Tahaad Pettiford’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft while keeping his eligibility intact has certainly added an interesting layer to Auburn’s future. His impressive freshman year, capped off with strong performances in the NCAA tournament, has put him on the radar of NBA scouts. As Bruce Pearl has pointed out, if NBA teams don’t take a chance on Pettiford, Auburn will be ready to welcome him back for another year, where he could further develop his game.
If Pettiford does choose to return, he could be the centerpiece for Auburn’s next season, providing the Tigers with a proven scorer and playmaker. However, his draft decision adds a layer of uncertainty, and it’s clear that Auburn’s success in the near future may hinge on whether he returns or enters the draft. For Auburn, Pettiford represents both a short-term asset and a long-term question mark.
You go show em Tahaad. I wouldn’t hesitate drafting you in the first round right now! If they don’t, you come back and we run it back! https://t.co/xl2LRWbxxs
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) April 7, 2025
The fact that Pettiford has kept his options open for the draft will surely impact Auburn’s recruiting and team dynamics. Auburn has also been active in the transfer portal, bringing in Keyshawn Hall, which shows that Pearl is building a team that can compete even if Pettiford leaves. The combination of experienced transfers and a potential return from Pettiford would keep Auburn in the mix for success, but they’ll need to be adaptable regardless of what happens with his decision.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Auburn’s future, and Pettiford’s NBA dreams will certainly play a significant role in shaping the program’s direction. Would his potential departure make or break Auburn’s season next year?