Mississippi State sophomore Josh Hubbard announced his declaration for the NBA Draft Tuesday while maintaining his college eligibility, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. Hubbard, who averaged 18.9 points on 40.2% from the field in his second year with the Bulldogs, is seen as an undersized guard at 5’11”.
Without elite shooting ability, Hubbard will have to rely on his athleticism in the NBA. With lackluster rebounding and assist numbers, his best-case scenario is a team taking a late second-round flier and hoping he can develop further in the G League.
Here are five potential NBA Draft landing spots for the Bulldog guard.
Top Five NBA Draft Landing Spots for Mississippi State Guard Josh Hubbard
NEWS: Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard is declaring for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, he told @On3sports. https://t.co/P3RwCsfhIf pic.twitter.com/90waKbl418
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 1, 2025
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are primed to have the last pick in the draft this year, courtesy of the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a young roster heating up at the right time and plenty of players locked up for the next two years, Houston could give Hubbard the time he needs to grow and develop before throwing him into the fray.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are primed to pick right before the Rockets at No. 58. With a strong roster locked up for the next three years, Cleveland is another team that could afford to give Hubbard some time to grow and develop. If called up to the NBA roster, he could learn from superstars Donovan Mitchell and the 6’1” Darius Garland.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies own the Rockets’ second-round pick, currently projected at No. 56. Memphis already took a flier on the 5’8” Yuki Kawamura, another undersized guard they could develop together with Hubbard for the ultimate small-ball lineup alongside Ja Morant.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns are headed for a rebuild, and with the hefty contracts of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker still on the books, they will be looking on the lighter end moneywise for production. With Beal’s struggles to stay on the court, the Suns could always use backcourt help and could look Hubbard’s way for it.
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Boston Celtics
While heading to Boston likely means Hubbard goes undrafted, the Celtics have a stacked roster and could give him the most time to learn and develop without the pressure of having to contribute immediately. They got it right with 5’9” Isaiah Thomas. Perhaps the second time will go even better.
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