2015 NBA Mock Draft: How All 30 First-Round Picks Shake out Right Now
With conference play heating up, we've seen some 2015 NBA draft prospects find their groove and others hit the wall.
A number of breakout upperclassmen have entered the picture as well, though it still seems we'll be looking at a lottery dominated by one-and-done freshmen.
Nothing has changed with regard to our top dog in the class. However, we have a new prospect who's moved into the top five.
Injuries have also played a role in the projected field, with Syracuse forward Chris McCullough out for the year from a torn ACL and Michigan's Caris LeVert now lost for the season (foot) too.
We've taken McCullough off the board, as well as Duke's Tyus Jones and Utah's Jakob Poeltl, whom we expect to return as sophomores next year.
We went with the current NBA standings to determine the mock draft order and accounted for any previous trades that involved 2015 picks.
1. New York Knicks: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6'11", C, Freshman
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We've reached the point where a Jahlil Okafor touch triggers an automatic double-team. He's just become too dangerous one-on-one in the post, where he grips it like a tennis ball and separates with ease.
Okafor recently went for 18 points on two misses in a win over Montrezl Harrell and Louisville Saturday afternoon. He followed with a five-assist game against Pittsburgh, putting on a clinic highlighting his vision, passing skills and ability to dribble out of pressure.
He's exactly the type of young prospect the Knicks should target—a skilled, 270-pound, high-IQ (and character) big man they can feature on the block.
The fact that he could probably step in and bring something to the table as a rookie only enhances his appeal in New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Emmanuel Mudiay should get consideration, while trading the pick will likely remain an option, assuming Phil Jackson would rather have established veteran talent.
But if the Knicks win the lottery and keep the pick, it would hard to imagine them passing on Okafor, who has franchise-center potential in the middle.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 6'11", PF/C, Freshman
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Karl-Anthony Towns' touches haven't been there in Kentucky's offense, but he continues to flash his upside.
He blocked seven shots in 18 minutes Tuesday night against Vanderbilt. That's more than Jahlil Okafor has had in his last five games playing at least 28 minutes in each.
Towns is a natural at the defense end, where his instincts, aggression and 7'4" wingspan help cover a ton of ground.
Offensively, it's rare that he's featured, but he has the footwork to score facing up or with his back to the basket. He recently took advantage of one opportunity against Alabama on Sunday by spinning into a running one-handed dunk out of the post.
Throughout the season, though they've come in small doses, we've seen everything from outside shooting and slick passing to finesse scoring and beast mode.
Towns' potential offensive versatility would seem like an ideal fit in Minnesota, where his perimeter skills and rim protection could play off Nikola Pekovic up front.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6'5", PG, 1996
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Between the reported concerns over Joel Embiid's maturity, according to Philly.com's Keith Pompey, Chad Ford of ESPN.com's trade buzz regarding Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel's 43.5 percent field-goal clip, the Philadelphia 76ers will be taking the best player on their board—regardless of what position he plays.
And at No. 3, Emmanuel Mudiay looks like the safest bet.
A consensus top-five recruit who chose China over college, Mudiay's sales pitch overseas only lasted 10 games (ankle injury), though he appeared to more than hold his own (17.7 points, 5.9 assists) against grown men and pros.
I wouldn't get too carried away with his record and numbers, given his team won 21 of 22 games after he went down.
But whether it's been in China or the U.S., Mudiay has shown the ability to run an offense, facilitate out of pick-and-rolls and create open shots for teammates by driving and dishing. His explosiveness translates to easy buckets in the open floor, while his jumper, though erratic, seems capable and correctable.
Between his size and burst, he gives off John Wall-type vibes as an electrifying, above-the-rim playmaker. Mudiay is going to a great player—whether he'll emerge as a star could come down to decision-making.
Still, even if the Sixers choose to keep Carter-Williams, I'm not sure they'd pass on the chance at landing Mudiay three picks deep.
There might be better fits, like Kristaps Porzingis or Stanley Johnson, but talent-wise, the answer is Mudiay.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6'4", PG/SG, Freshman
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D'Angelo Russell's NBA case seems to get stronger by the week.
He's now finished with at least 21 points in five of Ohio State's last seven games. And quite frankly, you get the feeling he could have just as easily dropped five double-digits assist lines if he didn't have to score so heavily.
A wizard with the ball, Russell has vision that allows him to see plays before they even develop. He's made a few dazzling passes lately that have just been right on the money.
At 6'5", Russell projects as a scoring point guard whose size and lethal 44.4 percent three-point stroke should allow him to also play off the ball.
Outside the top two big men, he seems like as good of a bet as anyone. The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of strong options here at No. 4, but with the team having minimal stability in the backcourt, Russell could be the favorite.
5. Boston Celtics: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Junior
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With Willie Cauley-Stein available, and Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller each blocking less than one shot per game, the Boston Celtics could have a tough time passing on a potential defensive cornerstone in the middle.
A superstar athlete at 7'0", Cauley-Stein has shown he can change the tone of a game without even needing the ball.
Nobody covers more defensive ground. He's averaging 1.7 steals per game, while 19 of his 33 blocks have come away from the rim, per Hoop-Math.com.
Offensively, Cauley-Stein has made some strides, averaging a career-high 9.4 points per game on 57.3 percent shooting. He even sunk a mid-range baseline jumper against Vanderbilt Tuesday night.
Either way, he seems like an ideal target for the Celtics, who are missing an above-the-rim, easy-bucket big man and an intimidating rim protector.
6. Orlando Magic: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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You get the feeling Stanley Johnson will get consideration anywhere from No. 3 on down the board, following what's been a productive and encouraging start as Arizona's top dog.
He's the Wildcats' leading scorer, averaging 14.6 points on 48.2 percent shooting through 18 games.
Johnson has been phenomenal as of late, having gone for 22 points, eight boards and three steals in a win over Colorado and 18 points and nine rebounds in a beatdown on Utah Sunday night.
He's capitalizing off the ball, particularly as a shooter making 40.4 percent of his threes. But the most impressive aspect of Johnson's offense has been the in-between game, where he's knocking down 50 percent of his two-point jumpers off floaters, runners and stop-and-pops.
With lockdown tools including a diesel 245-pound frame, Johnson has emerged as one of the best two-way bets in the field.
The Orlando Magic should be all over Johnson, who plays to the franchise's growing defensive identity formed by Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon. Plus, Tobias Harris will be a restricted free agent, which makes Johnson a potential long-term replacement.
7. Utah Jazz: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'0", PF, 1995
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At No. 7, nobody left on the board has a higher ceiling than Kristaps Porzingis, a spectacular 7'0" athlete who is shooting 39.7 percent from downtown overseas.
He entered the season with hype, and so far, he's delivered. Porzingis is fresh off an 18-point, seven-rebound game on Sunday, and he's now scored at least 13 points in four of his last five games.
The value of stretch big men has risen in the NBA, which makes Porzingis appealing in itself. But his skill set goes way beyond dunking and shooting.
Porzingis has flashed the ability to put the ball on the floor or separate in the mid-range as a scorer, while his above-the-rim presence translates to shot-blocking and defensive playmaking.
Impending restricted free agent Enes Kanter may not be back, while neither Derrick Favors nor Rudy Gobert is particularly comfortable on the perimeter. Porzingis could fit nicely into Utah's long-term plans.
8. Indiana Pacers: Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995
8 of 30Mario Hezonja's minutes have been down lately, but the damage has already been done. Throughout what's been a roller-coaster season in terms of playing time, he's still been able to showcase the talent that landed him on the radar over three years back.
At 6'8", he's developed a textbook basketball body for an NBA 2-guard or wing. And he's as athletic as they come.
While operating mostly off the ball, Hezonja has demonstrated his shooting stroke, having connected on 46.4 percent of his threes through nine Euroleague games (though he hasn't been as accurate in the Spanish ACB, 32.4 percent).
Still, he's at his best offensively in transition, where he can glide down the floor and explode above the rim with effortless body control.
We've also seen him flash the slick passing and ball-handling that fuel his versatility.
Hezonja ultimately operates with a ton of confidence, whether he's shooting from six feet behind the arc or conducting an interview.
“If I was in college I’d probably be the No. 1 pick,” Hezonja told Basketball Insiders' David Pick. “I had an offer from Kentucky. I’m European, and I need to work harder to break into the U.S market.”
There's no question he's good enough to validate top-10 hype. The mental transition might be the bigger challenge, though for a team like the Pacers, the potential reward is worth the risk at No. 8.
9. Detroit Pistons: Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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Kelly Oubre is coming off arguably his signature performance of the year after finishing with 19 points and nine boards in a tight win over Oklahoma Monday night.
He scored two huge baskets down the stretch and came up big a number of times on the defensive end.
He's visibly playing with more confidence and subsequent energy, and we're starting to see what fueled all the hype surrounding him as a top-shelf recruit out of high school.
At 6'7", Oubre is an explosive athlete with a sweet outside stroke who's connecting at a 42.2 percent clip from downtown.
He's dangerous in space, where he can attack off the dribble and score on the move, while his ability to rebound (he's grabbed at least seven in six of his last nine games) and handle the ball allows him to initiate the offense and break.
After a slow start, Oubre seems to have caught up with the rest of the top small forwards in the projected field. The Pistons could use some type of spark on the wing, which makes Oubre an enticing option toward the back end of the lottery.
10. Sacramento Kings: Myles Turner, Texas, 6'11", PF/C, Freshman
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With eye-opening skills and potentially alarming flaws, Myles Turner's draft range is one of the tougher ones to predict.
His strengths revolve around a pure shooting stroke and defensive instincts.
Turner recently nailed four of four three-pointers against Oklahoma State on January 10, and throughout the season, he's shown the ability to separate into jumpers with various jab steps and fall-aways. He's also making 88.3 percent of his free throws, which plays to his credibility as a shooter.
Defensively, he's blocking 2.7 shots in only 22.2 minutes per game. Turner has excellent timing and plenty of length.
However, his lack of strength and mobility has been evident, particularly on offense. He rarely scores in the post and paint or gets out in the open floor. He only attempts 29.6 percent of his shots at the rim, where he's picked up just four buckets in transition all season long.
After a major growth spurt and a couple of injuries in high school, there's also been concern over his durability.
Turner might be a risk-reward play, but if it works out, his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim might fit nicely alongside DeMarcus Cousins in Sacramento.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'0", PF/C, Senior
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After what seemed like a breakout junior year, Frank Kaminsky has been even better in 2014-15, improving as a scorer, shooter, passer and defender.
Through 18 games, he's averaging 16.9 points on 40.4 percent shooting from downtown. Kaminsky's lethal outside stroke creates all sorts of matchup problems for defenders who are forced to close out hard yet also respect his ability to put the ball on the floor.
His footwork is excellent, as is his vision—after dishing out six assists against Iowa Tuesday night, he's now five shy of his 2013-14 season total.
Kaminsky is even averaging 0.8 less personal fouls per game while blocking 1.8 shots, which would end up a career high.
At 7'0", he's exceptionally skilled and dangerous from outside. Charlotte doesn't have many big men who can stretch the floor from behind the arc. Kaminsky would seem to fit right in alongside Al Jefferson at the 4 or behind him as a backup 5.
12. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'6", SF, Freshman
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Justise Winslow has hit the wall pretty hard in January, having scored just five points total in Duke's losses to Miami and NC State. He later struggled on 2-of-7 shooting against Pittsburgh on Monday and appears to have lost confidence in his offensive game.
During the cold streak, Winslow's shaky ball skills have also gotten pretty exposed. Rarely do you see him create his own shot in the half court, as he's made just four two-point jumpers the entire season—a telling stat that reflects his limitations as a scorer within the second level of the defense.
However, nothing can take away from his motor, defense and dynamite athleticism. And it's comforting to see he's hit a three-pointer in all but two of Duke's games.
His recent slump is just a reminder of the patience he'll require as a project, which slightly hurts his appeal. Still, Winslow could just as easily go as high as No. 6, though he might need to show something more down the stretch.
He'd be a nice value pick here at No. 12 for a Nuggets team that already has a little bit of everything.
13. Houston Rockets (via New Orleans): Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman
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Kevon Looney's 27-point, 19-rebound performance against Stanford on January 8 had to be an eye-opener for those who didn't initially buy in.
At 6'9", he made a couple of plays that highlighted his versatility and mismatch potential, like two coast-to-coast takes off defensive boards and a few pretty drives attacking from the wing.
Looney hasn't cooled off since—he shot 13-of-23 combined against California and USC, and he's even hit four of six three-pointers dating back to Utah on January 4.
The jumper could ultimately be the key to Looney's development, given his lack of strength on the interior, where he's shooting just 55.7 percent at the rim.
He's also gotten caught standing flat-footed at times. Looney doesn't quite play with the same type of energy as a guy like Louisville's Montrezl Harrell, which has led some scouts to question his motor. He can "go through the motions" sometimes, as one scout told Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.
Looney will ultimately be viewed more as a project, though his natural rebounding instincts should act as a safety cushion during the transition.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cliff Alexander, Kansas, 6'8", PF, Freshman
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Cliff Alexander might not be a lock to declare, but that motor, athleticism and physical presence would be worth chasing in the first round.
He's just an animal around the rim, with the ability to make things happen whenever he's on the floor, regardless of how limited his skills are offensively.
Alexander double-doubled for 13 points and 13 boards in 23 minutes against Oklahoma Monday night. He even converted on a jump hook in the lane.
On the year, his activity level has translated to 18 points, 12.6 boards and three blocks per 40 minutes. I'm not sure his ceiling is as high as it originally appeared out of high school, but in a role that allows him to play to his strengths as a clean-up man, energizer and finisher, Alexander could thrive.
The Oklahoma City Thunder might lose Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison this summer, which would make Alexander a possible target if they end up keeping the pick.
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Nets): Robert Upshaw, Washington, 7'0", C, Sophomore
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It's become tougher and tougher to ignore what Robert Upshaw is doing in Washington, where he's blocking 4.5 shots per game to lead the nation by a decent margin.
He's also controlling the glass, averaging 13.5 boards per 40 minutes after pulling in 12 boards against Oregon on Sunday and 15 against Oregon State on Thursday.
Upshaw's size and length immediately jump off the screen and court, even when he's just standing or patrolling the paint. He has that can't-miss NBA body, along with footwork and instincts that have translated to spectacular rim protection.
He's no Hakeem Olajuwon on offense, but he's given his guards a glowing target above the rim and capable scorer over the shoulder.
Upshaw sat out last season following his departure from Fresno State. He's now resurfaced as a first-round option for teams that are seeking size and defense in the middle.
16. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Devin Booker, Kentucky, 6'6", SG, Freshman
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He's a bit one-dimensional, but Devin Booker's jump-shooting ability and role-player potential have looked awfully convincing as of late.
Since the North Carolina game on December 13, he's hit 20 of 29 three-point attempts (50 percent from downtown on the year). It's not just the accuracy—at 6'6", Booker has great size, balance and mechanics. Every jumper looks the same.
Booker isn't particularly crafty off the dribble, which limits his upside, but he has the body control to score in space or the open floor, where he's 9-of-10 at the rim on transition opportunities.
In terms of ceiling comparisons, J.J. Redick isn't a bad one to strive for.
Regardless, the Sixers need shot-makers in the lineup. With their second first-round pick, maybe they play it a little bit safer and take Booker, whose shooting stroke and basketball IQ seem likely to carry over.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'10", PF, Sophomore
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There isn't much not to like about Bobby Portis, who's racked up double-doubles in three consecutive games.
After dropping 32 points and 11 boards on Vanderbilt's Damian Jones January 10, Portis went for 17 and 11 against Tennessee three days later and 23 and 10 against Ole Miss on Saturday.
Skilled offensively, from his mid-range jumper (39.3 percent on two-point jumpers) to his back-to-the-basket post game, Portis has also been a bigger presence on the glass this season, having increased his rebounding percentage to 16.5 percent, up from 13.5 percent in 2013-14.
A lack of explosiveness and strength seems to limit his upside at both ends of the floor, but Portis' physical tools and skill set seem built for the NBA power forward position.
18. Chicago Bulls (via Cavs): Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, 6'5", PG/SG, Senior
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After slowing down a few games, Jerian Grant got back on track in a tough win against Miami on Sunday. He took over down the stretch, scoring 14 points and dishing out five assists in the second half after the Irish trailed by one at the break.
Now averaging 16.7 points on the year, Grant even ranks top-10 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (minimum 20 minutes per game, per DraftExpress), as he's coughing it up just 1.8 times per game.
At 6'5", he has the athleticism and size for a guard the NBA guys typically covet. And now he's proving himself as a passer and playmaker at the point.
The Chicago Bulls might need another ball-handler, and at 22 years old (23 in October), Grant could be physically ready to roll.
19. Phoenix Suns: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8", PF, Junior
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After a monster start, Montrezl Harrell has taken a step back during conference play, where he's had less easy-bucket opportunities and more physical front lines to score against.
He's shooting just 43.5 percent over his last four games. Harrell wasn't at his best Saturday against Duke, when he finished 4-of-10 on five-missed jumpers.
It seems safe to call his opening-night shooting performance (three triples, nine of 10 free throws) a fluke. Since then, Harrell has made just four of 25 shots from behind the arc and 56.9 percent of his free throws.
Still, Harrell's value will always revolve around his motor and explosiveness around the basket, where he's finishing at a whopping 85.4 percent clip at the rim and grabbing 9.2 rebounds per game.
The Phoenix Suns could use some depth at the power forward position. Harrell's athleticism would likely translate nicely into a lineup that ranks No. 3 in the NBA in pace.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Bulls): Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6'9", SF, Junior
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Sam Dekker is one of those forwards who'll probably be a lot more effective when surrounded by better scorers and playmakers.
Scouts aren't likely to put much stock in his pedestrian numbers, though he did have a strong game in a win over Iowa Tuesday night, when he went for 17 points and eight boards.
Dekker projects as a role player—the guy who typically makes the right pass, knocks down the open shot and finishes opportunistically within the offense.
Other than his 6'9" size, ball-handling skills and athleticism for a small forward, it's his basketball IQ and decision making NBA teams are likely to value most.
He'd be an ideal fit in Cleveland, where he can play to his strengths without having to think about scoring or creating.
21. San Antonio Spurs: Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior
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While Delon Wright's floor game and playmaking skills hold the most value in Utah, his defense might be what attracts first-round attention in 2015.
He's averaging more than two steals per game for the second straight year. At 6'5", Wright has the ability to blanket opposing ball-handlers, as well as match up with bigger 2-guards.
Few players, if any, have made more of a two-way impact than Wright, who's currently No. 2 in the country in win shares, per Sports-Reference.com, just behind Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky.
The San Antonio Spurs love defensive-minded prospects, and with Cory Joseph entering restricted free agency, Wright could be viewed as a cheap NBA-ready replacement.
22. Toronto Raptors: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'5", SG, Junior
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R.J. Hunter hasn't shot the ball particularly well, but he does get somewhat of a pass as the focal point of every defense he faces.
Despite all the attention, he's still averaging 20.2 points per game. Hunter recently went off for 37 points against Troy on January 10.
But Hunter is more than just a shooter, which is one of the things that make him worth considering in the mid-first round. Even during the slump, he's still finding ways to contribute.
He's already racked up six more assists this year through 19 games than he had all of last season.
Hunter has terrific ball skills and a strong basketball IQ. He'll be a lot more effective when he's the No. 4 or No. 5 option in an offense.
Neither Lou Williams nor Landry Fields is under contract in 2015-16. The Raptors might want to bring in another guard to knock down shots off the bench.
23. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Caris LeVert, Michigan, 6'7", SG, Junior
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Caris LeVert might fall on some draft boards after suffering a season-ending foot injury (to the same foot he had surgery on last summer), but on others, there's a chance he gets circled as a possible value pick.
The Oklahoma City Thunder did it last year with former Michigan forward Mitch McGary, who went No. 21 despite missing most of his sophomore year recovering from back surgery.
Before going down, LeVert was shooting above 40 percent from behind the arc for the second straight year while leading the Wolverines in assists as a 6'7" ball-handling forward.
I wouldn't expect anyone to reach on LeVert in the top 20, but if he's ready for workouts around June, someone is bound to bite. With a dangerous outside stroke and unique playmaking instincts for a wing, he's a versatile first-round talent when healthy.
The Celtics are looking at a lengthy rebuilding process and not much size in their current backcourt. They'd be a good match for LeVert.
24. Washington Wizards: Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6'10", PF, Freshman
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At this point, it's anybody's guess whether Trey Lyles stays or goes, but he's looked sharp enough to generate first-round love if he chooses to declare this year.
At 6'10", Lyles has the body of a power forward with a smooth mid-range game. He's connecting on 45.3 percent of his two-point jumpers, and though not the most explosive big man, he's finishing at the rim at a solid 78.6 percent clip.
The big question with Lyles is whether he'll be able to defend out on the perimeter. He's isn't the quickest laterally or most explosive off the ground.
Regardless, Lyles should be able to make a living using his size, shooting stroke and basketball IQ. High-end role player is probably the safest ceiling projection.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston): Dakari Johnson, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Soph.
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Dakari Johnson would probably be racking up routine double-doubles on any other team in the country. Per 40 minutes, he's averaging 18.5 points and 13.1 rebounds, looking more like an NBA prospect after dropping around 20 pounds in the offseason.
He's getting to balls he didn't get to last year and picking up easier baskets around the rim.
At 7'0", 255 pounds, Johnson is still a force on the low block, where he can play through contact and score over the shoulder.
Without a jumper or much explosiveness, he projects more as a backup center than a starter, but this late, the Los Angeles Lakers should take it at No. 25.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Cedi Osman, Macedonia, 6'6", SG/SF, 1994
26 of 30Cedi Osman has generated some buzz as one of the up-and-coming prospects to watch over in Euroleague. He also just finished third (per Eurohoops.net) in voting for the FIBA Europe Young Men’s Player of the Year Award, losing out to teammate Dario Saric, last year's No. 12 overall pick.
At 6'6", he's a crafty wing who can handle the ball and make things happen off the dribble. He'd probably have a lot more support if he were shooting better than 30 percent from downtown.
Every year we see teams look to draft-and-stash toward the end of Round 1. A general manager might want to take Osman and let him work on that jumper overseas for another season.
27. Memphis Grizzlies: Jake Layman, Maryland, 6'10", SF/PF, Junior
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He matured physically and tightened up fundamentally, and now, Jake Layman looks more like an NBA prospect.
Layman recently put up 23 points and 12 boards in a 16-point win over Michigan State Saturday afternoon.
He's made two significant jumps. Layman is finishing inside the arc at a much better rate, shooting 58.7 percent on two-pointers, up from the mediocre 44.1 percent he shot last year.
And his rebounding numbers have improved drastically—Layman has grabbed 20 percent of available defensive rebounds when he's on the floor. He only grabbed 13.1 percent last season.
Teams might now view Layman as a potential stretch 4, given his 6'10" size and 39.4 percent three-point stroke. But he also has the face-up attack and mobility of a 3, where he can slash from the wing and score on the move.
28. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Anderson, Virginia, 6'6", SG, Senior
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Justin Anderson finally missed a couple of three-pointers Saturday against Boston College, but after hitting 39 of his first 70, it's fair to say he was probably due.
This could be a crucial point in Anderson's season—the one where we find out if his hot shooting start was legitimate or a fluke.
He shot just 29.4 percent from downtown as a sophomore. Anderson is now at 52.7 percent as a junior, a ludicrous year-to-year jump.
If he can finish in the mid-to-low 40s, he'll have a good shot as selling himself as a solid, late three-and-D option. Consider draft stock fluid until we see how he bounces back from his 0-of-8 performance against the Eagles.
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks): Terry Rozier, Louisville, 6'1", PG, Sophomore
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Terry Rozier has been a scoring machine for Louisville, now averaging 17.4 points per game on the year. His jumper has been streaky throughout the season, though he is making 1.6 threes per game and flashing promise with the pull-up.
Super explosive and exceptionally strong, Rozier's stock would be a lot higher if he could prove himself as a point guard. He's averaging just 2.3 assists and rarely gets the chance to facilitate. You probably won't find too many teams willing to reach on a 6'1" scorer.
Either way, he's worth a look at No. 29, given the upside tied to his athleticism and defense. If a late first-round team like the Nets find out Rozier's playmaking ability simply went hidden in Louisville's offense, we could be talking about a major steal down the road.
30. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Mickey, LSU, 6'8", PF, Sophomore
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Though a bit undersized on paper, Jordan Mickey makes up for a few inches in height with tremendous instincts around the rim.
He's averaging a 15.5-point, 10.6-rebound double-double. And at 6'8", he's blocking a whopping 3.8 shots per game, good for No. 2 in the country.
Mickey managed 14 points and 14 boards despite not playing particularly well in LSU's recent win over Florida on Tuesday. He's one of those guys who can fill up box scores even on off nights.
Mickey has good hands and control as a scorer down low, but it's his ability to make plays without the ball that might attract teams that are looking for interior activity.
He has his weaknesses, like size and shooting, but you can't teach or measure what Mickey brings to the table.
Advanced stats courtesy of Hoop-Math.com and Sports-Reference.com.
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