It’s officially Draft Season in the NBA. With the lottery draw taking place this past Monday, and the combine happening until May 18, teams are starting to sculpt their plans for the draft on June 25. Earlier today, former Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford turned heads in a combine scrimmage, leading some to believe he had just raised his stock.
Could Tahaad Pettiford Sneak Into First Round?
Pettiford is a young draft prospect, but at only 19 years old, he showed his readiness to compete in professional basketball. The BR Hoops Twitter account posted Pettiford’s highlight tape from a scrimmage on Wednesday, May 14th. In it, they report that he finished the match with 23 points, 8 assists and only one turnover.
Tahaad Pettiford finished with 23 points, 8 assists, and only 1 turnover during today’s NBA Combine scrimmage 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZNshhudj6O
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) May 14, 2025
“Just wanted to go out there, have fun, and do what I do best,” Pettiford said in a ClutchPoints article by David Yapkowitz. “Help my guys get open, help them, create them shots, and shout out to the help D create shots for myself. Just to show everybody that I’m here, and I’m able to play with the best of the best. I’m ready for the next level.”
Despite only starting one game this past season, the Jersey City, NJ native shone off the bench for the Tigers. In just under 23 minutes a game, Pettiford averaged 11.6 points and almost 3 assists, while also nabbing 2.2 rebounds.
For these efforts, the SEC named him to its All-Freshman team, along with two other notable draft prospects: Texas’ Tre Johnson and Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears.
Pettiford did not show up much on the scoresheet in the SEC Tournament, but in the Big Dance he came off the bench and averaged 15.2 points per game. This included two 20-point games against Creighton in the Round of 32 and Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen.
His production tailed off in the later rounds, but Pettiford was a huge part in Auburn’s run to the Final Four.
Where does Pettiford Land in Mock Drafts?
ESPN currently projects the 6′ 1″ guard to be picked 39th overall by the Toronto Raptors, while NBADraftRoom dot com has him picked as high as 31st, to the Wizards.
It’s clear that his ability on the court is catching scouts’ eyes, but as it stands he’s still a projected second-rounder. Nevertheless, Pettiford’s performance in the 5-on-5 scrimmage could potentially help him make his decision to test the draft waters a worthwhile one.
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“[I’m just trying] to move up on the boards and try to get me a guaranteed contract,” Pettiford said to Auburn Undercover writer Nathan King. “If that doesn’t work out, just go back to Auburn and do what we did last year and run it back again.”
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