The stock of Auburn’s freshman guard continues to rise as Auburn forward Johni Broome slips in the latest NBA mock draft from ESPN.
The NBA draft stock of Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford continues to rise ahead of his impactful decision.
Pettiford produced a stellar output during his stay at the NBA draft combine last week, which caught the eye of several NBA scouts. Now that the dust from the combine has settled, ESPN has released its latest NBA mock draft, which bumps Pettiford to No. 37 overall, up two spots from their last mock released post-NBA lottery. In this mock draft, Pettiford is projected to land with the Detroit Pistons in the second round.
Although he continues to climb in the mock drafts, Pettiford is still a few slots away from considering an exit from Auburn. During a fundraising event in Montgomery last week, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl discussed Pettiford’s great combine performance and what it would take for him to bolt for the NBA.
“If Tahaad has a first-round contract, I think he’s going to go — and he should go,” Pearl said. “He won’t leave unless he’s in a really good spot.”
Pearl went on to say that Pettiford will have an increased role with the team next season should he return.
On the flipside, as Pettiford’s NBA stock rises, another player’s drops. In the latest mock, Auburn forward Johni Broome slipped from No. 37 overall to No. 45. He is now projected to be drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round after being projected to be taken by the Detroit Pistons at No. 37 overall last week. According to Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express, Broome posted 6’9 ¼” barefoot, 249.4 lbs with a 7’0 ¼” wingspan and 9’0 ½” standing reach measurements at the combine.
Pettiford has until May 28 to stay in the NBA draft mix, or to withdraw and return to Auburn. The NBA draft begins Wednesday, June 25.
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