Baskonia guard Stefan Joksimovic gained more momentum than any other 2027 NBA Draft prospect this summer, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. Evaluators around the league now view him as a legitimate contender for the No. 1 overall pick next year. In June, Woo identified Tyran Stokes as the early favorite for No. 1 in 2027.

Joksimovic has clearly separated himself as the top international prospect in his class following a standout stretch of performances. He won MVP honors at Adidas Eurocamp in the spring before leading Slovenia to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-18 EuroBasket earlier this month.

The 6-foot-7 guard earned tournament MVP at EuroBasket, averaging 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 54.2 percent on twos, 35.6 percent on threes and 78.1 percent from the free-throw line. He also scored 22 points against Sweden while playing for Slovenia’s senior national team in a World Cup qualifier in June.

Joksimovic is the son of former Slovenian national team player Nebojsa Joksimovic. He projects as a jumbo playmaking guard capable of facilitating offense and navigating ball screens at an NBA level, with left-handed scoring ability, strong vision and smooth changes of speed.

While not an explosive athlete, Joksimovic uses his size advantage effectively driving downhill. He will need continued development as a shooter and finisher around the rim to sustain heavy offensive usage long-term.

Scouts remain uncertain what role Joksimovic will carve out at Baskonia, where he made his senior debut last year on a team that finished third in Spain’s ACB and is unlikely to prioritize his individual development. Regardless, teams seeking a lead playmaker are expected to continue closely tracking him in a draft class currently lacking a clear consensus top prospect.