19/12/14
2015 Mock NBA Draft
Every year the NBA draft gives fans of struggling teams hope for the future. Hope that if their team can acquire the next big thing they can look forward to seeing their team back up the top end of the league again. Hope that they won't have to suffer through watching their team lose more often than seeing them win any more. The future success or failure of their franchise can be dependant on how well they have scouted these young players and how wisely they choose on draft night.
Here is a early look at who will be chosen in the lottery selections in the 2015 NBA draft:
1.)
Utah: Jahlil Okafor - C - 19 - Duke - 211cm - 122kgThe Duke big man is the stand-out prospect in this draft class and would be a great fit for the Jazz, who may lose center Enes Kanter as an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming off-season. A frontcourt combination of Okafor, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward would be exciting for Jazz fans. And if Trey Burke and Dante Exum can figure out how to play alongside one another perhaps Utah can become a playoff team in a couple of years.
2.)
Denver: Karl-Anthony Towns - C - 19 - Kentucky - 213cm - 113kgIn a draft class stacked with talented big men, the Nuggets wouldn't be too upset at missing Okafor because Kentucky center Karl Towns isn't far behind in terms of potential. Towns would be a great long-term partner for rebounding machine Kenneth Faried. It is unlikely that they would think about taking Mudiay with this pick as they already have Ty Lawson playing at a high level for them.
3.)
Orlando: Emmanuel Mudiay - PG - 19 - Congo - 196cm - 86kgAlthough the Magic acquired Elfrid Payton in last year's draft, it is likely that they won't pass up the chance to grab Mudiay. The Congo-born guard is spending this season playing in China rather than in the college system and could be the most NBA-ready player in the draft. It is unlikely that a big man would be a priority for Orlando with Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon already on their team.
4.)
Sacramento: Cliff Alexander - PF - 19 - Kansas - 203cm - 113kgThis pick could be a toss up for the Kings, depending on whether they think Myles Tuner could play next to DeMarcus Cousins. Perhaps the safer option would be to go for Alexander who is a specialist power forward. They may have looked at Kelly Oubre or Stanley Johnson with this pick, but veteran Rudy Gay signed a contract extension earlier this season and the four spot is a higher priority.
5.)
Milwaukee: Myles Turner - C - 19 - Texas - 211cm - 109kgThe Bucks did brilliantly to pick up Jabari Parker this year. The talented forward is the favourite to win the rookie of the year award alongside Andrew Wiggins. They may look to draft one of the highly-rated big men in this draft, perhaps Myles Turner from Texas. Larry Sanders is locked into a long-term contract, but his form is inconsistent. If Milwaukee add Turner to a young core of Parker, Brandon Knight and Giannis Antetokounmpo they will be heading in the right direction.
6.)
Philadelphia: Kelly Oubre - SF - 19 - Kansas - 201cm - 91kgThe first of three first round picks for the Sixers will likely be used to fill the biggest hole on their roster, wing scorers. Small forward Kelly Oubre could be a perfect fit in Philadelphia. They already have a talented playmaker in Michael Carter-Williams, and two defensive anchors in Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. They have struggled to score at times this season and adding scorers will be top priority over the off-season.
7.)
Boston: Stanley Johnson - SF - 19 - Arizona - 201cm - 111kgThe Celtics maybe tempted to draft a point guard given that Rajon Rondo is coming out of contract next season and hasn't committed to returning to Boston. But they could keep faith with Marcus Smart and pick up Stanley Johnson as a long-term replacement for Paul Pierce. The defensive potential of Johnson, Smart and Avery Bradley would be quite impressive.
8.)
Atlanta: Kristaps Porzingis - PF - 19 - Latvia - 216cm - 100kgWith Paul Millsap's contract expiring at the end of the season, Atlanta may take the gamble on the Latvian seven-footer who is playing in Seville this season. Porzingis is a versatile player. Despite his size he prefers to play as a small forward, where he shows amazing body control, coordination and ball handling skills. He is very effective in transition situations.
9.)
Philadelphia (via Toronto): Mario Hezonja - 19 - SG - Croatia - 203cm - 98kgThe Sixers need more perimeter scoring and could use this pick on talented Croatian shooter Mario Hezonja. He has been impressing for Barcelona this season with his athleticism and outside shooting. Having him on the team could also help in the future if/when the Sixers want to bring his compatriot Dario Saric over from Europe.
10.)
Dallas: Tyus Jones - PG - 19 - Duke - 185cm - 86kgWith Raymond Felton, Devin Harris, Jameer Nelson and JJ Barea on their roster the Mavericks may be looking to inject some youth at the point guard position in this draft. Tyus Jones is the second highest rated point guard in this draft class due to his form at Duke alongside Jahlil Okafor. He is an excellent passer and uses his speed to his advantage when attacking the basket.
11.)
Minnesota: Montrezl Harrell - PF - 20 - Louisville - 203cm - 110kgHaving missed out on the top two point guards in the draft David Kahn will probably reluctantly choose a big man. The Timberwolves have Ricky Rubio locked in for several years and an abundance of wing players already. Harrell would be a good energy guy off the bench for them with his athleticism and strength. He would give Anthony Bennett some needed competition as backup to Thaddeus Young.
12.)
Golden State: Bobby Portis - PF - 19 - Arkansas - 208cm - 109kgThe Warriors are another team that could do with some big man depth. David Lee is 31 now and they may look to shed his massive contract if they can replace him with a solid cheaper option. Portis could be that guy. He is a handy scorer and quite strong on the defensive end. He has good shooting range for a big man as well.
13.)
LA Lakers: Caris LeVert - SG - 20 - Michigan - 201cm - 91kgEveryone knows that Kobe Bryant is going to retire in the next couple of years and that the Lakers can never truly replace him. Drafting Caris LeVert could soften the blow of Kobe's exit a little bit. He has good size for his position and is very quick. If he can bulk up and improve his strength he could become a good defensive player thanks to his long arms.
14.)
Phoenix: Justise Winslow - SF - 19 - Duke - 198cm - 102kgClearly the Suns' biggest need is wing scorers. They have about 20 point guards already and Miles Plumlee and Alex Len filling the paint. Winslow is apart of the high-flying Duke team that includes Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones. He is an exceptional athlete and isn't afraid to use his physical ability to attack the basket.
Other potential lottery picks
Aaron Harrison - SG - Kentucky
Andrew Harrison - PG - Kentucky
Willie Cauley-Stein - C - Kentucky
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - SF - Arizona
Wayne Selden - SG - Kansas
Kevon Looney - SF - UCLA
Sam Dekker - SF - Wisconsin
Chris Walker - PF - Florida
Terry Rozier - PG - Louisville
Norman Powell - SG - UCLA
Isaiah Taylor - PG - Texas
* Disclaimer: Obviously it's really early to be doing accurate mock drafts, but I did my best with a little research.