2015 NBA mock draft: Take 2
FIRST ROUND
1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (PF/C, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 7-0, 248): While Jahlil Okafor will certainly be attractive to Flip Saunders' style of play, the Timberwolves ranked as the worst defensive team in the NBA last year and could desperately use the rim protection ability of Towns. Additionally, Andrew Wiggins saw the biggest share of his offense in post-up situations last year, while Ricky Rubio is a complete non-shooter, which indicates that the floor spacing Towns could provide might be more valuable to the T'wolves than Okafor's back-to-the-basket game. Finally, Nikola Pekovic and Gorgui Dieng are far better fits alongside Towns than Okafor.
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-11, 272): The Lakers have been searching for a real low-post presence since they traded Shaquille O'Neal to Miami more than a decade ago. Enter Okafor, the best back-to-the-basket scorer in the 2015 NBA draft. He won't do much to help what was the second-worst defense in the NBA last year, but he certainly fits into Byron Scott's old-school style of play. How will he mesh with an aging, yet ball-dominant Kobe?
3. Philadelphia 76ers – D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG, Ohio State, Fr., 19, 6-5, 193): With the two frontcourt studs off the board, Philadelphia looks to address its glaring hole at the point guard position, cleared by the Michael Carter-Williams trade and currently occupied by fringe NBA players Ish Smith and Isaiah Canaan. Russell gets the narrow edge here thanks to his superior outside shooting, which Philadelphia's front office has indicated is a major point of emphasis. His ball-handling, creativity and passing will fit well into the Sixers' poor offense (ranked worst in the NBA), and his ability to play off the ball fits next to Dario Saric as well. The Sixers did a lot of things poorly last season, but playing defense wasn't one of them (12th best), so they can probably live with Russell's limitations here with the likes of Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid patrolling the paint.
4. New York Knicks – Justise Winslow (SF, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-7, 222): The Knicks sported the third-worst defense in the NBA last season, and don't really have a single player on their roster that projects as being above average on that end of the floor. Winlsow's toughness, unselfishness and track record as a winner should be attractive to a team that struggled with chemistry all season and rarely looked to be on the same page. He's intelligent enough to pick up the triangle offense quickly, should have no problem playing the 2 or the 3 alongside Carmelo Anthony (at the 3 or the 4), and has all the intangibles you look for on a team that needs pretty much everything at this stage. Don't rule out a trade either, especially if a more immediate contributor becomes available.
5. Orlando Magic – Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky, Jr., 21, 7-1, 242): Orlando has a talented roster, but is still trying to find a way to operate in sync with a glaring lack of defense and rim protection in the frontcourt. Cauley-Stein is the most versatile defender in this draft class, and should have no problem playing alongside the likes of Nikola Vucevic, Channing Frye and Tobias Harris, giving new head coach Scott Skiles plenty of lineup flexibility. Pairing him with Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon would give the Magic one of the most athletic young rosters in the NBA. The Magic will also likely give a long look at the floor-spacing options in this draft, including Mario Hezonja, Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Kaminsky.
6. Sacramento Kings – Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, Guangdong/International, 19, 6-5, 200): The Kings would likely be thrilled to see a talent like Mudiay, considered a top-three pick for most of the season, at this stage in the draft. While Darren Collison has done an admiral job at the point, it's difficult to see him as a starter on a playoff team in the loaded Western Conference. Collison and Mudiay can play together regardless, and George Karl can finally start to instill his fast-paced, up-tempo offense with a big, strong athlete like Mudiay running the show. Defensively, the Kings could sorely use a long-armed athlete like Mudiay at the point of attack.
7. Denver Nuggets – Mario Hezonja (SG/SF, Barcelona/International, 20, 6-8, 200): Tim Connelly and his front office have shown an affinity for international players, and would likely have no qualms about adding another one to their roster. The Nuggets traded starting shooting guard Arron Afflalo at the deadline, and went with Randy Foye at that spot after that, which could clearly call for an upgrade. Hezonja's athleticism and outside shooting could help the Nuggets re-establish their offensive identity and take advantage of their once dominant home-court advantage by running teams out of their building on a nightly basis.
8. Detroit Pistons – Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin, Sr., 22, 7-1, 231): With Greg Monroe an unrestricted free agent, the Pistons are likely to be in the market for a starting power forward soon, one that complements their stud starting center Andre Drummond. Having a floor spacer at that spot like Kaminsky instead of another post-oriented big man, could be beneficial for their offense. Kristaps Porzingis and Myles Turner will likely get a long look here, as will bigger wing players like Stanley Johnson, Kelly Oubre and Mario Hezonja, but Kaminsky makes quite a bit of sense as he is of a similar age as many of their other core pieces and comes with the added benefit of being able to contribute right away.
9. Charlotte Hornets – Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Sevilla/International, 19, 7-0, 220): Charlotte was one of the worst outside-shooting teams in the NBA last season, which could make Porzingis, an attractive option at this spot in the draft. Fit is important for the Latvian power forward, who is still a ways away physically. Porzingis, Noah Vonleh and Cody Zeller would make a very versatile and interesting young 4/5 combination.
10. Miami Heat – Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona, Fr., 18, 6-7, 242): Miami could seemingly go in a lot of directions here, with a trade certainly being one potential option. The Heat desperately need athleticism on the wing to hopefully replace Dwyane Wade one day, and Johnson certainly has a great deal of upside to grow into long-term. He has outstanding potential as a defender and is a developing shooter, which is something the Heat could absolutely use.
11. Indiana Pacers – Myles Turner (C, Texas, Fr., 19, 7-0, 239): The Pacers have indicated they intend to play a faster and more open style of offense next season. Drafting a stretch big man like Turner could make sense with that in mind, especially if Indiana is serious about moving on from potential free agent Roy Hibbert (player option).
12. Utah Jazz – Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky, Fr., 18, 6-6, 206): The Jazz have built one of the most talented young rosters in the NBA, with an exciting blend of length and athleticism. Outside shooting has long been a priority of this new regime, and with that in mind, drafting one of the best shooters available in Booker could make a lot of sense.
13. Phoenix Suns – Kelly Oubre (SF, Kansas, Fr., 19, 6-7, 203): The Suns' roster transformation is an ongoing process, with the swingman positions continuing to look like the most pressing need. Oubre should be able to develop into a strong defender at either wing position with the added ability to make 3-pointers, which would fit in well with the Suns' philosophy. He's got nice upside to grow into, which could make him a solid piece as part of Phoenix's long-term outlook.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cameron Payne (PG, Murray State, So., 20, 6-2, 183): What do you give someone who has everything? It's almost unfair for arguably the most talented roster in the NBA to be adding a lottery pick, but this draft slot did lose a bit of value when a number of highly touted prospects who would have gone around this area decided to return to school. With no great options at the Thunder's biggest position of need, shooting guard, the team will likely elect to go with the best talent available, which according to many NBA executives, is Payne. A trade has to be considered an option here as well, as the Thunder have to be feeling some heat with Kevin Durant potentially becoming a free agent next summer.
15. Atlanta Hawks from Brooklyn Nets – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona, So., 20, 6-7, 211): While the Hawks have an outstanding starting wing combo in Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll, they could clearly use some depth behind those two players, which a long and versatile player like Hollis-Jefferson could clearly provide. Hollis-Jefferson's ability to defend both swing positions, as well as the guard and power forward spots, could give whichever team that drafts him a great deal of lineup flexibility, which is valuable in today's NBA.
16. Boston Celtics – Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin, Jr., 21, 6-9, 219): The Celtics need a true rim protector, but that will be difficult to find at this stage of the draft. Instead, they may look to add some depth at the 3/4 spots, where they are fairly shallow at the moment. Evan Turner started at small forward for most of last season, but is approaching the final season of his contract and hasn't proven himself as a long-term keeper yet. At the 4, the Celtics have been starting 30-year-old Brandon Bass, who becomes a free agent this summer (as does his backup Jonas Jerebko). Dekker knows how to play without the ball and fits into an unselfish and team-oriented offense, which could endear him to head coach Brad Stevens.
17. Milwaukee Bucks – Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas, So., 20, 6-11, 246): The Bucks are shallow at the power forward spot, where they start Ersan Ilyasova, who is entering the last guaranteed year of his contract. Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both combo forwards, and potential free agent Jared Dudley (player option) sees minutes there as well. Portis is more of a traditional 4/5 who projects to be able to space the floor, which is an absolute necessity with the non-shooting Michael Carter-Williams as the primary ball-handler. His toughness and aggressiveness will be welcomed by Jason Kidd.
18. Houston Rockets from New Orleans Pelicans – Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 6-10, 241): While the Rockets have a couple of young power forwards, including Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas, they have never shied away from taking a player in the draft who they feel has real value at their spot. Lyles projects as a stretch 4, which is a valuable commodity in today's NBA, and is big enough to even see some minutes at the center position in smaller lineups. The Rockets found out this postseason that you can never have enough depth.
19. Washington Wizards – Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame, Sr., 22, 6-5, 198): The Wizards have a nice core in place with John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter, and could look to address the backup point guard spot, which has been a rotating door of players for some time now. Grant is a local player who the organization will have a strong comfort level with and is big enough to spend some time in the same backcourt as Wall, which could give the team nice roster flexibility.
20. Toronto Raptors – Kevon Looney (PF, UCLA, Fr., 19, 6-9, 222): With Amir Johnson entering free agency, the power forward position is one the Raptors could clearly look to address in this draft. Looney was projected as a top-10 pick by some outlets for most of the year and has good value at this spot. His length and perimeter shooting ability could be intriguing.
21. Dallas Mavericks – Tyus Jones (PG, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-2, 185): With Rajon Rondo likely having played his last game in a Dallas uniform, the Mavericks have been forced to give way too many minutes to the likes of J.J. Barea and Raymond Felton, who are fringe NBA players at this point in their careers. That could lead Dallas to give a long look at the point guard spot, with Jones, Jerian Grant and Delon Wright among the group of players getting consideration at this spot. Jones is a terrific passer with an outstanding feel for the game and has nice upside to grow into as well, having just turned 19 years old.
22. Chicago Bulls – Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia, Jr., 21, 6-6, 231): The Bulls have good depth throughout their roster, but may want to start thinking about adding more firepower on the wing as Mike Dunleavy Jr. (who turns 35 this summer) enters free agency, potentially along with 34-year-old Kirk Hinrich (player option). Anderson has the size, length and athleticism to defend shooting guards and small forwards and could bring outside shooting and toughness to an already physical roster.
23. Portland Trail Blazers – Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville, Jr., 21, 6-8, 253): The Trail Blazers have been looking for a hard-nosed big man to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge for some time now, and Harrell certainly fits that bill. His rebounding and defense could help their frontcourt, which struggles in those areas at times.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers – R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State, Jr., 21, 6-6, 185): With Iman Shumpert (restricted) and J.R. Smith (player option) potentially becoming free agents this summer, the Cavs will likely look hard at adding some depth on the wing, either in free agency or the draft. Hunter has excellent shooting mechanics and good instincts as a passer, which could help him find a role alongside Cleveland's stars in David Blatt's offense.
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Robert Upshaw (C, Washington, So., 21, 7-0, 258): With Kosta Koufos becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer (not to mention Marc Gasol), the Grizzlies will have to start thinking about the backup center position if he decides to bolt for greener pastures. Robert Upshaw comes with significant off-court red flags, but at this stage of the draft the reward might outweigh the risk considering how hard it is to find a legit rim protector.
26. San Antonio Spurs – Rashad Vaughn (SG, UNLV, Fr., 18, 6-5, 199): At this stage in the draft, many teams simply elect to pick the highest upside player they can find in hopes of uncovering a diamond in the rough. Vaughn is the second-youngest player in this class, and entered the year being considered a top-10 recruit before shot-selection and chemistry issues at UNLV torpedoed his stock. The Spurs could decide to roll the dice and see if they are getting a much better prospect than what you would normally expect at the end of the first round. There's a huge shortage of true wing players in the NBA and this draft class, so Vaughn could have some extra value because of that.
27. Los Angeles Lakers from Houston Rockets – Guillermo Hernangomez (C, Sevilla/International, 20, 6-11, 255) Hernangomez is one of the most productive young players in Europe, and could either be stashed for a few years in Spain, or brought over right away. The Lakers have one of the best international scouts in the business living in Spain, so they will surely have a great comfort level with him.
28. Boston Celtics from Los Angeles Clippers – Christian Wood (PF, UNLV, So., 19, 6-11, 216): With their second pick in the first round, the Celtics could simply look to swing for the fences for the highest upside player they can draft. At 6-foot-11, with long arms and soft touch, Wood is talented enough to get drafted much higher than this, and Boston can afford to be patient and develop him.
29. Brooklyn Nets from Atlanta Hawks – Chris McCullough (PF, Syracuse, Fr., 20, 6-9, 199): After being forced to swap first-round picks with Atlanta, the Nets will have to dig for gold to try to bring some sorely needed talent onto their roster. One solution could be swinging for the fences with McCullough, who has the physical attributes and upside of a top-20 pick, but is a few years away from being able to contribute because of his lack of experience and the fact he's coming off a torn ACL. The most difficult thing to find in today's NBA is a power forward who can shoot 3s and block shots, and McCullough shows nice potential in those areas.
30. Golden State Warriors – Delon Wright (PG, Utah, Sr., 23, 6-6, 181): The Warriors have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA, so finding someone who can crack their lineup will be difficult this late, especially with the number of players who decided not to enter the draft in recent weeks. Delon Wright could be one interesting option, especially with the amount of shooting the team can surround him with, coupled with his ability to defend multiple positions.
SECOND ROUND
31. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jordan Mickey (PF/C, LSU, So., 20, 6-8, 238)
32. Houston Rockets from New York Knicks – Andrew Harrison (PG/SG, Kentucky, So., 20, 6-6, 213)
33. Boston Celtics from Philadelphia 76ers – Aleksandar Vezenkov (SF, Aris/International, 19, 6-8, 200)
34. Los Angeles Lakers – J.P. Tokoto (SG, North Carolina, Jr., 21, 6-6, 196)
35. Philadelphia 76ers from Orlando Magic – Rakeem Christmas (PF/C, Syracuse, Sr., 23, 6-10, 243)
36. Minnesota Timberwolves from Sacramento Kings – Jonathan Holmes (SF/PF, Texas, Sr., 22, 6-9, 242)
37. Philadelphia 76ers from Denver Nuggets – Jarell Martin (SF/PF, LSU, So., 20, 6-9, 239):
38. Detroit Pistons – Nikola Milutinov (C, Partizan/International, 20, 7-0, 220)
39. Charlotte Hornets – Mouhammadou Jaiteh (C, Nanterre/International, 20, 6-11, 247)
40. Miami Heat – Dakari Johnson (C, Kentucky, So., 19, 7-0, 265)
41. Brooklyn Nets – George De Paula (PG, Pinheiros/International, 18, 6-6, 197)
42. Utah Jazz – Cliff Alexander (PF/C, Kansas, Fr., 19, 6-9, 235)
43. Indiana Pacers – Timothe Luwawu (SG, Antibes/International, 20, 6-7, 205)
44. Phoenix Suns – Richaun Holmes (PF, Bowling Green, Sr., 21, 6-10, 243)
45. Boston Celtics – Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville, So., 21, 6-2, 190)
46. Milwaukee Bucks – Alpha Kaba (PF-C/Pau Orthez/International, 19, 6-10, 225)
47. Philadelphia 76ers from New Orleans Pelicans – Marc Garcia (SG, Manresa/International, 19, 6-6, 180)
48. Oklahoma City Thunder – Michael Qualls (SG, Arkansas, Jr., 21, 6-5, 201)
49. Washington Wizards – Michael Frazier (SG, Florida, Jr., 21, 6-5, 199)
50. Atlanta Hawks from Toronto Raptors – Anthony Brown (SF, Stanford, Sr., 22, 6-9, 211)
51. Orlando Magic from Chicago Bulls – Olivier Hanlan (PG/SG, Boston College, Jr., 22, 6-4, 186)
52. Dallas Mavericks – Cedi Osman (SF, Anadolu Efes/International, 20, 6-8, 190)
53. Cleveland Cavaliers from Portland Trail Blazers – Arturas Gudiatis (C, Zalgiris/International)
54. Utah Jazz from Cleveland Cavaliers – Norman Powell (SG, UCLA, Sr., 21, 6-4, 215)
55. San Antonio Spurs – Joseph Young (SG, Oregon, Sr., 22, 6-2, 182)
56. New Orleans Pelicans from Memphis Grizzlies – Nedim Buza (SF, Spars Sarajevo/International, 20, 6-8, 199)
57. Denver Nuggets from Los Angeles Clippers – Daniel Diez (SF, San Sebastian/International, 22, 6-8, 216)
58. Philadelphia 76ers from Houston Rockets – Nikola Radicevic (PG, Sevilla, International, 21, 6-5, 200)
59. Atlanta Hawks – Alan Williams (C, UC Santa Barbara, Sr., 22, 6-8, 261)
60. Philadelphia 76ers from Golden State Warriors – Tyler Harvey (SG, Eastern Washington, Jr., 21, 6-4, 181)
