Fighting through injuries, staying consistent throughout collegiate career, and somehow still leveling up? Yes, Johni Broome has the potential to be one of the those draft picks you’ll look back on and say, “He should’ve gone way higher.” And while the spotlight’s been glued to the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Tre Johnson, Auburn’s big man is turning heads with every game, showing he’s way more than just a sleeper pick. 

Averaging 18.7 points on a slick 51.2% shooting, along with 10.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, he shines when the pressure’s on.  Through Auburn’s Final Four run, Broome has elevated his game, posting 20+ double-doubles this season, including a 25-point, 14-rebound masterpiece against Michigan State.

Broome’s not just putting up numbers, he’s putting up moments. Big ones. And in a league always hungry for size with skill and hustle? That two-way impact is gold.

What could be Johni Broome’s next stop?

History says that Auburn ballers have ended up with various teams in the league. There’s never really been one team that consistently grabs their players. Sure, legends like Charles Barkley went to the Sixers in ’84 and Chuck Person landed with the Pacers in ’86, but there’s no real pattern. 

Beyond Barkley (No. 5, 1984) and Person (No. 4, 1986), recent Tigers like Jabari Smith (No. 3, 2022) and Walker Kessler (No. 22, 2022) show Auburn’s pipeline to the NBA, with Broome’s SEC Player of the Year nod positioning him as the next in line.

So when it comes to Johni Broome, it’s wide open. While some mocks have him landing late in the first round or early in the second, it really comes down to who’s smart enough to snatch him up. So, who could that be? 

Indiana Pacers: Indiana’s got some solid young core in Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, but the frontcourt is still looking a bit thin. With the Pacers sitting at 132-111 against the Thunder, their high-tempo offense thrives, but Myles Turner’s injury history exposes a lack of depth. Broome could be exactly what they need. His rebounding and shot-blocking would fit in perfectly next to Myles Turner. Plus, his scoring in the paint could really take some pressure off inside. 

San Antonio Spurs: With the generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, they’ve got, Spurs still gonna need a solid backup big. After a 29-point loss to the Celtics, the Spurs’ need for a sturdy backup for Wembanyama is clear, and Broome has got the goods. That 21-point, 16-rebound game in the Maui Invitational wasn’t a fluke. He would  thrive in the Spurs system as San Antonio loves smart players with high IQ, and Broome’s definitely one of those.

Oklahoma City Thunder: OKC’s basically the king of developing young talent, so Broome’s right up their alley. His 2.9 assists per game show he’s not just a defensive guy—he’s got some playmaking skills, too. With a nine-game win streak as of March 30, 2025, OKC’s depth is unmatched, but with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein’s injury histories, the Thunder could really use a guy like Broome to add some durability and energy to the frontcourt.

Denver Nuggets: Denver’s all about depth, right? They’re built around Nikola Jokić, but adding someone like Broome could really give them that defensive spark off the bench. Plus, his fast-paced style fits Denver’s whole vibe. 

Portland Trail Blazers: So, Portland’s still in that rebuilding phase, but bringing in Broome could really help their frontcourt. The hooper has been putting up double-doubles all season. So, he has got toughness and heart, and that’s exactly the kind of mentality you want in a rebuilding team. 

So yes, while everyone’s talking top-five flash, keep an eye on Broome. He might just be the REAL steal. But still…..

What factors might affect Johni Broome’s draft position?

Broome has been absolutely dominant on the college stage. Being one of the best in program history, he has matched up against legends like Charles Barkley and had some epic battles with freshman phenom Copper Flagg. But a few things could really affect his position come draft day.

The first big issue here is his age. Broome will be turning 23 in July, and that’s actually a pretty big deal. Most NBA teams like to draft younger guys—usually prospects who are 2-4 years younger, who they can mold into the player they want over a few seasons. He doesn’t have the same potential ceiling as the younger, one-and-done prospects in his class.

Then, he’s not exactly the guy who’s going to blow you away as an elite defender. His wingspan is decent, but not like, wow level for a big man, and he’s not exactly flying through the air with the greatest of ease. But he’s got this insane timing and anticipation. His high school coach, Don Dziagwa, summed it up pretty well when he told Sporting News, “He’s not the flashiest person in the world. But what he does bring to his game, and is at least appreciated by us basketball coaches, is he really knows how to play.” 

Also, at the college level, he didn’t need crazy athleticism to make an impact, but he NBA is a whole different beast. The league is packed with bigger, quicker, and more explosive players, so he’ll need to find ways to hang with those guys. He won’t be able to bully opponents the same way he did in college.

Over the last two seasons, he’s made 53 three-pointers, after attempting just 36 in his first three years at Auburn. That shows he’s willing to expand his game, and that’s the first step in improving.  But his release is still slow and inconsistent. If he’s able to get professional-level training, though, that could iron itself out.

He’s definitely got potential to develop into a solid shooter, but it’s going to take some time. And the Tigers star will probably play center at the next level, and honestly, he’s a little undersized for that. He can switch on defense, but he’s going to struggle against speedy guards and massive bigs. 

So, where does that leave him? Honestly, his ceiling could end up looking a lot like Nikola Vučević’s. Vučević entered the NBA as a solid rebounder, but over time, he developed into a three-point threat. Broome could take a similar path. He won’t be making a huge impact for a team during his rookie season but he could be a reliable player. At the end of the day, it’s all about development. Broome’s got the talent. It’s going to be interesting to see how his draft stock plays out, and whether he can develop into the player some people think he can be.