The 2015 NBA Draft is just days away (June 25). How might the first round unfold for this year’s top prospects? After weeks of reports, workouts, rumors, and news, we have a pretty good idea.
2015 NBA Mock Draft
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Athony Towns, Kentucky (C)
Towns has only worked out for the Timberwolves—that is how confident he is that he will go no. 1 overall. He is the heavy favorite already. The Timberwolves seem to like him too, though other options are not without appeal.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke (C)
The Lakers are almost sure to draft whichever big man the Timberwolves do not in this two-man race. Towns is generally considered the better prospect, but Okafor is far from a booby prize.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State (SG)
Russell not only fills a positional need for the Sixers, he outwardly appears to be the best prospect on the board after Towns and Okafor. He would bring elite scoring to a team without an elite scorer.
4. New York Knicks: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky (C)
If Towns and Okafor are off the board by the time the Knicks make their selection, they may trade this pick (possibly to the Celtics). However, if they decide to hold onto it, Cauley-Stein makes the most sense for them as they pursue a top-tier center.
5. Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia (C)
A relative unknown just weeks ago, Porzingis has rocketed up the draft board, so much so that it appears negligible to let him slip past five. This would be a “talent over need” pick for the Magic, who could double up on 7-footers.
6. Sacramento Kings: Emmanuel Mudiay, China (PG)
Mudiay is the most skilled point guard in this year’s draft. If he makes it all the way to sixth, the Kings would be foolish not to select him. He would be the best player on the board and fill their need for an elite point guard.
7. Denver Nuggets: Mario Hezonja, Croatia (SF)
Hezonja is an aggressive scorer that can shoot the three. He has great size for his position, incredible athleticism, and everything the Nuggets need to strengthen their offensive game in a rebuilding year.
8. Detroit Pistons: Justise Winslow, Duke (SF)
It is a long shot for Winslow to fall this far, but he reportedly bombed his workout with the Nuggets. The Pistons would select him in a heartbeat to fill their dire need for a young, athletic small forward.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, Kentucky (SG)
Booker is one of the better shooters in this year’s draft. The Hornets would do well to bring him in for scoring and spacing alongside the more defensive-minded Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Mar 26, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) reacts against Xavier Musketeers during the second half in the semifinals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
10. Miami Heat: Stanley Johnson, Arizona (SF)
Johnson is the safest two-way player on the board. The Miami Heat could use a little safety as they face the prospect of losing reliable contributors in free agency. Johnson has a high floor and a broad skill set.
11. Indian Pacers: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin (PF-C)
The 2015 Wooden Award winner is a versatile scorer that can stretch the floor unlike any of Indiana’s current big men. He is also more mobile than most players his size and can keep up with quicker forwards on defense.
12. Utah Jazz: Kelly Oubre, Kansas (SG)
Oubre will be considered at 12 for his athleticism and potential as a two-way player. The Jazz are pretty well set at every position but could add Oubre in with the guards for energy and defense.
13. Phoenix Suns: Myles Turner, Texas (PF-C)
The Suns need to add depth to their frontcourt. Turner would be the most versatile big man left on the board in this scenario, so the Suns should pounce unless the Pacers draft him first.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, Murray State (PG)
Payne is the most interesting sleeper in this year’s draft, and the Thunder like him a lot. Don’t be surprised if this pick-and-roll specialist manages a top-15 selection.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Bobby Portis, Arkansas (PF)
A stretch-4 that can also block shots and rebound well, Portis would fit well with the Hawks, who need someone to back up Paul Millsap (or replace him in the worst-case scenario).
16. Boston Celtics: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin (SF)
Dekker is going to be a strong role player wherever he ends up. He is a bit of a streaky shooter, but is otherwise reliable and has gotten looks as high as no. 8.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Trey Lyles, Kentucky (PF)
Lyles could be considered a “talent over need” pick for the Bucks, but that is not an uncommon approach this late in the first round. The Bucks have space to work him in, now that Ersan Ilyasova has been traded.
18. Houston Rockets: Tyus Jones, Duke (PG)
The Rockets are anticipated to draft a point guard this year. Which one is yet unknown. Jones is smart defender and a gifted facilitator that would pair well with James Harden in the backcourt.
19. Washington Wizards: Kevon Looney, UCLA (PF)
Looney has the length and athleticism to be effective at both forward positions; especially offensively. The Wizards are rumored to be targeting frontcourt versatility, so Looney makes sense if he slips this far.
Mar 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) walks onto the court during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
20. Toronto Raptors, Jerian Grant, Notre Dame (PG)
Grant is among the most NBA-ready point guards this year. He is large and versatile enough to play both backcourt positions and has four years of college experience; perfect for a team hoping to contend.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Delon Wright, Utah (PG)
The Mavs are almost certain to draft a point guard. With several off the table at this point, drafting Wright slightly ahead of projections is not out of the question.
22. Chicago Bulls: Rashad Vaughn, UNLV (SG)
At 18 years-old, Vaughn has a bright future ahead of him. The Bulls could certainly use his perimeter shooting and develop him into a go-to option.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (PF)
The Trail Blazers would be hard-pressed to pass up on a guy with Harrell’s physical tools this late in the draft. His game needs polish, but his energy and unique frame represent absurd upside.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona (SF)
Hollis-Jefferson is a lockdown defender with a broken shot. The Cavaliers have plenty of chuckers, but, as we saw in the NBA Finals, their perimeter defense needs some work. Hollis-Jefferson is a great option this late.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State (SG)
The Grizzlies need outside scoring like a fish needs water. If Vaugh is off the board at 25, they could target Hunter for the same purpose.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, Virginia (SG)
Anderson is a solid role player with 3-and-D potential. The Spurs love their role players, but they also love their international players. Don’t be surprised if they make a stash pick to save cap space for free agency instead.
27. Los Angeles Lakers: Terry Rozier, Louisville (PG)
Rozier can play both backcourt positions competently, and would make a reasonable addition to a Lakers team in need of quality backups.
28. Boston Celtics: Christian Wood, UNLV (PF-C)
Wood is a boom or bust candidate that is certainly worth a look this late. His lack of strength and basketball IQ is concerning, but his length and relative speed make him an interesting prospect.
29. Brooklyn Nets: Chris McCullough, Syracuse (PF)
McCullough will be out for some time with a torn ACL, but whoever swoops on him is getting mid-first round talent. Then Nets can afford to be that team as they begin building their future.
30. Golden State Warriors: Jarell Martin, LSU (PF)
Martin is a strong rebounder and an acceptable shooter. He is not a bad option to come off the bench in Golden State, since the team will likely have to jettison David Lee this summer.
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