The 2026 NBA Draft cycle has come and gone, but some of the potential prospects from that class have elected to stay in college for another season. While there are certainly impressive freshmen prospects for the 2027 NBA Draft coming in, the returning prospects are also impressive in their own right. Let’s take a look at the returning prospects in the 2027 NBA Draft cycle.
2027 NBA Draft: A Look Into The Top 5 Returning Prospects
Motiejus Krivas
Arizona big man Motiejus Krivas was one of the better center prospects in this past draft cycle, but chose to return for another year. For the upcoming draft, Krivas will again be near the top of big men prospects. Krivas looms large as a seven-foot-two center who can block shots and protect the paint at a high level. He uses his size and length well to contest or alter shots in the paint, consistently putting up high block numbers. He has proven himself capable of anchoring a formidable interior defense. He is also a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor, using his size and length.
On the offensive end, Krivas excels as a roll-man and play-finisher. He is great at setting screens and timing his rolls to catch the ball where he wants it. Krivas has shown good touch around the rim, particularly with his hook-shots. He also showed intriguing upside as a connective passer from the middle. Krivas, as a great defensive center, will be one of the top center prospects in the class and one of the best returning prospects as well.
Braylon Mullins
One of the biggest surprise returners from the 2026 draft is UConn wing Braylon Mullins. Standing at six-foot-six, Mullins possesses a strong blend of size and shooting potential that makes him a tantalizing prospect. While his efficiency as a shooter wasn’t particularly impressive, Mullins has shown plenty of flashes as both a mid-range shooter and three-point floor-spacer. Not only that, but Mullins has also shown the potential to be more than just a spot-up floor-spacer, as he can be used as a movement shooter. He has enough athleticism to finish above the rim, especially in transition. Additionally, Mullins can also move the ball well as a connective piece within an offense.
He isn’t the best defender due to his lack of strength and lateral quickness. However, Mullins possesses solid size, length, and motor that give him the upside to become better defensively. He uses his length well to be disruptive in the passing lanes and be a solid presence on the boards for his size. Becoming stronger and more consistent as a shooter will be a must for him this coming college season, but he can be a lottery-level talent if his development breaks right.
Amari Allen
Alabama forward Amari Allen stands as one of the better wings among the returners after having an intriguing freshman year. Standing around six-foot-six, Allen has demonstrated himself to be a multi-faceted wing who can fill multiple roles on a team. Offensively, Allen is a solid shooter and driver who can also handle the ball well for a wing. More impressively, Allen has shown strong abilities as a passer on the wings, possessing great court vision and passing skill. He is an excellent connective passer who can quickly keep the ball moving to the open man.
On defense, Allen has the positional size to guard multiple positions, spanning from guards to bigger wings. He consistently plays defense with a high motor, always looking to make the right play. That comes in the form of his defensive playmaking, using his length well to disrupt passing lanes or alter shots. Plus, Allen battles on the boards well for a wing. With further physical development and more refinement as a shooter, Allen can be a versatile wing prospect in next year’s draft.
Tyler Tanner
One of the bigger risers during this past draft cycle is Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner. He has impressed with his level of play, but chose to return for another year after receiving feedback throughout the draft process. Despite being only around six feet tall, Tanner has demonstrated himself to be a defensive pest who can also score efficiently. While his height is a detriment on the defensive end, Tanner makes up for it by being someone who hounds opposing guards and is always looking to create defensive advantages. Particularly, he is spectacular at generating steals, playing passing lanes and picking pockets at a high level.
Not only can Tanner provide value on the defensive end, but he can also be a positive offensive player as well. He is fully capable of scoring on all three levels efficiently. He weaponizes his speed well to get to his preferred spots and score. Additionally, his scoring is augmented by strong playmaking ability, demonstrating great court vision and passing skill. Tanner can’t help his height, but he can improve his strength to become an even more effective version of himself.
Thomas Haugh
Florida forward Thomas Haugh is easily one of the most talented returning prospects coming into the 2027 NBA Draft. The six-foot-nine Haugh is an athletic prospect who utilizes his physical attributes to excel as a cutter, rebounder, and defender. His combination of size and athleticism allows Haugh to be a versatile piece on the defensive end, being able to guard multiple positions. He utilizes his length well to be disruptive as a defensive playmaker, consistently playing passing lanes and serving as a shot-blocker. He also uses his length and athleticism well as a rebounder on both ends.
While his offensive game isn’t the deepest, he has demonstrated strong capabilities in certain areas on offense. He thrives out in the open court as a transition scorer, where his athleticism is used to the fullest. Haugh is a solid finisher at the rim, and he has shown some potential to be able to space the floor. Plus, Haugh is good at keeping the offense flowing as a connective passer. He will need to continue to improve as a shooter and refine his overall offensive game, but he can be a valuable forward for an NBA team in the future.
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