Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford had a strong freshman season, providing instant impact off the bench for a deep Tigers squad that harbors national championship hopes.
His name has emerged as a potential one-and-done NBA Draft prospect; where could he go in the draft?
5 Potential Landing Spots for Tahaad Pettiford
At 6’1″, 175 pounds, Pettiford is an undersized guard but makes up for his lack of size with his quick-twitch first step and tremendous scoring ability. He has the ability to shoot from deep, as evidenced by his 37.4% shooting from deep on 5.1 attempts per game while displaying creative finishes around the rim.
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His readiness for the NBA is a question mark, as he only played 23 minutes a game this season. However, at only 19 years old, he seemingly holds immense potential as a scoring guard with ball-handling capabilities. His draft stock is expected to be in the mid-to-late first round, but all it takes is one team to believe in the Auburn guard.
What teams may that be?
Orlando Magic
The Magic have had a disappointing season, toeing the line of finishing in the lottery despite coming into the season with expectations of a deep playoff run. Aside from a slew of injuries, a lack of on-ball creation from their guards has been one of the main reasons for the downfall — they score the 29th most points per game in the league.
Pettiford may not be that high-impact rookie right away for a team with multiple established stars, but he’d be a terrific long-term addition for head coach Jamahl Mosley and his team.
Orlando would represent the high end of Pettiford’s draft stock — but if they believe he can be the answer to their creation woes, general manager Anthony Parker could pull the trigger earlier than expected for the Auburn guard.
Indiana Pacers
Pettiford demonstrates all the skills that the Pacers covet in lead guard Tyrese Haliburton regarding speed and quick decision-making. Haliburton is the lead guard for the future — but if the Tigers’ prospect falls to them, he may be the best player available and simply too hard to pass up.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl currently deploys Pettiford in a spark-plug role off the bench, which he could be eased into with Indiana with the potential to be a scoring guard next to Haliburton.
Size could be an issue, but with the extreme pace and space that the Pacers play with the offense already is the main priority. Why not lean even more into it and take a talented player in Pettiford?
Washington Wizards
Washington owns the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round pick this season, which is slated to land in the early 20s. The Wizards are in a full-blown rebuild, and they will more than likely finish in the top three in lottery odds.
That puts them in a perfect position for a rebuilding team: multiple opportunities to take shots at players with immense potential. Their first selection will be a highly sought-after freshman, and Pettiford would be yet another young guard with star potential in Washington.
The franchise drafted former Pitt Panthers point guard Carlton “Bub” Carrington at No. 14 in last season’s draft, and while he’s had a solid rookie season considering the circumstances (thrust into a lead ball-handling role before turning 20), taking another shot at an extremely talented guard would be smart for the rebuilding Wizards.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta would be a prime destination for the future development of Pettiford, as he could learn from All-Star Trae Young while potentially growing into being his replacement. The team has seemingly been in trade talks with Young for multiple seasons now.
The Tigers’ guard could reap the benefits of playing behind—and at times beside—him and then become the team’s long-term answer at that position.
With numerous young wings, including 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, the final young piece would be at the point guard position. Pettiford could fill those roles with the expectation that it will take a few seasons before he’s ready to step in full-time as the starter.
The Hawks own the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round pick, which is trending towards the mid-20s. If Pettiford falls this far, he would be an excellent addition to Atlanta.
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Miami Heat
The Heat are in dire need of youth at the guard position. Current point guard Terry Rozier, whom Miami claimed at the trade deadline last season, has been a huge disappointment, averaging only 11.0 ppg on 39.5% shooting from the field this season.
First-time All-Star Tyler Herro has admirably stepped into that role and led the offense, but it has since suffered due to the lack of creativity outside of him. Pettiford would thrive playing with Miami star Bam Adebayo, who plays a similar game to Auburn’s Johni Broome in the high post and with on-ball screens.
The Heat hold the Golden State Warriors first-round pick in 2025, which is likely to be somewhere in the 20s. It’d be considered a very smart pick if they were to nab Pettiford with that selection.
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