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Auburn's Johni Broome Predicted to Team up With $244 Million Star in NBA Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Adams | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 7:20 PM ET

NBA mock drafts project Johni Broome's stock to be on the rise as the big man helped the Auburn Tigers emerge as one of the best teams in college basketball. Broome is predicted to be a second-round pick, but projections indicate that the first round is not entirely out of reach.

It is hard to argue with Broome's production as one of the top players in college basketball this season. Through his first 32 appearances, Broome is averaging 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 27.8% from long range.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman's latest mock draft predicts Broome will be selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the No. 31 overall pick.

Broome just misses out of the first round as Wasserman projects the Auburn star will be the first selection in the second round. The move would pair Broome with Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards, whose five-year, $244 million contract is slated to go through the 2028-29 NBA season.

Broome compares similarly to longtime NBA big man Markieff Morris, per Wasserman.

"Every year there is discussion about whether certain players are being undervalued in the draft due to age," Wasserman wrote on Tuesday. "... We've reached a point where it's worth reassessing his dominance and skill development.

"While scouts might not detect upside with Broome, his floor—due to the translatability of his finishing, rebounding, low-post feel, elite paint touch, passing and interior defense—should be attractive to teams looking for rookie-contract value."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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