These top 2027 NBA draft prospects could end up as options for the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to a valuable pick that they own.
It was brutal for New Orleans Pelicans fans to watch this past loaded draft cycle come and go without their first-round pick, but the good news is that even if they do compete next season, they could still end up with an early selection.
The new lottery rules will keep things up in the air until it is seen in action, but the Pelicans do own as good a first-round pick as they could next season from the Milwaukee Bucks. New Orleans actually receives the best of the picks between itself and the Bucks. With Milwaukee blowing everything up, it would be disastrous if the Pelicans' pick ends up with better odds.
New Orleans should be back around at the top of the draft, which means fans can go back to watching the top talents from around the country. While there may not be a player like AJ Dybantsa at the top of this draft, there are still some great talents who could become superstars.
Here are the top names to keep an eye on this year, along with a quick introduction:
Kansas Jayhawks SF Tyran Stokes
Mar 31, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tyran Stokes (4) during the McDonald's All-American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Stokes enters the season as the clear favorite to be the top overall pick in the draft. He is a fantastic athlete who is really only missing shooting to be that Dybantsa-level type of talent. He is dangerous as he drives to the basket and has, overall, a pretty well-rounded offensive toolset. Stokes is the most versatile talent in this draft thanks to his size and solid playmaking skills for a young player.
Arkansas Razorbacks G Jordan Smith Jr.
East guard Jordan Smith Jr.(23) reacts after making a shot while being fouled during the McDonald's All-American boys high school basketball game featuring all of the top seniors in the country at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, on March 31, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectPairing Smith with Jeremiah Fears in the backcourt long-term is questionable because of their size, but he is an impressive offensive talent. If he gets the Darius Acuff treatment in the Razorbacks' offense, he'll put up a ton of points. In a draft like this, getting someone like Smith who has a clear role at the next level might be the best bet.
Arizona Wildcats SG Caleb Holt
Mar 31, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Caleb Holt(3) celebrates with teammates during the McDonald's All-American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Holt is a bit more of a traditional two-guard that this team might want to add to their core. He has much more size at 6-foot-5 and is more of a wing than a ball-handling guard. Holt has the highest defensive ceiling of this group, which might be a plus for him with what this coaching staff has been trying to accomplish. If he improves his three-point shot, then he could even rise up to that top spot.
