David Mirkovic, a forward for the Illinois Fighting Illini, is anticipated to be picked in the first round of the 2027 NBA Draft, despite recovering from a foot fracture that required surgery. NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie noted that even with the injury, Mirkovic is seen as one of the top talents in the program during coach Brad Underwood's tenure, joining notable players like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn in that regard.
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In Vecenie’s latest mock draft, Mirkovic is projected to go No. 16 to the Indiana Pacers, while freshman guard Quentin Coleman is expected to be taken at No. 7 by the Atlanta Hawks. Mirkovic, who averaged 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a freshman, is expected to improve this season.
However, concerns about Mirkovic’s athleticism have emerged, particularly regarding his defensive abilities. At 6-foot-9, he may struggle against taller players in the NBA, especially athletic forwards. Despite this, Mirkovic possesses significant strength and exceptional anticipation, allowing him to compete with undersized players at his position.
Offensively, questions linger about his ability to consistently beat defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim. His skills have produced effective results in college, including shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range and demonstrating elite playmaking abilities. Even with potential limitations, if Mirkovic leads Illinois successfully this season and further develops his game, he could solidify his status as a first-round pick.