2015 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1

NBA On the Clock: NBA Mock Draft Simulator 

Steve’s 2015 NBA Mock Draft: Updated 6/23

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: C Jahlil Okafor, Duke

-It’s really probably a toss up between Okafor and Towns, and I’m not sure if their is a wrong choice here for the Timberwolves. Okafor is probably a bit more advanced as a prospect and offers more immediate impact, which is why I think ultimately he goes first overall.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: PF/C Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky

-This choice should be pretty easy for the Lakers as they simply take whomever the Timberwolves do not take. Towns should team with Randle to give the Lakers a great 1-2 punch in their frontcourt to build around.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: PG D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State

-The 76ers missed out on the top two prospects, but D’Angelo Russell isn’t a bad fall back option. He also happens to fit into one of their biggest needs so the 76ers should be pretty happy with this pick.

4. New York Knicks: C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky

-The Knicks are in a tough spot here as they missed out on the top three talents and the next group of players offer less certainty. While many expect the Knicks to go with guard Emmanuel Mudiay, I think they go for the upside of a top big man with Willie Cauley-Stein.

5. Orlando Magic: SF Stanley Johnson, Arizona

-The Magic will likely look at a the top wing options here to add another shooter. Johnson from Arizona has the size and frame you are looking for in a wing player and has some natural scoring ability. He needs to be stronger finishing, but he’s young and can develop into that type of player as he gets older.

6. Sacramento Kings: SF Justise Winslow, Duke

-Winslow is another top wing option in this draft and should go somewhere in the 4-8 range of the draft. He’s incredibly athletic and already a plus defender which should give him value early on in his career. He’s a bit raw on the offensive side, but he should develop on that side of the ball.

7. Denver Nuggets: PG Emmanuel Mudiay, China

-Mudiay spent the year in China and while he didn’t play as much as was expected, he showed tremendous potential to be a very good starting 1 or 2 guard.

8. Detroit Pistons: SG Mario Hezonja, Croatia

-Hezonja looks to be one of the top shooters in the draft and though there are questions about his defense he could make for an intriguing top 10 pick.

9. Charlotte Hornets: C Myles Turner, Texas

-Turner is a high upside big man, with good size and wingspan to go along with natural shooting and defensive ability. It may take him a year or two, before he realizes his potential of being a starting center, but his natural shot blocking ability should allow him to contribute early on.

10. Miami Heat: PF Trey Lyles, Kentucky

-Another young big man with a lot of potential. Lyles was overlooked at Kentucky, but he has the potential to be a very good NBA player. He’s got the size, frame and athleticism teams are looking for, and if a team is patient with his development they could end up with a special player.

11. Indiana Pacers: PF Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia

-Porzingis is considered one of the best international players in this class as he’s already a pretty refined scorer with excellent size. He could easily crack the top 10, but if he slides to the Pacers they will love his skill set.

12. Utah Jazz: C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin

-The Jazz traded away Kanter, and could use another big man to replace him. Kaminsky has good size, though his wingspan is less than ideal. Still Kaminsky is a good scorer and should contribute early on.

13. Phoenix Suns: PF Bobby Portis, Arkansas

-The Suns could use more size and Portis is the last of the mid-tier big men that teams in the 10-15 range will likely consider. He has flashed elite athleticism which would fit well with what the Suns look to do.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: SG Devin Booker, Kentucky

-Booker is one of the most pure shooters in this draft and has nice size for a SG. He may be a bit more raw because he wasn’t challenged as much on the ultra talented Kentucky team. Booker will probably need some time before he can become a starter, but he can be a valuable shooter off the bench.

15. Atlanta Hawks: SF Kelly Oubre Jr. Kansas

16. Boston Celtics: PG Jerian Grant, Notre Dame

17. Milwaukee Bucks: SG R.J. Hunter, Georgia State

18. Houston Rockets: PG Tyus Jones, Duke

19. Washington Wizards: SF Sam Dekker, Wisconsin

20. Toronto Raptors: PF Christian Wood, UNLV

21. Dallas Mavericks: PF Kevon Looney, UCLA

22. Chicago Bulls: C Montrezl Harrell, Louisville

23. Portland Trailblazers: PG Cameron Payne, Murray State

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: C Guillermo Hemangomez, Spain

25. Memphis Grizzlies: SF Justin Anderson, Virginia

26. San Antonio Spurs: SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona

27. Los Angeles Lakers: PG Delon Wright, Utah

28. Boston Celtics: PF Chris McCullough, Syracuse

29. Brooklyn Nets: PF Jarell Martin, LSU

30. Golden State Warriors: C Robert Upshaw, Washington