2015 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting All 30 1st-Round Picks During Early NCAA Season
Nearly one month deep into the college hoops calendar, the 2015 NBA draft board is starting to take shape.
While this class hasn't received the same type of hype as last year's, there appears to be plenty of depth and a couple of potential future stars.
Based on our current projections, we could be looking at a record-setting amount of one-and-done freshmen in 2015. We have 14 of them in this particular edition.
We went with the current NBA standings to determine the mock draft order and accounted for any previous trades that involved 2015 picks.
1. Philadelphia 76ers: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6'11", C, Freshman
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After drafting two big men and a point guard over the past two years and with no 2-guard or wing worth reaching on at No. 1 in 2015, the Philadelphia 76ers will have some interesting decisions to make come June.
But the Sixers aren't in a position where they can pass on superior talent to fill a specific need. And at this point, it's tough to make a No. 1 overall case for anyone outside of Jahlil Okafor. Karl-Anthony Towns is getting fewer touches in Kentucky's offense, and Emmanuel Mudiay coming from China, where an ankle injury is expected to end his season after 10 games played.
There's minimal risk and plenty of potential reward attached to Okafor, who has an NBA body with one of the most refined post games we've seen in years. Averaging 17.1 points and 7.6 boards on 64.6 percent shooting, he's been unstoppable in the paint, where he has an array of moves to go to and others to counter with.
Taking Okafor might mean exploring trades for Nerlens Noel, who's been somewhat underwhelming so far as a rookie. And there could be questions as to whether Okafor would fit alongside Joel Embiid, the current centerpiece of the 76ers' organization.
But based on history, Philadelphia will probably go with whoever is ranked No. 1 on its board—regardless of position—and worry about the details later.
Trading down to grab Towns or Mudiay, who seem like better fits, should also be considered.
2. Detroit Pistons: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 6'11", PF/C, Freshman
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Playing just 18.8 minutes per game, Karl-Anthony Towns has flashed his upside in doses, though the flashes have been strong enough to generate some No. 1 overall buzz.
With the size of a center and the skill set of a power forward, he is loaded with mismatch potential.
From the low block to the high post and behind the three-point arc, he's a threat to score from practically every spot on the floor. So far, we've seen Kentucky use him as a back-to-the-basket option, as well as a target in the pick-and-pop game on the perimeter.
He's also blocking 2.8 shots per game and controlling the glass—two things we haven't seen from Jahlil Okafor over at Duke.
There's a chance the Pistons end up losing Greg Monroe to free agency this summer, and I couldn't think of a better replacement than Towns, who offers superior upside as an inside-out, two-way big man.
3. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6'5", PG, 1996
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Prior to injuring his ankle, Emmanuel Mudiay essentially accomplished everything he needed to through nine-and-a-half games in China.
He led Guangdong to an 8-1 record before going down—an impressive feat for an 18-year-old kid against grown men and professionals.
Mudiay also put up some standout numbers in the process—18.8 points, 6.5 boards and 6.3 assists per game.
At 6'5", he's a smooth athlete with a ball-on-a-string handle and nasty change-of-direction quickness. And though he can drop 20 points on any given night, there's no doubting his mindset or mentality—Mudiay is a point guard with a strong feel for the game in terms of facilitating an offense.
He might just have as much upside as anyone in this year's field, given his physical tools for the position and high offensive skill level.
Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski notes that with Guangdong having signed Will Bynum following Mudiay's recent injury, he could return to the U.S. and begin training for the draft.
If the Knicks are lucky—and ultimately bad enough—to land a top-three pick in June, it's possible they finally find the franchise floor general they've been looking for since what feels like 1973.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG, 1995
4 of 30NBA teams have been waiting for Mario Hezonja to get his chance in Barcelona's lineup, and that chance has finally arrived.
He played 22 minutes against Olimpia Milano on November 28, including crunch time. And he delivered, finishing with 13 points and a couple of big buckets.
A few games later, he went for 15 points in 17 minutes against Turow Zgorzelec, and he finished with 12 points on four made threes against Fenerbahce.
These numbers might not seem like a big deal, but when you consider his age (19) and the time he's spent warming Barcelona's bench, the production is significant.
Super Mario is ultimately loaded with upside stemming from his 6'8" size, breathtaking athleticism and ball skills for a 2-guard.
He still has a lot to learn, given how few reps he's seen over the past two years, but in terms of pure, natural talent, no one left on the board has as much as Hezonja has. And finally, scouts are getting the chance to confirm that notion.
A Hezonja-Andrew Wiggins pairing on the wing could eventually become one of the scariest around.
5. Los Angeles Lakers: Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'6", SF, Freshman
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If the Los Angeles Lakers manage to earn a top-five pick in 2015, they get to keep it. If not, their pick goes to Phoenix.
Regardless, the Lakers will be operating as if they'll be making a selection this June, which means they've likely spent time checking out Duke's Justise Winslow, who has flashed some awfully attractive two-way upside and valuable versatility.
A phenomenal athlete with a 6'6", 225-pound diesel frame for a wing, Winslow can take away an opposing ball-handler's dribble at the defensive end. Between his quickness, athleticism and in-your-grill approach, he has the tools to ultimately guard three positions on the floor.
Offensively, he's still a work in progress, but he's connecting on 38.5 percent of his threes and picking up buckets off drives and slashes.
The Lakers really need a sure thing, and there aren't many better bets than this 18-year-old—an elite defender with plenty of room for offensive growth.
6. Utah Jazz: Chris McCullough, Syracuse, 6'10", PF, Freshman
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With an eye-opening blend of athleticism, bounce and length, Chris McCullough screams NBA potential.
He's also producing in his first year on the job at a serious rate, averaging 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.9 steals on 57 percent shooting.
McCullough is on the skinny side, but that hasn't stopped him from finishing at the rim, where he's flashed the instincts and body control to score at seemingly impossible angles.
What ultimately separates him from other pogo-stick big men is his comfort level as a shooter. He's looked confident and natural in the mid-range, which plays to his inside-out versatility.
Even without the jumper, his above-the-rim presence and activity level have led to plenty of easy buckets. McCullough already has 17 putbacks on the year, per Hoop-Math.com.
He's an upside pick, and it could take a few years to hit, but the potential reward tied to reaching it is definitely top-10-worthy.
The Jazz already have a number of guards and wings. With Enes Kanter entering restricted free agency, McCullough, whose upside is a whole lot bigger, would seem like an exciting replacement, even if it means reaching at No. 6 and waiting a year or two for results.
7. Charlotte Hornets: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Through nine games, freshman Stanley Johnson leads the No. 3-ranked Arizona Wildcats in scoring, which is a testament to his tremendous physical profile and overall activity.
He aces the eye test at 6'7" with an overpowering 245-pound frame, which he uses to plow through traffic and fight for buckets around the hoop.
And Johnson has been shooting the ball well so far, having hit 38.5 percent of his three-pointers and 53.3 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com.
He has to improve his one-on-one shot-creating ability, but his strength and energy consistently translate to points off loose balls and open-floor opportunities.
With lockdown intensity and defensive tools, Johnson should have the chance to emerge as one of the top two-way wings in the class.
8. Indiana Pacers: D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6'5", PG/SG, Freshman
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Between George Hill and Rodney Stuckey, who isn't even under contract next season, the Indiana Pacers could use a major backcourt upgrade.
D'Angelo Russell ultimately offers the versatility to handle both guard positions, with the size and stroke of a 2 to match the passing instincts of a 1.
Through eight games, he's averaging 18 points, 5.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds while shooting a lights-out 44.2 percent from downtown.
Confident yet poised, there's a whole lot to like about Russell, from his skill level and physical tools to his on-court demeanor.
9. Boston Celtics: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Junior
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The Boston Celtics have a number of needs, but with Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller protecting the rim—who both average less than one block per game—adding a defensive-minded big man should probably sit atop their list.
And at No. 9, Willie Cauley-Stein just might be the best prospect on the board anyway.
He's been an animal so far for Kentucky. Cauley-Stein has undoubtedly entered the top-defensive-player-in-the-country conversation, which inevitably started after his three-block, five-steal gem against Texas.
But he's even appeared to have made some offensive strides—through 10 games in Kentucky's loaded frontcourt, he's averaging 10.3 points, up from the 6.8 he put up last year.
He's ultimately become a bigger threat to score once he receives the ball in the paint, where we've seen him start connecting on jump hooks and other various up-and-under moves.
Regardless, it's Cauley-Stein's physical tools, motor and above-the-rim presence that fuel his NBA appeal. Any team looking for an injection of athleticism and activity up front should already have Cauley-Stein highlighted on its board.
10. Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'0", PF, 1995
10 of 30Kristaps Porzingis could probably end up going anywhere from the top of the lottery to the bottom, given the upside tied to his 7'0" size, athleticism and ball skills, as well as the risk associated with a 220-pound big man who's more comfortable on the perimeter than inside the paint.
But he's been producing against grown men in the Spanish ACB and Eurocup, averaging 9.5 points, 4.6 boards and 1.2 blocks on 43.6 percent shooting from downtown.
With a clean jumper and the ability to attack off the dribble, Porzingis' skill set and physical tools scream mismatch potential down the road.
The only question is whether he'll be able to hold his own in the post; if he struggles to do so, will it diminish his effectiveness on both sides of the ball?
Regardless, it's not often you see a 7-footer who moves, shoots and handles the ball like Porzingis. He'd offer terrific value at No. 10 overall, especially to the Magic, who could use a shot of athleticism up front.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder: Myles Turner, Texas, 6'11", C, Freshman
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Myles Turner's production has been up and down, but nothing can take away from the upside tied to his size, shooting stroke and shot-blocking instincts.
It's just a rare blend of strengths. At 6'11", Turner is polished from outside, where he can rise and fire for a jumper right over the top of his defender. And he's blocking 2.9 shots per game in only 19.9 minutes.
He's going to need to add some strength and improve his low-post game, as he struggled against Kentucky's lengthy front line (1-of-5 shooting).
Still, there's no reason why his shooting stroke and rim protection shouldn't translate from one level to the next.
12. Denver Nuggets: Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman
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Kevon Looney continues to pile up double-doubles with seven through 10 games as a freshman.
He's been overwhelming around the rim, where he plays right through contact under the boards. Looney already has 16 putbacks on the year, per Hoop-Math.com, which is a reflection of his motor and the constant pressure he puts on the offensive glass.
We've also seen him knock down a few jumpers and use the dribble when given a chance. Looney is the full package, and if he can ever put it all together, there's top-10 upside here to hit.
The Nuggets have talent and depth at practically every position. They should just be looking for the best player available, and in this case, Looney looks like that guy.
13. Houston Rockets (via New Orleans): Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'0", PF/C, Senior
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With a skill set built for the NBA frontcourt, Frank Kaminsky has emerged as a legitimate lottery prospect.
At 7'0", he's a terrific shooter from outside, having hit 42.4 percent of threes so far on the year. His ability to stretch the floor would ultimately complement Dwight Howard's interior-oriented attack in Houston, where the Rockets lack reliable depth at the 4 and 5 positions.
He's also become a tough face-up cover, given his crafty footwork, body control and touch on the move.
Kaminsky doesn't pack much upside, but in the right lineup, his strengths, particularly shooting, could hold significant value off the bench.
14. Chicago Bulls (via Kings): Caris LeVert, Michigan, 6'7", SG, Junior
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Despite Michigan's struggles, Caris LeVert has caught fire to start the year, having made 23 of his first 47 three-point attempts (48.9 percent).
And not only does he lead the team in scoring with 17.7 points a game, but he also leads it in assists (4.1).
At 6'7", LeVert offers invaluable versatility as a wing who can handle the ball, facilitate and generate perimeter offense.
He's a high-character kid with a blossoming game and a knack for coming through in the clutch. There's just really not much to like.
With Tony Snell out of the rotation and Chicago already loaded up front, LeVert makes sense as an option to either play behind Jimmy Butler (assuming the team re-signs him) or alongside him.
15. Atlanta Hawks (Swap with Nets): Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Kelly Oubre hasn't gotten much burn yet, though his role seems to be slowly increasing.
Still, his electric athleticism and sweet outside stroke fuel some pretty enticing upside. Oubre is a scorer, and when he eventually learns how to defend for 35-second shot clocks, we'll probably see a lot more of his offensive game in Kansas' lineup.
Oubre's lack of minutes and production could lead to a draft-night slide, which would ultimately turn him into an interesting value pick for a mid-first-round team like the Hawks, who lack firepower on the wing and young talent to develop.
16. Miami Heat: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8", PF, Junior
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Montrezl Harrell has been a monster for Louisville up front, where he's averaging 16.8 points and 9.6 boards on 64.1 percent shooting.
He's simply overpowering around the rim. Harrell finishes through or over defenders off drive-and-dumps, cuts through the lane and offensive putbacks while cleaning the glass on the side.
He also plays with a level intensity and nonstop motor that only enhance his likability.
However, since hitting three three-pointers and sinking nine of 10 free throws on opening night, he's missed each of his next 10 three-point attempts while shooting 22-of-44 from the line.
Harrell probably isn't the inside-out threat he appeared to be against Minnesota November 14, but a team like the Miami Heat, who's last in the NBA in rebounding, could definitely use an injection of his athleticism and activity down low.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'5", SG, Junior
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The Milwaukee Bucks might want to add a shot-maker to the lineup, considering they shoot 33.6 percent as a team from deep and rank No. 24 in the league in threes made per game.
R.J. Hunter could be this year's top perimeter scoring threat. Despite being the center of every opposing defense's attention, he's averaging 23.3 points and a whopping 3.3 threes per game.
Though thin as a rail physically, Hunter has good size and moves exceptionally well off the ball, where he's constantly freeing himself up off down and back screens. And with infinite range and a lightning-quick release, he only needs an inch of room regardless of where he's on the floor.
18. Phoenix Suns: Cliff Alexander, Kansas, 6'8", PF, Freshman
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Through three weeks of college hoops, Cliff Alexander's strengths and weaknesses already look well-defined.
He's a tremendous athlete with a live motor. That shows up in the rebounding department, where he's averaging 6.5 boards in 19.5 minutes or 13.3 per 40.
Alexander runs the floor hard and stays active around the rim, whether he's protecting it, finishing or cleaning the glass.
But he seems a bit undersized for a guy who plays almost exclusively in the paint, while his post game and offense lack polish.
Alexander has taken a fall down our board, but at the end of the day, you can't go wrong with his blend of athleticism and energy up front.
19. Chicago Bulls: Jakob Poeltl, Utah, 7'0", C, Freshman
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Jakob Poeltl has come out of nowhere to emerge as Utah's anchor in the middle after spending last year playing with pros in Austria.
At 7'0", he certainly passes the eye test, though he'll need to put on some muscle. But overall, he moves fluidly for a center, and with excellent hands and body control, he's been a terrific pick-and-roll target who is capable of improvising and finishing in traffic.
He's also currently in the top 10 in the country in rebounding percentage while blocking 2.9 shots in 24.6 minutes per game.
Shooting 72.3 percent, Poeltl is rocking a ridiculous 31.0 player efficiency rating through the first three weeks of his college career, per RealGM.
The Bulls could use some insurance and backup for Joakim Noah up front, and though Poeltl doesn't offer that standout upside, his strong interior presence could hold legitimate mid-to-late first-round value.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Norman Powell, UCLA, 6'4", SG, Senior
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An explosive athlete and lockdown defender, Norman Powell has finally added a three-ball to the repertoire, and that changes and ultimately enhances his NBA outlook.
He's making 1.9 three-pointers per game so far at a scorching 46.3 percent clip.
Powell is also averaging 17.9 points, up from the 11.4 he put up a year ago, while he's getting to the line at nearly double the rate.
The hopeful projection: Tony Allen with a jump shot.
The Cavaliers could definitely use a defensive-minded shooter at the 2-guard slot, which could have Powell's name written all over it.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'10", PF, Sophomore
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An inside-out power forward with an NBA physical profile, there shouldn't be much mystery surrounding Bobby Portis' outlook.
He's an excellent mid-range pick-and-pop shooter who's also hit seven of his first 10 attempts from downtown.
With soft touch from outside, he's also converting at an automatic 86.2 percent at the rim, though only 31.2 percent of his shots are taken there, per Hoop-Math.com.
Portis' interior presence isn't overwhelming, as he's only averaging 6.5 boards per game, but at 6'10" with a high skill level and developed jumper, he is a fairly safe bet—even if his upside is capped.
The Mavericks won't find a starter this late in the draft, but they could definitely use some depth up front behind the ageless Dirk Nowitzki.
22. Washington Wizards: Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior
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Delon Wright has bounced back after a 2-of-13 showing against San Diego State on November 18, as he's now averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 boards and 4.9 assists on a ridiculous 58.1 percent shooting.
Quite frankly, it might be his defense that ends up holding the most NBA value. He's constantly poking balls away and forcing turnovers, while his size and length play to the mismatch he offers at the position.
He's also made seven of his first 18 three-point attempts after hitting just 12 threes total all year as a junior.
With Andre Miller in the final year of his deal, the Wizards might need a backup point guard next season. And at 22 years old with unteachable defensive instincts, Wright could be an option for a team that is looking to acquire an immediate contributor.
23. Brooklyn Nets (Swap with Hawks): Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6'6", SF
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Though his shot-creating ability and jumper remain question marks, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's athleticism, motor and defensive versatility could hold enough value late in Round 1.
With quick feet and long arms, he can guard up to three positions on the floor. And he rebounds at a solid rate for a wing, averaging 6.7 per game in 26.4 minutes.
Offensively, Hollis-Jefferson's game revolves around slashing, cleaning up misses and getting out on the break.
He's an energizer for Arizona, and that's how he projects at the NBA level. Hollis-Jefferson would ultimately give the Nets a shot of life, something that's lacking in their slow, aging lineup.
24. San Antonio Spurs: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6'9", SF, Junior
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Though Sam Dekker's production is down, his efficiency is up, as he's shooting 52.4 percent and 34.6 percent from downtown.
He also looks like a different guy from a physical standpoint, as he's grown to 6'9" while adding visible bulk to his upper body.
Dekker now has mismatch physical tools for the wing, and though he's not much of a one-on-one threat, he's a capable shooter and reliable opportunistic scorer who rarely forces the issue.
With an excellent basketball IQ and mature approach to the game, Dekker projects as a textbook do-whatever-is-asked, team-first type of role player.
He'd fit right into San Antonio's winning culture.
25. Toronto Raptors: Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6'10", PF, Freshman
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Trey Lyles has showcased some polished inside-out versatility, with the ability to knock down jumpers and finish plays around the rim.
He's more of a combo forward than a true 4, and that slightly hurts his projection, as he doesn't appear strong enough to consistently bang down low.
But at 6'10", he moves like a wing and sports promising shooting potential, even if the numbers don't suggest that early.
He's no lock to declare, though Lyles' high basketball IQ and refined offensive skill set should generate interest whenever he does.
26. Houston Rockets: Tyus Jones, Duke, 6'1", PG, Freshman
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Tyus Jones was Duke's catalyst in its 10-point win over Wisconsin, finishing with 22 points, four assists and one turnover.
He plays with a sense of poise and maturity—a guy who really has a feel for managing an offense and setting the table.
Jones is quick off the dribble and highly skilled with the ball. He's a threat to attack, loft a floater or pull up for a jumper.
He projects more as a backup NBA point guard, given his limited size and burst, but with a team option tied to Patrick Beverley's contract and only Jason Terry and Isaiah Canaan behind him, the Rockets might want to invest in an extra ball-handler.
27. Boston Celtics (via the Clippers): Rashad Vaughn, UNLV, 6'6", SG, Freshman
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We've seen mixed results from Rashad Vaughn, who's sprinkled in a few duds along with some offensive eruptions, including a 26-point effort against Morehead State and a 29-point game against Albany.
Vaughn is a natural scorer who can create his own shot and convert from all over the floor. Consistency could make or break him, as he relies heavily on perimeter shot-making, but there's no doubting his talent and offensive skill level.
With UNLV having already lost to Arizona State by 22 and Stanford by 29, I wouldn't be surprised if Vaughn bolts after only one season.
28. Portland Trail Blazers: Guillermo Hernangomez, Spain, 6'11", C, 1994
28 of 30Guillermo Hernangomez is having a breakout season abroad for Sevilla in the Spanish ACB and Eurocup, having recently exploded for 29 points against Barcelona after hanging 21 on Virtus Roma.
He has excellent hands around the rim, where he finishes pick-and-rolls, drive-and-dumps and entry passes from all different angles. And he's a threat to attack from the elbows and score on the move.
Hernangomez isn't blocking a ton of shots, but the offensive strides he's made, along with the production he's putting up, could make him an attractive draft-and-stash option for a team that's probably not finding any immediate help anyway.
29. Memphis Grizzlies: Dakari Johnson, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Sophomore
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Dakari Johnson has been productive in Kentucky's second platoon off the bench, averaging 9.4 points and 6.1 boards in just 18.3 minutes per game.
With just about all of his touches coming right at the rim, he's shooting a whopping 64.6 percent from the floor. There just aren't many college centers who are big or strong enough to challenge him down low.
Unfortunately, Johnson's scoring range doesn't extend further from eight or so feet from the hole, and though he lost a good amount of weight, his overall fluidity and delivery are still pretty choppy.
Regardless, he should be able to generate first-round interest based on his physical presence alone. And why not from the Grizzlies, who could be in jeopardy of losing Marc Gasol to free agency.
30. Golden State Warriors: Terry Rozier, Louisville, 6'1", PG, Sophomore
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One of the most explosive guards expected to declare, Terry Rozier has seen his production double so far in his expanded role at Louisville, where he's averaging 14.6 points and 2.6 assists.
Unfortunately, he hasn't gotten as many playmaking touches as we anticipated, and it's still unclear how effective of a facilitator he can be. From the surface, Rozier almost looks more like a scorer in a point guard's body, and if that's the case, his stock could suffer.
His jumper has been on and off so far—he nailed five threes against Indiana after making just four of his previous 18.
But while there are questions about his offensive role, Rozier is an excellent defender and rebounder for his position, and if he's able to showcase some point guard vision and knock down a few more jumpers, he probably won't be there for Golden State at No. 30.
All stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com and RealGM.com.
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