2015 NBA Mock Draft: Projecting All 30 1st-Round Picks in Early March
The 2015 NBA draft conversation is getting better by the week. We suddenly have new challengers for the No. 1 spot and a handful of late-season risers up the board.
Kentucky freshman Karl-Anthony Towns' strong play has ultimately been the hot topic of discussion lately. Though point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who hadn't suited up since November, has also made an appearance after being unexpectedly activated for the playoffs over in China.
There have also been a bunch of different changes with regard to the draft order, as teams such as the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder have started moving up in the standings. Meanwhile, losing streaks have teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets improving their projected draft positions on the board.
The next month should be a big one for plenty of prospects looking to prove their NBA worth before the combine in May.
1. New York Knicks: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6'11", C, Freshman
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While some of the other prospects continue to build their NBA draft cases, not much has changed with regard to Jahlil Okafor's. It's still as strong as ever. Okafor continues to have his way in the post against any and every defensive scheme.
Duke went straight to Okafor in overtime down one on two separate occasions against North Carolina February 18. And both times, he delivered.
His ability to create a high-percentage look on demand should interest the Knicks, who could really use another player, particularly a big man, they can feature in the offense.
Knicks president Phil Jackson spent last week doing a little scouting around the country, having gotten to see Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell live against Nebraska (3-of-9, 11 points, six assists) and Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns up close against Arkansas (eight points, five rebounds, four fouls).
There's no denying Russell's or Towns' fit in New York, but with Jackson likely looking to turn the roster over into a team that can compete as soon as possible, you'd have to imagine that Okafor remains atop his current board.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6'5", PG/SG, Freshman
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It might mean trading down, depending on the demand for Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns, but after dealing Michael Carter-Williams, there's a decent chance general manager Sam Hinkie could be targeting D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay.
The Philadelphia 76ers are now left without a point guard and no flashy or realistic option to sign in free agency—especially with Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson being traded to places they could end up sticking.
As good as Towns has looked, Russell has been equally impressive, having most recently carried the Buckeyes to a comeback win against Purdue Sunday night. Down 11 with just under 14 minutes left, Russell went on to score 15 second-half points off an array of unstoppable step-backs and pull-ups.
We've seen his sensational passing instincts and vision all year, as well as his smooth, diverse perimeter-scoring attack.
The Sixers ultimately need a new guard to come in and run the show. And if there's any rookie capable of handling that responsibility, it's Russell, whose leadership qualities were built for the challenge, as he told Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News:
"Leadership is something you can’t teach. I feel like I’ve been blessed to have that trait. Whatever it is, I feel like I’m trying to lead. It could be anything, I feel like I’m going to step up to the plate and be, "Alright guys, this is what we need to do." If I’m in an office with Obama and George Bush, or if I’m with Thad Matta and Coach K, I still feel like I have the edge to step up, "This is what we need to do." I don’t know what it is.
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3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 6'11", PF/C, Freshman
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At No. 3, the Minnesota Timberwolves would likely be thrilled to land Karl-Anthony Towns, who's starting to make a case for himself as the top prospect in America.
Towns generated buzz after scoring 17 second-half points against Georgia Tuesday night, though it's worth noting the Bulldogs didn't have a big man taller than 6'8".
Still, he's improving in the post, where he's getting into his hook shots a little more cleanly. And though he hasn't taken many jumpers, he's knocked in enough to fuel some promise, while his 78.7 percent free-throw stroke only enhances his shooting credibility.
There's no doubt Towns has entered the No. 1 overall conversation, but I'm not sure he's done enough to control it.
Though a natural shot-blocker (4.4 per 40 minutes), Towns has had trouble defending without fouling, averaging 5.7 per 40 minutes. And it's limited his chances on the floor.
He's not going to be a short-term solution for any NBA team. But as a potential rim protector and stretch big man down the road, Towns would fit perfectly into the Wolves' long-term plans alongside Nikola Pekovic up front.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6'5", PG, 1996
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Having not played since November after an ankle injury forced his team to find a replacement, Emmanuel Mudiay was activated out of nowhere to help Guangdong in the CBA playoff semis.
With his team down 2-0 facing elimination against Stephon Marbury's Beijing Tigers, Mudiay went for 24 points, eight boards and four assists in a Game 3 victory. His 15-point, seven-rebound, eight-assist effort came up short in Game 4, officially ending his season abroad but not before he was able to make one final pitch to the NBA.
Still, his strengths and weaknesses are fairly well-defined. At 6'5", Mudiay is a quick, shifty athlete who's at his best attacking and creating off the bounce. He's acrobatic around the rim, capable in the mid-range and a willing table-setter at the point.
But the jumper, which hit on 34.2 percent of his threes and just 57.4 percent of his free throws, and his decision-making (3.2 turnovers per game) are two areas he must improve in.
There's a decent gap between the top four prospects and No. 5 on the board. If Okafor, Towns and Russell are unavailable, Mudiay would seem like a no-brainer target for the Lakers, who could use a new franchise floor general to develop.
5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995
5 of 30With young talent at practically every position, team needs aren't likely to play a major role in Orlando's decision-making process. However, given Mario Hezonja's eye-opening emergence for Barcelona and the strong possibility that Tobias Harris leaves in restricted free agency, the fit is tough to ignore.
Hezonja ranks up there with the elite-level athletes in the projected field, and at 6'8", he offers mismatch size for both wing positions.
He's also shooting 42.1 percent from downtown on the year. Hezonja's deep range and shooting stroke could hold value in a lineup that's seen Elfrid Payton make four threes through 61 games and Victor Oladipo shoot 32.9 percent from deep.
Either way, Hezonja could very well be the top prospect on the board at No. 5. And as a teenager playing among pros in a secondary role off the ball, his transition to the NBA should actually be smoother than you'd think.
6. Denver Nuggets: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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The Denver Nuggets shouldn't be overly picky here at No. 6, where they'll simply be looking for the best overall talent, regardless of position.
It's tough to argue against Stanley Johnson, who not only looks the part as a 6'7", 245-pound athletic wing but averages 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for the No. 5 team in the country.
He's had some trouble finishing on offense lately (3-of-19 against Utah February 28), and he continues to struggle around the rim, where, despite a strong upper body, he inexplicably shoots just 52.5 percent, per Hoop-Math. But he's knocking down 46.1 percent of his two-point jumpers (floaters, runners, pull-ups), and he's shown the range to connect from deep, having hit 27 threes in 28 games.
Johnson has some kinks to work out, but with a developing scoring attack and textbook defensive tools, there's plenty of two-way potential for the Nuggets to tap.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'0", PF, 1995
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Without a point guard available worth reaching on, the Sacramento Kings could look to go big at No. 7 and draft the prospect with the highest ceiling on the board: Kristaps Porzingis.
He just may be the power forward they've been looking for since realizing Jason Thompson isn't the answer.
At 7'0", Porzingis is an excellent athlete who can stretch the floor as a shooter (37.9 percent from downtown), an obvious plus in today's NBA game.
Inside the arc, he's flashed the ability to create and make shots in the mid-range, whether it's with the step-back or an over-the-shoulder jumper. And he's a constant threat to finish a cut, lob or put-back playing off the ball.
Porzingis will ultimately need to spend a year or two in the weight room, but there's no questioning his talent or skill set in terms of his fit in the NBA.
8. Detroit Pistons: Devin Booker, Kentucky, 6'6", SG, Freshman
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Devin Booker has steadily risen in the 2015 NBA draft conversation. Having looked like a three-point specialist to open the season, he's turned into a pretty threatening overall scorer. His stop-and-pop game has come around, while he continues to pick up buckets in transition. He's made 25 shots at the rim and 13 behind the arc.
Still, it's that lights-out shooting stroke that's bound to attract lottery interest. Booker is shooting 43 percent from downtown, and that's despite a current slump (made six of last 23).
The Pistons' wing is pretty weak, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shooting 40.1 percent and Kyle Singler now in Oklahoma City.
I like the J.J. Redick comparison, only Booker (6'6", 206 lbs) is two inches taller and 16 pounds stronger. He'd give Detroit a trustworthy shot-maker, an underrated defender and a high-IQ presence.
9. Boston Celtics: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Junior
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Based on who's expected to be there at No. 9 and the Celtics' lack of frontcourt athleticism, Willie Cauley-Stein would seem like an obvious target for Boston.
His above-the-rim presence should certainly be valued in a Celtics lineup that uses Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller to hold down the paint.
Regardless of how much his offensive game develops, Cauley-Stein should still be good for an easy bucket or two per game, whether it's off a catch-and-finish, putback, pick-and-roll or transition opportunity. But it's his defensive versatility—the ability to protect the basket, switch onto guards or pressure full court—that ultimately drives his NBA appeal and differentiates him from the pack.
10. Utah Jazz: Myles Turner, Texas, 6'11", PF/C, Freshman
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Utah's draft position is slipping as the team piles up wins, but the Jazz could still get solid value here at No. 10.
With Alec Burks expected back, Enes Kanter gone and Rodney Hood entering year No. 2, the Jazz may look to go big and add depth behind Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert.
Only unlike Favors and the sophomore stud from France, Myles Turner prefers to operate on the perimeter, where his game revolves around catching, squaring up and shooting.
He isn't particularly strong or good in tight spaces, which is why he's rarely used around the basket. But Turner's ability to stretch the floor could work well in Utah, while his shot-blocking ability (2.8 per game) behind Gobert would help provide the Jazz with 48 minutes of rim protection.
11. Indiana Pacers: Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'6", SG/SF, Freshman
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Justise Winslow is playing some of his best ball of the season, having just scored a season-high 23 points in a beatdown on Syracuse February 28.
He's averaging 18.5 points a game over Duke's last four, with his spectacular athleticism translating to easy points in transition and around the rim.
And Winslow continues to shoot the ball well, having now hit a three in 25 of Duke's 29 games.
Though dangerous attacking in line drives, creating one-on-one offense isn't exactly his forte. But that shouldn't stop the Pacers from targeting his motor, defensive versatility and toughness.
Still just 18 years old, Winslow has a couple of years to build up the rest of his offensive skills.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman
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The Charlotte Hornets have been looking for firepower at the wing since drafting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist No. 2. Kelly Oubre would make sense here for a couple of different reasons, including the fact his upside looks as high as anyone else's left on the board.
At 6'7", he's a smooth athlete with a good-looking shooting stroke (one three-pointer per game) and promising defensive tools.
He's currently in a tough spot at Kansas, where he plays just 20.1 minutes and takes 6.8 shots per game. But Oubre is shooting a respectable 45.3 percent and 37 percent from downtown, and he's now hit double-digit scoring figures in five of his last six games.
It's tough to build a rhythm or consistency with on-and-off touches in the offense. I'd like to think he'll help make scouts forget about a quiet individual year with strong showings at the combine and team workouts—settings better suited to showcase his strengths.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman
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Kevon Looney's numbers have slipped recently, with his raw offensive game starting to slow him down. And that's why I'm expecting him to fall outside the top 10 despite the inside-out versatility and his presence on the glass.
Still, Looney's ability to face the basket, handle the ball and knock down jumpers fuels some intriguing mismatch potential. And it's tough to ignore his nose for the ball on the glass, where he's already racked up 42 putbacks and averaged 9.4 rebounds per game.
At 220 pounds, he'll need to add weight and more polish to his post game, but the upside to him figuring it out should be worth reaching on late in the lottery or mid-first round.
14. Houston Rockets (via Pelicans): Kris Dunn, Providence, 6'3", PG, Sophomore
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Kris Dunn has emerged as one of the top breakout prospects of 2015, and though he's hit a few rough spots, he continues to look the part of a future NBA point guard.
He's No. 1 in the country in assist percentage, per sports-reference.com, while averaging 15.2 points and leading Providence to a top-25 ranking.
Decision-making can be an issue—only one player in the country has racked up more turnovers—but with a 27.4 percent usage rate and all sorts of responsibility, I'm giving him a slight pass.
At 6'3", 205 pounds, Dunn is strong, shifty and athletic. He gets into the lane at will, where he has the vision to find teammates and the scoring instincts to finish on the move.
Though his shooting range remains a work in progress (33.3 percent from deep), Dunn has consistently flashed the ability to separate with step-backs or pull-ups and knock down shots in the mid-range (41.3 percent on two-point jumpers).
Dunn is also an extremely active defender whose 6'8" wingspan and instincts have translated to the fifth-highest steal percentage in the country.
If there's a chance he goes in the first round, you have to think Dunn will take it and declare, having gone through back-to-back season-ending shoulder surgeries.
A few adjustments must be made, but he's loaded with talent, which all the production has ultimately helped validate.
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Nets): Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'0", C, Senior
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Frank Kaminsky is making one heck of a case for National Player of the Year. He just went for 31 points against Michigan State on Sunday and is now averaging 18.1 points and 8.3 boards on 41.7 percent shooting from downtown.
Though he isn't likely to dominate offensively in the pros the way he does in college, Kaminsky's ability to stretch the floor, attack closeouts and create in the post holds plenty of NBA value. He's even improved his awareness as a passer, having already racked up 20 more assists than he did all last season.
Kaminsky's lack of strength and athleticism should limit his upside, but it shouldn't prevent him from bringing something to the table.
Al Horford and Mike Scott could be the only big men under contract for Atlanta in 2015-16. With the Hawks looking to win now, Kaminsky would make sense as a potential immediate contributor and shot-maker off the bench.
16. Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6'10", PF, Freshman
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Prior to an off night against Georgia on Tuesday, Trey Lyles had been rolling, having gone for 36 points combined against Arkansas and Mississippi State. And he'd been shooting 65.1 percent since returning from strep throat on February 10.
Lyles is fundamentally sound, from his mid-range jumper (44.6 percent on two-point jumpers) and low-post game to his finishing instincts at the rim (78.2 percent at rim). He's also a high-IQ forward and good passer who can make plays within the offense.
Defense is where he struggles most. Lyles lacks the lateral foot speed for the perimeter and the athleticism to challenge shots down low.
But at 6'10", he's just too good facing the basket from 18 feet, as well as scoring around it off drives, cuts, offensive rebounds or post-ups.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'11", PF, Sophomore
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Bobby Portis has been steady, having finished with double figures in scoring in every game but one.
He would have had a chance to move the needle against Kentucky if only the Wildcats didn't run Arkansas off the floor from the opening tip.
With the size and length for the NBA 4 and an advanced mid-range shooting arsenal, Portis fits the description of your textbook pick-and-pop forward. He's made 80 two-point jumpers at a 41 percent clip.
But it's not just spotting up. Pull-ups, over-the-shoulder fallaways, step-backs—Portis has a natural stroke and the ability to get it off, and it's going to help make up for the fact he's not the strongest interior player.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, 6'5", PG, Senior
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Jerian Grant could give the Oklahoma City Thunder a little depth in the backcourt, as well as the versatility to run the point or play alongside Russell Westbrook.
His terrific 6.6-2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio remains intact. Whether you buy into Grant's ability to take over as a scorer, his passing and facilitating instincts both look spot on.
He's become a ball-screen pro in terms of using them to create shots, whether it's for himself or a teammate.
Grant will be 23 years old by the start of next season, and that's likely to limit his overall appeal come draft day. But it may not bother the Thunder, who should be interested in adding immediate contributors on cheap contracts to help them compete in 2015-16.
19. Washington Wizards: Christian Wood, UNLV, 6'11", PF/C, Sophomore
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The Washington Wizards frontcourt could use an injection of burst and athleticism, with Marcin Gortat, Nene Hilario, Kris Humphries and Kevin Seraphin each more of a below-the-rim big man.
Wood is a high-flier for a 6'11" forward or center, and it's allowed him to pull down 9.9 rebounds a game despite his skinny 220-pound frame. Long and athletic, he's active around the rim, while his ability to face up and attack causes matchup problems against slower-footed defenders his size.
Though he still has a long way to go before we're able to call him a shooter, he has knocked in 23 three-pointers this year and a solid 74.8 percent of his free throws.
He'll need a few years of seasoning, whether it's on the bench or in the NBA D-League, but there's obvious upside tied to Wood's physical tools and inside-out versatility.
He'll likely fare well during workouts, when he can prove he can knock down open shots and jump out of the gym.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior
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The San Antonio Spurs could be looking for point guard depth this summer with Cory Joseph entering restricted free agency. At 22, Delon Wright's age might keep teams from reaching, but for one such as the Spurs at No. 20, he offers value.
Chances are Wright could step in tomorrow and hold his own at both ends of the floor. Standing 6'5", he has excellent size for a ball-handler, along with terrific defensive instincts that could allow him to stick for a long time in the pros.
Wright plays at his own pace and takes care of the ball, averaging just 1.8 turnovers in 32.5 minutes. And though limited as a shooter, he's converting an incredible 63.3 percent of his shots inside the arc.
A smart, efficient, defensive-minded guard, Wright would make sense as a prospect who'd appeal to a team such as the Spurs.
21. Chicago Bulls (via Cavaliers): Jakob Poeltl, Utah, 7'0", C, Freshman
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Though clearly a few years away from being able to contribute NBA minutes, Jakob Poeltl is an obvious pro talent.
It's not crazy to think he'd jump at the opportunity if the draft committee told him he'd be taken in the first round.
Strong, mobile and athletic, at 7'0", he's a giant presence in the paint, where he cleans the glass (12.5 rebounds per 40), protects the rim (3.3 blocks per 40) and finishes around it (74.8 percent of 143 attempts at the rim). Poeltl has also given Utah, which uses a ton of ball screens, a nice target in the pick-and-roll game. He's shown the ability to catch, gather and improvise in traffic.
And for the most part, that's about it. Poeltl doesn't shoot (42.2 percent from the line) or create.
The Bulls aren't finding a Rookie of the Year contender at No. 21. They could use a young big man to develop long term behind their aging starting power forward and center.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Bulls): Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8", PF, Jr.
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Montrezl Harrell has been up and down, a result of not being able to consistently create good looks against a set defense. He relies heavily on his setup men and drive-and-dump opportunities. The problem—he's now in his third year and hasn't developed much shooting touch or many polished post moves.
However, there's no teaching his athleticism or motor, two attributes likely to carry him throughout his NBA career.
Averaging 15.4 points and 9.3 boards on 57.3 percent shooting, Harrell projects as an energizer up front and an interior specialist who brings activity.
He'd fit best on a team such as the Cleveland Cavaliers—one with talent that would allow him to play to his strengths as a finisher, physical defender and rebounder. If the Cavaliers lose Tristan Thompson to free agency, Harrell wouldn't be a bad guy to have at the end of the bench.
23. Toronto Raptors: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'6", SG, Junior
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Though a year-long shooting slump will likely hurt his chances of rising into the lottery discussion, R.J. Hunter has quietly expanded the rest of his game. He's already taken 31 more free throws and dished out 52 more assists than he did all last year.
His three-point shooting percentage took an unexpected dive down to 30.6 percent, but he's still hit 66 threes after making 100 a season ago. And it wouldn't be surprising to see his accuracy spike back up when he's no longer the focal point of every opposing game plan.
For a late-round pick, Hunter has enticing offensive potential as a microwave perimeter scorer and much-improved passer.
24. Dallas Mavericks: Caris LeVert, Michigan, 6'7", SG, Junior
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With Caris LeVert out for the year after fracturing his foot back in January, it still seems up in the air as to whether he declares or returns to school.
Before the injury, he looked like a top-25 prospect and virtual lock to leave for the pros. But after breaking the same bone twice in two years, there's also the possibility scouts would want to see LeVert put in another full season.
"We'll put his name into the NBA advisory committee so that we can get some type of idea," Michigan coach John Beilein told The Detroit News' Rod Beard. "I've been assured he'll be one of the first ones on their list they'll look at."
While it's tough to predict how the committee will view his injury history, there's no question he's a first-round talent.
Before going down, LeVert was averaging 14.9 points, leading Michigan in assists (3.4 per game) and shooting above 40 percent from three for the second straight year. At 6'7", he's a versatile playmaking wing who can also light it up from deep.
LeVert took some heat for not stepping up as Michigan's No. 1 option, but that will never be his role in the pros.
If he slips outside the top 20, a playoff-bound team such as the Mavericks could end up with a steal, assuming that foot can hold up in the long run.
25. Boston Celtics (via L.A.): Cliff Alexander, Kansas, 6'8", PF, Freshman
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Cliff Alexander received some tough news this week when the NCAA raised questions, via Sports Illustrated's Brian Hamilton, regarding his eligibility. He hasn't suited up over Kansas' last two games while under investigation. And it's come at a bad time, considering Alexander had scored just six points over his previous four games and played 27 minutes combined over his last three.
He ultimately needs every minute on the floor he can get to build up his NBA case to scouts.
Alexander is limited without much shot-creating ability or shooting touch. And at 6'8", he's a bit undersized for an interior-oriented big man.
However, he's an explosive athlete with great length and a live motor on the glass. Per 40 minutes, Alexander was averaging 16.2 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks on 56.6 percent shooting.
He projects as a forward who can make things happen in the paint without needing touches in the offense.
Alexander might have something to offer a team such as the Celtics, who have below-the-rim frontcourt athletes and an injury-prone power forward in Jared Sullinger.
26. Portland Trail Blazers: Robert Upshaw, 7'0", C, 1991
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We haven't heard much from Robert Upshaw since he was dismissed from Washington in January. According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Upshaw failed multiple drug tests while at both Washington and Fresno State.
Character issues aside, he was leading the country in shot blocking before getting the boot. And at 7'0" with a solid frame, he looked the part of an NBA big man.
However, the only chance he'll have at going in the first round is if he convinces general managers his head is on straight.
But there's always one willing to overlook behavioral concerns for talent. And Upshaw has some talent that could potentially help a number of NBA teams. With the Blazers in need of fresh depth up front and Robin Lopez an impending free agent, Upshaw could be an intriguing late-round gamble for Portland.
27. L.A. Lakers (via Rockets): Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Soph.
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Regardless of how much Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's offensive game develops, he'll be making his NBA money at the defensive end, where he can guard three positions and lock down perimeter scorers.
At 6'7", he's lightning-quick laterally and vertically explosive. His athletic ability leads to easy buckets, while his capable mid-range jumper occasionally connects around the elbows.
However, Hollis-Jefferson isn't much of a threat with the ball, and he's made just five three-pointers all year.
Still, if you're the Lakers at No. 27, you take Hollis-Jefferson for his motor and defensive versatility.
28. Memphis Grizzlies: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6'9", SF, Junior
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A shaky jumper continues to mess with Sam Dekker's ability to put up consistent numbers, but his role-player potential remains intact.
And at 6'9" with a high basketball IQ, above-average athleticism and a strong feel for the game, you get the impression he'll find a way to make it work.
The appeal to Dekker revolves around his ability to contribute in a variety of different ways within the offense, whether it's as a driver, passer, cutter or shooter. And he has the tools to defend a couple of positions on the floor.
The Grizzlies could use a little size on the wing, along with the overall versatility Dekker brings to the table. Improving that three-ball would ultimately go a long way toward maximizing his NBA value.
29. Golden State Warriors: Tyus Jones, Duke, 6'1", PG, Freshman
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The problem with being a second- or third-tier point guard in the draft is that they're vulnerable to slipping. Most teams are already set at point guard, while playoff ones typically lean on veterans to back up their starters.
Still, at No. 29 overall, Jones is worth grabbing, given his tremendous ball-skill level and feel for the position.
He's hit a slight bump in the road after a strong first three weeks of February, though he continues to rack up the assists (5.7 per game) and threaten the defense as a shooter.
A lack of strength and explosiveness limits Jones' upside, but his ability to push the ball, find his shooters and set the table could certainly work in a backup role long term.
30. Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks): Justin Anderson, Virginia, 6'6", SF, Junior
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Justin Anderson has been out with a broken finger, but the pitch he made to scouts before going down was strong enough to attract first-round interest.
An exceptional athlete with a relentless motor at both ends of the floor, Anderson's newfound shooting stroke put him straight in the three-and-D conversation. He was making 2.1 threes a game at a ridiculous 48.4 percent clip.
Though not particularly creative or threatening off the dribble, Anderson's ability to stretch the floor and make plays off the ball fuels some promising role-player potential.
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