The chances of becoming a true superstar shrink with every selection, but franchise-changing talent can emerge from anywhere in the first round. As the draft order unfolds, organizations continue betting on upside, fit, and long-term potential in hopes of uncovering the next cornerstone piece.
We previously covered the top NBA Draft selections and later expanded the series to prospects projected just outside the top five. Today, we shift our focus to the middle of the first round and predict picks No. 13 through No. 18.
13. Bucks - Labaron Philon Jr. (G, Alabama)
The rumors surrounding the trade of Giannis have been louder than ever, and the Miami Heat have aggressively been pursuing the Greek superstar.
According to reports, Miami has proposed a blockbuster package centered around guard Tyler Herro, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., center Kel’el Ware, and a first-round pick in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
And I think the Bucks will pull the trigger and shake the entire league.
After I had the Bucks addressing their rebounding issues by selecting a big man with their tenth pick, they’ll try to replace Giannis’s shooting and scoring abilities.
Well, as best as they can.
Philon is a savvy guard skilled at scoring at all three levels. He has a dynamic first step that allows him to get to the rim fast; he’s also a crafty finisher and doesn’t shy away from contact.
Philon is also a smooth ball-handler and reliable facilitator who keeps the offense flowing. He shot 39.9% from beyond the arc during his sophomore season, establishing himself as a legitimate catch-and-shoot threat that defenses must consistently account for.
14. Hornets - Nate Ament (F, Tennessee)
The Charlotte Hornets are looking to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference. A year ago, they finished second-to-last, winning only 19 games. They addressed some of their issues by drafting Kon Knueppel, who formed a dynamic scoring trio with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Now, it’s time to strengthen the frontcourt. If still available, Ament would be a tremendous addition to a franchise that loves to run and score fast.
At 6-foot-10, Ament has showcased great speed and mobility. He’s versatile and can create magic in the paint as well as beyond the three-point line.
At Tennessee, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He’s a skilled passer, good at threading the needle to find open teammates. Ament possesses great potential and could learn a lot from already established teammates Knueppel and Miller.
15. Bulls - Cameron Carr (G, Baylor)
The Chicago Bulls continue to reshape their roster after trading away seven players right before the February deadline. The organization has big shoes to fill and needs a proven scorer who could make an immediate impact.
Carr might be the biggest winner of the NBA Combine.
Following a series of standout performances, the Baylor guard significantly boosted his draft stock and caught the attention of scouts across the league. Carr ranked among the top performers in both vertical leap and agility testing, then carried that momentum into the 5-on-5 scrimmages.
He erupted for 30 points and seven rebounds while knocking down six of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc.
Carr has the perfect size for an NBA wing. He’s long-limbed with a wide wingspan, he has a high-release point on his shot, and moves with ease. The shooting guard spaces the floor well and possesses a smooth mid-range jumper.
The Bulls’ roster is still looking for identity, and Carr has the potential to be a foundational piece that helps Chicago get out of the bottom of the conference.
16. Grizzlies - Dailyn Swain (F, Texas)
The Memphis Grizzlies face uncertainty as Ja Morant’s future with the franchise is unknown. They need to improve both offense and defense, and with their second first-round selection, Memphis will likely prioritize a prospect who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Swain appears to be an ideal fit.
The versatile wing can operate as both a guard and forward, bringing efficient scoring, physical downhill attacks, and defensive versatility. He consistently gets to the rim with purpose, finishes through contact, and remains composed in crowded situations.
Swain is not afraid to slash to the paint and play a post-up game; he takes advantage of undersized defenders and has a smooth touch around the rim.
He played two years at Xavier but then transferred to Texas, proving he was good enough to compete in the SEC. The forward averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game for the Longhorns and helped them reach the Sweet 16.
There is no doubt that Swain is ready for the next level.
17. Thunder - Morez Johnson (F, Michigan)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently loaded with talent, but several players will hit free agency in the next two years, so the leadership is already looking to the future. The franchise needs to operate with the “what is next” mentality and acquire youth talent early.
Johnson is the definition of a future superstar – he excels on both ends of the floor, scores with efficiency, can hit from deep, and rebounds with tenacity.
This might be a bold take, but his comparison would be Aaron Gordon.
Of course, Johnson has a lot of hard work and growth in front of him, but if he perseveres, his potential is almost endless. He is 6-foot-9 with a powerful, NBA-ready frame.
Johnson excels in the paint but is also capable of knocking down mid-range shots and attacking in space.
Defensively, he offers significant versatility, with the ability to switch onto guards and hold his own on the perimeter. For a Thunder franchise always thinking ahead, Johnson could become another valuable long-term investment.
18. Hornets - Hannes Steinbach (PF/C, Washington)
The Charlotte Hornets will be picking again, and the idea still is to keep strengthening the frontcourt. Steinbach has the size of a true NBA center; he’s strong, crafty, incredibly skilled for his frame, and he led the NCAA in rebounding with 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting 58 % from the field.
Although Steinbach makes his living in the interior, he is a solid three-point shooter. He’s extremely physical, and his paint presence is strongly felt on the defensive end.
The big man can also close out shooters and guard drives from smaller players. One of his biggest strengths is his versatility – he can roll to the paint after setting a screen, but he can also pop and punish loose coverages from deep.
He has the tools to help the Hornets climb to the playoffs this upcoming season.