The NBA Draft is a night of dreams and destiny, where young stars step into the spotlight, teams gamble on the future, and fans look for their new heroes, and all packed with excitement and surprises. “Oozing with potential,” the 2025 NBA draft class is one of the best in recent memory, sitting parallel to the 2021 draft, which featured the likes of Cade Cunningham. In the talent pool of young stars like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, who are projected to be franchise-changing players, Auburn’s Johni Broome is also making a name for himself. The 22-year-old has solidified himself into a late first-round to early second-round pick conversation. But where is Broome projected to end up?
Broome’s game is a combination of power and finesse. Measuring 6’10” and 235 pounds, Broome pairs his 7’0” wingspan to be one of the best rim protectors defensively. And in the offense, he is a low-post machine that can finish through contact with ease. So, with such caliber, can the young guy break into one of the big locker rooms of the NBA? To his benefit, he is developing a more consistent jump shot to make him a true outside threat as well. So where does he, who is a solid screener and secondary playmaker, head as many scouts out on the hunt?
From an underrated prospect to an NBA draft prospect
Unlike many, he never had it easy, and that’s what adds another layer to Broome’s backstory and his path to this point. While others like Cooper Flagg came into college with sky-high expectations, Broome never arrived with the same hype. Despite being named Hillsborough County Player of the Year in high school, Broome was never truly recognized for the talent he was there, with Florida Atlantic and South Florida both passing on him. But with hard work, opportunities do come your way.
It was Morehead State that took a chance, offering Broome a scholarship where his career took shape. “If anyone claims they foresaw what Johni would become, they’re not being truthful,” said Morehead State’s coaching staff. It took two years of playing at Morehead State and a transfer to Auburn to bring him to the spotlight. And unlocking the potential in that star talent we see today under Bruce Pearl. A Tiger discovered?
Now, the Auburn star’s senior season has been a sight to behold. He’s averaging 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field. That kind of production has put him right in the middle of National Player of the Year conversations. As noted by Bleacher Report, Broome’s ascension up the draft board has become unquestionable, “his impact has become too overwhelming to keep brushing off.” So can he expect something big in the draft?
Dec 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) controls the ball in front of Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome (4) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
However, despite his stats, Broome is projected as an undersized center for the NBA. At 6’10 and 235 pounds, he is slightly smaller than what you’d hope for in a center. But can someone’s physique downgrade their skills? His versatility, however, makes up for his height. Broome is projected, according to NBA Draft Room, to land in the “mid first to early second-round pick”. Which is where most projections have him going.
Considering the amount of skill Broome has in his bag, along with his basketball IQ, that seems like a pretty good spot. So, where does Broome find himself in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Potential NBA destinations for Johni Broome
Based on the best available mock drafts online, that destination seems to be Phoenix. The Suns own the 30th overall pick in the draft, which they acquired via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has them selecting Broome with that pick in his March 2025 mock draft, drawing a comparison to former NBA vet Markieff Morris. But that isn’t the end of the hope.
Phoenix Suns isn’t the only team that has an eye on Broome. The Indiana Pacers are another team that has been floated out there for possible destinations. The Pacers have been looking for more added depth to their center position due to their big men having a slight history of injuries. And who can fill the gap? Yes, Broome gives the Pacers some depth at the center position. As someone who can provide a slight impact on offense and be an active defender to back up Myles Turner.
With all the speculations on, the Spurs have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Broome. Especially with their apparent need for an impactful backup center to slot in behind Victor Wembanyama. The recent acquisition of All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox only further strengthens the case for Broome on the Spurs. Another team that could be a decent match for Broome is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Even as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Thunder could use some additional center depth with the injury histories of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
No matter where he lands, Johni Broome is a player that any team would be lucky to have. From a once-overlooked recruit to a possible late first-round to an early second-round pick, the young guy has developed over his college career. And rounded out his game to fit what teams need at the next level.
As we count down to the 2025 NBA Draft, it will be fun to see where this hardworking talent finally lands.
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