There was a pretty large exodus of international players, opening eight spots in the second round of my most recent NBA mock draft. So there has been a pretty significant shakeup there. But more than that, there has been a slight shakeup in the lottery, starting at No. 5.
Kristaps Porzingis moves up to No. 5, and could be taken as early as No. 3. I'm still holding with D'Angelo Russell, but that one could really go any way, as general manager Sam Hinkie does not release any sort of information from the organization, and the decision ultimately lies with him. His selection at No. 5 shakes up the rest of the lottery, especially the back half.
If Russell goes No. 3, this draft also has potential to break wide open at No. 4, as the Knicks could really go any direction. They could surprise with the prospect they take at No. 4, they could take Porzingis, Justise Winslow or Willie Cauley-Stein, or they could go and trade down. The Knicks hold the keys to this draft. Good luck to the rest of teams trying to formulate a plan behind them.
| NBA Mock Draft - 06/18/2015 | |
| Round 1 | |
| 1. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Karl-Anthony Towns, PF, Kentucky: While D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are going to work out for Minnesota, it seems likely that the pick will be one of the two big men on the board: Jahlil Okafor and Karl Towns. Despite signals out of Minnesota that Okafor is favored by Flip Saunders, I'm still going with Towns here. Simply put, Towns is the perfect prospect for what the Wolves need, and I think they're going to see that once he comes in for a workout. He'd provide the shooting and rim protection that they need going forward around Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio, as well as the offensive flexibility to play both in the post or in space. The pick is far from set in stone, but right now my guess is that they eventually settle on Towns. |
| 2. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke: Another team that is interviewing and working out a lot of guys in order to send out smoke signals in 10 different directions. Still, my guess is that they decide not to pass on what could be a generationally good offensive big man in Okafor. This roster is so light on talent that they should be taking best player available, and for me that's the Duke center that finished third among freshmen nationally in both scoring and rebounding, as well as finished second nationally in field-goal percentage among all players. His footwork and strength are tremendous, and he's the kind of guy that might end up leading the Lakers back to the playoffs. |
| 3. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State: There has been quite a bit of conjecture over the last few days regarding the 76ers and what they could do come draft night. They're apparently high on Kristaps Porzingis, the 7-1 Latvian with a terrific shot and great athleticism. But Russell was just in Philly for a workout on Wednesday that from all indications went really well. It's possible he's a backup plan in case the Lakers take Porzingis at No. 2, and Sam Hinkie does love his information. But for now, I'm sticking with Russell at No. 3, and assuming Hinkie is trying to build the value of the No. 3 pick. |
| 4. New York Knicks | |
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Justise Winslow, SF, Duke: The Knicks are the team in the top-five most likely to trade down. If that's the case, look for a team moving up to target either Winslow (who would likely be a fit at No. 5 with Orlando) or Emmanuel Mudiay (who probably won't get past the Kings at No. 6). But if they do stay here, Winslow makes a great deal of sense as a player that could fit perfectly with Carmelo Anthony on both ends of the floor. Still, this is another roster that is extremely low on talent, so any of Winslow, Mudiay, Willie Cauley-Stein, Porzingis and Hezonja will likely be in play at No. 4, as the Knicks still aren't sure which direction they're going to go in. |
| 5. Orlando Magic | |
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Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia: The Magic have apparently been high on Porzingis throughout the entire process, and really would love for him to fall to No. 5. He would be a perfect fit as a rim protector next to Nikola Vucevic and a floor spacer with Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton in the background. But more than that, he'd give the Magic a genuine potential all-star, something the roster currently lacks. He might take a couple of years, but the upside here is totally worth it for the Magic. |
| 6. Sacramento Kings | |
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Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China: This would be the absolute best-case scenario for the Kings. Mudiay would be an absolutely perfect fit for the George Karl's pick-and-roll heavy, uptempo offense. Plus, point guard is something of a need, and Mudiay's size could allow the Kings to play some interesting dual point guard lineups. With Vlade Divac as the new man in charge, it wouldn't be crazy to see him opt for Mario Hezonja or Kristaps Porzingis, but that's likely only if Mudiay is gone. This one just fits on too many levels. |
| 7. Denver Nuggets | |
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Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia: If the Nuggets needed one thing last year, it was help on the wing. Hezonja is a plus athlete and plus shooter, and also brings a flair and energy to the game that the Nuggets could use to sell to the fanbase. He also fits within the Nuggets' penchant for selecting international players, as they're known to have one of the best worldwide scouting staffs in the NBA. This one just fits perfectly, although Porzingis would likely be an option here too. |
| 8. Detroit Pistons | |
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Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona: Stan Van Gundy went out and got a solid stretch-four option in Ersan Ilyasova from the Bucks, but they could still use more depth and talent on the wing. Johnson also would profile reasonably well as a stretch-four himself, and would be a perfect option for what the Pistons would like to do both on offense and defense. |
| 9. Charlotte Hornets | |
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Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky: TRADED TO PACERS: I'll call a shot here on a trade. The Pacers move up a pair of spots to take Cauley-Stein after he slightly falls with the way this draft board shakes out. There's going to be some movement in this draft. A lot of teams in the 11-14 range can afford to move up, and the depth of the draft will allow teams to feel okay with sliding down a few spots. General manager Larry Bird is said to really like Cauley-Stein, and the Pacers apparently want to start playing more up-tempo hoops. He fits that very well. |
| 10. Miami Heat | |
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Myles Turner, C, Texas: The Heat take a big swing here on a player that has very high potential. Turner would help them build further depth behind Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh. His medicals have checked out well, and his running gait looked much better at his workout on Friday in Las Vegas. With that being the case, it's hard to see him getting past the top-10. |
| 11. Indiana Pacers | |
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Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky: TRADE TO HORNETS: The Hornets move down a bit in this scenario and get their man anyway in the Kentucky sharp shooter. He is probably the best pure shooter in the draft, and he'd fit absolutely perfectly in between Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Here, I'll project that the Pacers give up an extra first-rounder in the future to get Cauley-Stein, a similar price to what the Magic paid the 76ers last year to move up from No. 10 to No. 12 to get Elfrid Payton. |
| 12. Utah Jazz | |
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Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin: Kaminsky would give the Jazz something different on offense: a big man who can space the floor, create his own offense from the perimeter, and knock down jump shots. That has tremendous value in the league today, and playing him next to one of Derrick Favors or Rudy Gobert could really help to mitigate some of the defensive problems that he's likely to have earlier in his career. |
| 13. Phoenix Suns | |
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Kelly Oubre Jr., SF, Kansas: Oubre would give the Suns some help on the wing, as well as a bit of a home run swing for an organization that already has a lot of talent on their roster. They can afford to take a shot here, given their hole on the wing beyond P.J. Tucker. Plus, this is a pretty strong fit for Oubre's natural athleticism, as he can get up and down in transition and use his long arms to create steals easily. |
| 14. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
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Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State: I buy that there is legitimate interest between the Thunder and Payne, but I sincerely doubt that any promise has been made as has been rumored. Payne would give the Thunder and option next to Russell Westbrook as well as a steady, high-IQ guard off the bench who could score. My guess is that ends up being his best role, but it's one that would work perfectly for the Thunder. |
| 15. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas: Paul Millsap and Pero Antic are both free agents, as well as DeMarre Carroll and Elton Brand. Plus, Mike Scott's production stumbled down the stretch in the playoffs, so it might make sense to supplement what they have already in Portis, a player that should fit their scheme perfectly as a guy who can shoot away from the hoop. Portis is a totally unselfish player that might be able to make an impact in his rookie season due to his intensity and high motor, as well as his skill level. |
| 16. Boston Celtics | |
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Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin: I don't know that I believe the Celtics will be picking here, but if they do Dekker would be pretty fun in Brad Stevens' system. He's great at moving off the ball, and might be able to play multiple positions eventually if he can improve on defense. Again though, they're a team that will actively be hoping to move up in trade talks. |
| 17. Milwaukee Bucks | |
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Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky: The Bucks just traded away a stretch-four in Ersan Ilyasova. Here, they get a chance to pick another one up at a very discounted rate in Lyles, a player that didn't shoot very well last season but moves well without the ball and has solid mechanics on his jumper. Plus, the added space of the NBA game should really help him once he gets away from Kentucky. |
| 18. Houston Rockets | |
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Tyus Jones, PG, Duke: James Harden has said he'd like the organization to upgrade the guard position next to him this offseason. Jones fits the typical Rockets' billing as a young player that grades out extremely well in analytical models after his national championship-winning season at Duke. The organization has also already brought him in for a workout, and is known to be doing their due diligence. |
| 19. Washington Wizards | |
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Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame: Grant would give the Wizards versatility in the backcourt, and a very solid backup option behind John Wall and Bradley Beal. This one seems pretty perfect, given that he can play both positions and that the Wizards need some help at each backup spot. |
| 20. Toronto Raptors | |
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona: Hollis-Jefferson was one of the first prospects the Raptors brought in to work out, and profiles well on a team that really struggled defensively. It also doesn't hurt that he'd fit a positional need, given that the Raps small forward spot is rather unsettled right now beyond DeMar DeRozan occasionally filling in there. |
| 21. Dallas Mavericks | |
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Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA: Looney would represent a best player available approach from the Mavericks, a guy that could really become a strong player under the right developmental circumstances. But even if he doesn't hit his peak, he's a high motor rebounder that will have value off the bench if he can improve his body. |
| 22. Chicago Bulls | |
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Delon Wright, PG, Utah: The rise of Cameron Payne up draft boards for teams has certainly helped all of the other point guards, including Wright. He now becomes an option a bit earlier than he might have been a month ago as the No. 5 point guard in this class. He fits with the Bulls as a solid backup for the injury-riddled Derrick Rose, and at 23-years-old he should be more likely to play early than some others. |
| 23. Portland Trail Blazers | |
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R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State: Hunter would represent a solid shooter and insurance in case Wesley Matthews and Arron Afflalo were to leave in the offseason, as both are unrestricted free agents. Hunter is a terrific shooter with a great feel for the game and length. The key for him will be learning the defensive side of the ball, as he played nearly exclusively zone for his career. |
| 24. Cleveland Cavaliers | |
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Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia: The Cavs will likely want to try to solidify the wing this offseason with guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert due to be free agents. Anderson fits perfectly for what the Cavs want to do as a potential 3-and-D player that might work well next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. |
| 25. Memphis Grizzlies | |
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Montrezl Harrell, PF-C, Louisville: Harrell isn't necessarily big enough to be the backup center that they need if Kosta Koufos leaves this offseason, but he would provide some toughness and high-energy play as a frontcourt backup behind Zach Randolph and maybe even Marc Gasol in some lineups depending on what they can find in free agency. |
| 26. San Antonio Spurs | |
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Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain: The Spurs obviously have a terrific international scouting system, and Hernangomez would be another guy in that mold. He's a big, strong near-7-footer that already cannot be moved off the block. Once he continues to get his body into better shape and develop a face-up game, the kid who goes by "Willy" could become a pretty solid rotation player in the NBA. |
| 27. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV: Vaughn would represent a potential high-upside pick that could eventually replace Kobe Bryant as a starter if everything went right in his development. Vaughn is a good shooter both on the move and in spot-up situations, and can create his own shot with his ball-handling skill. He'd be a solid pick-up for the Lakers. |
| 28. Boston Celtics | |
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Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse: Another team with a second first-round pick swings for the fences here. The Celtics don't have a ton of length on the interior, so drafting McCullough gives them a chance to develop someone inside that might be able to protect the weak side of the rim and do a lot of things with his fluid athleticism. |
| 29. Brooklyn Nets | |
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Christian Wood, PF, UNLV: Wood would represent insurance in case Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young leave in free agency. He's a high-upside player that could become an awesome player in the modern NBA due to his height and length. Plus, if the team is serious about trading Mason Plumlee, they could really do well by getting another young piece in front. |
| 30. Golden State Warriors | |
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Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville: Rozier's a guy that will be right on the edge of the first round, and here he gets to play with the NBA finalist Warriors. This is basically a "Best Player Available" situation, where the Warriors take a backup point guard that they could trust to defend and possibly take over as a spark plug for Leandro Barbosa. |
| Round 2 | |
| 31. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Anthony Brown, SF, Stanford: The Wolves could really use better floor spacing, and Brown is a terrific shooter. |
| 32. Houston Rockets | |
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Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU: The Rockets love taking athletic forwards who could defend multiple positions next to Dwight Howard. Mickey fits that. |
| 33. Boston Celtics | |
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Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia: The Celtics have four picks, so they go ahead and stash one here in Milutinov, a solid potential contributor eventually. |
| 34. Los Angeles Lakers | |
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Jarell Martin, PF, LSU: Martin is a high-level athlete that could really become a solid player in time if he continues to develop his face-up game. |
| 35. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Norman Powell, SG, UCLA: More athleticism on the wing for the 76ers, as Powell is a potential defensive stopper and transition athlete. |
| 36. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
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Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston College: More options in the backcourt for the Timberwolves, who were playing Lorenzo Brown extensive minutes late last year. |
| 37. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Cedi Osman, PG, Macedonia: The Sixers have likely seen a ton of Osman, given that he plays on the same team as Dario Saric. |
| 38. Detroit Pistons | |
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Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky: Johnson would represent a potential backup option behind Andre Drummond, a need for the Pistons. |
| 39. Charlotte Hornets | |
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Andrew Harrison, PG, Kentucky: Harrison could probably play in the same backcourt as Kemba Walker, or become a solid backup option. |
| 40. Miami Heat | |
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Joseph Young, SG, Oregon: The Heat just need depth and the potential to score. Young would provide that with his shooting skill. |
| 41. Brooklyn Nets | |
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Robert Upshaw, C, Washington: Upshaw has been cleared to workout again, but I think the red flags here are just a bit too many to get him in the first round. |
| 42. Utah Jazz | |
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Mouhammadou Jaiteh, C, France: The Jazz already lucked out with one French center, why not take a shot on another with a big body and potential? |
| 43. Indiana Pacers | |
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Michael Frazier II, SG, Florida: Never hurts to grab more floor spacing from the wing. |
| 44. Phoenix Suns | |
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Arturas Gudaitis, C, Lithuania: The Suns like guys who can run and jump like Gudaitis can. He's a solid athlete with potential as a rim protector. |
| 45. Boston Celtics | |
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Rakeem Christmas, C, Syracuse: Christmas could provide some much-needed length inside for the Celtics. |
| 46. Milwaukee Bucks | |
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Jonathan Holmes, SF, Texas: Holmes has a big frame and a projectable body for a team that prioritizes frame. |
| 47. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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J.P. Tokoto, SF, North Carolina: Tokoto is a high energy, highly athletic defensive wing that needs to work a lot on his jumper. Hello, Philadelphia! |
| 48. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
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Luka Mitrovic, PF, Serbia: The Thunder will almost assuredly look to either sell or stash this pick because of their roster constraints. |
| 49. Washington Wizards | |
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Daniel Diez, SF, Spain: Diez is a smart power forward that really shot the ball well in the ACB league this season as a stretch-four. |
| 50. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Adin Vrabac, SF, Bosnia: The Hawks have two picks this round. With the first on, they take a shot on a projectable wing. |
| 51. Orlando Magic | |
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Richaun Holmes, PF, Bowling Green: The athletic Holmes might be able to stick as a backup big in the NBA, especially in Orlando which needs rim protection. |
| 52. Dallas Mavericks | |
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Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas: Another high-upside pick for the Mavs in the frontcourt. If they get the most out of Alexander, he could be very good. |
| 53. Cleveland Cavaliers | |
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Pat Connaughton, SG, Notre Dame: A better version of Joe Harris for the team that already has Joe Harris and could use more shooting on the wings. |
| 54. Utah Jazz | |
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Awudu Abass, PF, : A big wing with a 7-0 wingspan that performed well at the adidas EuroCamp this summer. |
| 55. San Antonio Spurs | |
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Nikola Radicevic, PG, : The third Sevilla player in this draft, Radicevic is a big point guard with great pick-and-roll instincts. |
| 56. New Orleans Pelicans | |
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Larry Nance Jr., PF, Wyoming: The Pelicans are going to play up-tempo basketball next season, and Nance would fit really well in that system. |
| 57. Denver Nuggets | |
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Mateusz Ponitka, SG, Poland: A projectable shooting guard for a team that really scouts European players well. Ponitka performed well at the adidas EuroCamp. |
| 58. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Michael Qualls, SG, Arkansas: Qualls tore his ACL in a workout with the Suns last week, and will be out for 6-12 months. Still, his long-term skill set is intriguing enough to get him drafted in my opinion. |
| 59. Atlanta Hawks | |
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Alan Williams, C, Santa Barbara: The Hawks could lose a lot in the frontcourt this offseason. They grab a physical, big bodied guy to potentially play there in the future. |
| 60. Philadelphia 76ers | |
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Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern Washington: At some point, the Sixers need shooting, right? |
