2015 NBA Mock Draft: Very Early Look at All 30 Projected 1st-Round Picks
With the college basketball season finally here and the NBA season a few weeks in, it's officially that time.
We went with the current NBA standings to determine the mock draft order, and we accounted for any previous trades that involved 2015 picks.
At this stage, we're looking at three guys right now as potential No. 1 picks. And based on these projections, we'll be seeing a lot of one-and-done freshmen trying to capitalize in what appears to be a fairly average draft pool.
We've also been keeping our eyes on some of the international talent. A few guys overseas will be getting serious lottery consideration.
1. Philadelphia 76ers: Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6'5", PG, 1996
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Nobody really knew what to expect from Emmanuel Mudiay as an 18-year-old kid in China, where he chose to play instead of spending his one-and-done year at SMU.
Well, he's been pretty darn good through his first five games, averaging 19 points, seven assists and 6.6 boards on 46.4 percent shooting.
And most importantly, he's winning games (4-1) as Guangdong's floor general (huge 28.7 percent usage rate) despite facing grown, professional men in a completely new environment.
At 6'5", Mudiay has mismatch size for a point guard, blurry quickness and the tightest of handles off the dribble. He has the ability to change direction on the dime, separate and score from every spot inside the arc.
And while shooting has been arguably the biggest hole in his game, he's actually 8-of-17 from downtown to start the year.
Mudiay also appears to be a true passing point guard with no personal agenda. Given his size and scoring instincts, he has the versatility to play the 2 if needed, but there aren't any questions regarding his mindset or natural position.
After drafting centers Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid in back-to-back years, it's just tough to imagine the Philadelphia 76ers going with a third—unless, of course, Duke's Jahlil Okafor and Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns really emerge as can't-pass-on talents.
But with Mudiay offering similar, if not greater, long-term upside, he's going to get heavy consideration no matter what the college bigs do.
The fact Mudiay is running with pros and living the life of one abroad should only enhance his NBA readiness by next year.
The Sixers haven't seemed completely sold on Michael Carter-Williams anyway, considering the trade rumors that already surfaced before his second year in the league, per Grantland's Zach Lowe. Regardless, Mudiay is the superior prospect, and even if they keep Carter-Williams, both guards have the size and versatility to share a backcourt.
Unfortunately, Noel, Embiid and Okafor can't do the same up front.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6'11", C, Freshman
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The Los Angeles Lakers, who lose their pick if they fall out of the top five, would likely be thrilled to land a potential franchise piece like Jahlil Okafor in the middle.
Okafor should dominate right from the start in the ACC, where his 6'11", 272-pound frame, quick feet, soft hands and basketball IQ are just too much.
He has a tremendous feel in the post—Okafor projects as a go-to option against a set defense, which is what ultimately drives his value as an elite NBA prospect.
He also moves exceptionally well for a monster his size, whether he's running the floor or facing his man up.
The only questions with Okafor stem from his unproven outside stroke and lack of standout athleticism, but neither is a big concern.
He'll enter the 2015 draft as the safest option on the board. And depending on who wins the lottery, Okafor may very well be the favorite to go No. 1.
3. Denver Nuggets: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Freshman
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Karl-Anthony Towns might actually have as much upside as any prospect in the class. You just don't typically see 7-footers with this type and level of skill.
His versatility ultimately differentiates him from Duke's Jahlil Okafor. While Okafor does most of his damage by overwhelming in the paint, Towns can hurt defenses from more spots on the floor, whether he's stretching it as a shooter, scoring in the post, pick-and-popping, dishing from the elbow or attacking facing up.
In terms of his all-around skill set, no big man's is more complete. From here on out, it's just a matter of sharpening it—and ultimately becoming a little more dominant in each area of the game.
Keep an eye on Towns' defensive impact—coach John Calipari has already made it known he has to defend to stay out there, given all that ridiculous depth Kentucky has up front.
But not even inconsistency will keep Towns from the top-three conversation. There's just too much upside tied to his physical tools and polished offensive game. Consider him one of three legitimate No. 1 overall candidates heading into the year.
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4. New York Knicks: Cliff Alexander, Kansas, 6'9", PF, Freshman
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Look on the bright side, Knicks fans—at least another disaster season will actually result in a first-round selection. And based on how things are currently going, it might be a pretty good one.
Outside of the top three—Mudiay, Okafor and Towns—nobody seems like a better fit for New York than Cliff Alexander, given his energy and competitive edge.
Built and wired athletically like a young Amar'e Stoudemire, Alexander is an absolute monster inside and a completely dominant presence on the glass. He is overwhelming below the rim and unstoppable above it; go ahead and Sharpie him in for a ton of double-doubles and a high field-goal percentage.
And though he's unrefined in terms of his go-to post moves down low, he's started to develop some nice touch as a catch-and-shooter in the mid-range. ESPN The Magazine's Jordan Brenner noted how Alexander's 15-foot jumper should work nicely in Kansas' high-low offense.
There's just a lot to like about him as a prospect, from his elite physical tools and admirable work ethic to his room for offensive growth. Alexander will be a tremendous addition for a team that lacks athleticism and activity up front.
5. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Stanley Johnson is one of those prospects who present more certainty than mystery. A killer competitor and terrific athlete with textbook size, strength and length for a wing, Johnson offers lockdown defensive potential and a physical offensive attack game.
The Arizona Wildcats will feel his impact from Day 1.
Johnson fits the mold of a Ron Artest or Kawhi Leonard—an in-your-grill defensive wing who can guard three positions, slash to the rack and spot up from deep.
MVP of the summer's Under-18 FIBA World Basketball Championships, Johnson also generated positive buzz at the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy.
Need an example of his competitiveness? Read what he said about LeBron following his camp, via ESPN.com's Myron Medcalf:
"The whole week when I'm playing during the games, he's there watching and I'm like, 'You're next'. When he came on the court, I'm just ultra-confident with it. Super confident. ... He's the best player in the world but at the same time, he laces his shoes up the same way I lace my shoes up. Hopefully, one day I'll get to play against him [in the NBA]. ... LeBron James, to me, he's just a really good basketball player and I have to match up with him.
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6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'0", PF, 1995
6 of 30Before choosing to withdraw his name from the draft and return to Sevilla for 2014-15, Kristaps Porzingis had lottery written all over him last May.
That makes him a top-10 candidate for June, and based on his start to the season, it seems about right.
A 7-footer with a unique blend of athleticism and perimeter skills, Porzingis, 19 years old, is playing 22.1 minutes per game between Eurocup and Spanish ACB play. He's averaging nine points, 4.5 boards and 1.5 blocks and shooting it 39.1 percent from downtown.
Offensively, he's a glowing finishing target off drive-and-dumps around the rim, but his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter and attack close-outs off the dribble is really what drives his versatility.
Porzingis will have to get stronger to bang inside—he's awfully skinny—but the potential reward of his inside-outside two-way game is pretty darn enticing.
7. Orlando Magic: Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Kelly Oubre will look to fill Andrew Wiggins' shoes at Kansas, where there's a chance he emerges as the top scoring weapon.
The guy just knows how to put the ball in the hole, whether he's spotting up, pulling up, stepping back or floating one over the defense.
Oubre blends electric athleticism with a dangerous shooting stroke and lethal offensive instincts.
The Orlando Magic could end up losing Tobias Harris in restricted free agency this summer. Oubre would make sense as a replacement and long-term answer between Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon.
8. Indiana Pacers: Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995
8 of 30He didn't play much last season for Barcelona, and that hasn't changed in 2014-15, but scouts have been aware of Mario Hezonja since 2011, when he took home MVP of the Under-16 European Championships.
A pure scorer with phenomenal 6'8" size and athleticism for the wing, Hezonja has that coveted ability to create his own shot and work one-on-one. Step-backs, pull-ups, jab steps, drives—they're all in the arsenal.
In one of his rare 20-minute outings last season, Hezonja put on a 26-point show for scouts against La Bruixa d'Or Manresa (highlights above).
Unfortunately, his opportunities will be limited once again on a veteran squad in the Spanish ACB. Interested teams will have to accept the risk tied to taking a kid with such little production to show for his towering perceived upside.
9. Utah Jazz: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'10", PF, Sophomore
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Bobby Portis quietly made a strong NBA sales pitch last year as a freshman at Arkansas, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.6 blocks.
Physically, he looks the part of a traditional inside-out NBA power forward.
Offensively, Portis is fundamentally sound with an automatic mid-range jumper—he shot a terrific 41.3 percent on 46 attempts last year from 17 feet to the arc, per DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz—and a soft hook shot over the shoulder.
He's also an excellent passer and a big who can really get up and down the floor.
Enes Kanter will be a restricted free agent for the Utah Jazz this upcoming summer. Management might want to let him walk and add a guy like Portis—a true 4—as a cheap yet equally promising replacement.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder: Caris LeVert, Michigan, 6'6", SG, Junior
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Fully recovered from offseason foot surgery, Caris LeVert will have plenty of NBA eyes directed his way in 2014-15.
With Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III off to the pros, LeVert becomes Michigan's clear-cut No. 1 option, both as a scorer and playmaker.
He's a multidimensional weapon at the 2-guard spot, where he can drive, shoot—he hit 60 threes at a 40.8 percent clip last year—and make plays for teammates. LeVert actually did a decent amount of damage as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, averaging 2.9 assists to go along with his 12.9 points per game.
In a much bigger role, I wouldn't be surprised if he wound up dropping 18 points and 4.5 assists on the regular in 2014-15.
Look for LeVert to take off and ultimately break into the lottery conversation quickly.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Junior
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By now, there shouldn't be any mystery as to what Willie Cauley-Stein brings to the table—and what he doesn't.
A top-flight athlete with 7-foot size and wide receiver-like coordination, Cauley-Stein's game revolves around finishing—he's shot more than 58 percent back-to-back years—rebounding and rim protection, where he blocked 2.9 shots as a sophomore in less than 24 minutes per game.
On his good days, when that motor is revved and his confidence is pumping, he's capable of impacting games without needing any touches in the offense.
And that's really what drives his NBA value.
The Hornets might want to give up on Bismack Biyombo and go after Cauley-Stein this June.
12. Boston Celtics: Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Justise Winslow is bound to win over a ton of fans this year just based on his athleticism, energy and defense.
He impacts games with his motor the way Michael Kidd-Gilchrist did as a freshman at Kentucky.
Offensively, he's a bit behind, but Winslow's explosiveness and activity lead to buckets, whether they're off line drives, cuts, slashes, transition opportunities or putbacks.
For what it's worth, he's been awfully productive through two preseason games for Duke, averaging 18 points and 6.5 boards.
He's more of a project, as he'll have to improve his shooting and ball skills, but you can add those over time. You can't teach the intangibles Winslow brings to the table.
13. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Amida Brimah, Connecticut, 7'0", C, Sophomore
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Amida Brimah only played 16.2 minutes per game last year, but he made a pretty significant defensive impact in that time, finishing No. 4 in the country in block percentage as a freshman.
With 7'0" size, a massive wingspan and loads of energy, Brimah projects as a quintessential rim-protector in the middle. He's light on his feet, moves well and finds ways to stay active inside, whether he's blocking shots, changing them or cleaning the glass.
Offensively, he's a project, but we have seen the occasional jump hook, and his free-throw shooting mechanics aren't all that bad. He has some touch and consequently some room for growth as a low-post threat.
The Celtics have multiple picks and a need for interior defense. Brimah could be an option for them with one of their two first-rounders.
14. Milwaukee Bucks: Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", SF/PF, Freshman
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At 6'9" with strong rebounding instincts and an inside-out offensive package, Kevon Looney's game is all about offensive versatility.
“They told me I could show my versatility, that I’d be able to handle the ball some, that I could rebound, I could play inside-outside," Looney said of UCLA's coaching staff to Ryan Kartje of the Orange County Register. "I saw it last year with Alford and his players. Kyle (Anderson) played inside-outside. Zach (LaVine) had a lot of freedom on the wing."
He's drawn Lamar Odom comparisons early on for his ability to threaten a defense from practically every spot on the floor.
A face-up problem on the perimeter and physical presence down low, Looney should end up making an immediate impact at UCLA.
A Jabari Parker-Kevon Looney interchangeable 3-4 frontcourt might be something to think about for Bucks fans.
15. San Antonio Spurs: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'5", SG, Junior
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R.J. Hunter turned heads last year at Georgia State, where he averaged 18.3 points and knocked down 100 triples in 33 games.
Silky smooth on the perimeter, Hunter has a beautiful shooting stroke and the offensive IQ to get open with movement, pump fakes and escape dribbles.
A sneaky-good athlete at 6'5", Hunter is on the skinny side, but he has some promising physical tools for an NBA 2-guard, along with the outside accuracy that helps make up for a lack of finishing strength at the rim.
Hunter won't be facing too many quality opponents in the Sun Belt Conference, so expect for plenty of scouts to tune in when Georgia State faces Iowa State November 17.
16. Chicago Bulls (via Cleveland): Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8, PF, Junior
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Montrezl Harrell really came into his own the second half of last season, going for at least 20 points six different times in February and March.
He sure looks like an NBA power forward from a physical standpoint, given his strong shoulders, long arms and above-the-rim explosiveness.
Harrell finishes everything around the basket, from drive-and-dumps, lobs, low-post hooks and putbacks off misses. He's shot over 57 percent in both seasons at Louisville.
This year, scouts will be looking to see a more refined Harrell in the post, where his touch and post moves could both use polishing up.
Regardless, even if he shows little offensive progression, his athleticism and interior presence should keep him locked into first-round talks.
17. Houston Rockets (via N.O.): Theo Pinson, North Carolina, 6'6", SF, Freshman
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One of the top athletes in his class, Theo Pinson is bound to make a few highlights as a freshman at North Carolina.
Standing 6'6" with long, active arms, he has awesome bounce and some serious hops that lead to putbacks and other high-flying above-the-rim finishes.
Pinson also has some shooting potential if he can shake the inconsistency, and though not very adept off the dribble, he's a willing and visionary passer for a wing.
He's probably not going to average a ton of points, and it looks like he might be coming off the bench, but I'm betting on scouts falling in love with Pinson's potential instead of worrying about his current weaknesses.
18. Atlanta Hawks: Rashad Vaughn, UNLV, 6'6", SG, Freshman
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When it's all said and done, Rashad Vaughn might be competing with Duke's Jahlil Okafor for highest-scoring freshman in the country.
That's what he does—Vaughn is a scorer with a polished perimeter repertoire consisting of step-backs and pull-ups to separate from defenders.
A strong one-on-one player, he's also a credible passer and ball-handler out of pick-and-roll sets, where he demonstrates a natural, smooth feel for the game.
Vaughn isn't the most explosive athlete, and that has hurt his ability to get to the rim and overall offensive efficiency.
But this kid just has a knack for putting the ball in the hoop, and since he just turned 18 years old, scouts might be a little more lenient when evaluating.
19. Brooklyn Nets: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6'8", SF, Junior
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Sam Dekker looks like a different guy physically from a year ago, when he seemingly plateaued as a prospect despite Wisconsin's team success.
Dekker measured in an inch taller at 6'9" and weighed 229 pounds this summer at the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy. But you really didn't need a scale or measuring stick.
Visibly bigger and stronger, Dekker should have a significant physical advantage at the small forward position, where he can attack off the dribble or shoot over the defense.
A good passer and a high-IQ guy who makes the right decisions, Dekker projects as more of a role player than a featured scorer, but this late in the first round, that should hold enough value to a team like the Nets.
20. Dallas Mavericks: Terry Rozier, Louisville, 6'2", PG, Sophomore
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Terry Rozier is one of this year's big breakout candidates, with Russ Smith no longer dominating the ball in Louisville's backcourt.
He's a sensational above-the-rim athlete for a point guard who also shot 37.1 percent from downtown on 36 made threes playing 18.9 minutes per game.
Quick off the dribble and explosive around the rim, he'll have to work on his in-between game and sell scouts on his half-court management skills, but in terms of raw ability and upside, Rozier should pose as one of the top point guard prospects in this year's field.
21. Chicago Bulls (via Kings, Top-10 Protected): Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior
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The transition from junior college to Pac-12 competition didn't pose much of a problem for Delon Wright, who consistently filled up box scores in his first year at Utah.
Now he's on the radar after averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 assists, 6.8 boards, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks on a whopping 56.1 percent shooting. He finished No. 5 in the entire country in total win shares, per Sports-Reference.com. That's a whole lot of productivity he racked up while managing to stay efficient.
Wright's playmaking instincts are tremendous at both ends of the floor.
Offensively, he takes long strides and sports insane body control when wheeling and dealing in the paint. Wright just has a natural feel for the game, whether it's as a scorer on the move or a setup man off the dribble.
Defensively, he's a pest. And his physical tools should allow him to remain one as a pro.
Already 22 years old, Wright will have to prove that his jumper isn't broken (he hit only 12 threes last year), although he did shoot 79.3 percent from the line.
He wouldn't be the first late bloomer to make it. Between his two-way physical tools for the position, crafty offensive attack and unique presence on the glass, there's just too much versatility here to ignore.
22. Phoenix Suns: Dakari Johnson, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Sophomore
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While most big guys need to put on weight, Dakari Jonson needed to take some off. And he did. He's down to 255 pounds after weighing in around 275 at times last year.
“I’m more athletic now. I’m eating the right foods and getting my body fat down," Johnson told Keith Taylor of the Winchester Sun. "It changes my game a lot. I can move a lot better, get up and down the court better, and it just feels like I’m lighter on my feet.”
It's a big development for Johnson, who appears to be moving more freely based on what we've seen in exhibition and at Kentucky's NBA combine.
At 7'0", he's a low-post guy who gobbles up loose balls, finishes around the rim and cleans the offensive glass.
Now that it no longer appears like he's running and jumping with weights tied to his feet, Johnson should end up seeing a lot more easy-bucket opportunities. He's a late first-round option for a team that is looking to beef up its front line.
23. Miami Heat: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6'7, SF, Sophomore
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The bar has been raised for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson after his strong NCAA tournament debut, where he averaged 14 points on 66.6 percent shooting through four games.
Still, despite the late offensive production, it's Hollis-Jefferson's defensive versatility that fuels his potential. With lightning-quick feet, 6'7" size, long arms and a live motor, he has the ability to lock down positions 1 through 3 on the floor.
Offensively, he's a work in progress, and if he shot better than 2-of -0 from downtown last season, he'd probably be a lot higher up on our board. You just don't see too many successful NBA wings who can't shoot the ball.
Still, Hollis-Jefferson does cover other offensive ground, from slashing and attacking to passing—one of his underrated skills.
The NBA guys love two-way players—if Hollis-Jefferson can pick up his offensive game, we could be talking about one of the big 2015 risers.
24. Portland Trail Blazers: Chris Walker, Florida, 6'10", PF, Sophomore
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Chris Walker didn't see the floor much as a freshman after the NCAA suspended him for a good chunk of the year. That should make him one of the more interesting prospects to watch in 2014-15, given the upside he flashed as a prime-time high school recruit.
But he's not exactly off to a great start—coach Billy Donovan has already suspended him for the first three games, which according to CBSSports' Gary Parrish's sources, was due to a failed drug test for marijuana.
From a basketball perspective, Walker's physical tools drive his appeal. He's as good of an athlete as you'll find for a 6'10" power forward. Finishing, rebounding, shot-blocking—that's his bread and butter.
However, he's pretty raw offensively, lacking outside touch and moves down low.
Proving to scouts his head is screwed on straight should probably be priority No. 1—especially with NBA teams putting more emphasis into character than ever before. But he'll also have to show some progress with regard to his ball skills in year No. 2.
We'll start Walker off as a late-round option whose stock has plenty of room to rise.
25. Golden State Warriors: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'0", C, Senior
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Though not the most graceful big man in the field, Frank Kaminsky's scoring versatility for a 7-footer drew plenty of attention in 2013-14.
He really expanded his offensive game, even taking it out to the three-point arc, where he hit 37 three-pointers at a solid 37.8 percent clip.
The jumper he added ultimately helped open up his face-up attack, where he's capable of putting it on the floor and finishing on the move.
And he has some impressive footwork and touch when operating in the post.
However, Kaminsky has struggled at times going up against stronger, more athletic and longer defenders—which is essentially every big man in the NBA.
Though his upside is limited, Kaminsky projects more as an offensive-minded backup center. The late-first round sounds about right.
26. Washington Wizards: Andrew Harrison, Kentucky, 6'6", PG, Sophomore
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Even though he helped guide Kentucky to a national championship appearance, Andrew Harrison's body language, lack of explosiveness and decision-making all still weighed on his stock and outlook.
But he's now a year wiser, stronger and presumably more confident. And with crazy talent around him and a season under his belt, Harrison looks poised for a bounce-back year into the first-round conversation.
Harrison's blend of 6'6" size and ball skills ultimately drives his mismatch potential at the point.
This year, scouts will be focusing on how well he runs Kentucky's offense and whether or not he has the burst required to break down NBA perimeter defenses.
The Wizards could be looking for a backup point guard next season, and Harrison would make sense as a replacement for Andre Miller.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers (Swap with Bulls): Wayne Selden, Kansas, 6'5", SG, Soph
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Wayne Selden should be looking at a much bigger role in 2014-15 after taking a backseat to Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid as a freshman.
From an NBA standpoint, his appeal stems from his diesel 230-pound frame, smooth body control and balanced offensive attack.
He's not the most explosive athlete, but Selden has the ability to hang after contact and finish in the lane.
And he's a threatening shooter. When Selden can set his feet—whether it's off the catch or the dribble—he's capable of knocking down shots in the mid-to-long range.
But without the ability to create much off the dribble, Selden will really need to show scouts he's much more dangerous from outside than his 32.8 percent three-ball from last year suggests.
At this point, he just hasn't done enough to differentiate himself from the pack. We'll consider him a fringe first-rounder with upside for the time being.
28. Toronto Raptors: Jarell Martin, LSU, 6'8", PF, Sophomore
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With the strength to bang down low, the athleticism to face up and the skill set to score from both areas on the floor, Jarell Martin screams offensive versatility.
He has some broad shoulders and quick feet. Martin reminds you a little bit of the Orlando Magic's Tobias Harris—a combo forward who can take you off the dribble, score on the perimeter or fight for buckets at the rim.
This year, scouts will just be looking for little improvements in each facet of his game—from outside shooting, where he made just 33.3 percent of his threes, to rebounding, given his mediocre 4.6 boards-per-game average.
Making these improvements could ultimately be the difference between Martin falling between positions and emerging as a matchup problem up front.
29. Memphis Grizzlies: Michael Frazier, Florida, 6'4", SG, Junior
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If one thing has been consistent for years, it's that NBA teams always covet shooters. You can't have enough of them.
And there aren't many deadlier shooters in the country than Florida's Michael Frazier, who nailed three three-pointers per game (118 total) at a ridiculous 44.7 percent clip. It's no fluke—he shot 46.8 percent from deep as a freshman.
He's a bit one-dimensional, and at 6'4", he's slightly undersized for a 2-guard, but Frazier makes up for missing an inch or two of height with a 6'9" wingspan and next-level athleticism.
30. Houston Rockets: Branden Dawson, Michigan State, 6'6", SF, Senior
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There isn't much upside tied to Branden Dawson, who's been hampered by injuries and a broken outside shot, but his role-player potential should look nice as a late-round option.
An energetic wing with great strength and length, Dawson's game revolves around defense and offensive versatility.
He's at his best as a finisher, slasher and cleanup man at the rim, but with great instincts and a tremendous motor, he's seemingly always in the play. Dawson averaged 11.2 points and 8.3 boards on 61.3 percent shooting as a junior, though he still hasn't hit a three-pointer since arriving at Michigan State in 2011.
Still, for teams just looking for a glue guy and hustle player, like the Oklahoma City Thunder might have been last June when they took Josh Huestis in the first round, Dawson fits the bill.
All stats courtesy of RealGM.com, Sports-Reference.com.
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