John’s 2015 NBA Mock Draft Round 1

Updated 6/24/15:

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By John Manuel:

1- Minnesota- Karl Anthony Towns- Kentucky
This now looks like a lock and it should be.  I do like Russell a lot.  Tons but with Wiggins, adding Towns is the right call.

2- Los Angeles Lakers- Jahlil Okafor- Duke
I think Russell here is the right choice but I bet they go Okafor unless the pick can be moved for Boogie Cousins somehow.  Okafor seemed easy #1 three months ago but the thought of the “new” NBA of stretch the defense and bomb threes hurt him.

3- Philadelphia- D’Angelo Russell- Ohio State
This kills me because Philly doesn’t deserve Russell to be there at three.  That is all I have to say.

4- New York Knicks- Emmanual Mudiay- Congo
Every mock I have done has had a different pick for the Knicks.  I actually think they do the right thing here and take Mudiay.

5- Orlando- Kristaps Porzingas- Latvia
Draft goes to form unless someone above gets a good feeling on a 7’1” stretch player like Taps.  Possible but I think he is there for the Magic to take.

6- Sacramento- Mario Hezonja- Croatia
Hezonja or Winslow?  Tough call but it seems like the Kings always take a Winslow-like player and it never plays out.

7- Denver- Justice Winslow- Duke
I like Winslow.  Maybe he is somewhat Grant Hill.  Maybe a smaller Melo?  But maybe he is Corey Maggette?

8- Detroit- Trey Lyles- Kentucky
Shows to me how deep the top of the draft is and Stan Van gets a top 5 type guy at 8 to me.

9- Charlotte- Willie Cauley- Stein- Kentucky
Could go PG with Payne but I think they try to load up in the front court and at least get a defensive stopper for years.

10- Miami- Cameron Payne- Murray State
Took Napier last year but I think they try to finally fill the point guard roll as they lose confidence Dragic stays.

11- Indiana- Miles Turner- Texas
Probably will take Payne if there but go size with questions about Hibbert’s future.

12- Utah- Stanley Johnson- Arizona
Like Detroit I think Utah would be thrilled if Johnson is there at 12.  Even having Haywood it can work.

13- Phoenix- Bobby Portis- Arkansas
The Morris twins have to stay out of trouble so Portis would be an insurance policy at worst.

14- Oklahoma City- Devin Booker- Kentucky
Still could use a shooter and if Booker can be an impact guy as a rookie, they could win it all.

15- Atlanta- Frank Kaminsky- Wisconsin
Could lose Millsap this summer so Kaminsky could help their front line if that happens.

16- Boston- Sam Dekker- Wisconsin
Back to back Badgers as Boston tries to build something but free agency the next two season are their key as Stevens looks for legit superstar or two.

17- Milwaukee- Tyus Jones- Duke
Michael Carter Williams to me is still a question mark as a true player for a real winning team.

18- Houston- Rondae Hollis- Jefferson- Arizona
Trying to add some defensive talent to the rotation in hopes of overtaking Golden State.

19- Washington- Montrezl Harrell- Louisville
Need a small forward and big guys.  Harrell is a bit in between.

20- Toronto- Rashad Vaughn- UNLV
Slips a little which Toronto jumps on.  Just hope it is a Drake-free draft.

21- Dallas- Jerian Grant- Notre Dame
Dallas is floundering but they get a gift here to try and help start a rebuild if Dirk doesn’t have much left.

22- Chicago- Kelly Oubre- Kansas
His future is very unpredictable.  So is Jimmy Butler’s in Chicago now so the Bulls may have to look at Oubre.

23- Portland- Kevon Looney- UCLA
Hopefully not as a replacement for Aldridge.  That would be a devastating loss.

24- Cleveland- RJ Hunter- Georgia State
Saw firsthand what shooters can do in the finals.  Lebron goes with Hunter.

25- Memphis- Justin Anderson- Virginia
Could go point guard to be safe behind Conley but take a more impact option in the end.

26- San Antonio- Guillermo Hernandez- Spain
It’s the Spurs, he will probably be rookie of the year.

27- LA Lakers- Terry Rozier- Louisville
Desperate for a point guard unless they have their eyes set on Rondo.

28- Boston- Delon Wright- Utah
Solid combo guy who adds the deep young mix in Boston.

29-Brooklyn- Cliff Alexander- Kansas
Came to Kansas with high hopes but had many issues.  I think someone takes a chance last round one.

30- Golden State- Jarell Martin- LSU
Maybe they sell the pick because they really don’t need to draft.  But David Lee is most likely gone go some size should be the pick.