Is former Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance in danger of slipping out of the first round of tonight’s NBA Draft?
ESPN has dropped Quaintance all the way down to No. 30, which is the last pick of the first round, in its final mock draft.
It was recently announced that Quaintance did not receive an invitation to the green room for the draft, a likely sign that he has slipped a bit.
Here is an excerpt about Quaintance:
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore
Teams have been unclear about Quaintance’s floor, with some speculation he could slip out of the first round due to health. He did not earn a green room invitation as teams continue to express concern about the state of his injured knee, which multiple team sources fear could cause him to miss time next season. He had knee surgery in March 2025 after tearing an ACL at Arizona State, and he played in just four games at Kentucky last season due to precautions around that injury.
Still, teams love his talent and physical tools as a vertical spacing 5-man and see major upside if he can get back to full strength. Where Quaintance lands will depend on teams’ comfort level selecting him. There remains enough enthusiasm around his ability that it’s hard to see him falling all the way out of the first. Dallas could take a swing as they start to build out the team on Cooper Flagg’s timeline.
The NBA Draft tips off tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
