2015 NBA Mock Draft (1-14)

(June, 24th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (PF/C, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 7-0, 248):

The Wolves haven't had a player as good as Towns since KG. They need someone who can defend and don't need a scorer. Hopefully Wiggins will become that scorer for them. They need defense, and this is how they will supercharge theres. 

Karl-Anthony can wreak havoc in the transition game, which will be a great fit for Ricky Rubio who moves the ball around so well. 

2.  Los Angeles Lakers – Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-11, 272):

As much as the Lakers need a rim protector, the team has an old-school mentality that strives for the traditional Center. They will get it in Okafor. He has the best footwork I've seen in a while. I also believe that defense can be taught and is something that the lakers can develop down the line. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers –  Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Sevilla/International, 19, 7-0, 230):

It all comes down to them needing to draft a player that can contribute right off the bat (see Embiid and Noel's first years). He can spread the floor for them with his shooting, while Noel is inside for the rebounds. He can end up being the best player in the draft if he lives up to the hype. 

4.  New York Knicks –  D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG, Ohio State, Fr., 19, 6-5, 193):

The Knicks will be roasted for any move they make in this draft...except drafting Russel. He is a polished shooter, NBA ready and can flat out play. He is also very tall and will only continue to add muscle to his slender 195 lbs frame. He is a player that is willing to learn the triangle, which basically makes him more usefull than Carmelo Anthony. How they will gel, will determine his success. 

5.  Orlando Magic – Justise Winslow (SF, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-7, 222):

The Magic can have a monster lineup with Winslow in the mix. Payton, Oladipo, Winslow, Vucevic and can try to bring in Lopez at Center. Those are 3 players that can all handle the ball and push the ball up the court to play a very fast paced offense that will be a force to be reckoned with. 

 6.  Sacramento Kings -  Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky, Jr., 21, 7-1, 242): To put a defensive genius like WCS next to Cousins would be the Kings best move. They would be impossible to score off of in the paint. The term twin towers comes to mind with the two 7 footers.
7.  Denver Nuggets – Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, Guangdong/International, 19, 6-5, 200):
He tore up the CBA this year along with Stephan Marberry. Ok he's a really good, tall, built and smart PG. That is exactly what the Nuggets need especially since they are most probably getting rid of Ty Lawson. His ceiling is Russel Westbrook (very very high) and his floor is proabably Shaun Livingston. Which is a solid role player in the NBA, he happen to be a big part of the Golden State Warriors championship run this year. 

8.  Detroit Pistons -  Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky, Fr., 18, 6-6, 206):
Caldwell-Pope can slide into the 3 spot and Ilyasova can be the 4. That said, Monroe is probably not coming back. 

9. Charlotte Hornets -  Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona, Fr., 18, 6-7, 242):

With the departure of Lance Stephenson and his infamous ear blowing the Hornets need to take a young, and very strong SF in Johnson. 

10.  Miami Heat – Mario Hezonja (SG/SF, Barcelona/International, 20, 6-8, 200):

Deng might be gone which will fill a big whole in this Heat rotation. Plug it in with a guy who can flat out score and also defend pretty well, and you'll be in good shape. 

11.  Indiana Pacers -  Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin, Sr., 22, 7-1, 231):

Frank the Tank can really open the floor up for George to dribble penetrate. he can also catch and shoot or drive off of Hibbert passes from the deep post. 

12. Utah Jazz -  R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State, Jr., 21, 6-6, 185):

Hunter will complete this rotation filling a void that has recently been filled by 6'4" and shorter PGs. 

13. Phoenix Suns -  Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 6-10, 241):

The Suns love players who can run the floor and defend. He can be a very good role player. Also the classic Suns type of player. 

14.  Oklahoma City Thunder -  Tyus Jones (PG, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-2, 185):

Star power rules! Coming off winning a National Championship is always good for the confidence. Look for the Thunder to try and maybe get a real PG as a backup to take over for Jackson. Maybe eventually usurping Westbrook and making him revert to his original SG spot.