Auburn Tigers Star Johni Broome’s Final NBA Mock Draft Projections Are In — Here’s Where Experts Expect Him To Land

With the 2025 NBA Draft right around the corner, the latest and final wave of mock drafts has hit the basketball world, and for Auburn star Johni Broome, the projections are officially in. After a decorated college career and impressive pre-draft process, Broome’s NBA future is now just days away from becoming reality, and experts across the league are offering their last predictions for where the versatile big man will hear his name called.

Johni Broome, the 6-foot-10 forward-center out of Auburn, has been a steady riser throughout the draft evaluation period. His combination of size, footwork, rebounding, and offensive polish has kept him firmly in first-round conversations, and many scouts have taken note of his experience, maturity, and consistent production at the collegiate level.

Originally transferring to Auburn from Morehead State, Broome blossomed under Bruce Pearl’s system in the SEC. He quickly became one of the most reliable frontcourt players in the country, helping lead the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earning First-Team All-SEC honors in the process. His development into a modern NBA big — capable of protecting the rim, running the floor, and stretching defenses with his mid-range shot — has only bolstered his draft stock.

Where Is Johni Broome Projected To Land?

According to the final consensus mock drafts from leading outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, and CBS Sports, Broome is widely projected as a late first-round to early second-round pick. While there’s always volatility at this stage of the process, the overwhelming majority of experts expect Broome to be selected between picks 25 and 40.

ESPN’s latest mock draft places Broome at No. 29 overall, landing with the Denver Nuggets — a team that values high-IQ, experienced bigs who can contribute immediately in a playoff environment. Given Denver’s recent success and need to bolster their frontcourt depth behind Nikola Jokić, it’s a fit that many analysts believe makes sense.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, on the other hand, sees Broome slipping to the early second round, mocking him at No. 33 to the Portland Trail Blazers. In Portland’s case, the Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild and could use Broome’s maturity and defensive presence to complement their young core.

CBS Sports, meanwhile, projects Broome at No. 27 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves, praising his ability to provide rim protection, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership to a roster already loaded with star power like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.

What Makes Broome An Intriguing NBA Prospect?

At 6-foot-10 and nearly 240 pounds, Broome has an NBA-ready frame, and his game translates well to the modern league’s demands for frontcourt versatility. His defensive instincts are among his biggest selling points, with scouts noting his timing as a shot blocker and ability to guard multiple positions on switches.

During his final season at Auburn, Broome averaged 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting nearly 54% from the field. He also displayed an improved shooting touch, knocking down over 35% of his mid-range attempts and showing flashes of three-point potential — an area he’s continued to refine during pre-draft workouts.

Perhaps equally important to NBA teams is Broome’s experience. Having spent multiple years at the college level, he brings a level of maturity, physical readiness, and understanding of high-pressure basketball environments that can help him contribute early in his professional career.

Teams looking for rotational big men who won’t require significant developmental time often gravitate toward prospects like Broome, and that’s reflected in how he’s climbed draft boards over the past few months.

Pre-Draft Workouts and Combine Impressions

Broome’s stock has been steady, if not steadily climbing, thanks in large part to his strong showings during the NBA Draft Combine and team workouts. Multiple reports indicate that he impressed in private workouts with franchises including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Hornets — all of whom hold picks in Broome’s projected draft range.

During the Combine, Broome showcased his footwork, defensive mobility, and rebounding tenacity. Scouts also highlighted his improved shooting mechanics during drills, signaling that his offensive game continues to expand.

There were also positive reports regarding Broome’s interviews with team executives, with many praising his basketball IQ, coachability, and team-first mentality. In a draft class filled with raw, high-upside prospects, Broome’s experience and polish stand out — particularly for playoff-contending teams seeking reliable depth.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Broome enters the draft with a well-rounded skill set, but like all prospects, there are areas scouts believe he needs to address to maximize his NBA impact.

Strengths:

• Rim Protection: Averaged over 2 blocks per game at Auburn; excellent timing and instincts as a shot blocker.

• Rebounding: Strong positional rebounder on both ends; boxes out well and fights for second-chance opportunities.

• Offensive Versatility: Effective in the pick-and-roll, capable mid-range shooter, and shows flashes of perimeter range.

• Experience and Leadership: Multi-year college player with big-game experience; seen as mature and coachable.

• Defensive Switchability: Above-average mobility for his size, able to defend in space against smaller players.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistent Three-Point Shooting: Developing range, but needs to prove reliability beyond the arc to maximize floor spacing potential.

• Offensive Creativity: Solid within structured sets but limited as a shot creator off the dribble.

• Lateral Quickness: Adequate, but improving agility would help guard quicker NBA wings on switches.

• Free-Throw Shooting: Needs to increase free-throw percentage to avoid being targeted in late-game situations.

Potential Fits and NBA Outlook

Teams selecting in the late first or early second round that need frontcourt depth, defensive versatility, and NBA-ready maturity are prime candidates to draft Broome. Aside from the Denver Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Trail Blazers, other potential fits include:

• Boston Celtics (Picks No. 30 or No. 54): In need of rotational bigs and known for targeting experienced college players.

• Charlotte Hornets (Picks No. 32 and No. 42): Rebuilding team seeking frontcourt help alongside young guards.

• Miami Heat (Pick No. 43): Always value tough, defensive-minded players; Broome fits their culture perfectly.

• Golden State Warriors (Pick No. 52): Could use additional size and high-IQ players for depth behind their veteran core.

Long term, Broome profiles as a reliable rotational big man with upside to develop into a starter, particularly if his shooting continues to evolve. His floor as a high-energy, defensive presence makes him attractive to both playoff teams and rebuilding franchises alike.

For Johni Broome, the next chapter is just hours away. After years of dominating at the collegiate level, refining his game, and climbing the draft boards, his NBA dream is about to become reality.

Whether he sneaks into the first round or hears his name called early on Day 2, one thing is certain — Broome’s skill set, work ethic, and readiness make him one of the most intriguing big men in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

As teams make their final decisions and fans wait with anticipation, all eyes will be on where Auburn’s standout lands. For Broome, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, and soon, he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself on basketball’s biggest stage.