Where do the experts have Johni Broome in NBA mock drafts?
- Sporting News: Grades him a late first-round pick—“hard to imagine… he doesn’t turn into a productive backup center” .
- NBA Scouting Live: Projects him in a “Late 1st to 2nd Round” range, citing his versatility, shot-blocking, and need to extend his shooting .
- Sporting News big board: Mocked at #37 overall (mid-second round) .
Second-Round Specialists
- Athlon Sports (Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman): Places Broome at No. 31 (early second round) to Minnesota .
- Athlon Sports (ESPN simulation): Projects him at No. 38 with San Antonio, potentially alongside Victor Wembanyama .
- SI.com mock draft: Picks him at 38th overall to Sacramento .
Based on Auburn Wire / USA Today compilation:
- USA Today Sports: Late first round (No. 29)
- CBS Sports: No. 28
- The Athletic: Early second round (No. 32)
- ESPN: No. 41 (mid-second round) .
🔍 Summary Table
| Source | Projection | Pick Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting News | Late first round | ~28–30 |
| NBC Scouting Live | Late 1st–2nd Rd | ~30–40 |
| USA Today / CBS / Athletic | 29 / 28 / 32 | – |
| ESPN | No. 41 | mid second round |
| Athlon (Bleacher Report) | No. 31 (Minnesota) | early second |
| Athlon (ESPN sim) | No. 38 (SA Spurs) | early second |
| SI.com | No. 38 (Kings) | early second |
| nbabigboard (Sporting News) | No. 37 (mid-2nd) | mid second round |
🔑 Overall consensus: Johni Broome is most often viewed as a borderline-late first-round pick, but projections vary between 20s–40s, primarily centering around the 30–40 range in the second round.
- Mature, seasoned player (5th-year senior, born July 2002) .
- Excellent low-post scoring: hooks, floaters, pivot moves (~18–19 ppg, ~10–11 rpg) .
- Strong rebounder and shot‑blocker (~2 bpg), high basketball IQ .
- Good passer and off-ball movement — system-ready as a rotation center .
- Age: Turns 23 in July, limiting perceived upside .
- Athleticism: Below-average vertical (24.5″), not explosive — hurts draft stock .
- Shooting: 3PT ~28–30%, FT ~60%—needs improvement in spacing and consistency .
- Physical Matchups: At 6′10″ with 7′0″ wingspan, borderline for modern bigs in size/twitch .
Reddit opinions are split but informative:
“Should go mid to late first… piece on a playoff team”
“Not really mocked as first… but spot starter/bench guy”
Balancing between being a safe, mature role player, and lacking those standout traits that first-round teams prize — younger upside, elite athletism, perimeter shooting.
- Top 5 mocks (Sporting News, SI, Athlon, etc.) cluster around picks 30–40.
- Big board averages from USA Today/CBS/ESPN range from 28–41.
- Most likely range: Early second round (30–40).
- Possible late-first outcome (25–29) especially if an NBA team values readiness and low-risk floor.
Broome profiles as a “pluggable backup big” — someone ready to contribute inside, rebound, make hustle plays, defend intelligently, and add spacing if he improves his shot. His age and athletic limitations probably prevent a lottery spot, but he offers a reliable rookie contract role with potential for growth.
- Secure mid-to-late first-round: Between 25–30 if a team is win-now and values maturity.
- Expect most likely landing: 30–40, early second round.
- Can still slip: as far as 40s, if concerns about athleticism/shooting dominate scouting meetings.
