NBA Mock Draft has Malachi Moreno ahead of Jayden Quaintance: What about Milan Momcilovic?

TL;DR

Malachi Moreno is projected to be drafted 24th overall by the New York Knicks, ahead of Jayden Quaintance at 29th to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Milan Momcilovic is projected to go 46th overall to the Phoenix Suns, but may return to college for a lucrative NIL deal.

Key points

Malachi Moreno projected 24th overall to New York Knicks
Jayden Quaintance projected 29th overall to Cleveland Cavaliers
Milan Momcilovic projected 46th overall to Phoenix Suns
NBA Draft Combine in Chicago is next week
Decision deadline is May 27 for several players

NBA Draft CombineMalachi MorenoJayden QuaintanceMilan Momcilovic

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaland Lowe (15) reacts with center Malachi Moreno (24) and forward Jayden Quaintance (21) against the St. John Red Storm in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images Ready for a curveball? The latest NBA Mock Draft from Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor not only has Malachi Moreno going in the first round, but even ahead of Jayden Quaintance. Yes, this projection has Moreno going 24th overall to the New York Knicks, while Quaintance goes 29th to the Cleveland Cavaliers, nearly falling out of the first round altogether. This would be both a shocking rise for Moreno and a stunning fall for Quaintance, though perhaps an earned one for the latter after he missed most of this past season due to the longest case of knee swelling ever recorded (we think). I don’t agree with this projection, but if it turns out that this is how NBA executives view Moreno and Quaintance, you’d think there’s actually a chance Moreno stays in the draft and Quaintance returns to college. The real story here is these recent mock drafts and rankings continue to suggest there’s a very real chance Moreno could hear his name called toward the end of Round 1. Could that be enough to sway him into keeping his name in the draft? Next week’s NBA Draft Combine in could go a long way in deciding where Moreno is playing basketball next season. Elsewhere, Iowa State transfer and Kentucky recruiting target went 46th overall to the . While Momcilovic reportedly prefers to stay in the draft, if that’s the kind of projection he’s getting from NBA decision-makers, then it’s hard not to see him returning to college and collecting an NIL paycheck that could cross $5 million. Saying this, it only takes one team to fall in love with you, and with Momcilovic’s ability to shoot scorched earth from deep, it won’t be a surprise if someone in the first round will take the gamble on him. Also, there’s likely going to be a host of players ranked ahead of Momcilovic who return to school, including , Matt Able, Billy Richmond, , , Tyler Tanner, and potentially Moreno. It’s going to be a process, one that I’d now expect to go into deadline day on May 27 for Moreno and Momcilovic (and Quaintance if his stock really is this bad right now). Finally, new UK graduate hears his name called at pick No. 59 to the , the second-to-last pick of the draft. There haven’t been a lot of mock drafts with Oweh being drafted, so this is nice to see for a guy who’s undoubtedly been the MVP of the Mark Pope era thus far in Lexington (and I selfishly hope we get to see him again playing for La Familia one day).

Q&A

Why is Malachi Moreno projected to be drafted ahead of Jayden Quaintance?

Malachi Moreno's rise in the mock draft is attributed to his performance, while Jayden Quaintance's stock has fallen due to missing most of the season with knee issues.

What are the implications for Milan Momcilovic's draft status?

Milan Momcilovic is projected to be drafted 46th overall, but he may choose to return to college for a potential NIL deal exceeding $5 million.

When is the NBA Draft Combine and why is it important for these players?

The NBA Draft Combine is next week in Chicago, and it could significantly influence the draft decisions of players like Moreno and Momcilovic.

What is the deadline for players to decide whether to stay in the draft or return to college?

The deadline for players like Moreno and Momcilovic to make their decision is May 27.

NBA Mock Draft has Malachi Moreno ahead of Jayden Quaintance: What about Milan Momcilovic?

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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