Complete First Round 2015 NBA Mock Draft
1
Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl Anthony-Towns, C, Kentucky
Towns is a no brainer for the Wolves. He is the best player in the draft and has a chance to be an NBA legend. To pass him up would be super silly and ill advised. The front court of the Wolves could use some more talent and Towns would help solve that. He would stretch the floor and could possibly be the team’s go-to scorer in the future.
2
Los Angeles Lakers
Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
Despite the buzz that the Lakers might snatch Russell or Porzingis or even Mudiay, Okafor is the better player and better fit. They already have guard Jordan Clarkson, who was fantastic in his rookie campaign, eliminating the sanity of choosing a point guard. Okafor will most likely play center, replacing the disappointing Robert Sacre and Jordan Hill. He will be the eventual go-to scorer.
3
Philadelphia 76ers
D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Ohio State
Although the rumors have been swirling around Porzingis, I think the Sixers will stick to their roots and choose Russell. The Philly team needs scorers and a point guard for the future and Russell will give them both of those things. The Sixers cannot pass up on Russell, he is their perfect fit.
4
New York Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
Even though highly touted guard Emmanuel Mudiay is still around, he is not a good fit for the triangle offense and I cannot see the Knicks’ front office passing up on the option to fill their problem in the frontcourt. And this Latvian big man has an unbelievably high ceiling. Although Porzingis will need time to grow, he could be the “go-to” guy in the future, and even provide a better option than their current frontcourt.
5
Orlando Magic
Justise Winslow, SF, Duke
The Magic have a young and extremely talented core. In past drafts, the Magic front office has gone after super athletic, talented, and potential filled players. The former Duke forward fits the bill of their prior picks and will fill a position they may need, with Tobias Harris possibly leaving as a free agent this offseason.
6
Sacramento Kings
Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
With Darren Collison, the Kings can afford to pass up on Mudiay. Instead, they could use another big man who could play beside their superstar big man DeMarcus Cousins. Cauley-Stein could do this well and become the lockdown defender and rim protector of the future.
7
Denver Nuggets
Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China
The Nuggets have tried to build around point guard Ty Lawson in the past years, but it has not worked. The Colorado team is lucky to have Mudiay fall to them, with hope that he could maybe be the face of the franchise, instead of Lawson.
8
Detroit Pistons
Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky
The Pistons need a big man, especially with Greg Monroe looming in free agency. Their backcourt is relatively strong, unlike the frontcourt. Lyles will bring energy, potential, and a winning attitude to a team that needs it. This will create a crazy talented frontcourt for the near future (with Andre Drummond). Lyles is also the most talented and potential filled big man available.
9
Charlotte Hornets
Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia
Despite his attitude problem and inflated ego, Mario Hezonja cannot be passed up on at this point. He is a superb athlete, scorer, and shooter. He could be a real superstar if he keeps his head on straight. Super Mario could do what they brought Lance Stephenson in for, but 3x better.
10
Miami Heat
Myles Turner, C, Texas
The Heat need a big man and have expressed interest in the center from Texas. He could be a fantastic role player in the years to come, playing beside Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade in their closing seasons. As more of a stretch four, he could learn from Bosh, who has a similar game. Turner has lumbering size that allows him to be ready to bang, and his defensive efficiency could allow him to be a multi-dimensional player down the road. He is a young flower who could bloom into a really effective player. The 6’11’’ player could also make an impact in his first year, with the Heat’s desperation for a center.
11
Indiana Pacers
Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona
The Pacers have built a defensive identity under head coach Frank Vogel. With the selection of the Arizona University stud Stanley Johnson, the Pacers help add to that personality. They hope to bring in a familiar Ron Artest (played with Pacers) type player, without the crazy attitude. He could be the defensive stopper of the future and a great complement to superstar, Paul George.
12
Utah Jazz
Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
The Utah Jazz are looking for a big man after picking point guard Dante Exum last year and ridding of center Enes Kantar this season. Rudy Gobert was solid in his first two seasons, but he is not good enough to be the starting center of an NBA championship team. Portis will bring scoring (something they need) and constant energy. The Jazz need depth at big man and Portis will provide that as soon as he steps in Utah.
13
Phoenix Suns
Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin
The Suns also desperately need a big man. Their backcourt is stacked so to choose a guard would not help as much as trying to improve their frontcourt. Frank the Tank is the best power forward/center available.
14
Oklahoma City Thunder
Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State
The Thunder need a backup point guard to Russell Westbrook and Payne will give them just that. His experience and scoring spurts make him a perfect option off the bench. He is also the best and most successful point guard on the board.
15
Atlanta Hawks
Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
The Hawks are a balanced team. However, they could use more depth at the small forward position, along with more firepower off of the bench. The University of Kansas product has loads of potential and could possibly turn into the replacement for an aging Kyle Korver or an overachieving DaMarre Carroll
16
Boston Celtics
Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
The Celtics could use more depth in the frontcourt. Harrell is the best available. He will bring energy, aggression, and athleticism to team that already plays hard. The Louisville star would be a good fit.
17
Milwaukee Bucks
Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky
The Bucks have a young and well-built core. However, they could use some more depth at center and guard. With no reliable and talented big men available, the Bucks snatch the sharpshooter, young, and alluring Devin Booker. Even though they could use another point guard, the Bucks cannot pass up on Booker at this point in the draft.
18
Houston Rockets
Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame
The Rockets desperately need a point guard, regardless of Beverly’s decision as a free agent. Grant is a great facilitator, experienced, and has the ideal size for an NBA point guard.
19
Washington Wizards
RJ Hunter, SG/SF, Georgia State
The Wizards desperately need more substantial depth off the bench and RJ Hunter will provide that. Playing beside John Wall and Bradley Beal, Hunter would not have to create for himself (a weakness of his), allowing him to focus on draining open jumpers. Look for him to become a focal point off the bench as a scoring punch.
20
Toronto Raptors
Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin
At this point in the draft, the Raptors are looking for the best player available. That is the clutch and versatile Sam Dekker. The Wisconsin product is NBA-ready and could make an impact instantly for the Raptors.
21
Dallas Mavericks
Delon Wright, PG, Utah
Rajon Rondo is unlikely to rejoin the Mavs after a disappointing and head-scratching run with the team. They need a point guard as soon as possible and Delon Wright is the most NBA ready point guard remaining. The Utah guard was an efficient scorer and played loads of minutes in college. Wright is 6’5’’ and has the desirable size for a point guard in the NBA.
22
Chicago Bulls
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
The Bulls need a reliable backup point guard to injury prone Derrick Rose. Tyus Jones is just that and will be a fantastic fit for the team.
23
Portland Trail Blazers
Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV
With the departure of Wesley Matthews to free agency, the Trail Blazers look to find a replacement. The best option is Rashad Vaughn, the young and fantastic scorer from UNLV.
24
Cleveland Cavaliers
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona
The Cavs have built a championship caliber team. Now, they are looking for the best player available and a guy that can add depth to their lineup. Hollis-Jefferson could definitely do that and maybe even develop to be a potential starter and defensive star in the NBA.
25
Memphis Grizzlies
Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA
Although they could use some more pieces, the Grizzlies are in “win now” mode. They have a roster that is strong and at this point in the draft, they will not get the players they would ideally want (guys that are NBA ready). However, with Zach Randolph growing older, they are searching for a possible replacement to him. Looney, who has room to grow, would learn under Randolph and have time to develop into a strong player. He would also add energy minutes off of the bench in the beginning of his career.
26
San Antonio Spurs
Guillermo Hernangomez, PF, Spain
With Tim Duncan growing older, and the scary sight of retirement looming over him, the Spurs could use a young big man to learn the ropes to potentially replace Duncan.
27
Los Angeles Lakers
Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
The Lakers went big man with their lottery pick. However, they still have many holes, most notably in the backcourt. Terry Rozier is the best guard available.
28
Boston Celtics
Justin Anderson, SG/SF, Virginia
Boston could use more depth at the small forward position, and the defensive stopper Justin Anderson provides that. He also has the chance to develop into a really nice role player later in his career.
29
Brooklyn Nets
Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
The UNLV product is an athletic, quick, and young forward who could develop into a strong NBA baller. But he has a lot of room to grow. Wood is a project and a gamble at this point, but the Nets need more depth in the frontcourt and Wood provides that, along with a large upside.
30
Golden St.
Jarell Martin, PF, LSU
At this point, Golden State is pretty stacked with players and bound for another NBA championship in the near future. Taking the best player on the board, Martin, is the way to go.
Karl Anthony-Towns picture courtesy of noticiasparati.com
Myles Turner picture courtesy of www.nba.com
RJ Hunter picture courtesy of georgiastatesports.blog.ajc.com
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