NBA Mock Draft 2015: Edition 3 (Final Edition)
1. Minnesota Timberwolves Karl Anthony-Towns, F/C
According to multiple news outlets, the Timberwolves have informed Towns that he will be their top overall selection. The move certainly is a smart one for Minnesota, who severely lacked any post presence beyond Nikola Pekovic this past season. Towns still has to become stronger and become more imposing on the block, but he is the best prospect in this draft, and the T-Wolves need him.
2. Los Angeles Lakers Jahlil Okafor, C
The Lakers will almost certainly go aggressively after a big name big man in this year's free agency (Kevin Love, Marc Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge could all be options) but even with the appeal of LA helping them, it may be tough to land one. Though, they could certainly add a dominant big man in the draft in Okafor, whose size and strength will definitely help him from the get-go in the NBA.
3. Philadelphia Sixers Kristaps Porzingis, F/C
Scouts and GMs alike are wowed by Porzingis, a massive Latvian big man with great hands, impressive athleticism and loads of potential. But, many still remain cautious about drafting an unproven European prize over a more scouted and ready American commodity. Though, Philly could make this move because of two reasons: they really don't have anything to lose and they aren't in win-now mode like many others near the bottom (Knicks, Lakers) and could afford to wait for Porzingis to grow.
4. New York Knicks D'Angelo Russell, G
The Knicks remain the biggest wild card of the entire draft and the biggest story. The Knicks would love to trade down (the Suns at 13 could be in play) and add an NBA talent, but they don't want to waste the selection either. I think they should stay, and go with Russell. Russell is a proven scorer and while his explosiveness nor athleticism blow you away, he can wow you in a variety of different ways. New York could add a young stud while preserving cap space for a run at a star in free agency later this summer.5. Orlando Magic Justise Winslow, G/F
Despite stocking up on young talent, Orlando still has yet to make much progress since Dwight Howard left town, and that's worrying. They need a player that can contribute right away, and Winslow could be that guy. Few players possess the athleticism, defensive capabilities and feel for the game in this draft than Winslow, and he could fill the small forward slot if Tobias Harris leaves in free agency.
6. Sacramento Kings Emmanuel Mudiay, PG
Sacramento could certainly move up to the Knicks spot, as the front office has been aggressively trying to find support around Demarcus Cousins for years to very little success. But, if they stick at six they should take a chance on Mudiay. Mudiay dominated in high school, but it was hard to get a read on his time in China. Even so, that experience should only benefit him, and his size for a point guard is tremendous. Sacramento could be looking to deal Darren Collison this summer, so this makes sense.
7. Denver Nuggets Mario Hezonja, G
After a dreadful 30-win season, Denver appears poised to embark on a rebuild this offseason. That would likely mean giving away Ty Lawson and more in their backcourt, opening the door for them to strike on a young guard here. Hezonja is certainly a major risk, but his slashing potential mixed with his fluid offensive game creates a Top 10 prospect who could be a steal.
8. Detroit Pistons Stanley Johnson, G/F
Outside of Karl Anthony-Towns, Johnson is my favorite prospect in this draft. A natural scorer who showed real production this past year at Arizona, Johnson has plenty of strengths. His physical tools are off the charts, but his inconsistent jump shot could drop him a little. If Detroit can add him at eight, they would be really happy.
9. Charlotte Hornets Devin Booker, SG
Charlotte would love if Johnson drops to them at nine, but there is a pretty big chance he won't. While they could explore options at center (Willie Cauley-Stein, Frank Kaminsky), shooting guard is just too big of a need, with Lance Stephenson gone and Gerald Henderson possibly leaving. Booker slumped towards the end of the season with Kentucky, but he has good size and is deadly from the perimeter.
10. Miami Heat Kelly Oubre, G/F
Even if the Heat do retain Dwyane Wade this offseason (it would be weird to see him not return), Miami will look to upgrade the wing position. With Stanley Johnson off the board, Oubre may be the wing with the most upside. Although he was extremely inconsistent with Kansas, his athleticism is impressive and his jump shot seems to improving.
11. Indiana Pacers Willie Cauley-Stein, C
Cauley-Stein has the chance to go as high as five to Orlando or drop all the way down here to Indiana. If he does, it would still be a good situation for both teams. Indiana once had perhaps the most dominant defensive center in the game (Roy Hibbert), but he has been terrible over the past two years. They could replace with Cauley-Stein, who could learn and grow next to David West, as he finishes up his career.
12. Utah Jazz Frank Kaminsky, F/C
The Jazz have developed a really strong frontcourt with rim protector Rudy Gobert and solid forward Derrick Favors. But, one thing they still clearly lack is a shooter, or more versatile big man. Kaminsky possesses superb footwork, and a proven jump shot. He could certainly open up things for Favors, Gobert and the rest of the Utah offense.
13. Phoenix Suns Myles Turner, F/C
Although their futures look rather murky this summer, Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe give Phoenix some pieces to work with in their backcourt. Their frontcourt, on the other hand, is very thin and adding another young piece is a must. Turner struggled with Texas this past season, but still has some considerable upside and could thrive in Phoenix's up-tempo system.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder Cameron Payne, PG
OKC desperately needs another guard and they get a perfect solution here, if Payne does indeed drop to late lottery. A pure scorer out of Murray State, Payne has a smooth jumper, quick first step and is great at the line. He won't be a scorer that can carry a team, but the Thunder have KD and Russell Westbrook so clearly they don't need that. Having some punch off the bench is a must if Oklahoma City wants to take the next step.
15. Atlanta Hawks Trey Lyles, F
Paul Millsap was terrific in his time in Atlanta, especially this season. But, he is a free agent this summer and there is a decent chance he won't be back. The Hawks could get a replacement in a similar mold in Lyles. He will have to get stronger underneath, but Lyles already has the versatility and shooting touch the Hawks need.
16. Boston Celtics Sam Dekker, F
Dekker certainly isn't the flashiest prospect in this draft, but hailing from Wisconsin you know what you are getting: a high energy player, who can rebound, pass and play strong defense. Dekker's jump shot is still inconsistent but his size is prototypical for an NBA small forward. He would work really well with Brad Stevens in Boston.
17. Milwaukee Bucks Bobby Portis, F
There is significant excitement about Milwaukee's frontcourt and there is certainly a reason why. Jabari Parker looked terrific before a knee injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo has all the tools to be a superstar. Milwaukee could continue to build their frontline by selecting another versatile weapon in Portis.
18. Houston Rockets Jerian Grant, PG
I'm a big Jason Terry fan, but no team is going to win a title, which are Houston's goals, with him at point guard. Ideally, Houston gets Patrick Beverley back, but I'm not sold he is the solution here. Jerian Grant is a terrific scorer with the size to get to the rim and finish. He would add explosiveness and smarts to the Houston backcourt.
19. Washington Wizards Kevon Looney, F
Paul Pierce was really good this past season in Washington, but he could be heading somewhere West (likely LA) this offseason. While the Wizards are hoping former No. 3 overall pick Otto Porter can step up, Kevon Looney could be the true solution. Looney showed real promise with UCLA this past season, a hard worker who can rebound and hang in the paint, but also possesses impressive versatility.
20. Toronto Raptors Montrezl Harrell, F
Depth was a concern for Toronto's frontcourt last year, and Harrell could certainly help. He didn't meet all the expectations placed on him last year, but Harrell did show an improved jump shot. While that part of the game does need to evolve if he wants to last in the league, his strength right now is his strength and ferocity in the paint.
21. Dallas Mavericks Tyus Jones, PG
Known by many as a "Coachkiller" Rajon Rondo once more butted heads with his head coach, and things got so bad Rick Carlisle essentially told him they were better off without him in the Playoffs against Houston. Rondo is certainly gone, so Carlisle will add Jones, a smarter prospect who fills Dallas' need at point guard.
22. Chicago Bulls Delon Wright, G
A big reason for Utah's resurgence the past two seasons, Delon Wright could be a perfect fit for Chicago. New coach Fred Hoiberg will hope to create a more dynamic offense, but the Bulls will still be very strong defensively. Wright is a 6'5" guard who can defend, but also showed the strength to get to the bucket.
23. Portland Trail Blazers Rashad Vaughn, G
Following the season-ending knee injury to Wesley Matthews, Portland's offense suffered tremendously. To make matters worse, Matthews will be a free agent along with Arron Afflalo, another shooting guard who appears destined to go elsewhere. Portland adds explosiveness and significant swagger with Vaughn, who was terrific with UNLV.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers Justin Anderson, G/F
Everybody saw it: LeBron had little to no help throughout much of the Finals. While a healthy Kyrie and possibly Kevin Love would help, upgrading the wing position, where J.R. Smith saw significant minutes is a must. Anderson was a very good scorer with Virginia, especially when healthy and his when his jump shot is going good.
25. Memphis Grizzlies R.J. Hunter, SG
With no clearcut needs, Memphis could merely go with the best player available. R.J. Hunter is a solid all-around prospect who was a proven scorer at Georgia State. His size is impressive and he has unlimited range. He would be a clear upgrade over the aging Tony Allen at the shooting guard position.
26. San Antonio Spurs Guillermo Hernangomez, F/C
No franchise is as good as drafting International prospects as the Spurs, who completely hit on Tony Parker and Manu Ginboli and even less heralded Tiago Splitter. Hernangomez is a Spanish product who has the tools to be a very productive NBA big man: he rebounds well, especially offense, plays hard and has the size and strength to hang with the biggest in the league.
27. Los Angeles Lakers Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F
Already picking up a franchise center, the Lakers should work on two other major problems at 27: their defense and general sluggishness on offense. Hollis-Jefferson uses his long arms, sturdy frame and athleticism to lock down offensive players and he adds dangerous explosiveness in transition, something Los Angeles has needed for years now.
28. Boston Celtics Chris McCullough, F
A knee injury ended McCullough's season quickly in Syracuse, but before it, he was showing real NBA potential. He has a very long, athletic frame, one that can finish around the rim. He isn't much of a shooter, but even so, Boston could definitely add him to their rotation.
29. Brooklyn Nets Terry Rozier, G
The Nets are likely looking to move up significantly in the first round, but unless they give up Mason Plumlee and/or some important pieces they might not have enough to offer. Rozier would be a great consolation prize for Brooklyn. The speedy, push-the-pace guard can play both guard spots and could be the replacement Brooklyn needs for Deron Williams.
30. Golden State Warriors Christian Wood, F
The Warriors will definitely try to bring back Draymond Green, who had a breakthrough 2014-2015, but even if they do, they will look for extra insurance in their frontcourt. Wood showed considerable upside in his lone season at UNLV, and brings rebounded and hard defense to Golden State's bench.
According to multiple news outlets, the Timberwolves have informed Towns that he will be their top overall selection. The move certainly is a smart one for Minnesota, who severely lacked any post presence beyond Nikola Pekovic this past season. Towns still has to become stronger and become more imposing on the block, but he is the best prospect in this draft, and the T-Wolves need him.
2. Los Angeles Lakers Jahlil Okafor, C
The Lakers will almost certainly go aggressively after a big name big man in this year's free agency (Kevin Love, Marc Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge could all be options) but even with the appeal of LA helping them, it may be tough to land one. Though, they could certainly add a dominant big man in the draft in Okafor, whose size and strength will definitely help him from the get-go in the NBA.
3. Philadelphia Sixers Kristaps Porzingis, F/C
Scouts and GMs alike are wowed by Porzingis, a massive Latvian big man with great hands, impressive athleticism and loads of potential. But, many still remain cautious about drafting an unproven European prize over a more scouted and ready American commodity. Though, Philly could make this move because of two reasons: they really don't have anything to lose and they aren't in win-now mode like many others near the bottom (Knicks, Lakers) and could afford to wait for Porzingis to grow.
4. New York Knicks D'Angelo Russell, G
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| D'Angelo Russell |
Despite stocking up on young talent, Orlando still has yet to make much progress since Dwight Howard left town, and that's worrying. They need a player that can contribute right away, and Winslow could be that guy. Few players possess the athleticism, defensive capabilities and feel for the game in this draft than Winslow, and he could fill the small forward slot if Tobias Harris leaves in free agency.
6. Sacramento Kings Emmanuel Mudiay, PG
Sacramento could certainly move up to the Knicks spot, as the front office has been aggressively trying to find support around Demarcus Cousins for years to very little success. But, if they stick at six they should take a chance on Mudiay. Mudiay dominated in high school, but it was hard to get a read on his time in China. Even so, that experience should only benefit him, and his size for a point guard is tremendous. Sacramento could be looking to deal Darren Collison this summer, so this makes sense.
7. Denver Nuggets Mario Hezonja, G
After a dreadful 30-win season, Denver appears poised to embark on a rebuild this offseason. That would likely mean giving away Ty Lawson and more in their backcourt, opening the door for them to strike on a young guard here. Hezonja is certainly a major risk, but his slashing potential mixed with his fluid offensive game creates a Top 10 prospect who could be a steal.
8. Detroit Pistons Stanley Johnson, G/F
Outside of Karl Anthony-Towns, Johnson is my favorite prospect in this draft. A natural scorer who showed real production this past year at Arizona, Johnson has plenty of strengths. His physical tools are off the charts, but his inconsistent jump shot could drop him a little. If Detroit can add him at eight, they would be really happy.
9. Charlotte Hornets Devin Booker, SG
Charlotte would love if Johnson drops to them at nine, but there is a pretty big chance he won't. While they could explore options at center (Willie Cauley-Stein, Frank Kaminsky), shooting guard is just too big of a need, with Lance Stephenson gone and Gerald Henderson possibly leaving. Booker slumped towards the end of the season with Kentucky, but he has good size and is deadly from the perimeter.
10. Miami Heat Kelly Oubre, G/F
Even if the Heat do retain Dwyane Wade this offseason (it would be weird to see him not return), Miami will look to upgrade the wing position. With Stanley Johnson off the board, Oubre may be the wing with the most upside. Although he was extremely inconsistent with Kansas, his athleticism is impressive and his jump shot seems to improving.
11. Indiana Pacers Willie Cauley-Stein, C
Cauley-Stein has the chance to go as high as five to Orlando or drop all the way down here to Indiana. If he does, it would still be a good situation for both teams. Indiana once had perhaps the most dominant defensive center in the game (Roy Hibbert), but he has been terrible over the past two years. They could replace with Cauley-Stein, who could learn and grow next to David West, as he finishes up his career.
12. Utah Jazz Frank Kaminsky, F/C
The Jazz have developed a really strong frontcourt with rim protector Rudy Gobert and solid forward Derrick Favors. But, one thing they still clearly lack is a shooter, or more versatile big man. Kaminsky possesses superb footwork, and a proven jump shot. He could certainly open up things for Favors, Gobert and the rest of the Utah offense.
13. Phoenix Suns Myles Turner, F/C
Although their futures look rather murky this summer, Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe give Phoenix some pieces to work with in their backcourt. Their frontcourt, on the other hand, is very thin and adding another young piece is a must. Turner struggled with Texas this past season, but still has some considerable upside and could thrive in Phoenix's up-tempo system.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder Cameron Payne, PG
OKC desperately needs another guard and they get a perfect solution here, if Payne does indeed drop to late lottery. A pure scorer out of Murray State, Payne has a smooth jumper, quick first step and is great at the line. He won't be a scorer that can carry a team, but the Thunder have KD and Russell Westbrook so clearly they don't need that. Having some punch off the bench is a must if Oklahoma City wants to take the next step.
15. Atlanta Hawks Trey Lyles, F
Paul Millsap was terrific in his time in Atlanta, especially this season. But, he is a free agent this summer and there is a decent chance he won't be back. The Hawks could get a replacement in a similar mold in Lyles. He will have to get stronger underneath, but Lyles already has the versatility and shooting touch the Hawks need.
16. Boston Celtics Sam Dekker, F
Dekker certainly isn't the flashiest prospect in this draft, but hailing from Wisconsin you know what you are getting: a high energy player, who can rebound, pass and play strong defense. Dekker's jump shot is still inconsistent but his size is prototypical for an NBA small forward. He would work really well with Brad Stevens in Boston.
17. Milwaukee Bucks Bobby Portis, F
There is significant excitement about Milwaukee's frontcourt and there is certainly a reason why. Jabari Parker looked terrific before a knee injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo has all the tools to be a superstar. Milwaukee could continue to build their frontline by selecting another versatile weapon in Portis.
18. Houston Rockets Jerian Grant, PG
I'm a big Jason Terry fan, but no team is going to win a title, which are Houston's goals, with him at point guard. Ideally, Houston gets Patrick Beverley back, but I'm not sold he is the solution here. Jerian Grant is a terrific scorer with the size to get to the rim and finish. He would add explosiveness and smarts to the Houston backcourt.
19. Washington Wizards Kevon Looney, F
Paul Pierce was really good this past season in Washington, but he could be heading somewhere West (likely LA) this offseason. While the Wizards are hoping former No. 3 overall pick Otto Porter can step up, Kevon Looney could be the true solution. Looney showed real promise with UCLA this past season, a hard worker who can rebound and hang in the paint, but also possesses impressive versatility.
20. Toronto Raptors Montrezl Harrell, F
Depth was a concern for Toronto's frontcourt last year, and Harrell could certainly help. He didn't meet all the expectations placed on him last year, but Harrell did show an improved jump shot. While that part of the game does need to evolve if he wants to last in the league, his strength right now is his strength and ferocity in the paint.
21. Dallas Mavericks Tyus Jones, PG
Known by many as a "Coachkiller" Rajon Rondo once more butted heads with his head coach, and things got so bad Rick Carlisle essentially told him they were better off without him in the Playoffs against Houston. Rondo is certainly gone, so Carlisle will add Jones, a smarter prospect who fills Dallas' need at point guard.
22. Chicago Bulls Delon Wright, G
A big reason for Utah's resurgence the past two seasons, Delon Wright could be a perfect fit for Chicago. New coach Fred Hoiberg will hope to create a more dynamic offense, but the Bulls will still be very strong defensively. Wright is a 6'5" guard who can defend, but also showed the strength to get to the bucket.
23. Portland Trail Blazers Rashad Vaughn, G
Following the season-ending knee injury to Wesley Matthews, Portland's offense suffered tremendously. To make matters worse, Matthews will be a free agent along with Arron Afflalo, another shooting guard who appears destined to go elsewhere. Portland adds explosiveness and significant swagger with Vaughn, who was terrific with UNLV.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers Justin Anderson, G/F
Everybody saw it: LeBron had little to no help throughout much of the Finals. While a healthy Kyrie and possibly Kevin Love would help, upgrading the wing position, where J.R. Smith saw significant minutes is a must. Anderson was a very good scorer with Virginia, especially when healthy and his when his jump shot is going good.
25. Memphis Grizzlies R.J. Hunter, SG
With no clearcut needs, Memphis could merely go with the best player available. R.J. Hunter is a solid all-around prospect who was a proven scorer at Georgia State. His size is impressive and he has unlimited range. He would be a clear upgrade over the aging Tony Allen at the shooting guard position.
26. San Antonio Spurs Guillermo Hernangomez, F/C
No franchise is as good as drafting International prospects as the Spurs, who completely hit on Tony Parker and Manu Ginboli and even less heralded Tiago Splitter. Hernangomez is a Spanish product who has the tools to be a very productive NBA big man: he rebounds well, especially offense, plays hard and has the size and strength to hang with the biggest in the league.
27. Los Angeles Lakers Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F
Already picking up a franchise center, the Lakers should work on two other major problems at 27: their defense and general sluggishness on offense. Hollis-Jefferson uses his long arms, sturdy frame and athleticism to lock down offensive players and he adds dangerous explosiveness in transition, something Los Angeles has needed for years now.
28. Boston Celtics Chris McCullough, F
A knee injury ended McCullough's season quickly in Syracuse, but before it, he was showing real NBA potential. He has a very long, athletic frame, one that can finish around the rim. He isn't much of a shooter, but even so, Boston could definitely add him to their rotation.
29. Brooklyn Nets Terry Rozier, G
The Nets are likely looking to move up significantly in the first round, but unless they give up Mason Plumlee and/or some important pieces they might not have enough to offer. Rozier would be a great consolation prize for Brooklyn. The speedy, push-the-pace guard can play both guard spots and could be the replacement Brooklyn needs for Deron Williams.
30. Golden State Warriors Christian Wood, F
The Warriors will definitely try to bring back Draymond Green, who had a breakthrough 2014-2015, but even if they do, they will look for extra insurance in their frontcourt. Wood showed considerable upside in his lone season at UNLV, and brings rebounded and hard defense to Golden State's bench.
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