If the early expert predictions are accurate, the 2027 NBA Draft doesn’t have an obvious No. 1 pick like Cooper Flagg in 2025 or a rare collection of players who project as future All-Stars near the top of the class like the 2026 draft. There is, however, an emerging consensus forming that Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes is the player most likely to open the season atop draft boards.
Stokes will be a featured attraction for NBA scouts this season, but he’s not an overwhelming favorite to go No. 1. Not yet, at least. And there appears to be even less clarity after that, with uncertainty created by lucrative NIL opportunities that have caused the basketball ecosystem to reconsider how it arrives at draft decisions.
Advertisement
To sort through the chaotic early days of 2027 mock drafts, USA TODAY Sports tasked Microsoft Copilot’s AI chatbot with generating a ranking of the top 30 eligible prospects for the first round of this year’s draft. The chatbot was prompted to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as the latest intel related to prospect analysis.
Here’s a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI’s 2027 NBA mock draft rankings, including an explanation of the chatbot’s reasoning for why it ranked each player where it did:
CLIPPERS UPDATE: NBA disputes key details in ESPN report on Kawhi Leonard investigation
2027 NBA mock draft by USA TODAY Sports
You can compare AI’s picks to the latest USA TODAY 2027 NBA mock draft by clicking here.
Advertisement
2027 NBA mock draft: AI ranks top prospects, picks
Note:AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several players who were previously selected in the NBA Draft were inaccurately assigned rankings for the 2027 draft class.
1. F Tyran Stokes, Kansas, 19 years old
This 6-foot-8 downhill playmaker is the early consensus pick to be the top choice in 2027 ahead of what’s expected to be a one-and-done campaign at Kansas. Microsoft Copilot cites his “elite physical tools, transition playmaking, defensive upside and improving shot creation.” Stokes can cement his status atop draft boards by showing an improved outside shot and decision-making with the Jayhawks this season.
Advertisement
Considered “the most explosive guard in the class,” according to AI, Smith could vault even higher if he’s able to become more of a threat as an outside shooter. Whether the Washington D.C. native can consistently play point guard at the next level also lingers his freshman campaign, but Razorbacks coach John Calipari has a proven track record molding perimeter players into top NBA draft picks. Smith’s defense and downhill pressure will have an immediate impact.
3. G Caleb Holt, Arizona, 18 years old
This athletic two-way wing is a rising prospect because he has added more shot-making and shot creation to his arsenal over the past year. Already armed with a sturdy 6-foot-5 frame and a long wingspan, his consistency and defensive tools will make him attractive in a draft class expects have deemed devoid of a surefire superstar prospect.
Advertisement
This 6-foot-7 ballhandler has drawn comparisons in style to fellow countryman Luka Doncic and he’s the top international prospect after winning MVP honors at the 2025 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp last August. Joksimovic will play for Saski Baskonia in Spain this season.
Branch was the No. 1 player in the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying last year in order to be eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft. He will attempt to succeed in the slot vacated by 2026 No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa at BYU, though Branch is billed as more of a shooter than slasher. “Scouts love the shooting touch and offensive upside,” according to Microsoft Copilot. “A huge season under Kevin Young could launch him into No. 1 pick discussions.”
Advertisement
6. F Thomas Haugh, Florida, 23 years old
“The best returning player in college basketball,” according to AI, Haugh turned down the chance to be a lottery pick in 2026 to return to the Gators this season. The versatile forward could step in immediately as a high-level role player in the NBA and he can boost his stock this year by continuing to improve as a 3-point shooter.
Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) shoots the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
7. G Amari Allen, Alabama, 20 years old
Allen was listed in some first-round mock drafts in 2026 before coming back to Alabama. “Dynamic scorer with NBA athleticism and significant upside if his playmaking continues to evolve,” according to Microsoft Copilot.
Advertisement
Mullins returned for a sophomore season at UConn despite one-and-done hype and a first-round grade in 2026. Known as a dynamic outsider shooter coming out of high school, he shot just 33.5% from 3-point range last year. But the 6-foot-6 guard seems poised to fulfill his potential as the centerpiece of coach Dan Hurley’s team after capping off last year with a buzzer beater to beat Duke and send UConn to the Final Four.
There’s significant upside for the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas if he performs well at USC after his stock fell following serious injuries suffered in a car accident in April 2025. His scoring instincts, 7-foot wingspan and intriguing background will be enticing if his game returns to form.
Advertisement
The 6-foot-9 freshman is a “consensus five-star recruit whose physical profile and two-way potential fit perfectly with NBA wing archetypes,” according to Microsoft Copilot.
11. C Luigi Suigo, Villanova, 19 years old
The 7-foot-3 Italian center opted out of the 2026 NBA draft despite the potential to be a late first-round pick. Suigo has “surprising mobility and touch” and is considered “one of the highest-upside big men eligible for the draft,” according to Microsoft Pilot. He played BC Mega Basket in the Adriatic League last season.
Advertisement
A rim-protecting center with soft touch around the basket, Krivas is another player who returned for a big NIL payday instead of being a potential late first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His physically imposing 7-foot-2 frame is NBA-ready.
13. F Flory Bidunga, Louisville, 21 years old
Bidunga was a first-team all-Big 12 selection and the Big 12 defensive player of the year at Kansas last season before transferring to Louisville this offseason. “NBA teams will value” his defensive capabilities, according to Microsoft Copilot, and it gives him a higher floor as a 6-foot-9 interior prospect.
Advertisement
Ngongba is a “physical center with growing offensive skill set and strong defensive projection,” according to Microsoft Copilot. If his mobility catches up to his polished footwork and passing instincts, Ngongba’s size and versatility will be intriguing for teams to consider.
This 6-foot-7 slasher is hard to contain on both ends of the floors thanks to his superior athleticism and motor. An improved jump shot this season at Arkansas might lock Richmond in as a lottery pick because his versatility is tailor-made for the NBA.
Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) commits an offensive foul against Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
Chinyelu is “one of the safer frontcourt projections” in 2027, according to Microsoft Copilot, because his defense, rebounding and 7-foot-8 wingspan should easily translate to the next level. If he can make strides as a shooter and decision-maker with the Gators this season, he could push to be a lottery pick.
Advertisement
17. G/F Juke Harris, Tennessee, 21 years old
Harris was a coveted player in the transfer portal after being named the ACC’s Most Improved Player at Wake Forest last season. He trailed only NBA first-round picks Ebuka Okorie and Cameron Boozer among ACC players in scoring (21.4 points)
18. G/F Tounde Yessoufou, St. John’s, 20 years old
Yessoufou withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft after a solid freshman year at Baylor and then transferred to play for Rick Pitino this season. Flashing more comfort as a ballhandler and outside shooter, to pair with the physical gifts and explosiveness he has already shown at the college level, could boost his stock further.
Advertisement
19. C Malachi Moreno, Kentucky, 19 years old
A skilled big man known for his mobility and touch near the basket, Moreno returned to Kentucky after testing the draft waters in 2026. Improved strength and a more versatile offensive skillset will be areas to watch for Moreno if he’s to maximize his 2027 draft stock.
20. G Matthew Able, North Carolina, 19 years old
Able transferred from rival North Carolina State to the Tar Heels this offseason and he’s an “athletic scoring wing who falls into the ‘if the jumper pops’ category,” according to Microsoft Copilot.
21. F/C Alex Condon, Florida, 22 years old
This versatile 7-footer from Australia could blossom into a lottery pick with the chance to showcase his ballhandling and outside shooting during another year in college. He’s already viewed as a potential first-round pick based on his mobility and rebounding prowess.
Advertisement
22. G Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt, 20 years old
Tanner was one of the most accomplished players to return to college after becoming the only player in the nation to average more than 19 points, 5 assists and 2 steals per game as a freshman at Vanderbilt. He still must prove to NBA scouts his smaller stature (listed by Vanderbilt at 6-foot, 175 pounds) won’t be a liability at the next level.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) dribbles down court against the McNeese Cowboys during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center.
The former Iowa State star transferred to Kentucky this offseason after withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft, but his 3-point shooting ability at 6-foot-9 will ensure he’s a commodity for NBA teams outside the lottery in 2027. His lack of mobility, particularly defensively, likely limits his ceiling as a prospect.
Advertisement
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect at Duke because of his combination of coordination and floor spacing at 6-foot-11. He’s considered a raw prospect, despite being ranked No. 3 in the 2026 recruiting rankings, because of a developing feel for the game and a lack of overall strength.
25. F Miika Muurinen, Arkansas, 19 years old
Teammates have referred to Muurinen, a Finland native, as “Baby Dirk” because of his 6-foot-11 frame and offensive skillset on the perimeter. He played last season with Partizan KK of the Adriatic League and appeared on Finland’s National Team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Championship.
Advertisement
Rippey was considered the best point guard in the 2026 recruiting class with athleticism that should allow him to impact both sides of the court at Duke. An improving jump shot could elevate his stock as the college season progresses.
A breakout candidate after the Cyclones lost most of their top players from last season’s Sweet 16 team, Batemon shot 37% from 3-point range as a freshman.
28. G/F Nik Khamenia, UConn, 19 years old
The 6-foot-8 forward can score at all three levels and transferred to UConn after averaging less than 20 minutes per game as a freshman at Duke last season. How he holds up as a defender and shot creator in space with a bigger role on the Huskies will determine whether he’s a first-round pick in 2027
Advertisement
29. F Baba Oladotun, Maryland, 17 years old
Once the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class, Oladotun reclassified a year ago and then committed to stay near home at Maryland to begin his college career. His 6-foot-10 frame and multi-faceted offensive skillset make him the kind of high-upside wing prospect NBA teams covet, though he’ll need to mature more physically before he can fulfill that potential.
30. G Taylen Kinney, Kansas, 18 years old
This 6-foot-3 point guard can score at a high level while also showing potential as a distributor. Playing alongside Stokes in the Jayhawks’ backcourt will force Kinney to improve with the ball in his hands less than his prep career. He led USA Basketball’s U18 team in assists when it secured a silver medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup this summer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 NBA mock draft: AI ranks the top 30 prospects
Read the full article here