NBA Draft 2015: Latest 1st-Round Order and Prospects Likely to Move Up Boards
Although there is a lot of time before the 2015 NBA draft, there are plenty of teams already looking ahead to the future.
In reality, organizations have had people looking at top prospects in the 2015 class all year. However, a lot can still change in the coming months as we get a better look at each player. Those that seemed like sure things can become bigger risks and vice versa.
While the top names like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor are unlikely to go anywhere, the following players have a chance to move up draft boards in the coming weeks as we really get a chance to see what they can do on the court.
Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky Wildcats
It's difficult to show what you can do for NBA scouts with limited offensive touches. That's what Trey Lyles had to deal with this season while playing for the loaded Kentucky Wildcats.
The freshman finished sixth on the team with an average of 8.7 points per game, which ordinarily wouldn't even be enough to get onto the radar of NBA teams. However, Lyles is much better than his numbers would indicate.
According to Evan Daniels of Scout.com, many were impressed by the forward to start the season:
As the year went on, Lyles showed in bursts his unique talent as a 6'10" big man with a smooth offensive game. Kyle Tucker of The Courier-Journal has a lot of faith in the player's ability to succeed at the next level:
Watching him over the course of a game leaves much to be desired, but teams will be impressed when they get a chance see Lyles at an individual level. He has the athleticism and offensive polish to be an impactful player in the NBA.
While he might need more seasoning, not too many organizations will want to pass on the youngster.
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF, Kansas
Like Lyles, Kelly Oubre Jr. did not have the dominant college career many were hoping to see. He struggled to get onto the court early in the year and ended up averaging just 9.3 points per game for Kansas.
ESPN's Fran Fraschilla also discussed the risk involved with taking him early in the 2015 draft:
"Oubre Jr., who will turn 20 in December, is a long way from being a finished NBA product, but he is also a long way from where he was to start his freshman season. Eventually, his defense and his shooting can become staples in his game, and, if he exhibits a more consistent level of intensity, he'll evolve from a "work in progress" into a bona fide player in the future.
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That said, the upside is undeniable. He was considered the No. 8 player in the 2014 freshman class in 247Sports' composite rankings, thanks to his 6'7" frame, 7'2" wingspan and impressive athleticism. None of that has changed in the past year.
He also has developed a solid offensive game with a mid-range jumper and a solid stroke that will make him a quality three-point shooter at the next level.
Although he lacked consistency in his first year, NBA scouts will see these tools and know how well they could translate to the NBA. This should allow him to easily end up within the top 10 on draft day.
R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State
After coming into the year with high expectations, R.J. Hunter saw his stock drop in many cases without anyone watching his games. The Georgia State product was rarely in the public eye, but there was still concern over his three-point percentage, which dropped from 39.5 percent as a sophomore to 30.5 percent this past season.
The truth is the problem had little to do with Hunter and more to do with the fact that defenses in the Sun Belt Conference spent the entire game figuring out ways to slow down the star player. He is unlikely to face the same type of focus in the NBA.
According to Paul Newberry of The Associated Press, Hunter summed it up well when he declared for the draft, saying, "Once I felt like my time was up and the script was written, it was time for me to move on. I just felt like I gave all I could possibly give at this level."
Hunter clearly did accomplish as much as a small-school player could hope for this season, averaging 19.7 points per game while leading his team to a victory in the NCAA tournament. His game-winning three-pointer against Baylor was arguably the most memorable moment of March Madness, and it will certainly be in the minds of NBA general managers.
In a draft without many elite shooting guards, Hunter can separate himself by showing off his shooting ability without the pressure of carrying a team. Whether he ends up a star in the NBA or not, he will almost certainly be a valuable contributor going forward.
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2 | New York Knicks |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 4 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 5 | Orlando Magic |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 10 | Miami Heat |
| 11 | Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets) |
| 12 | Utah Jazz |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 15 | Indiana Pacers |
| 16 | Boston Celtics |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (via New Orleans Pelicans) |
| 19 | Washington Wizards |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors |
| 21 | Chicago Bulls |
| 22 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 26 | Los Angeles Lakers (Houston Rockets) |
| 27 | Boston Celtics (Los Angeles Clippers) |
| 28 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta Hawks) |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors |
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