CBS Sports projects Tyran Stokes and Amari Allen as top 2027 NBA draft prospects
With the NBA’s new lottery system set to debut in 2027, projections for the upcoming draft class remain highly speculative, though returning college players and high school phenoms are reshaping the landscape.
CBS Sports has released an early projection for the 2027 NBA Draft, positioning high school prospect Tyran Stokes and returning college player Amari Allen as the leading candidates. The analysis comes shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft, shifting the industry’s focus to the next cycle. While NBA executives have historically devalued assets for the 2027 class in anticipation of a talent drop compared to recent years, the robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) market has incentivised several high-level players to return to university, thereby adding depth to the pool.
The draft order is speculative, based on 2026-27 season predictions and the NBA’s new lottery system, which takes effect for the first time in 2027. This structural change, part of the league’s anti-tanking rules, introduces significant uncertainty. According to the report, no prospect is currently guaranteed a lottery pick, and the final standings will not be known until lottery night next year. The projection is authored by CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn and relies on season forecasts rather than established performance metrics.
Tyran Stokes of Kansas is identified as the most naturally talented prospect from the high school ranks. Described as having the size of an NFL tight end and guard-like playmaking abilities, Stokes is viewed as a rare talent capable of competing with the top tier of recent classes, though questions regarding his consistency and maturity under high-pressure college environments remain. His projection hinges on his ability to translate raw physical tools into reliable production.
Amari Allen of Alabama returned to college to play with the ball in his hands, with projections hinging on his development as a "jumbo initiator." The report notes that a significant number of players projected for the 2026 draft, including Thomas Haugh of Florida, Braylon Mullins of UConn, Motiejus Krivas of Arizona, and Patrick Ngongba of Duke, have opted to return to school for the 2026-27 season. This influx of experienced players, who secured substantial financial deals through the NIL market, has bolstered the perceived depth of the 2027 class.
The mock draft also incorporates international prospects and incoming freshmen who may see significant development. Luigi Suigo of Villanova, Sayon Keita of North Carolina, and Stefan Joksimovic of Slovenia are included in the top 30 projections. Joksimovic, a 6-foot-8 guard, is highlighted as a notable example of international talent entering the US college system. The report emphasises that while the 2027 class may lack the star power of 2026, the combination of returning veterans and high-ceiling newcomers creates a complex and unpredictable draft landscape.
