One of the most respected NBA Draft analysts has released a new two-round mock draft, and three Arkansas Razorbacks found their names called, a strong early indicator of the talent Coach John Calipari has assembled in Fayetteville.
Bleacher Report draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman included Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, and Karter Knox in his latest projection, highlighting both Arkansas’ high-end upside and its growing NBA footprint. While stock movement varies among the trio, all three remain firmly on the NBA radar.
Darius Acuff Jr: Lottery Momentum
The biggest riser of the group is Darius Acuff Jr., who Wasserman projects to the Dallas Mavericks with the 10th overall pick. In a loaded guard class, Acuff has pushed his way into the lottery conversation thanks to consistent production and rapid development. This class is also loaded with elite freshmen and Acuff has squarely put him right below that top tier but knocking on the door step.
The Detroit native earned a Stephon Marbury comparison, with Wasserman noting that despite lacking ideal size, Acuff is proving he can impact the game at the NBA level.
"“He’s shown an effective mix of physicality and touch on drives,” Wasserman wrote. “His floater has been a very reliable weapon—he’s made 14-of-24 attempts. And his jumper has been a consistent threat, both off the dribble (35.4 percent) and especially off the catch (43.5 percent).”"Jonathon Wasserman
Viewed earlier in his career as a pure scoring ball-handler in high school, Acuff has expanded his game at Arkansas. His improved decision-making, change of pace, and command of the offense have resulted in 6.2 assists per game with a low 11.2 percent turnover rate, traits that NBA scouts value heavily. His early growth in these areas have been what has brought his game to a new level and the potential is limitless if he can score the way he does and facilitate how he's been as well.
Acuff has become the engine of Arkansas’ offense and currently shows the highest overall NBA upside on the roster.
Meleek Thomas: Second-Round Slide, First-Round Tools
Meleek Thomas checks in next, projected to the Sacramento Kings at No. 34 overall. While his stock has dipped slightly due to inconsistent performances in recent weeks, the former five-star guard remains one of Arkansas’ most dangerous offensive and defensive weapons.
Through the first 12 games of the season, Thomas has proven he can score at all three levels. Despite a reduced scoring output over the past five games, he is still tied for second on the team at 14.2 points per game and shares the team lead in steals (1.4 per game) with Trevon Brazile.
"“Scouts are viewing Meleek Thomas as a scoring spark at the next level,” Wasserman wrote. “His shot selection and playmaking numbers point to a combo guard rather than a lead ball-handler.”"Meleek Thomas
Thomas’ size fits well at the shooting guard position, and his two-way potential continues to intrigue scouts. If he can find greater scoring consistency, his stock could climb back toward the late-lottery to early-20s range where some evaluators had him earlier in the season.
Karter Knox: Late-Round Upside Play
Rounding out Arkansas’ trio is Karter Knox, projected to the Atlanta Hawks at No. 52 overall. Knox drew significant attention last offseason when he withdrew from the NBA Draft and returned to Arkansas after finishing the previous year on a high note but returned with unfinished business in sight.
So far this season, he’s been up and down. Knox is averaging 9.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, but his impact has fluctuated, particularly against top competition. However, flashes remain, most notably a 20-point performance against Texas Tech, a game that showcased a little bit of everything he has to offer in his loaded toolbox.
That outing served as a reminder of why scouts remain intrigued. Knox profiles as a strong value pick late in the draft, with the potential to develop into a rotation player after time in the G League while he continues to refine his consistency.
Wasserman Thinks Highly of This Razorbacks Team
Having three players appear in a respected NBA mock draft underscores just how talented Arkansas’ roster is. And the list may not stop there, several other Razorbacks could work their way into draft conversations or earn NBA opportunities down the line.
The challenge now falls to Coach Calipari. With a roster loaded with NBA-caliber talent, the key will be getting everyone to gel and maximizing the group’s potential. If Arkansas can do that, this season won’t just be about individual draft stock, it could become something much bigger.
The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting them together.