Now that the NBA Lottery has come and gone, we’ve got a clear picture of the 2015 NBA Draft order, and we’re starting to get an idea of which player might go where.
It’s time for our first Mock Draft of the year, with the Minnesota Timberwolves on the clock.
- Minnesota: Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns seems to have gotten a bit of a hold on this spot in the past few weeks, largely thanks to his ridiculous Player Efficiency Rating at Kentucky. Towns would be a perfect fit for a team loaded with young talent and in need of a big man that doesn’t need to dominate the ball in order to be effective.
- L.A. Lakers: Jahlil Okafor
There’s no doubt that the Lakers would be ecstatic if Okafor fell to them here, as getting a big man with his offensive skill set at the second-pick doesn’t happen often. This franchise needs their next star with Kobe Bryant moving on soon, and Okafor could be just that.
- Philadelphia: D’Angelo Russell
Now that the 76ers have a vacancy at the point guard spot, they have a chance to fill a need while also getting the best available talent at their spot in the Draft.
- New York: Emmanuel Mudiay
The triangle system may not be an ideal fit for Mudiay, but at least he won’t be tasked with huge scoring responsibilities with Carmelo Anthony still in town.
- Orlando: Mario Hezonja
In desperate need of offensive talent on the wing, this pick makes perfect sense for the Magic, who have gone after defense in recent years.
- Sacramento: Willie Cauley-Stein
George Karl is going to get his defensive sidekick to Demarcus Cousins with Cauley-Stein, and the most versatile defender in this draft class overall.
- Denver: Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis would give the Nuggets the perfect offensive threat for when Danilo Gallinari slides into the power forward spot.
- Detroit: Justise Winslow
The Pistons have struggled with chemistry issues in recent years, so bringing in a player like Winslow who could be a jack of all trades fits perfectly.
- Charlotte: Stanley Johnson
Going with something other than a big this draft makes sense here, especially with Lance Stephenson likely on his way out.
- Miami: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre has one of the highest ceilings in this class, with his athleticism and outside shooting looking like a perfect long-term replacement for Dwayne Wade.
- Indiana: Myles Turner
Roy Hibbert could be on his way out of Indianapolis, so the Pacers will be looking for his replacement. Turner makes a ton of sense here.
- Utah: Frank Kaminsky
The Jazz are stocked on the perimeter, and have one of the NBA’s best rim-protectors down low, but could use Kaminsky’s offensive skill set down low.
- Phoenix: Devin Booker
Booker might be the best shooter in the class, and he fills a position of need for the Suns.
- Oklahoma City: Cameron Payne
The Thunder will likely go with the best available talent at this spot, and Payne looks like the most likely candidate.
* * *
- Atlanta (From Brooklyn): Sam Dekker
- Boston: Trey Lyles
- Milwaukee: Bobby Portis
- Houston (From New Orleans): Tyus Jones
- Washington: Kevon Looney
- Toronto: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
- Dallas: Jerian Grant
- Chicago: Justin Anderson
- Portland: Montrezl Harrell
- Cleveland: RJ Hunter
- Memphis: Robert Upshaw
- San Antonio: Delon Wright
- L.A. Lakers (From Houston): Christian Wood
- Boston (From L.A. Clippers): Rashad Vaughn
- Brooklyn (From Atlanta): Jarell Martin
- Golden State: Chris McCullough
