Some will tell you that the days of traditional centers are gone, and that the NBA is now a guard’s game.
They aren’t completely wrong, but how much of that is due to the lack of skilled big men who are willing to battle on the block, as opposed to them not being relevant anymore?
This 2015 NBA Draft class should tell us a lot, as this might be the deepest position in the Draft overall.
1.) Jahlil Okafor
No one in the Draft has Okafor’s scoring ability inside, and it isn’t entirely close. His long arms and huge hands enable him to finish over, through, or around contact at the rim, and he’s developing his face up game as well. As a defender, Okafor certainly has a long ways to go, as he was a liability at times for Duke last season, especially in the NCAA Tournament. Still, he’s a special talent, and with his advanced repertoire on the offensive end, he’s an easy choice for the top spot here.
2.) Willie Cauley-Stein
The opposite of Okafor, Cauley-Stein still has a long ways to go to develop his offensive game. He’s not incredibly efficient with his back to the basket, and despite the progress he’s made with his mid-range jumper, he still has a long ways to go. Despite that, he’s the most dynamic defender in this Draft, with his ability to defend every position on the floor–go rewatch the ending of UK vs. Notre Dame if you don’t believe me. He has Tyson Chandler upside.
3.) Myles Turner
Turner had an up and down freshman year at Texas, but his size, athleticism, and skill are still tantalizing to watch. He can knock down shots from deep, mid-range, or with his back to the basket. On the other end, he’s a rim protector who does well to finish the possession by pulling down a rebound as well. Still, Turner must embrace his size and be more willing to bang underneath before he reaches his undeniable potential.
4.) Frank Kaminsky
We love Frank The Tank, and not only because he’s the most offensively versatile big in the class. Sure, he can give 20 points any way you want it, while also being a leader in the locker room. But he’s improved his defense dramatically, and stacked up favorably when he competed against the Kentucky bigs, and Jahlil Okafor in the NCAA Tournament.
5.) Robert Upshaw
There are serious, serious character concerns here, but there’s also serious talent. With Upshaw in the lineup, Washington was one of the best defensive teams in the country last season. Without him, they crumbled. He’s an elite shot blocker and evolving scorer that, if he has his head on right, will out play his draft spot.
