Ivan Kharchenkov

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

Sam thinks Kharchenkov would have been a first-round pick last year and calls him one of the best perimeter defenders in the country, saying he deserved Big 12 all-defense. Arizona's summer tape showed him growing from a slasher-cutter into a driver who kicks out, with a cleaner-looking shot. Sam's bet is a tough, physical 3-and-D German who can guard 1 through 4. Adam agrees he's a definite NBA player defensively, but he shot under 32% from three last season, so the shot has to improve before mid-lottery talk makes sense. Both share the core worry: is there anything offensively beyond role player?

elite perimeter defender3-and-Dreturnershooting swing skill

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Names Kharchenkov his top true forward: a do-it-all, explosive and fairly fluid wing who showed improved pull-up shooting in the summer, can pass, dribble a little and has a floater. Calls him a crazy-impactful off-ball defender with a good enough shot to be a Swiss Army knife, and says he's really high on him.

Swiss Army knifeoff-ball defenderimproving shooter

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | The First Round

Names Kharchenkov one of his personal favorites — a 6'7 wing who can't help but impact winning: slides between positions, averaged 1.4 steals as a freshman and connects the offense with passing. If he rounds out his scoring, especially threes, he's an easily pluggable player anywhere.

winning playerpositional versatilityneeds threes

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Sees Kharchenkov as a strong, intense 3-and-D wing that every team could use. Three-point consistency is the swing skill: shooting 36–37% on more volume could push him into the top 20 or even the lottery.

3-and-Dintensityshooting swing skill

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Calls Kharchenkov a perfect Rockets fit: an insane defender and fun passer and slasher who can't yet do much on offense — the shot has to reach a respectable level.

elite defenderpassershooting needed

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Says Kharchenkov's game is built on strength, craft and positioning rather than burst — a profile that ages well even without highlight plays. Highlights posting smaller wings, creating space with his frame and scoring in traffic, and says he fits next to a star without needing plays run for him.

strength and craftlow-maintenanceages well

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

Calls Kharchenkov the kind of wing every winning roster needs: Arizona's key perimeter stopper who took tough matchups with effort, strength and toughness, and produced 10/4/2 on 49% shooting as a starter on a Final Four team. Best attacking closeouts, cutting and making simple reads; if the 32% three climbs, he's an easy first-round fit.

perimeter stopperwinning roleshooting swing skill

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

Calls Kharchenkov more theoretical than practical right now: the offense needs to get livelier on the catch — attacking closeouts and quick decisions — after shooting about 31% from three. Loves his defensive compete, multiple efforts and strength for his age, which should help with screen navigation and point-of-attack physicality.

defensive competestrengthshooting needed