Ell’s NBA Mock Draft 2015

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June 25, 2015 by Ell and Mike Sports

NBA Mock Draft 2015

 

1. T’Wolves – PF/C Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 6’11 255lbs

Scouts believe that Towns has a bigger upside as a 2 way big man than Okafor and he fits a better as a PF; so I think Karl-Anthony Towns goes #1. Towns has a developing offensive game and he is athletic enough to run with Andrew Wiggins and Zach Levine, but he will also be a solid rim protector.

2. Lakers – C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6’11 270lbs

The Lakers have been known for their centers throughout history, most with an advantage on the offensive end, and this year will be no different with Jahlil Okafor. Okafor has a NBA ready body and he is a beast on the offensive end. However, he must improve on the defensive end and stay out of foul trouble.

3. 76ers – PG/SG D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6’5 180lbs

The 76ers are in need of scoring from the guard position and D’Angelo Russell is a legit scorer who can create his own shot and set-up his teammates for shots. The question is which guard position is the better long term fit and he needs to limit his turnovers and improve his consistency.

4. Knicks – SF/SG Justise Winslow, Duke, 6’6 225lbs

The Knicks need players that fit the triangle offense and I believe Justise Winslow is the best fit as he is a solid perimeter defender who is very athletic. Winslow could be similar to a Scottie Pippen type lockdown defender and scorer if he can reach his full potential. He would make a nice #2 next to Melo after the Knicks loss wings Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith.

5. Magic- PF/C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7’0 242lbs

The Magic are in need of a PF or C to help Vucevic in the paint and Willey Cauley-Stein is a solid post defender who could provide the type of impact they have lacked since Dwight Howard. Cauley-Stein has the ability to rack up steals and blocks, but he must continue to develop on the offensive end.

6. Kings – PG Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6’5 200lbs

The Kings are in need of a long term fix at PG and need someone who can distribute the ball to their playmakers; Emmanuel Mudiay seems to fit the pick. Mudiay is a solid playmaker with the ability play up-tempo basketball, rebound, and score. He could be primarily a passer as he continues to grow some offensive consistency, but he has all-around potential.

7. Nuggets – PF Kristaps Porzingis, Croatia, 7’0 220lbs

The Nuggets have prospects at all positions so they can afford to wait on a prospect to grow. Kristaps Porzingis has scouts going crazy as they love his athletic skill set and growing ability to shoot the ball from 3-pt range causing them to make a comparison to Dirk Nowitzki. Porzingis is considered a nice prototype for the growing need for stretch PFs in the league and with continued development they think he could be a star, but he needs to add muscle and work on his post presence.

8. Pistons – SF Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6’7 245lbs

The Pistons need a long term player at the SF position and Stanley Johnson fits the bill as he can fit the role they put Josh Smith in and current vet Tayshaun Prince is playing as the rangy defender. Johnson is a player with a NBA body who can defend both inside and outside and he is also a good rebounder. Johnson has potential on the offensive end and he can knock down 3’s, but he must work on his consistency,

9. Hornets – SG Devin Booker, Kentucky, 6’6 206lbs

The Hornets have been in need of a wing man who can score and stretch the floor and Devin Booker fits the bill. Booker has good size for the 2 guard position in the league and can shoot efficiently inside and most importantly outside while also knocking down his free throws. However, he needs to work on his consistency without the ball, but he has shown flashes of rebounding and passing ability with the knack for the occasional steal or 2.

10. Heat – PF/C Myles Turner, Texas, 6’11 240lbs

The Heat struggled down the stretch after losing Chris Bosh to injury and Myles Turner fits the bill as a solid 2 way big man who can stretch the floor like Bosh, but he is a beast when it comes to blocking shots on the defensive end. Turner is also a solid rebounder and can knock down his free throws, but he must work on his consistency and continue to grow offensively.

11. Pacers – PF/SF Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6’10 235lbs

The Pacers seem interested in adding a stretch 4 and they need someone to eventually replace PF David West so Trey Lyles fits the bill. Lyles is an athletic scorer with a long wingspan who can rebound and move well without the ball, however he needs to work on his defensive consistency and continue to become a more consistent shooter, but the potential is there.

12. Jazz – SG/SF Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6’7 195lbs

The Jazz could use more offensive power to their lineup as they have grown into a good young defensive team, but with the youth in place they can afford to wait on a prospect like Mario Hezonja. Hezonja is another solid international prospect who is very athletic with a solid 3-point shot and the ability to catch and shoot or shoot off the dribble. He can drive to the basket and plays well in traffic, but he needs to get stronger and continue to get better as a defender, but the potential is there.

13. Suns – PF/C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7’0 242lbs

The Suns could use a solid big man to backup Morris and Len and provide some inside scoring while they are on the bench so Frank Kaminsky fits the bill. Kaminsky has the ability to be a solid stretch PF with a good 3-pt shot, the ability to score inside, good rebounding, and the ability to perform in the clutch in big games. However, he needs to get stronger and work on his post defense.

14. Thunder – SF/PF Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6’9 230 lbs

The Thunder could use some depth at the forward positions and need someone who can soften the blow if Durant decides to leave after the season so Sam Dekker fits the bill. Dekker is a glue/hustle player who can do a lot of things well whether it’s scoring, passing, or defending, but he needs to work on his 3-pt consistency and continue to get better on the defensive ends as he could be guarding multiple positions.

15. Hawks – SF Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6’7 200lbs

The Hawks need another perimeter defender with SF DeMarre Carroll as a free agent and Sefolosha healing from the off the court incident so Oubre fits the bill. Oubre is an athletic prospect with a long wingspan allowing him to guard multiple positions, a developing passer, and a slasher with growing shooting ability especially from 3. However, he needs to work on his offensive consistency and limit his turnovers; he has the potential to be a solid 3 and D player.

 

16. Celtics – PF Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6’11 242lbs

The Celtics could use another inside presence with Sullinger’s injury history and the possible loss of Brandon Bass to free agency so Bobby Portis fits the bill. Portis is a solid scorer with improved range out to the 3-pt line giving him stretch 4 potential; he is also a decent rebounder, and a good defender. However, teams question his upside and ability to create shots for himself.

17. Bucks – SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6’7 220lbs

The Bucks like players that can cause matchup problems and bring consistency on defense so Rondae Hollis-Jefferson fits the bill. Hollis-Jefferson is an athletic prospect with a long wingspan, good shot blocking, good rebounding, the ability to guard any position on the floor, and the ability to get to the free throw line. However, he struggles on the offensive end, especially from 3-point, but he has the potential to grow and will find time in the rotation.

18. Rockets – PG Jerian Grant. Notre Dame, 6’5 205lbs

The Rockets are in dire need of a real PG who can help ease the scoring load off of Harden and facilitate the ball accordingly so Jerian Grant fits the bill. Grant is a big guard who can score getting to the free throw line, he is a decent rebounder, and he can defend; he also has NBA pedigree. Grant has all of the tools to be a starter in the league, but he must show consistency on both sides of the ball and especially with his 3-pt shooting.

19. Wizards – PF Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6’8 240lbs

The Wizards need a player to provide depth at the PF position and a PF that can complement Nene’s skills set so Montrezl Harrell fits the bill. Harrell is a physical player with a reputation as a hard worker; he is a good rebounder, defender, and passer with scoring ability out to the 3-point line. However, he needs to work on limiting his turnovers, his rebound consistency, and his free throw shooting; he also has problems creating his own shot, but he is good off the ball.

20. Raptors – PF/SF Kevin Looney, UCLA, 6’9 220lbs

The Raptors could use more depth and maybe even an upgrade at the PF position who can run with Lowry, Derozan, and Ross so Kevin Looney fits the bill. Looney is a high motor, big man who is more of a stretch 4 who can rebound at a high volume, handle the ball, defend, and has range out to the 3-point line. However, he needs to add more weight to be a full-time PF and continue to work on his offensive consistency; teams also question his athleticism.

21. Mavs – PG Cameron Payne, Murray State, 6’2 180lbs

The Mavs need a long term PG and Rondo wasn’t the answer so Cameron Payne is a good fit. Payne is a smart pick and roll PG with the ability to score, especially from 3-pt range, and he is a good leader, passer, rebounder, and defender. However, he needs to get stronger, learn to finish around the basket, and prove that he is ready to play against better competition.

22. Bulls – SG R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6’6 190lbs

The Bulls could lose starting SG Jimmy Butler via free agency and he provided a nice scoring touch last season so R.J. Hunter is a good fit. Hunter is the son of his college coach, so he is a smart player with good fundamentals. He can score while creating his own shot, he is a good rebounder, and he has grown as a passer, however he needs to work on his shot selection, his defense, and prove that he is ready for better competition.

23. Blazers – SF/SG Justin Anderson, Virginia, 6’6 228lbs

The Blazers need depth at the wing and maybe a starter depending on free agency so Justin Anderson is a good fit. Anderson is a solid, athletic defender with an improving offensive game built around his improved 3-pt shooting; he projects as a 3 and D player. However, he needs to continue to grow as a shooter, improve his ball handling, and learn to create his own shot.

24. Cavs – PG Delon Wright, Utah, 6’5 190lbs

The Cavs could use some PG depth as the loss of Kyrie Irving exposed their lack of guard depth allowing Livingston to slash through the team in the finals so Delon Wright projects as a good fit. Wright has NBA pedigree with his brother currently in the league, he is a leader on the floor who knows how to get the ball to the open guy, he can get to the basket and draw fouls, a solid defender of multiple positions, and he can knock down the occasional 3. However, he needs to get stronger and continue to work on his jumper; teams question his upside at 23 years old.

25. Grizzlies – SG Rashard Vaughn, UNLV, 6’6 210lbs

The Grizzlies are in need of more scoring as the team defense is great, but at times the offense can go on a drought making Rashard Vaughn a good fit. Vaughn can flat out score from anywhere on the court and has good ball handling skills to create his own shot or find the open man and he is a decent rebounder. However, he needs to get stronger, make better decisions with the ball and shot selection, and limit his turnovers; he may need some time in the D-league.

26. Spurs – C Guillermo Hernangomez, Spain, 6’11 250lbs

The Spurs love stacking up on international prospects and could use some more depth and size to  develop with Duncan’s retirement coming soon, making Guillermo Hernangomez a good pick. Hernangomez is a smart player who excels offensively around the basket whether making post moves to score on his defender or catching lobs, but he needs a lot of work on the defensive end and improvement in the pick and roll game; he is a year or two away.

27. Lakers – PG Tyus Jones, Duke, 6’1 190lbs

The Lakers are in need of a PG for the long term that they can groom for a starter role or worst case use as a backup, making Tyus Jones a good fit. Jones is a smart player coming off a clutch championship performance, showing his ability to make plays with the ball, find the open man, and knock down shots on or off ball. However, he has a small frame and there are questions about his defensive abilities and athleticism.

28. Celtics – PF Christian Wood, UNLV, 6’11 220lbs

The Celts could use front court depth and there isn’t a good SF selection at this point, so going with the best available would make Christian Wood a good pick. Wood is a lanky prospect with defensive potential and good shot blocking, he is a solid rebounder, who can score, but he needs to add a lot of weight to be a full time PF and continue to work on his jumper as some teams believe he can become a stretch 4.

29. Nets – PF Chris McCullough, Syracuse, 6’10 220lbs

The Nets could use more depth and size at the PF position making McCullough a good fit. McCullough is an athletics slasher who can block shots, rebound, and cause mismatches on both ends on the floor, however he needs to get bigger and continue to develop his jump shot; teams would also like to see him play more physical and prove that he has healed from his ACL injury.

30. Warriors – PG Terry Rozier, Louisville, 6’1 190lbs

The Warriors could use a replacement for Barbosa who carved a niche as an explosive scorer off the bench, which he has done most of his career, making Terry Rozier a good system fit. Rozier is a small combo-guard, who will play PG due to his size, who can use his quickness and explosiveness to cause a mismatch on the offensive end allowing him to score especially in transition, he is physical on the defensive end, a good rebounder for his size, and he knows how to find the open man. However, he needs to work on his shooting consistency and prove that he is not too small.