2015 NBA Mock Draft

The 2015 NBA Draft is coming up fast, so it’s time to finalize what I see happening in my final 2015 NBA mock draft. I’ve been spending the last year watching and analyzing hours of tape, researching player fits, and putting it all together here. All that’s left is putting it all together, so let’s not waste any more time.

 

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky, Freshman

Measurements: 6-11′, 248 pounds, 7’4 wingspan

Unless something crazy happens, Karl Anthony Towns will be the first player taken in the 2015 draft. In preliminary mock drafts Jahlil Okafor was the overwhelming favorite to go first overall however, Anthony Towns has incredible potential unrivaled by any other player in this draft. Karl Anthony Towns has an outstanding defensive impact blocking shots and has solid offensive touch. The big man can handle the ball, and has range all the way out to deep to go with the athleticism to finish around and above the basket. That kind of versatility is very appealing for a 7 footer. Towns fits in with Minnesota, and will fill the role of a stretch big man. As long as Towns continues to get stronger and develop he is a home run pick for the Timberwolves.

 

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, Freshman

Measurements: 6’11, 270 pounds, 7’5 wingspan

Jahlil Okafor will not fall far in this draft. After the Timberwolves take Towns, Okafor is too good for the Lakers to pass up, and Okafor wants to go to Los Angeles, so it’s a perfect match. Okafor is a dominant offensive center prospect, something we have not seen in years, instead we have seen a lot of “project” centers-big men who are raw but have the ever-abused draft word “potential.” Okafor is more polished at the center position, but he lacks the sheer athleticism that makes prospects like Nerlens Noel and Karl Anthony Towns so enticing. Okafor can score anywhere within 15-feet though, and does so very well. On the defensive end, Okafor needs to develop more lateral quickness, and he needs to do a much better job of keeping his arms straight up while contesting shots-he has a habit of coming down hard which will lead to many fouls in the NBA, but with a 7’5 wingspan, Okafor could develop into a stout rim protector.

 

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Ohio State, Freshman

Measurements: 6’5, 193 pounds, 6’10 wingspan

D’Angelo Russell is honestly the guy I am most excited about in the 2015 NBA Draft class. I think Okafor is going to be a great offensive center, I think Anthony-Towns is going to be an All-Star, two-way player, but I think Russell is going to be a superstar. There have been reports lately that Philadelphia prefers Kristaps Porzingis, but I would say that’s a total smokescreen to get another team to trade up for Porzingis. Philadelphia is all about drafting the best player available, and while Porzingis has superstar potential as well, I would say Russell is on a completely different level. Philadelphia already has a log jam in their front court, and they need point guard help going forward. Russell can play both guard spots, defend both guard spots, and shoot well from deep. I’d say he’s a bigger Steph Curry, though not quite on the same level as a scorer. That’s scary.

 

4. New York Knicks: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke, Freshman

Measurements: 6’7, 222 pounds, 6’10 wingspan

The Knicks should be looking to trade here. My ideal trade would be a trade with the Detroit Pistons where Detroit signs and trades Greg Monroe, gives the Knicks the 8th pick and a future first and the Knicks give up the 4th pick. I’m a dreamer, and what I’m betting would happen if a trade happens it will be a team trying to jump in front of the Magic to get Porzingis. However, in the mock draft business we stay away from trades, so I have the Knicks taking Duke SF Justise Winslow as the best player available for them. Winslow isn’t an incredible fit in New York’s triangle offense, but he can play the high-three and have Carmelo Anthony shift to power forward when he’s on the floor. The Knicks need a point guard, but Emmanuel Mudiay isn’t a fit. They need a center and Willie Cauley-Stein could be a great fit, but Winslow has much more potential to contribute right now and in the future. Winslow has the potential to develop into a great 3-point shooter, and his ability to finish around and above the rim will make him a solid player right away.

 

5. Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia, 19 Years Old

 

Measurements: 7′, 220 pounds, N/A

Kristaps Porzingis is a long human being. Despite not having an official listed wingspan, you can tell by the picture above that he needs to jump roughly a foot in the air to throw down a dunk. Porzingis is very athletic for a big man, and is capable of handling the ball in order to get to the rim. Porzingis’ athleticism makes him more valuable than the stereotypical stretch four that his game play embodies. Porzingis has range out to the 3-point line, and he’s lethal shooting the midrange shot. The one aspect Porzingis needs to work on a lot is his post-up game. Porzingis is lanky, he needs to add strength badly, and he’s very uncomfortable with his back to the basket. Orlando has some nice pieces in place with Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, and Aaron Gordon. Porzingis fits in as a much better stretch four than Tobias Harris.

 

6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky, Junior

Measurements: 7’1, 242 pounds, 7’3 wingspan

The Kings could very well draft Emmanuel Mudiay here, who has slid down the draft board, but they already have Darren Collinson as a pretty competent point guard and it seems DeMarcus Cousins wants Cauley-Stein to play center alongside him, and there’s a lot of value to pleasing your star player. Cauley-Stein is an athletic big man full of potential. He is a former high school wide receiver (scary thought) and he runs the floor like one, getting up and down the court exceptionally well for a big man. Cauley-Stein can also play above the rim and block shots very well. Cauley-Stein has tons of potential to be a stud, he just needs to put it all together-his defensive game is NBA ready, he just needs a little more offense.

 

7. Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China, 19 Years Old

Measurements: 6’5, 196 pounds, 6’8.5 wingspan

Emmanuel Mudiay experiences the slip in this mock draft that might be expected from him playing overseas instead of playing on the national scene at SMU. Mudiay played well during his time in China, but he proved to be turnover prone and occasionally tried to force things when they weren’t there. Denver has a question mark at point guard, though, as Ty Lawson’s future in Denver is less than certain. Mudiay could potentially develop into an amazing two-way guard, as he has the energy and athleticism to succeed going to the rim, racking up steals, and he has the mechanics to develop as a shooter. He’s more of a scorer than a distributor, but he’s a steal at pick 7, as he could very well go top four.

 

8. Detroit Pistons: Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia, 20 Years Old

Measurements: 6’8, 200 pounds, N/A

I wrote recently that the Detroit Pistons can be competitive in 2016, and Mario Hezonja being available here would be huge for the Pistons. Hezonja is athletic, and demonstrates the ability to create his own shot-which is appealing for a wing player. Hezonja has range out beyond the 3-point line as well, and-when he feels like it-he does a great job creating for his teammates. The main issue with Hezonja is he does not always cooperate with playing team basketball, instead preferring playing hero ball and dominating possessions. This should even out as he matures, but it’s an issue to keep an eye on. Hezonja also needs to improve defensively, where he is currently a liability. Overall, Hezonja’s potential to be a dominant offensive wing should see him go early in this draft, and Detroit could see him as a key player for their future plans on the wing.

 

9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky, Freshman

Measurements: 6’6, 206 pounds, 6’8 wingspan

The Hornets really need shooting, and no one shoots the ball better that’s available here than Booker. Booker was overshadowed on a stacked Kentucky team, but he shot 41% from deep and would provide the Hornets with the deep shooting they need. After the Lance Stephenson experiment was just terrible, Booker provides an opposite type of player at the 2. Booker can do a little cutting to the basket and finishing around the rim, but his main purpose would be spacing the floor. Charlotte doesn’t have many players on the roster that can space the floor, and although Devin Booker would be a bit of a reach at 9, he fits a team that is trying to get back to the playoffs.

 

10. Miami Heat: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona, Freshman

Measurements: 6’7, 237 pounds, 6’11 wingspan

The Heat are drafting here because of injury problems that derailed their season. If they can retain Dragic and Wade, Stanley Johnson could be a great replacement for Luol Deng, or a great option off the bench if Deng is back. Johnson has the potential to become a great scorer in the NBA, and he’s already solid on both ends. Johnson has deep range and a solid handle, meaning he can create his own shot anywhere on the court. He doesn’t have incredible quickness, but he is built strong and tough and has a way of finding his way wherever he needs to go. On defense, he will need to improve lateral quickness to guard NBA wings, but Johnson has a lot of potential to turn into a very solid small forward in the NBA.

 

11. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, C, Texas, Freshman

Measurements: 6’11.5, 240 pounds, 7’4 wingspan

Myles Turner is very underrated as a prospect, and I’m a lot higher on him than most people. Turner needs to get stronger in order to hold his own as a big man in the NBA, but he has a versatile skill set that could fit well in Indiana. Outside of his limited strength, Turner is an incredibly intriguing center prospect. Turner has range-though he doesn’t project to be an NBA 3-point shooter-he has the ability to handle the ball, and he has some nice finesse moves around the basket. The Pacers need a big man who can dominate offensively, and for now I’m giving Turner the benefit of the doubt that he will develop well.

 

12. Utah Jazz: Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky, Freshman

Measurements: 6’10, 241 pounds, 7’2 wingspan

Trey Lyles had a pretty underwhelming season in a crowded Kentucky front court, but his potential is overwhelming. He has a nice shooting touch inside the arc, he can develop a three-point shot, and he has talented footwork in the post. He can’t back any players down in the post, but that’s something he can work on in the future. He can put the ball on the floor and has solid handles for a big man. The Jazz don’t have a lot of front court depth outside of the underrated Jack Cooley, and Lyles could chip in as both a power forward and center.

 

13. Phoenix Suns: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin, Senior

Measurements: 7’1, 231 pounds, 6’11

Frank Kaminsky blew up this year on his way to National Player of the Year, and he’s virtually guaranteed to go in the lottery. Kaminsky isn’t the longest big man, as demonstrated by his 6’11 wingspan and he will not be pulling down double-digit rebounds in the NBA, but he plays solid fundamental defense, and can really stretch the floor offensively. Kaminsky could step in right away as a role player for Phoenix and spend his rookie season hitting shots from right around the basket all the way out to the three-point line. He can spend time at either power forward or center.

 

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State, Sophomore

Measurements: 6’2, 183 pounds, 6’7 wingspan

The Thunder need a long-term backup for Russell Westbrook, who has serious injury concerns year after year. Cameron Payne has been exploding up draft boards, and he could even go much higher than this (keep an eye on Sacramento). Payne does a lot of stuff well on the court. He excels in pick and roll situations, he sees the floor extremely well, and can shoot the ball well from the 3. He’s a little undersized, but as a point guard coming off the bench he could work wonders for OKC’s second unit. The best part about this pick is that Cameron Payne still has the potential to develop as a player, and there are few better players to learn under than Russell Westbrook.

 

15. Atlanta Hawks (Via Brooklyn): Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas, Freshman

Measurements: 6’7, 205 pounds, 7’2 wingspan

The Atlanta Hawks exploded onto the scene this year, finishing 1st in the East, but they couldn’t get past LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Oubre could help a lot with that as he contributes 3-point shooting and solid wing defense. Oubre can develop into an immensely talented sniper from deep, and he also has the athleticism to slash to the basket and play above the rim. He needs to continue to develop the rest of his offensive game, but Oubre is an intense, talented wing full of potential that could enter in as a long-term solution at small forward for the Pistons. Oubre can help defend talented Eastern Conference wings like James and Jimmy Butler, and can contribute on the offensive end as well.

 

16. Boston Celtics: Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas, Sophomore

Measurements: 6’11, 246 pounds, 7’2 wingspan

The Celtics need front court help, and Portis is probably the safest option in this draft. Portis is an interesting prospect-an aggressive big man in the paint who has range out beyond the 3-point line. Portis isn’t an incredible athlete, but at 6’11 with a 7’2 wingspan and an arsenal of ways to score the ball, athleticism isn’t his calling card to put the ball in the hoop. Portis is also a formidable defender who can protect the rim more than adequately. Give Portis a few years of NBA experience, and he could be a great NBA starter, and the Celtics can use him for depth immediately as they try to claw their way back into the playoffs.

 

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin, Junior

Measurements: 6’9, 220 pounds, 7′ wingspan

The Bucks have a solid starting five, they just need help coming off the bench. Sam Dekker provides intensity, solid athleticism, and 3-point shooting. Dekker’s long-range shot doesn’t look impressive on paper, but his fundamentals are there to be a great shooter. Dekker would be a great pick up for the Bucks as a spot-up shooter who also has the athleticism and handle to occasionally drive to the hoop and create his own shot. Dekker’s role in Milwaukee would be to come off the bench and provide outside shooting and a secondary scoring threat. Dekker brings the Bucks even closer to competing in the East.

 

18. Houston Rockets (Via New Orleans): Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame, Senior

Measurements: 6’4, 198 pounds, 6’8 wingspan

Word is the Rockets love Tyus Jones, but I think Grant gives them a better opportunity to compete right away. The Rockets have pretty much no one behind Patrick Beverley at the point guard position, and Grant can also play the two, where the Rockets also lack depth. Jones can’t play and guard both spots the same way. Grant is athletic, he can move the ball well, and he has the experience and success at the college level that can help a team that is trying to compete for championship right now. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Rockets go with Jones, but Grant is the better player for right now to me.

 

19. Washington Wizards: Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA, Freshman

Measurements: 6’9, 222 pounds, 7’4 wingspan

The Wizards have a few needs here, power forward is a need, as is backup point guard, as is small forward if Paul Pierce leaves. There aren’t many offensive minded small forwards to replace Pierce, there are some point guards available, but none of them possess the incredible upside of Kevon Looney. Looney is an incredibly talented rebounder as he uses his length and great timing to fight for boards. He is still developing as a scorer and as a defensive presence, but as long as he learns some offensive skills as he develops, he can definitely learn about defense from Nene and Gortat.

 

20. Toronto Raptors: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona, Sophomore

Measurements: 6’7, 211 pounds, 7’2 wingspan

The Raptors are still trying to figure out how to advance in the playoffs. One player who could help them get there for years to come is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Hollis-Jefferson has all the makings of a fully tooled player, he just needs to develop an outside shot. If he had an outside shot, he would be a top 10 pick. Hollis-Jefferson knows how to get to the basket, as he has a solid handle for a wing, and uses his athleticism to get to the rim and make tough shots around bigger players. All in all, Hollis-Jefferson is a valuable two-way player in every way except for that 3-point shot.

 

21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG, Duke, Freshman

Measurements: 6’2, 185 pounds, 6’5 wingspan

The Mavericks are kind of screwed at the point guard position if Rajon Rondo leaves. Fortunately, if the draft plays out this way, a potential starter falls to them here. Jones runs a steady, balanced offense. Jones does not have elite athleticism, but he is an exceptional passer and sees the floor very well, letting him set up his teammates well while on the floor. Jones isn’t exactly an elite shooter yet, but he shot the three at a decent clip, has room to grow, and his poise at point guard is remarkable for such a young player. If you’re looking for a comparison from the 2014 NBA draft, look no further than Tyler Ennis-who went right in this range.

 

22. Chicago Bulls: Delon Wright, PG, Utah, Senior

Measurements: 6’6, 181 pounds, 6’8 wingspan

The Bulls have some options here, but back up point guard is absolutely the biggest need here. Kirk Hinrich is just terrible. Wright is a big, big point guard who can score in the paint. He is athletic, and extremely intense on the floor. His handle is great, and he has very solid court vision to see and set up his teammates well, and the best part about Wright’s game is his defensive ability. Last year Wright averaged 2.1 steals per game, and the year before it was 2.5 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game as a point guard. Wright can be the defensive menace that Hinrich was supposed to be, and he can share the floor with Derrick Rose at times.

 

23. Portland Trailblazers: Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV, Freshman

Measurements: 6’5, 200 pounds, 6’7 wingspan

Rashad Vaughn is not going to be considered a defensive ace probably ever, but with Wesley Matthews most likely leaving in free agency, the Trailblazers need to fill the role of 3-point shooter, and that is a role that Vaughn can definitely play. Vaughn shot 38% from deep while taking over 6 a game on a bad team. Vaughn can step right in for Wesley Matthews and shoot as many threes as he likes, which will be a mutually beneficial thing for Vaughn and the Trailblazers. Vaughn would also be a great scoring option off the bench, bringing energy to a second unit that desperately needs it.

 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville, Junior

Measurements: 6’8, 253, 7’4 wingspan

Regardless of what happens with Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers need front court help. LeBron plays well at power forward, but he can’t play 48 minutes a game every game. Harrell could be one of the key pieces to place around LeBron to help the Cavaliers be a more well-rounded team. Harrell is a bit undersized, but he doesn’t let that stop him from being a dominating presence down low. Using his 7’4 wingspan and great motor, Harrell grabs rebounds and scores around the basket with ease. Harrell is an intense player, and the type of player that can make an impact for the Cavaliers immediately as a role player.

 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia, Junior

Measurements: 6’6, 231 pounds, 7′ wingspan

The Grizzlies are a great defensive team that can’t seem to consistently put together a great offensive game. That’s been the narrative for roughly forever in Memphis. Justin Anderson would be a guy to come in and contribute offensively right away. Anderson shot incredibly well from deep, he also had a 43″ vertical at the NBA combine, making him surprisingly athletic as a wing. His points will mostly come from beyond the arc, as I firmly believe his shot will be a consistent weapon in the NBA.

 

26. San Antonio Spurs: R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State, Junior

Measurements: 6’6, 185 pounds, 6’11 wingspan

The Spurs are aging, Manu Ginobili’s future is in question, and at this point they should take the best player available and that is clearly Hunter. R.J. Hunter is a very intriguing option out of Georgia State, and it’s hard to know if he’s going to be a huge success in the NBA or a mediocre role player-it’s a similar narrative with Doug McDermott last year. Hunter was at Georgia State because that’s where his father coaches. He had offers from the likes of Miami, Virginia Tech and Iowa. Hunter is a downright sniper from long-range, but teams were focused on him every game so he didn’t shoot as high of a percentage as he should have, and what he doesn’t have in athleticism he makes up for with his overall basketball IQ. His quick release is downright pretty to watch, and he would fit right in with the culture in San Antonio.

 

27. Los Angeles Lakers (Via Houston): Terry Rozier, PG/SG, Louisville, Sophomore

Measurements: 6’2, 190 pounds, 6’8 wingspan

The Lakers went with the front court player at the start of the draft, and they need some backup point guard help from someone who isn’t Jeremy Lin, so Rozier fits here. Rozier isn’t a big guard, but he is long, and can spend some time guarding smaller 2 guards. Rozier’s main calling card is scoring, and while he isn’t totally efficient, he does find creative ways to score. He can also play pesky defense and run an offense pretty well. Rozier will have to prove he can play point guard in the NBA, but he’s been doing well in workouts, and the Lakers should be comfortable taking him here.

 

28. Boston Celtics (Via Los Angeles Clippers): Anthony Brown, SF, Stanford, Senior

Measurements: 6’9, 211 pounds, 6’11 wingspan

Anthony Brown is someone most have pegged as going in the second round, but I think he’s too good of an option for the Celtics to pass up here. Having watched a decent amount of Stanford basketball, Brown does very well at spacing the floor and working as a great glue guy. He can score well, he plays above average help defense, and he shoots very well from deep. The Celtics need three-point shooting, and they need wing help as well, so Brown fills two needs. He’s not a guy who has star potential, but he can immediately help a team on the fringe of the playoffs, and that’s a great reason for Boston to draft him.

 

29. Brooklyn Nets (Via Atlanta): Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse, Freshman

Measurements: 6’9, 200 pounds, 7’4 wingspan

Chris McCullough tore his ACL and will most likely miss a lot of the season this year, but the Nets aren’t going to be a championship contender for years to come. They don’t have a good situation in terms of draft picks over the next few years, so they really need to swing for the fences with this pick. McCullough is raw and obviously needs to bulk up to play power forward in the NBA, but give him a few years and he could prove to be in the same class as Karl Anthony Towns. McCullough can develop to be both offensively and defensively incredible, and for the Nets’ sake, let’s hope he does.

 

30. Golden State Warriors: Joseph Young, PG/SG, Oregon, Senior.

Measurements: 6’2, 182 pounds, 6’5 wingspan

The Warriors have a pretty set roster, they kind of won the NBA Championship this year or something. But one thing they definitely need is someone with a similar game to Curry that can play with the second unit. Livingston comes on and plays a much different role, but Joseph Young could come in, handle the ball, shoot insanely well from deep, and overall contribute a lot offensively to the second unit. He doesn’t give much in terms of defense, but the Warriors have defense everywhere else to help him out. At the end of the first round a player like Joseph Young being available would be an awesome pick for the Warriors.

 

Well, here is my second edition of my 2015 NBA mock draft. Let’s see what happens this week. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Let me know in the comments section below, and we can chat! Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! You can also follow me on Twitter so we can talk sports all the time.

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