Braylon Mullins

2027 NBA Mock Draft v. 1.0 with @CBSSports Adam Finkelstein

Both love Mullins: a 6'5-6'6 wing and elite movement shooter who flies off screens, with good defensive hands and instincts and reportedly much more strength. Rewatching him, Sam got stuck on missed passing reads and slotted him at 18 for that reason. Adam takes the over, saying the misses come from limited on-ball reps and that the lineup will be built around him this year. Adam thinks his 33.5% from three is more likely to become 44% than stay put. Adam also notes he's grown to about 6'5 barefoot, takes care of the ball even when late on reads, has a clear niche and should get more credit as a defender.

movement shooterreturnerimproved defenderpassing reads

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Sees Mullins as an awesome movement shooter with more to his game: a great pick-and-roll passer and a surprisingly good rim defender, ideal for a shoot-a-ton-of-threes, play-hard-defense role-player philosophy.

movement shooterpick-and-roll passerrole-player fit

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | The First Round

Can't get Mullins into his top five like some pundits, but understands why his size, smarts and perimeter production appeal in a weaker class. To be one of the top talents he needs to hit more threes, create more and add strength, all possible as UConn's focal point.

shooterfeelneeds creation and strength

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Points out Mullins improved as the season went on and was more efficient in conference play. Calls him a tough-minded shooter who can create his own shot, with good size and athleticism, and expects a sophomore year at UConn to make him a lottery pick.

shooterimproved latelottery pick

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Was shocked Mullins returned — he'd have ranked him above Cam Carr among 2026's off-ball shooters. Says UConn used him far too much as a catch-and-shoot player last year, like Isaiah Evans' freshman year, when his high-school film showed athleticism, above-the-rim finishing, cutting and some creation; thinks they barely scratched the surface.

off-ball shooterunderuseduntapped creation

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Reads Mullins' choice to return to UConn instead of entering a draft where he was likely a first-rounder as a sign he wants to be ready, not just drafted. Expects Dan Hurley's winning culture to prepare him well, and sees spacing the floor for a ball-dominant creator as a defined NBA role from day one.

floor spacerreturnerwinning culture

Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | FULL First Round

Expects one of college basketball's biggest sophomore jumps from Mullins, saying his freshman numbers (12 points, 33% from three) undersell his shotmaking. He has deep range, moves well off the ball and bends defenses running off screens; adding creation off the bounce could make him UConn's next lottery pick.

shotmakermovement shootersophomore jump

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Calls Mullins' freshman year somewhat down relative to the hype and early injuries, though he built late momentum and hit the big March shot against Duke. If he becomes UConn's top option and shoots in the high 30s on volume, he is a lottery pick, because there are few good shooters near the top.

shooterdown freshman yearlottery upside

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft (Full First Round)

Pushes back on top-three or top-four projections for Mullins as more theory than reality, noting shooting specialists slid in the 2026 draft. Still likes him: a deep shooter who competes on defense with good anticipation and smart plays, though he may get hunted. Calls movement shooting at a premium exactly what Houston needs.

movement shooterlower than consensusdefensive anticipation