Ranking the Most Versatile 2015 NBA Draft Prospects

Versatility is about creating mismatches as well as being able to impact a game from different angles. We're talking about guards who can play on or off the ball, big men who can operate inside and out, and wings who can guard multiple positions.

Being versatile also allows for a little lineup flexibility. Coaches can mix and match easier, depending on what the opposition is showing. 

These rankings are based on each prospect's level of versatility—not his NBA potential. Our third-most versatile prospect might be a better overall NBA prospect than No. 2.

The most versatile player on this list simply covers more ground than anybody else. 

11. Caris LeVert, Michigan, 6'7", SG/SF, Junior

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Core Strengths: shooting, attacking, facilitating 

Caris LeVert might come off at times as a Jamal Crawford-like microwave scorer, and he certainly has the ability to deliver that way. But there's a whole lot more to his game that ultimately differentiates him from most 2-guards. 

While LeVert averages 14.9 points per game, he also leads Michigan in assists (3.9 apg). At 6'7", he's the team's best playmaker and passer, as you'll often see him operate as a pick-and-roll facilitator.

Even on those off shooting nights, LeVert still brings something to the table, like he did in Michigan's win over Syracuse Dec. 2, when he shot just 4-of-14 but added six assists on the side. 

As a scorer, he's lethal on the perimeter, where he's knocking down 2.1 three-pointers per game at a scorching 42.4 percent clip. 

Off the dribble, he's got blow-by quickness and the ability to get to and finish at the rack (shooting 73.9 percent at the rim, per Hoop-Math.com).

LeVert needs to polish up his stop-and-pop game in between, but as an athletic wing with size, his shooting stroke and playmaking instincts could go a long way in the pros.

10. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6'5", PG/SG, Freshman

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Core Strengths: shooting, scoring, passing

With the ability to play on and off the ball as a scorer, shooter or playmaker, Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell packs a potent offensive punch from both backcourt positions. 

He's averaging 17.2 points and 5.5 assists. Russell is dangerous off the dribble, where he changes speed and direction to get to the rack or to separate into jumpers and floaters. 

Though he's asked to score first for Ohio State, Russell also has terrific vision and passing instincts, which have some believing he'll play point guard at the NBA level. 

Either way, at 6'5" with a lethal lefty stroke, you can ultimately play him wherever. Russell has been money from downtown, where he's already hit 29 three-pointers through 12 games at a 42 percent clip. 

Few players in the country can take over a game from as many angles. Considering that, he's the top guard prospect in college hoops. 

9. Myles Turner, Texas, 6'11", C, Freshman

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Core Strengths: shooting, rebounding, shot blocking

Usually it's the stretch big men who struggle defending inside. And you don't typically see many rim protectors operating on the perimeter offensively. 

At 6'11", Texas' Myles Turner is a unique scorer for a guy his size, as only 34.1 percent of his shots have come at the rim, per Hoop-Math.com. 

Turner has a confident, polished outside game. He's got NBA three-point shooting range (hit six threes so far) and a quick, high release along with the ability to separate into jumpers inside the arc, whether it's off a jab step, pump fake, fallaway or turnaround. 

He's also blocking 2.9 shots a game in only 20.9 minutes, thanks to a tremendous 7'4" wingspan and some unteachable defensive instincts.  

Turner ultimately projects as a stretch rim protector, and quite frankly, not many of them currently exist. 

8. Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Freshman

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Core Strengths: defense, attacking, shooting potential

Stanley Johnson's versatility revolves around his physical tools, which allow him to do all sorts of damage from a number of different angles. 

Defensively, the 6'7", 245-pound Wildcat can guard multiple positions, with the athleticism and quickness to cover guards and the size and strength to lock down wings. 

Johnson's diesel frame ultimately separates him from most other small forwards. Just to put it in perspective, he's got 45 pounds on last year's top pick, Andrew Wiggins, who plays the same position. 

Johnson's strength comes into play on both sides of the ball, but offensively, it allows him to plow through contact as a driver and finisher. 

So far on the year, he's also shooting 43.2 percent from downtown on 1.2 made threes per game.

Go ahead and cue up the Metta World Peace and Kawhi Leonard comparisons. That's the type of two-way versatility we're talking about with Johnson.

7. Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'6", SF, Freshman

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Core Strengths: defense, attacking, shooting potential, intangibles 

A spectacular athlete with 6'6" size, blazing quickness and a strong 225-pound frame, Duke's Justise Winslow has the tools to guard three positions on the floor. 

He's got world-class defensive potential. Coach Mike Krzyzewski recently told ESPN's Jeff Goodman that Winslow is the best wing defender "out of the gate" he's had since Grant Hill. 

Between his blazing foot speed, disruptive hands and high-energy motor, Winslow has the ability take away an opposing ball-handler's dribble. 

Offensively, he's at his best slashing and attacking from the wing or getting out on the break. And few are more dangerous on the open floor, where he can handle the ball, explode off the ground and finish high above the rim. 

He's also shooting a respectable 36.4 percent from deep, and he's got the mechanics to suggest room for improvement once he reaches the NBA level.

Winslow can ultimately impact a game in a variety of ways. "Whatever we need. Block out, block a shot, knock down a shot. Get in the post, feed the post. I just try to do it all," Winslow told ESPN.com's Eamonn Brennan. 

Look for Winslow to remain in the top-10 conversation from now until June. There just isn't much to question.

6. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'0", C, Senior

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Core Strengths: shooting, post scoring, passing, shot blocking

The NBA guys love big men who can stretch the floor as shooters, and Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky fits that bill. 

He's making 1.3 three-pointers per game at an excellent 42.9 percent clip. Already this year, he hit two triples against Duke, three against Oklahoma and four against Boise State. 

At 7'0", Kaminsky has the ability to pull opposing centers away from the rim, where most are uncomfortable defending from 25 feet out. And that's particularly true against Frank the Tank, who can also put the ball on the floor.

Inside the arc, Kaminsky's footwork is tremendous, from drop steps and up-and-unders down low to spin moves facing up. He's evolved into a legitimate go-to option in the post, where he can score one-on-one or find the open shooters and cutters (2.2 assists per game). 

Defensively, Kaminsky's size and mobility translate to 1.8 blocks per game. 

Given his polished yet diverse offensive skills and growing defensive presence, Kaminsky has suddenly blossomed into a can't-miss NBA prospect. 

5. Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior

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Core Strengths: defense, playmaking, rebounding

If only Utah's Delon Wright could shoot (with range and consistency), we'd probably be talking about the most complete guard in the nation.

His most appealing strength from an NBA perspective might actually be his defense. The 6'5" Wright overwhelms opposing ball-handlers with size and quickness. Constantly forcing turnovers, he's averaging 2.2 steals per game after averaging 2.5 in 2013-14 and finishing fourth in the country in defensive win shares (3.2), per Sports-Reference.com.

And it didn't take long for Wright to establish himself as one of the country's top rebounding guards (averaging 5.2 a game, averaged 6.8 last year).

As a playmaker, he's got a strong feel for passing out of pick-and-rolls, while his ability to lose defenders off the dribble leads to assists (averaging 5.2 altogether) off drive-and-kicks.

Wright is also a dangerous scorer once he gets into the lane, where he's got eye-opening body control and touch on his runners and floaters.

At the end of the day, there's isn't much upside tied to Wright, but his versatility and two-way services fuel some interesting NBA role-player potential. 

4. Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman

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Offensive Strengths: shooting potential, ball-handling, low-post scoring, offensive rebounding

Kevon Looney's sales pitch to the pros ultimately centers around his offensive versatility, which is only enhanced by his unteachable rebounding instincts. 

Looney is pulling down 10.8 boards a game for UCLA, 4.5 of which have come at the offensive end. He recently grabbed seven offensive rebounds against Gonzaga's monster front line consisting of three guys over 6'10". And he's already got 24 putbacks on the year, per Hoop-Math.com. 

At 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan, aggressive mentality and nose for the ball, he's constantly putting pressure on the glass. 

But Looney also offers loads of offensive upside, thanks to an inside-out skill set and tremendous physical tools. 

Down low, Looney is raw yet capable, with the ability to score over his shoulder or through contact on the block.

And he's flashed some promising shooting potential from the mid-to-long range, even if his jumper hasn't fallen with consistency just yet. 

Before the season, there was even some speculation that Looney could eventually play the 3, given his comfort level on the perimeter. And though we can probably put that thought to rest, his ability to face up, put the ball on the floor and separate into shots will be a problem for slow-footed power forward defenders.

3. Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995

Core Strengths: shooting, scoring, passing, defensive playmaking 

At 6'8" with breathtaking athletic ability and the skill set of a 2-guard, Mario Hezonja is loaded with mismatch potential for the NBA level.

Since breaking into Barcelona's rotation late in November, the 19-year-old has made 15 of 34 three-pointers over his last nine games. 

It's not just spot-up shooting—Hezonja can handle the ball and release off the dribble, whether he's separating into a step-back or pulling up around a screen. 

And that plays to his scoring prowess. Hezonja can create his own shot one-on-one as well as work without the ball as a cutter or shooter.

He also has good vision, which he tends to show off from time to time as a passer on the move.

Defensively, Hezonja is vulnerable to getting stuck fighting through screens, but between his size, quickness, strength and explosiveness, he's got highlight-playmaking ability, particularly as a shot-blocker. He's made a few this season that have just been flat-out awesome. 

There isn't a wing in college basketball with as much all-around talent. Hezonja will undoubtedly be considered by teams with a top-10 pick this June, given the upside tied to his physical tools and two-way versatility. 

2. Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'0", PF, 1995

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Offensive Strengths: shooting potential, mid-range scoring, finishing, shot blocking

Kristaps Porzingis has delivered so far this season after the hype surrounding his potential started to build late last year. 

And the hype ultimately stems from his 7'0" size, effortless athleticism and ability to generate offense away from the rim. 

He's shooting 42.6 percent from downtown in 2014-15. Porzingis has sunk at least two threes in a game on six separate occasions already this year. With a quick, concise release, he's given Sevilla a mid- to long-range pick-and-pop option as well as a stretch spot-up target in the drive-and-dish game. 

At only 220 pounds, Porzingis isn't the most effective post scorer, but he picks up a few easy buckets a night by finishing cuts, dumps and lobs above the rim. 

He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts as well as separate into turnaround or step-back jumpers in the mid-range.

Defensively, Porzingis ranks No. 4 in the Spanish ACB in block percentage, as he's swatting 1.25 shots in just 21.5 minutes. Given his lack of strength, he doesn't exactly project as a rim protector or anchor, but Porzingis certainly offers defensive versatility and playmaking ability, whether he's rotating down for a weak-side rejection or switching onto a smaller guard off a ball screen. 

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, 7'0", C,

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Core Strengths: post scoring, shooting potential, passing, rim protection, defensive rebounding

While Karl-Anthony Towns isn't quite dominant in any one area of the game just yet, no prospect in the country has the potential to cover more two-way ground.

And that's what ultimately fuels his superior upside and differentiates him from fellow No. 1 overall draft-pick candidate Jahlil Okafor, who rarely gets a touch farther than 12 feet from the hole. 

Towns' terrific offensive skill level allows him to score from all three levels. 

In the post, he's a tough back-to-the-basket cover, where he can separate into hooks or spin baseline into layups. 

But it's Towns' promising jumper that really plays to his offensive versatility. He's given Kentucky a threatening pick-and-pop option in the mid-range, and though he hasn't had the freedom to showcase his three-ball, Towns' high school track record and shooting stroke suggest there's one in the works. 

He also happens to be a terrific passer, whether he's finding open shooters out of double-teams or throwing darts from the foul line. 

At the other end, Towns has owned the defensive glass with a dominant 25.4 percent rebounding percentage, and he currently has the best defensive rating of any player in the country. 

He's swatting 2.5 shots in only 18.9 minutes a game, which ranks No. 4 nationally in block percentage. Rim protection is just another area of the game where he's got an edge over Okafor at Duke.

Stats courtesy of RealGM unless otherwise indicated.