The stakes are high for every team on this list
- Karl- Anthony Towns (PF/C, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 7-0, 248):
There have been rumors that this pick is already set in stone. Towns has become the unofficial no-brainer selection, inching his way past Jahlil Okafor at the most likely Number 1 pick. Why? He has franchise cornerstone potential on both sides of the ball. Which is exactly what the top pick should be, but often we get potential offensive juggernauts who have potential to “get better” on defense. Last year’s pick, Andrew Wiggins, was the reverse of that, as his defense was already ready and his offense was in question. Speaking of AW, pairing him with Towns gives the TWolves building blocks for the bright future they’ve never had.
- LA Lakers — Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-11, 272):
When the Lakers are good, historically anyway, they have a good center on their roster. Jah Okafor is coming equipped with post moves on top of post moves. He is a prototype low-post big man, except that’s not moving the needle in 2015 as much as it has in the past. The playoff showed that small ball is the movement right now and that mentality is on every NBA GM right now. Still, hard to pass up on a talent like Okafor. I say the Lakers make that move here—unless they trade for DeMarcus Cousins.
- Philadelphia 76ers — D’Angelo Russell (PG/SG, Ohio State, Fr., 6-5, 193):
The Sixers had two top-ten picks last year and neither of them is likely to play a single minute for the team in their first two years. Joel Embiid’s to injury and Dario Saric to well, he’s not ready to leave Europe yet. There have rumbling that the Sixers may take a shot at European talent Kristaps Porzingis, who on paper looks promising. Another team maybe could take a risk here but the Sixers cannot. This is a team with a zero margin or error—the pick has to be Russell.
- NY Knicks —Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, 7’0 ½”, C, Junior):
There are several interesting and difference-making prospects to pick from at the 4 spot, but for the Knicks that may be a bad thing. The team hasn’t drafted well in recent years and there is hint of unreliability coming from this team that says they may do something risky here. Pistons big man Greg Monroe’s name has come up as a trade offer as has a couple of others. Last year the Knicks were atrocious defensively. If they keep the pick, Cauley-Stein would be a great addition. Provided is health is where it needs to be (there have some reports saying the opposite) he could come from day one and make this team markedly better on the defensive end.
- Orlando Magic — Kristaps Porzinigis (PF, Sevilla/International, 7-0, 230):
The Magic have some nice guards on their roster but need to start balancing out the roster. Porzinigis makes sense for them as this spot.
- Sacramento Kings — Mario Hezonja (SG/SF, Barcelona/International, 6-8, 200):
The Kings need everything but a center (and even that’s on the table as well) and Hezonja is a perimeter threat with great size. The fact that several members of the Kings brass have seen him in person makes it even more likely.
- Denver Nuggets — Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, Guangdong/International, 6-5, 200):
The Nuggets could do a lot worse than Mudiay’s who has all the exciting measurable that NBA teams look for this time of year. This also makes trading Ty Lawson much more palatable, provided they go that route. Lastly, Larry Brown swears by this guy and that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Detroit Pistons — Sam Dekker (Wisconsin, 6’9, SF, Jr.)
Dekker is a legit athlete and a shooter and it’s hard to say what the Pistons will or will not need since many of the players on their roster are rumored to be on the move. Dekker is not THE piece, but can be a piece of a good puzzle down the line.
- Charlotte Hornets — Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky, Fr., 18, 6-6, 206):
The Hornets are a rough bunch when it comes to outside shooting. They are just not a very good team in that respect. Booker immediately solves that problem.
- Miami Heat — Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona, Fr., 18, 6-7, 242):
Johnson’s game is obviously still developing, but he has high talent. Can shoot the 3 and can defend and is, at least a theoretical future replaces for D Wade. For the Heat, this is a worthy pick.
- Indiana Pacers — Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin, Sr., 22, 7-1, 231):
The Pacers can use a player like Kaminsky, who can stretch the floor, something this team struggled with seemingly every year. He won’t supplant David West yet, but can form a nice rotation combo.
- Utah Jazz — Justise Winslow (SF, Duke, Fr., 6’7, 222):
Jazz have a lot of young talent, but not quite enough to pick by specific position. This is a case of best player still available and Winslow’s has great upside.
- Phoenix Suns — Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas, 6’10”, Soph)
Portis has good size and a solid game in the post. Not a difference maker but a good player nonetheless. Big man depth is rarely a bad thing, especially on this team, which probably needs more size being in the West.
- OKC Thunder — Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 6-10, 241):
OKC certainly doesn’t need any more youth, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they make this pick for another team and then trade it. Lyles, a capable player with interesting upside should entice plenty of offers.
