NBA Draft 2015: Ranking the Biggest Projects in the Class

Some of the most promising prospects in the 2015 NBA draft are miles away from reaching their potential.

Although they have tremendous physical gifts and show glimpses of impressive skills, they still need substantial development. 

Whether it's jump-shooting deficiencies, limited shot-creating moves or inexperience, these prodigies will require close guidance early in their careers. It's an investment that requires patience, but the payoff could be stardom and a huge upgrade to the team.

Our list of the biggest projects in the draft includes players who show potential in key areas but need years of grooming. The rankings are based on how much room for improvement there is between their current skills and their potential ceiling.

6. Emmanuel Mudiay, China PG (6'5", 1996)

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NBA Ceiling: All-Star playmaker, primary scorer and facilitator

Draft Range: Top-five

For the most part, I wouldn't categorize Emmanuel Mudiay as raw. He's going to make an immediate NBA impact in several areas.

However, he still needs significant improvement on his shot.

It's unclear how long it will take for him to execute efficiently from the three-point line and charity stripe, but it's a vital process. During his 12-game stint in China, Mudiay shot 34 percent from beyond the arc and, more startlingly, made just 57 percent of his free throws.

If you're a lead guard for an NBA squad, you want to be someone your coach can trust with a big shot or a crucial trip to the free-throw line. While Mudiay could certainly become that player, he hasn't proved it yet. ESPN.com's Fran Fraschilla explains that a shaky jumper will affect his team's outlook:

"His jumper is a concern at the moment only because it is rare that a player can become an elite NBA point guard without keeping defenses honest with an accurate jump shot. More often than not, an average-to-below average shooter at the position will compromise his team's floor spacing."

Again, I'm not anticipating this to be a huge issue down the road. But for now, it's a skill he must work diligently on. 

5. Kelly Oubre, Kansas SF (6'7", Freshman)

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NBA Ceiling: All-Star swingman, secondary scorer on playoff team (16-20 PPG)

Draft Range: Late lottery

Kansas swingman Kelly Oubre, who declared for the NBA draft Wednesday, has the body type and movements of an NBA player. He's swift from end-to-end, vertically agile and owns a rangy frame. When he gets out in transition or finds a crease in the half court, he looks every bit like a lottery pick.

While his tools and potential are unmistakable, he's far from ready to shoulder substantial responsibilities. In fact, he wasn't fully ready to consistently produce at the college level, averaging just 9.3 points per game on 44 percent field-goal shooting.

In addition to being noticeably weak with his right hand, his left-handed dribbling isn't that crisp to begin with. Anything more than one or two dribbles is an awkward proposition for Oubre, and he's not great in tight spaces.

He's also limited in traffic because he has a wiry, 200-pound frame. That's far too light for a typical small forward. Only the supremely skilled stars (like Kevin Durant) can generate consistent production with a rail-thin body.

That being said, he has smooth shooting abilities, and he had big games this year whenever he mixed a few successful drives with his jumper. Once he learns the nuances of creating and making shots from the wing, he'll be a dangerous offensive weapon.

4. George Lucas, Brazil PG (6'5", 1996)

NBA Ceiling: Top-15 playmaker, 15-18 PPG and 7 APG

Draft Range: Late-first/early-second round

Carving up Brazilian competition is one thing. Running point for an NBA offense is quite another.

That's the project facing George Lucas and his suitors. He's a fascinating physical specimen compared to most floor generals (he has a 7'1" wingspan!), but he's still learning the finer points of quarterbacking a high-level offense.

Given his size and playmaking skills, he can do almost anything he wants to on the court in Brazil. Unfortunately he often picks the wrong time and place to make those plays.

Mike Schmitz of Draft Express explained that Lucas "makes one poor decision for every brilliant pass he makes" and that he "makes far too many careless passes. Has issues initiating the offense from time to time."

It should also be noted that Lucas' jump shot is still a work in progress. His release and follow-through aren't in line with his body and footwork, which makes him error-prone. The good news is that his overall motion isn't a lost cause, and he could polish and tighten it up to get better results in the future.

With a couple of years of tutelage and gradual experience against NBA guards, Lucas should be an electrifying asset.

3. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona SF (6'7", Sophomore)

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NBA Ceiling: Key two-way starter, All-Defensive team, 15 PPG

Draft Range: Mid-to-late first round

As a defender, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could join an NBA roster tomorrow and make an impact stopping wings.

We can't say the same for the other end of the floor. In fact, the Arizona small forward's handles and shooting accuracy aren't close to being ready for big minutes. Nevertheless, he's making the leap to the pros, according to Evan Daniels of Scout.com.

Much like his widespread comparison, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hollis-Jefferson's perimeter deficiencies will severely limit his offensive production during the early portion of his career.

According to Hoop-Math.com, he made just 33 percent of his two-point jumpers to go along with 21 percent shooting from three-land. A look at his Shot Analytics shot chart indicates that anything other than a free-throw range attempt is a risky endeavor for him.

Although his defense will compel his coach to keep him in the game, his offense will beg for the opposite. Right now, he can't be trusted to spread the floor, so that will be a major point of emphasis throughout his first couple of seasons.

2. Cliff Alexander, Kansas PF (6'9", Freshman)

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NBA Ceiling: Starting PF, secondary scorer (14-16 PPG, 8-10 RPG)

Draft Range: Late-first/early-second round

Even before the NCAA investigation into improper benefits prematurely dented his draft stock, Kansas' Cliff Alexander was looking less like a sure thing and more like a project.

He has a sturdy physique and knows how to finish strong in the paint, which is a big plus. But the rest of his game lacks the refined skill and savvy required to succeed as an NBA power forward.

Alexander has a tough time converting low-post plays that aren't dunks, and he doesn't consistently exhibit a great feel for where he is in relation to the defense and his teammates.

From the left side of the floor, he was woefully ineffective for the Jayhawks throughout the season. He didn't display fluidity or confidence to consistently attempt shots from that area, and when he did he was almost always errant.

Due to his physical tools and upside, he's still worth a late-first or early-second round selection in June. But don't expect him to make an instant splash, because he's far from an offensive savant.

1. Kevon Looney, UCLA PF (6'9", Freshman)

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NBA Ceiling: All-Star combo forward, secondary scorer (15-18 PPG, 10 RPG)

Draft Range: Late lottery

Polish is something Kevon Looney needs in nearly every phase of the game.

The UCLA power forward, who plans to declare for the NBA Draft, per Shams Charania of RealGM, has a promising three-point stroke, some developing ball-handling moves and outstanding rebounding tools. However, his repertoire is so raw that it will take a couple of years before he's consistently productive in the NBA.

His offensive maneuvers are a bit clunky when driving from the wing, and he's not a confident or proficient low-post player. In addition, he shot just 26 percent on two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express explained Looney's current limitations:

"Looney doesn't possess any type of post game, lacking the strength or footwork needed to score with his back to the basket, as he hit just eight of his 32 attempts on the year," Givony wrote. "He is just an average ball-handler when forced to create a shot for himself as well."

Without top-tier athleticism, Looney will be reliant on skill and fundamentals more than the other prospects on this list. His development is more critical than the rest.