The Top 2015 NBA Draft Targets for Every Playoff Team
While every surviving 2015 NBA playoff squad is busy game-planning and fighting for the Larry O'Brien trophy, their front offices are already eyeing the draft.
They don't have as many gaping holes as lottery teams, but these clubs still have deficiencies to address and offseason departures to replace. A slew of versatile role players and standouts are ripe for the picking in the mid-to-late first round.
Whether a team is drafting based on need or just trying to add value, each has a select group of targeted prospects. We examined the top options for each roster, zeroing in on players who would patch up holes, mesh well with the current roster or serve as worthwhile long-term investments.
Which young guns are on every playoff franchise's radar?
Includes all playoff teams with first-round picks. The New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers do not have first-round picks.
Teams listed in order of regular-season record. Full draft order available here via DraftExpress.com.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats are gathered from NBA.com.
Brooklyn Nets
1 of 14
2014-15 Season: 38-44 (East No. 8 seed), 98.0 Pts For/100.9 Against
Area(s) of Need: Two-way wing, versatile power forward
First-round Pick(s): No. 29 (via ATL)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona SF (6'7" So.): Brooklyn needs an injection of youth and athleticism on the wing. Hollis-Jefferson is a terrific candidate if he's still on the board.
His rangy defense and raw offense reminds people of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Although he won't be a star, his explosiveness and elite stoppage make him an impactful two-way prospect to groom for the future.
Justin Anderson, Virginia SG/SF (6'6" Jr.): Anderson's shot-creating skills aren't dynamic, and he doesn't project to be an elite NBA athlete. Nevertheless, he could establish a substantial role, because he's smart, strong and can contribute fundamentally in every phase. It's likely that he'd jell quickly with the Nets' veteran lineup. And while he won't be a show-stopper, he has plenty of springs and a 6'11" wingspan.
Jarell Martin, LSU PF (6'8" So.): Both Mirza Teletovic (restricted free agent) and Thaddeus Young (player option) may not return to Brooklyn in 2015-16. Adding power forward depth would bolster the long-term outlook.
Martin was listed at just 6'7.5" in shoes in 2014, and it's tough to tell exactly how much he's grown since then. But we do know he owns a strong frame, long arms and agility. He can attack the tin or score away from the hoop, which greatly boosts his value.
The Pick: Hollis-Jefferson
Boston Celtics
2 of 14
2014-15 Season: 40-42 (East No. 7 seed), 101.4 Pts For/101.2 Against
Area(s) of Need: Rim protector, power forward, creative wing
First-round Pick(s): No. 16, No. 28 (via LAC)
Trey Lyles, Kentucky F (6'10" Fr.): Boston's forward corps could lose Brandon Bass and Jonas Jerebko this summer because both are unrestricted free agents. To help replace them, general manager Danny Ainge could target Kentucky's less-heralded one-and-done prize.
Lyles is an intriguing mid-first round option due to his size, fluidity and skill. He can operate smoothly near and far from the basket. Despite his so-so defense and underwhelming explosiveness, he's one of the absolute best power forwards available in this draft class.
Myles Turner, Texas PF/C (7'0" Fr.): The Celtics notched the fewest blocks in the NBA during 2014-15, and they ranked 28th in opponent field-goal percentage at the rim (53.9), per SportVU.
Enter Turner, whose length and instincts swatted 4.7 shots per 40 minutes at Texas while altering countless others. He's a risky pick because he hasn't proven command of the interior on offense, but the gamble is worth it for Boston if he falls outside the lottery.
Jarell Martin, LSU PF (6'8" So.): This is a target for the latter of their two first-round selections. If the Celts pluck a center with their No. 16 pick, they could target a versatile 4-man like Martin at No. 28. Martin's athleticism, competitiveness and ball skills supply juice off the bench.
The Pick: Turner
Milwaukee Bucks
3 of 14
2014-15 Season: 41-41 (East No. 6 seed), 97.8 Pts For/97.4 Against
Area(s) of Need: Center, Swingman insurance/depth, power forward
First-round Pick(s): No. 17
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville PF (6'8" Jr.): Harrell isn't the center Milwaukee needs, but he's a 4-man who will do a bunch of dirty work around the hoop. He puts the "power" in power forward, along with quick feet, trampoline leaping prowess and a pterodactyl wingspan.
Trey Lyles, Kentucky PF (6'10" Fr.): Since there aren't any quality centers worth taking in the teens, the Bucks could focus on finding a skilled forward who can stretch the floor.
Lyles' mix of interior dexterity and perimeter potential make him an attractive commodity. He'll be used in multiple lineup variations, just as he was during Kentucky's dominant 2014-15 season. His offense could wind up being a significant upgrade over Ersan Ilyasova.
Devin Booker, Kentucky SG (6'6" Fr.): O.J. Mayo is only signed through 2016, and Khris Middleton might bolt via free agency this summer. Milwaukee can't fully replace their production in the draft, but Devin Booker would be somewhat of a steal at No. 17.
He has a sharp-shooting stroke, great size for the off-guard spot and natural feel for the game. His skills alongside Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo would make for a dangerous offense.
The Pick: Booker
Washington Wizards
4 of 14
2014-15 Season: 46-36 (East No. 5 seed), 98.5 Pts For/97.8 Against
Area(s) of Need: Stretch 4/power forward, backcourt depth
First-round Pick(s): No. 19
Kevon Looney, UCLA PF (6'9" Fr.): The Wizards were above-average in three-point efficiency (36 percent) during 2014-15, but they need to launch more triples. Washington landed in the bottom four in three-point makes.
Looney could be the first piece in the club's effort to construct a better-shooting frontcourt. His shot-creating is far from masterful, and he's not a back-to-the-basket player, but we saw some perimeter potential during his freshman campaign at UCLA (22-of-53 on three-pointers).
Bobby Portis, Arkansas PF (6'11" So.): Portis' upside isn't as high as Looney's. However, his worst-case scenario is better. To accompany his mid-to-long range shooting, the Razorbacks star has superb footwork and works hard to find optimal position near the rim.
"Portis is a relentless power forward who should fit defensively and give them some punch on passes from John Wall," notes Zach Harper of CBSSports.com.
R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'6" Jr.): If Washington doesn't take a shooting forward, it could really boost its long-distance output by plucking Hunter. He has the most streamlined shot and deepest range of any guard in this draft class.
The Pick: Portis
Toronto Raptors
5 of 14
2014-15 Season: 49-33 (East No. 4 seed), 104.0 Pts For/100.9 Against
Area(s) of Need: Power forward, playmaker
First-round Pick(s): No. 20
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville PF (6'8" Jr.): Both Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough are off the books this summer. The Raptors would love to draft a power forward who they can depend on for a healthy chunk of minutes.
Harrell isn't the most polished player, but he's got an NBA-ready mindset and physique. He's guaranteed to supply defensive energy, rebounding tools and assertive offense.
Tyus Jones, Duke PG (6'1" Fr.): The Blue Devils' Final Four hero is projected to land in Toronto on several mocks. It's not a home run type of pick, but it would solidify their backcourt depth for the future.
Jones may not be much more than a great backup point guard, but that's a vital role. He'll help the Raptors move the ball, which is something they struggled with throughout 2014-15. In the regular season, they recorded the fewest assists of any playoff-bound squad.
Bobby Portis, Arkansas PF (6'11", So.): Like Harrell, Portis is someone Toronto can use right away. While he won't stand out as a highly productive scorer or jaw-dropping athlete, he'll constantly fight to win the position battle.
The Pick: Harrell
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 14
2014-15 Season: 50-32 (West No. 7 seed), 105.2 Pts For/102.3 Against
Area(s) of Need: Swingman, center, backcourt depth
First-round Pick(s): No. 21
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona SF (6'7" So.): To shore up the wing reinforcements for the future, the Mavericks might target an explosive one like like Hollis-Jefferson.
Given their porous defense in recent years, they could always use a multidimensional stopper. He'll be able to check at least three different positions (1, 2, 3 and some 4s) thanks to his lateral speed and expansive vertical reach. Any jump-shooting development would be gravy.
Cameron Payne, Murray State PG (6'2" So.): Payne probably won't produce at a high level as a rookie. However, the Mavs can eventually turn him into a key rotational playmaker. He's unproven against elite athletes, but his handles and natural passing talent will earn a role.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com explained that although Payne doesn't seem like a great fit, he could blossom into a big part of their long-term outlook. "While the last thing the Mavs need is a rookie point guard, they do need depth," Ford said. "Many scouts think Payne, who shows a great balance between scoring and distributing, is one of the biggest sleepers in the draft."
Bobby Portis, Arkansas PF (6'11" So.): Portis makes yet another appearance on a team's target list. He's not a true center, but Dallas would be better off taking him rather than reaching for a lower-tier 5. Portis brings a big frame, offensive sharpness and blue-collar hustle on the glass.
The Pick: Portis
Chicago Bulls
7 of 14
2014-15 Season: 50-32 (East No. 3 seed), 100.8 Pts For/97.8 Against
Area(s) of Need: Shooting guard, backup point guard
First-round Pick(s): No. 22
Tyus Jones, Duke PG (6'1" Fr.): Jones doesn't seem like the quintessential Chicago Bulls candidate, mostly because his defense is suspect. However, coach Tom Thibodeau has proven in the past that he can maximize the efforts of underwhelming additions. Jones will meet him halfway, offering ball skills and intangibles to compensate.
Don't expect a ton of playing time initially, but his floor general command and perimeter prowess will win Thibs over in the long term. The freshman posted a 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio and 38 percent three-point shooting in 2014-15. Expect him to churn out similar or better efficiency in the NBA, where he'll crisply connect with Chicago's weapons and hurt foes with his shooting.
Delon Wright, Utah PG (6'5" Sr.): Wright has a chance to be a better two-way option than Jones, and he's also prepared to compete on the NBA stage sooner.
The 6'5" combo guard is a slasher who can score and set up teammates deftly. It remains to be seen whether his mediocre shooting can develop, but his defensive disruptiveness would be welcomed.
The Pick: Jones
Portland Trail Blazers
8 of 14
2014-15 Season: 51-31 (West No. 5 seed), 102.8 Pts For/98.6 Against
Area(s) of Need: Power forward, backcourt depth, center
First-round Pick(s): No. 23
Jarell Martin, LSU PF (6'8" So.): It's still too early to reach for any centers that could be on the board, so the Blazers may focus on a power forward like Martin. He'd give the bench an athletic inside-out presence.
Christian Wood, UNLV PF/C (6'11" Fr.): If LaMarcus Aldridge bolts via free agency, Wood could be part of the long-term solution. And if he doesn't, Wood is still a nice upside pick to add versatility and creativity in the frontcourt.
Aldridge and the Blazers need help generating buckets in the frontcourt. Wood shows awesome development in that department, flashing signs of interior footwork and a promising outside jumper.
Delon Wright, Utah PG (6'5" Sr.): Just as Aldridge needs assistance in the forward ranks, Damian Lillard could use some relief in the backcourt. Adding a shifty, innovative guard like Wright would do wonders. He could end up being a more valuable Blazer than his brother, Dorell.
The Pick: Wood
Cleveland Cavaliers
9 of 14
2014-15 Season: 53-39 (East No. 2 seed), 103.1 Pts For/98.7 Against
Area(s) of Need: Point, combo or shooting guard
First-round Pick(s): No. 24
R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'6" Jr.): Supplementary wings such as J.R. Smith, James Jones and Mike Miller won't be around for much longer. Therefore, the Cavs megastars will need some shooting assistance and reliable options to space the floor.
No late-first round prospect fills that void better than Hunter. He'll find the soft spots in opposing defenses and make them pay with a lightning-quick yet accurate release. He also has the size and skill to make some plays inside the arc.
Justin Anderson, Virginia SF (6'6" Jr.): If Cleveland doesn't pick a shooting guard, it could still bolster their swingman outlook with a former Joe Harris teammate. Anderson will make all the right plays on offense, execute sound defense and drill in-rhythm jumpers. He sank 45 percent of his three-point attempts in 2014-15.
Delon Wright, Utah PG (6'5" Sr.): This pick is about bench versatility. If the Cavaliers want to give Kyrie Irving some quarterbacking aid, Wright could be a dynamic addition. Instead of using a conservative facilitator like Matthew Dellavedova, David Blatt could deploy a more formidable attacker who slices deep into enemy territory.
The Pick: Wright
Memphis Grizzlies
10 of 14
2014-15 Season: 55-27 (West No. 4 seed), 98.3 Pts For/95.1 Against
Area(s) of Need: Long-term backup point guard, wing depth
First-round Pick(s): No. 25
Delon Wright, Utah PG (6'5" Sr.): Wright finds himself on yet another team's radar, which illustrates his multifaceted talent. Here's CBSSports.com draft scribe Sam Vecenie's take on Wright's fit in Memphis:
"The Grizzlies figure to be contending next year, so they opt for Wright instead of hometown product Cameron Payne. Wright's a terrific defender that will fit into the grit and grind mentality, as well as a guy who is more ready to contribute as a 23-year-old rookie."
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (6'7" So.): There's a decent chance Hollis-Jefferson will be on the board at No. 25. His defensive mastery would help continue Memphis' tradition of stifling foes.
Cliff Alexander, Kansas PF (6'9" Fr.): This is more of a long-term acquisition, considering Alexander didn't show much skill away from the basket at Kansas.
Although stardom isn't in the cards for him, he has the potential to be a potent power forward in the rotation. During his limited minutes in 2014-15, he actually notched some decent numbers per 40 minutes: 16.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and a 23.2 PER.
The Pick: Wright
San Antonio Spurs
11 of 14
2014-15 Season: 55-27 (West No. 6 seed), 103.2 Pts For/97.0 Against
Area(s) of Need: Swingman
First-round Pick(s): No. 26
Justin Anderson, Virginia SF (6'6" Jr.): The Spurs may lose two or three veteran swingmen this offseason, because Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Marco Belinelli are all free agents this summer. Consequently, Anderson is projected to land in San Antonio by a handful of mock drafters.
The Virginia star is steady enough to pick up some of the slack. Gregg Popovich won't depend on him to create off the dribble, but Anderson owns solid passing, shooting and off-ball instincts. His defensive awareness and physicality will also translate to San Antonio's rotation.
R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'6" Jr.): If Hunter falls this far, the Spurs should highly consider taking him off the market. His long-range potential is tantalizing. Hunter is much more than just a shooter. His basketball IQ and skill helps him collaborate with teammates, score from mid-range and occasionally attack the rim.
His efficiency beyond the arc dipped to 31 percent in 2014-15, but that's partially because he was hounded as the Panthers' top option. As a peripheral piece on a well-spaced NBA squad, he should see more favorable opportunities.
The Pick: Anderson
Houston Rockets
12 of 14
2014-15 Season: 56-26 (West No. 2 seed), 103.9 Pts For/100.5 Against
Area(s) of Need: Wing depth, point guard
First-round Pick(s): No. 18 (via NOP)
Sam Dekker, Wisconsin SF (6'9" Jr.): Jason Terry and Corey Brewer are both free agents this summer, so general manager Daryl Morey might look for a swingman or small forward.
Dekker's a prize in the late teens if he's still up for grabs. His alertness and athleticism away from the ball would jell superbly with stars James Harden and Dwight Howard. Dekker can also hit open triples, defend multiple positions and finish above the rim.
Jerian Grant, Notre Dame PG (6'5" Sr.): Depending on how the lottery unfolds, Notre Dame's electrifying playmaker could be one of the best leftovers when the dust settles. If so, Houston will be waiting eagerly for him.
With Patrick Beverley likely out the door as a free agent, Grant could step in as a noticeable upgrade offensively. He routinely disintegrates opponents off the bounce with his agility and acceleration, but he's much more than a physical specimen. He's a master at reading defenses and putting teammates in optimal position to score.
Tyus Jones, Duke PG (6'1" Fr.): Jones isn't as alluring as Grant, but he's not a bad choice if the Fighting Irish star is already off the board. Despite his size and defensive limitations, the Rockets know they'll get steady distribution and accurate shooting from the youngster.
The Pick: Grant
Atlanta Hawks
13 of 14
2014-15 Season: 60-22 (East No. 1 seed), 102.5 Pts For/97.1 Against
Area(s) of Need: Power forward, shooting guard
First-round Pick(s): No. 15 (via BKN)
Devin Booker, Kentucky SG (6'6" Fr.): The Hawks could go in several different directions with this pick. A lethal shooter like Booker is a safe, yet exciting option because he would thrive in coach Mike Budenholzer's system.
Atlanta was efficient from behind the arc this season, but most of its three-point shooters are forwards. Booker would boost the backcourt, logging quality minutes and spacing the floor at the 2-spot. USA Today's Derek Bodner reminds us that while Booker was erratic as a freshman, his tools and talent scream "NBA":
"Booker struggled with consistency down the stretch, but his combination of excellent perimeter shooting, size and defensive ability should translate well to the NBA game."
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin PF/C (7'0" Sr.): He's not the most-likely draft-night acquisition for the Hawks because a lottery team could snatch him up. But if he's there at No. 15, the Hawks should tab him as insurance for potential free agent departure Paul Millsap.
A rookie isn't going to completely fill the void of an All-Star, but Kaminsky can execute similar tasks. One NBA scout was impressed with his versatility in the Final Four against Kentucky (per ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman):
"(Kaminsky) showed a great basketball IQ and tremendous footwork in the post. He put the ball on the floor from the high post. Good passer. Will be good with pick-and-pop. Not a very good athlete, but the performance against Kentucky will help him. Good shooter."
The Pick: Kaminsky
Golden State Warriors
14 of 14
2014-15 Season: 67-15 (West No. 1 seed), 110.0 Pts For/99.9 Against
Area(s) of Need: Low-post depth, backup shooting guard
First-round Pick(s): No. 30
Robert Upshaw, Washington C (7'0" So.): Dismissed by both Fresno State and Washington, Upshaw brings baggage and riskiness. But Golden State has a strong culture that could get the most out of him.
If Steve Kerr and Co. can keep him out of trouble, he'll anchor the back end of the rotation. His power and quickness yielded 17.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 7.2 blocks per 40 minutes with Washington. The Dubs have constantly been searching for a suitable backup for Bogut, and Upshaw may be the solution moving forward.
Dakari Johnson, Kentucky C (7'0" So.): Johnson's not as athletic as current Warriors backup center Festus Ezeli, and his upside isn't as high as fellow prospect Upshaw. However, he's a steady low-post option who out-muscles adversaries for prime positioning. Johnson became more mobile this year, and his increased agility drills could make him a respectable end-to-end threat in the Association. At No. 30 overall, he's worth a flyer.
Georges Lucas, Brazil PG (6'5" 1996): The Warriors would love to add a shooter like R.J. Hunter if he's still unpicked, but Lucas is an interesting alternative.
Although his jump shot barely passes the eye test, his size, speed and handles crush it. Golden State doesn't need to hurry him into a prominent role, especially in 2015-16. The staff can gradually refine him until Shaun Livingston wanes.
The Pick: Upshaw
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