Motiejus Krivas

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

Sam calls Krivas the most impactful defender in college basketball last season, with elite rim-protection numbers (opponents near 45% at the rim), strength in drop coverage and heavy rebounding. Sam sees possible Brook Lopez-style shooting upside from his free throws and touch, and fluid feet with Walker Kessler-like hip sink. He calls him "a literal mountain" who can't be moved. Adam thought he was a first-rounder last year and could play the same way in the NBA right now (short rolls, duck-ins), so any offensive growth is gravy. Sam flags past injuries, including a missed season, but calls him a top-20 pick if healthy.

Comps: Brook Lopez (shooting upside), Walker Kessler (defensive movement)

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Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Thinks Krivas might be the best interior defender in the draft: a technically proficient rim protector with immense size who fits deep drop or a bit higher, with enough offensive talent to survive.

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Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | The First Round

Projects Krivas as a long-term starting center, fitting the mold of seven-footers who go high on rim protection, rebounding, play finishing and mobility, with possible shooting down the line. Thinks even minimal improvement at Arizona could make his stock blossom, and tentatively ranks him as his top returning player.

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Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Sees Krivas as a strong, physical center who can anchor a defense right away, with good feel and some passing from the high and low post. His 31% three on a small sample and 78% at the line hint at future floor spacing.

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Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Loves Krivas and would have taken him among the first bigs in 2026, so he was shocked by the quick return to Arizona. Expects Arizona to be a monster team again and wouldn't be surprised if Krivas goes higher, especially if the freshman bigs don't come out swinging.

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Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Describes Krivas as one of the most technically sophisticated post scorers among recent center prospects, with the most developed low-post footwork of any center in the class: a go-to drop step and a jump hook with either hand. Because that scoring doesn't depend on athleticism, sees it aging well, and projects him as a traditional post anchor.

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

Calls Krivas a massive 7'2, 260-lb big with a clear NBA role, one of college basketball's most impactful rim protectors (10 and 8 in 25 minutes) who changed how teams attacked the paint. Says his touch is better than people realize — 78% at the line and a few threes — and sees a possible next high-level defensive anchor.

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

Likes Krivas as a very good rim deterrent who still needs to improve his touch and hands offensively, partly blaming Arizona's cramped spacing. Sees him as an anchor-type backup center, and another big pushed down the board to reflect how the NBA drafts.

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