offense from anywhere on the floor stands out, and the presence of veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis would allow him to grow without having to carry the offense from Day 1. If the jumper continues to improve, Washington could be looking at a future superstar.

"Dybantsa could become one of the NBA's most unstoppable shot creators." — Kevin O'Connor

Yahoo Sports Reveals NBA Mock Draft 9.0 Featuring Updated Projections

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