Bleacher Report Projects Nate Ament No. 11 to Golden State Warriors in Latest Mock Draft

Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

Bleacher Report lead scout and NBA Draft insider Jonathan Wasserman released his updated 2026 NBA Draft projections Monday, placing Tennessee freshman forward Nate Ament at No. 11 overall to Golden State. Wasserman also offered a notable pro comparison, linking Ament to Washington Wizards wing Will Riley.

Ament averaged 16.7 points during his lone season at Tennessee and tied for the team lead with 6.3 rebounds per game. The Manassas (Va.) native earned All-SEC Second-Team honors and collected six SEC Freshman of the Week awards while emerging as one of the most versatile scoring wings in the class.

Wasserman believes Ament would fill an immediate need in the Bay Area, writing that "Nate Ament would give the Golden State Warriors a big scoring wing, an archetype the rotation is missing." He noted Ament’s postseason inconsistency but highlighted the flashes that continue to fascinate scouts, saying "He's coming off a mixed postseason, highlighted by shotmaking flashes, creativity, issues converting drives and struggles against physical defense."

Ament is looking to become Tennessee’s first lottery pick since Marcus Haislip went No. 13 to Milwaukee in 2002. With the NBA Draft Combine running through May 18, he will have a full week in front of scouts to strengthen his case and potentially push into top 10 range as the Vols aim for their highest drafted player since Dale Ellis in 1983.