NBA · 2 hours ago

CBS Sports Reveals Updated NBA Mock Draft, Jazz Pivot to Cameron Boozer

John Canady

Host · Writer

30) Dallas Mavericks: C Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's
Zuby Ejiofor is the kind of energy big who doesn’t need touches to impact winning. He defends, rebounds, and does the dirty work that keeps rotations stable. Dallas could use that kind of low-maintenance production behind their primary frontcourt pieces.

“A terrific defender for his size.” — Matt Norlander
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have spent years searching for a true franchise cornerstone, and AJ Dybantsa looks capable of becoming exactly that. His combination of size, athleticism, and shot creation gives him superstar upside on both ends of the floor. Washington already has promising young talent in place, but Dybantsa is the kind of prospect who can change the trajectory of an entire organization.

"He will likely lead the NBA in scoring multiple times and is a franchise-altering talent who should have his name called first." — Matt Norlander
2) Utah Jazz: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
If Utah goes this route, it would be hard to criticize the decision. Cameron Boozer consistently produced at the highest level throughout his college career and impacts winning in countless ways beyond the box score. His feel for the game, toughness, and polished offensive skill set make him one of the safest bets in this class.

"One of the most consistent and reliable prospects of the past 25 years." — Matt Norlander
3) Memphis Grizzlies: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Landing Darryn Peterson at No. 3 could end up feeling like a steal a few years from now. While his lone season at Kansas wasn't flawless, the flashes of elite shot-making and scoring ability were impossible to ignore. Memphis would be adding a player with the talent to eventually become one of the league's premier offensive weapons.

"At his best, he looks like the top prospect." — Matt Norlander
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The Bulls have desperately needed a player with star-level upside, and Caleb Wilson offers exactly that. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and relentless motor make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. If he reaches his ceiling, Chicago could finally have the foundational piece it's been searching for.

"There is a non-zero chance that Wilson ultimately becomes the best player in this stacked class." — Matt Norlander
5) LA Clippers: G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
The Clippers could swing for upside here, and Mikel Brown Jr. certainly has plenty of it. Injuries made for an uneven season at Louisville, but his scoring instincts and ability to create offense remain highly appealing. In the right situation, Brown has the talent to outperform this draft slot.

"Brown was the best player on the gold medal FIBA U19 team in 2025." — Matt Norlander
6) Brooklyn Nets: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Brooklyn needs difference-makers, and Darius Acuff Jr. has the offensive creativity to become one. He plays with confidence, thrives in big moments, and consistently finds ways to generate points. While there are defensive questions, his ability with the ball could make him worth the gamble.

"Everything he does with the ball vastly outweighs the drawbacks on the other side of the floor." — Matt Norlander
7) Sacramento Kings: G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
This would be a dream scenario for Sacramento. Keaton Wagler emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the most respected guards in the class thanks to his shooting, size, and basketball IQ. There is still room for physical development, but the long-term outlook remains extremely promising.

"Is viewed as a prospect who is highly unlikely to flop." — Matt Norlander
8) Atlanta Hawks: C Aday Mara, Michigan
The rise of Aday Mara over the past year has been remarkable. His size alone makes him a difficult matchup, but the strides he's made defensively and as a modern big have significantly boosted his stock. Atlanta could view him as a long-term frontcourt anchor with plenty of room left to grow.

"Bigs are big again in the NBA." — Matt Norlander
9) Dallas Mavericks: G Kingston Flemings, Houston
Few freshmen earn immediate trust under Kelvin Sampson, which makes what Kingston Flemings accomplished even more impressive. He plays with poise, competes defensively, and consistently impacts the game on both ends. Dallas wouldn't necessarily be drafting for need here, but the value could be too good to ignore.

"Almost no one can come in as a freshman to play for Kelvin Sampson and be Houston's best player almost right away. Flemings did it." — Matt Norlander
10) Milwaukee Bucks: G Labaron Philon, Alabama
Milwaukee could inject some much-needed youth and energy into the backcourt with Labaron Philon. His speed stands out immediately, and he's capable of creating offense for both himself and teammates in transition or the half-court. If his development continues, this could end up being one of the better values in the lottery.

"He's slender but draws contact and jumps from third gear to fifth gear in a blip." — Matt Norlander
11) Golden State Warriors: F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
The Warriors remain in win-now mode, which makes Yaxel Lendeborg an intriguing fit. He brings experience, versatility, and a polished all-around game that should translate quickly to the NBA level. Golden State could view him as a player capable of helping immediately while still offering long-term value.

"He was the best player on the best team in college basketball." — Matt Norlander
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
Oklahoma City has earned the luxury of taking chances on upside, and Nate Ament certainly fits that description. His freshman season featured inconsistencies, but the physical tools and flashes of potential remain enticing. Few organizations are better equipped to develop a prospect with their long-term ceiling.

"He needs time to develop, and OKC gives him the best chance of maybe any franchise in the first 15 picks to do so." — Matt Norlander
13) Miami Heat: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
This feels like the type of player Miami would love to add. Brayden Burries steadily improved throughout the season and developed into Arizona's go-to option by the end of the year. His toughness, versatility, and two-way potential make him a strong fit within the Heat culture.

"There is a very good chance he doesn't last this long." — Matt Norlander
14) Charlotte Hornets: F Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
The Hornets could use more physicality and edge in their frontcourt, which is exactly what Morez Johnson Jr. provides. He embraces contact, rebounds at a high level, and does the little things coaches appreciate. Players with his mentality tend to stick around the league for a long time.

"I've been told this is his floor." — Matt Norlander
15) Chicago Bulls: G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Adding Christian Anderson alongside Caleb Wilson would give Chicago another building block for the future. Anderson is a confident scorer who can stretch defenses and create opportunities for teammates. His combination of shooting and playmaking could help accelerate the Bulls' rebuilding efforts.

"The statistical profile is too strong, and Anderson's shooting ceiling is too good for him to stick around past the mid-teens." — Matt Norlander
16) Memphis Grizzlies: F Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Hannes Steinbach brings a rare blend of size and functional skill that should translate well as a modern frontcourt piece. He’s not a flashy prospect, but his rebounding, physical frame, and ability to stretch the floor give Memphis a versatile option next to their core. If the shot continues to come along, there’s real value here for a team that doesn’t mind developing talent over time.

“I think this is his most likely range.” — Matt Norlander
17) Oklahoma City Thunder: Karim Lopez, Mexico
Karim Lopez is more of a long-term bet, but Oklahoma City has shown they’re comfortable taking swings on high-upside international talent. His rebounding and frame already translate, even if the offensive consistency still needs work. In a system like OKC’s, he has time to develop without pressure to contribute right away.

“Despite being viewed as a project at the NBA level, his size and rebounding prowess make him an intriguing option for OKC at No. 17.” — Matt Norlander
18) Charlotte Hornets: G Cameron Carr, Baylor
Cameron Carr feels like one of those scorers who could rise quickly once he lands in the right situation. The shot is real, and when he gets rolling, he can change the pace of an offense in a hurry. Charlotte could use more perimeter firepower, and pairing him with other young creators gives them some long-term upside.

“I love his shooting acumen.” — Matt Norlander
19) Toronto Raptors: G Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Bennett Stirtz plays like a coach’s favorite, steady, disciplined, and always in control of what’s happening on the floor. He’s not flashy, but his decision-making and passing feel bankable at the next level. Toronto could use that kind of stabilizer in the backcourt as they continue reshaping the roster.

“The buzz on him has been rising; some think he could pop into the top 15.” — Matt Norlander
20) San Antonio Spurs: F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Allen Graves is the type of late riser teams talk themselves into after the workouts start stacking up. The tools are obvious, and the shooting numbers only add to the intrigue, even if the sample is still small. San Antonio has leaned into developmental swings before, and this fits right into that mold.

“A lot of scuttlebutt this week that San Antonio is ready to put in for him when the 20th pick comes due.” — Matt Norlander
21) Detroit Pistons: G Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
Ebuka Okorie gives Detroit a quick, downhill guard who can change tempo the moment he checks in. He’s not a perfect shooter yet, but his feel and slashing ability should translate early in his career. For a Pistons team building around Cade Cunningham, he makes sense as a secondary creator.

“The Pistons could use a quick-learning backup combo guard.” — Matt Norlander
22) Philadelphia 76ers: F Koa Peat, Arizona
Koa Peat is one of the more polarizing prospects in this range, but the physical tools are hard to ignore. He plays with strength and edge, even if the shooting remains a question mark at the next level. Philadelphia could use that type of toughness around its core, especially in a playoff-tested environment.

“His range could reasonably be anywhere from 16 to 28.” — Matt Norlander
23) Atlanta Hawks: F Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Chris Cenac Jr. is more projection than production right now, but the long-term upside is still appealing. He rebounds, defends, and brings size that teams will bet on developing over time. Atlanta can afford to be patient here and let him grow into a role.

“This is way more of a Year 3 and Year 4 play than an immediate contributing piece.” — Matt Norlander
24) New York Knicks: C Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
Tarris Reed Jr. looks like a ready-made rotation big who can give you production without needing much polish. His NCAA Tournament run only reinforced what he already showed: he’s physical, reliable, and understands how to play his role. New York could use that kind of interior presence off the bench right away.

“I don’t think he has any business falling out of the first round.” — Matt Norlander
25) Los Angeles Lakers: C Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Jayden Quaintance is all about upside tied to defense, athleticism, and physical dominance. The injury history adds some uncertainty, but the raw tools still make him a first-round gamble worth taking. If he hits, he gives the Lakers exactly the kind of interior anchor they’ve lacked.

“Quaintance won’t turn 19 until July and is hardwired to be a defensive monster.” — Matt Norlander
26) Denver Nuggets: F Dailyn Swain, Texas
Dailyn Swain has the kind of two-way foundation that playoff teams tend to value more than raw stat lines. He can defend multiple spots and chip in offensively without needing touches to stay effective. Denver could mold him into a useful rotation piece pretty quickly.

“I think Swain’s two-way strengths would make him a nice rookie off the bench.” — Matt Norlander
27) Boston Celtics: C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Henri Veesaar brings real value as a modern big who can space the floor and hold his own defensively. His shooting touch and versatility give him a clear pathway to minutes in today’s NBA. Boston is the type of environment where he could develop into something more than just a role player.

“He’ll be a first-round selection.” — Matt Norlander
28) Minnesota Timberwolves: F Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Joshua Jefferson feels like one of the safest bets in this range thanks to his all-around production and IQ. He doesn’t have glaring weaknesses, which makes him easy to plug into almost any system. Minnesota would be getting a player who can contribute early and often in a supporting role.

“Jefferson can, and will, fit into any NBA scheme.” — Matt Norlander
29) Cleveland Cavaliers: G Sergio de Larrea, Spain
Sergio de Larrea is a smooth operator who plays at his own pace and rarely looks sped up. The offensive creativity stands out, even if the defensive side still needs refinement. Cleveland could use another connector in the backcourt to balance their rotation.

“The Spanish point guard has been on an uptick with his shooting.” — Matt Norlander
30) Dallas Mavericks: C Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's
Zuby Ejiofor is the kind of energy big who doesn’t need touches to impact winning. He defends, rebounds, and does the dirty work that keeps rotations stable. Dallas could use that kind of low-maintenance production behind their primary frontcourt pieces.

“A terrific defender for his size.” — Matt Norlander
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have spent years searching for a true franchise cornerstone, and AJ Dybantsa looks capable of becoming exactly that. His combination of size, athleticism, and shot creation gives him superstar upside on both ends of the floor. Washington already has promising young talent in place, but Dybantsa is the kind of prospect who can change the trajectory of an entire organization.

"He will likely lead the NBA in scoring multiple times and is a franchise-altering talent who should have his name called first." — Matt Norlander

CBS Sports Reveals Updated NBA Mock Draft, Jazz Pivot to Cameron Boozer

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