We are just two days away from the 2015 NBA Draft, and the misdirection being thrown out by NBA general managers is reaching a boiling point. In an attempt to cut through the noise, we’re ready for our final NBA Mock Draft.
1.) Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky
The Timberwolves have coveted KAT since they earned the top pick, and it’s not just his potential on the block. Given the fact that he doesn’t need the ball to affect the game on a nightly basis, he fits in with Minnesota’s roster a bit better than his Duke counterpart.
2.) Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke
If the Lakers did anything but take Okafor, it would be the stunner of the draft. Okafor is the most advanced offensive talent that this draft offers on the inside, and the Lakers don’t exactly have anyone on their current roster that can be counted on for buckets with their back to the basket.
3.) Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State
Despite the hype that Kristaps Porzingis has generated, word has begun to circulate that the 76ers brass truly covets Russell, and that they won’t pass up the chance to draft the Buckeyes’ prize point guard. Russell is the best point guard in the draft, and it happens to be at a position of need.
4.) New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Europe
Whether it is Russell or Porzingis that falls to No. 4, the Knicks front office should be pretty excited. Either way, they’re getting franchise level talents at a relatively discounted price compared to where they would have been had they gotten one of the top couple picks.
5.) Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, Europe
Hezonja has seen his stock bolt back up as of late, with a few promising performances for FC Barcelona. What most people don’t know about him, is that he’s actually quite an explosive athlete, and he’ll give the Magic quite a bit of versatility.
6.) Sacramento Kings: Justise Winslow, Duke
The Kings may be wary about taking another prospect without a true position in the top 10 of a draft, but Winslow likely brings enough to the table to convince them that his paltry shooting can be fixed, and that his motor and defense more than make up for his shortcomings.
7.) Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay, China
After Winslow tanked his workout in Denver, and given the likelihood that Denver will be without a true point guard next season, this move would make the most sense for them. With new HC Mike Malone in town, Mudiay will also give him a PG with serious defensive potential.
8.) Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, Arizona
Johnson is a big time defender and, should he be playing in Detroit, will benefit from some time to work on rounding out his offense. A franchise that has suffered from chemistry issues in the past, Johnson is a personality fit as well.
9.) Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, Kentucky
Booker has worked himself into the top 10 here thanks to his performance in recent workouts. Not only is he showing people his ability to knock down shots, but he’s flashed off his athleticism to scouts and GMs in a way he couldn’t while at Kentucky.
10.) Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
Kaminsky or someone like Cameron Payne work here, because they each look like instant impact guys, as opposed to long term projects that might not suit Pat Riley’s vision for the Heat.
11.) Indiana Pacers: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
The Pacers need a big man, and Cauley-Stein has fallen into their laps due to injury concerns.
12.) Utah Jazz: Myles Turner, Texas
The Jazz don’t need an interior defender, but Turner would give them a bit more versatility in the frontcourt with his ability to step outside and shoot. Plus, his upside is crazy.
13.) Phoenix Suns: Trey Lyles, Kentucky
One of the best talents available, so the Suns would be well to get some good value here. Besides, big men who can handle the ball, pass, and shoot don’t exactly grow on trees.
14.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, Murray State
Bringing in a guy like Payne to learn from Russell Westbrook would be ideal for OKC, plus, he’d have the chance to get true backup minutes right away for the Thunder.
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15.) Atlanta Hawks: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kansas
16.) Boston Celtics: Bobby Portis, Arkansas
17.) Milwaukee Bucks: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin
18.) Houston Rockets: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State
19.) Washington Wizards: Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
20.) Toronto Raptors: Tyus Jones, Duke
21.) Dallas Mavericks: Delon Wright, Utah
22.) Chicago Bulls: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
23.) Portland Trailblazers: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
24.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Rashad Vaughn, UNLV
25.) Memphis Grizzlies: Kevon Looney, UCLA
26.) San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, Virginia
27.) Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Brown, Stanford
28.) Boston Celtics: Chris McCullogh, Syracuse
29.) Brooklyn Nets: Terry Rozier, Louisville
30.) Golden State Warriors: Jarell Martin, LSU
