In an era where the NBA is dominated by versatile big men who can stretch the floor and protect the rim, a new breed of center is emerging from the college ranks. Enter Henri Veesaar, the 7-foot Estonian sensation who’s turning heads with his lethal combination of size, skill, and sharpshooting. Dubbed the “scariest prototype” in the 2026 NBA Draft class, Veesaar’s rapid rise has mock drafts buzzing—and one prominent projection has him falling right into the laps of the Los Angeles Lakers at the No. 28 pick. If this pans out, it could reshape the Western Conference hierarchy, giving LeBron James and company the ultimate weapon to challenge juggernauts like Nikola Jokic and Chet Holmgren.
From Estonia to Elite: Veesaar’s Meteoric Journey
Hailing from Tallinn, Estonia, Veesaar’s basketball odyssey began overseas before he crossed the Atlantic to chase his NBA dreams. He initially landed at the University of Arizona, where he spent his early college years honing his craft. Though his minutes were limited in his freshman season (averaging just 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 29 games), Veesaar flashed potential with efficient scoring bursts, including a season-high 16 points against Prairie View A&M. An elbow injury sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 season, but that setback only fueled his fire.
This offseason, Veesaar made a bold move, transferring to the storied North Carolina Tar Heels program. Under head coach Hubert Davis, he’s exploded onto the scene, transforming into a dominant force. Through the early part of the 2025-26 season, Veesaar is posting eye-popping numbers: 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists per game, while shooting an absurd 63.6% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. His efficiency and versatility have scouts salivating—here’s a true 7-footer who can space the floor like a guard while anchoring the paint.
Shining in the Spotlight: Big Games, Bigger Performances
Veesaar isn’t just padding stats against cupcakes; he’s delivering when the lights are brightest. In a marquee matchup against Michigan State, he was arguably UNC’s top performer with 13 points and six rebounds. Against powerhouse Kansas, he dropped 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists. And on December 2, 2025, against Kentucky, Veesaar stole the show with 17 points and 10 rebounds in a gritty 67-64 victory.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic captured the hype perfectly in his latest mock draft: “Veesaar was incredibly impressive late last season for Arizona before transferring to North Carolina. The Estonian big man is averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 64.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3. He’s also shown up in big games… Defensively, he’s been versatile in ball-screen coverages. Scouts want to see more toughness and for him to embrace being the biggest player on the court. But it’s very hard to find skilled 7-footers like this, and teams are interested.”
Davis himself has sung Veesaar’s praises, emphasizing his impact on both ends: “[Veesaar] has put a lot of weight and importance on him. He’s so huge for us on both ends of the floor. His rebounding is real, his length, his ability not only just to rebound but to keep balls alive up in the air that allows us to be able to get those rebounds. To get to the offensive glass, that’s something that’s always been an emphasis for us. And honestly, with him and Caleb [Wilson], they’re our two best offensive rebounders.”
Lakers’ Center Woes: Ayton’s Solid But Not Elite
The Lakers are flying high this season, tied for the No. 2 seed in the West, but their center position remains a glaring vulnerability. DeAndre Ayton has been reliable, providing steady production inside, but his defensive shortcomings and complete aversion to three-point shooting limit the team’s ceiling in today’s spacing-obsessed league. Facing off against multifaceted stars like Jokic, Holmgren, Alperen Sengun, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo in potential Finals matchups, LA needs a big who can switch, protect, and punish from deep.
Enter Veesaar in Vecenie’s mock: projected to the Lakers at No. 28. While top prospects might overshadow him, his late-blooming dominance could make him a steal. Imagine Veesaar pairing with Ayton—offering defensive versatility and outside shooting to complement Ayton’s interior presence. Rumors swirl of LA pursuing trades like Daniel Gafford for immediate help, but drafting Veesaar could secure their future.
Tilting the Power Balance: Veesaar’s League-Altering Potential
If Veesaar lands in purple and gold, the ripple effects could be seismic. His “7-foot sniper” archetype—blending elite shooting with rim protection—mirrors the evolution seen in players like Kristaps Porzingis or Chet Holmgren, but with added toughness scouts crave. In a conference loaded with superstar bigs, Veesaar could neutralize threats while opening driving lanes for LeBron and Anthony Davis.
The Western Conference arms race is on, and Veesaar represents the ultimate wildcard. As one scout put it, “It’s very hard to find skilled 7-footers like this.” For the Lakers, snagging him could shift the entire power dynamic, propelling them toward another championship era.
Stay tuned as the 2025-26 college season unfolds—Veesaar’s stock is only climbing, and the Lakers might just be the perfect landing spot to unleash this terrifying prototype on the NBA.