Ranking the Best 2015 NBA Draft Destinations for the Top 10 Prospects

Just as NBA teams have their big boards of preferred prospects set on draft night, the top draftees also have wish lists of their optimal landing spots.

Where are the best lottery destinations for the top 2015 studs?

We examined each prodigy's situation and skill set, along with the positional vacancies and playing styles of suitors, thereby finding the greatest match for each player.

To pinpoint the foremost team from the prospect's point of view, we took several factors into account:

• Will the team use the player substantially and enable him to flourish?
• Will it allow the prospect to develop at the right pace and in the right role?
• Will that role ensure short-term and long-term success?
• Does it have the optimal personnel to jell with the prospect?
• What is the team's playing and coaching style moving forward?

After pairing each top lottery prize up with the most appropriate team, we ranked each fit. Which prospect has the most compatible and favorable situation?

10. Kelly Oubre, Kansas SG/SF: Denver Nuggets

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Immediate Role with DEN: Top bench swingman, fourth scoring option when on the floor

Long-Term Role with DEN: Second scoring option, top-tier two-way starter

Why It's His Best Fit: Nuggets need a true swingman for the future; he complements Ty Lawson

Likelihood of This Pairing: Not probable to moderate (Nuggets would likely pick higher-rated prospect if they landed in 6-8 range)

Kelly Oubre is one of the rawest prospects in the field. He needs to join a team that can ease him into his swingman duties.

The Denver Nuggets will use him as a rotational player behind Wilson Chandler and Randy Foye as they aim for the playoffs in 2015-16. But with both of those players likely gone the following season, Oubre could soon enjoy a more prominent place on the roster.

After a season of grooming as a supplementary piece, he'll enjoy increased on-the-job training in 2016 and beyond. That's not a shabby setup, especially when he'll have Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari creating a lot of offense for him.

Oubre shows flashes of several intriguing traits: athletic slashing, smooth shooting and rangy, quick defense. With some refinement, he'll be able to get past opponents in open space and besiege the rim. Denver will welcome that playing style from a wing.

This doesn't jump out as a home run pairing next to some of the other prospects' matches. However, Oubre-to-Denver could be a prosperous situation for the youngster and a nice upgrade for the team.

Honorable Mention: Miami Heat

9. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky C: Sacramento Kings

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Immediate Role with SAC: Fifth scoring option, primary rim protector

Long-Term Role with SAC: Double-double threat, elite rim protector

Why It's His Best Fit: Kings are a mid-lottery team that can simultaneously give him minutes and protection

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

Kentucky's shot-erasing, alley-oop-crushing center is looking for a spot to uncork his energy while carrying minimal offensive weight. The mid-lottery franchise that would offer the most comfortable role is the Sacramento Kings.

It might not be the most splendid chemistry fit initially. However, it's his best option among the mid-lotto clubs, and there's a high probability that he'll land in Sac-town on draft night. DeMarcus Cousins will do the lion's share of skillful scoring, so Cauley-Stein's job is to attack the glass and feast off pick-and-roll lobs.

Meanwhile, he'll earn the respect of Kings fans by drastically upgrading the club's defense. The coaching staff and front office will cherish his lateral mobility and vertical explosiveness. Cauley-Stein's versatility on that end could establish him as an invaluable part of the team's future.

His offensive ceiling is low, but that's something every scout and executive knows when considering investing in him. He'll be held as an integral if modest piece for the club's return to respectability.

Honorable Mention: Miami Heat

8. Stanley Johnson, Arizona SF: Orlando Magic

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Immediate Role with ORL: Fourth scoring option, primary small forward defender

Long-Term Role with ORL: Second or third scoring option, elite multipositional stopper

Why It's His Best Fit: He fits with Orlando's identity

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

The Orlando Magic are cultivating a stock of athletic guards and forwards around center Nikola Vucevic. Stanley Johnson could be their next success story as they climb toward the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Johnson would fit well with the personnel currently in place, even if they don't complement each other absolutely perfectly (not a terrific outside shooting crew). With Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo in the fold, Johnson won't have to overdo it as a handler. He can focus on knocking down shots and attacking the rim and glass when opportunities arise.

Meanwhile, he'd feed off their energy and chemistry on defense, capably checking the swingmen and forwards they can't stop. Payton, Oladipo and Johnson will form a strong, rangy unit, and Aaron Gordon will join the party when Orlando uses smaller lineups.

If Tobias Harris leaves the Magic as a restricted free agent, Johnson can step right into a forward spot and thrive with this group.

His 37 percent three-point shooting at Arizona suggests the potential to play efficiently on the perimeter. He'll be able to mesh with a variety of lineups as he continues to polish his game.

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Lakers

7. Mario Hezonja, Croatia SG/SF: Charlotte Hornets

Immediate Role with CHA: Key reserve, primary shooter off bench

Long-Term Role with CHA: Starting wing, third scoring option

Why It's His Best Fit: Will be asked to shoot and play off Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

If the Charlotte Hornets take an honest look in the mirror, they'll acknowledge that they need more volume and efficiency from long distance in 2015-16. They hoisted the seventh-fewest triples in the NBA during this past campaign, while embarrassingly posting a league-worst three-point percentage of .318.

Croatian sharpshooter Mario Hezonja will be licking his chops if they have a chance to land him.

If he ends up in Buzz City, Steve Clifford will draw up plenty of plays to get him the ball and force defenses to stick with him. Hezonja's catch-and-shoot prowess is enticing, as he springs up with his 6'8" frame and effortlessly drains threes in the ACB league.

Kemba Walker, Lance Stephenson and Al Jefferson will attract most of the defense's attention. Hezonja can then capitalize and attack creases when he catches weak-side swing passes. ESPN.com's Chad Ford explained that he'll be able to execute these tasks immediately, even if he's still young and learning.

"Not only does he stretch the floor, but he's very athletic and likes to attack," said Ford. "Given that he's been playing at the highest levels of European basketball this season, he'll be more ready than most rookies to step in and play right away."

Don't be surprised if he produces impressively as a rookie and quickly earns an expanded role.

Honorable Mention: Orlando Magic

6. Jahlil Okafor, Duke C: Los Angeles Lakers

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Immediate Role with LAL: Third scoring option, second rebounder

Long-Term Role with LAL: First or second scoring option, star double-double candidate

Why It's His Best Fit: Promising young talent at guard and forward; can take star torch from Kobe

Likelihood of This Pairing: Not Probable to moderate (Likely off the board by the time the Lakers pick)

If Jahlil Okafor could hand-pick the lottery team that would serve him best, he'd narrow it down to the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. Both franchises yearn to deploy his low-post skills and usher him into stardom.

The Lakers have the edge because they offer more promising young personnel, along with more salary-cap room in 2016 and beyond. Instead of trying to fit in with Carmelo Anthony and the triangle for three to four seasons, he'll learn from Kobe Bryant next year and then quickly become a focal point. He'll grow and thrive alongside Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and free agents.

L.A.'s frontcourt wasn't abominable in 2014-15, as it patched together decent efforts via committee. But it's clearly lacking an alpha dog in the post. The Lakers were a bottom-half team when it came to points in the paint, per Fox Sports.

This is a superb opportunity for Okafor. He'll have plenty of chances to flex his extraordinary back-to-the-basket repertoire, run pick-and-rolls with Clarkson and team with Randle on the boards.

Much of the offensive chemistry and flow will depend on Randle's development as a combo-forward and sporadic shooter. If he can keep defenses honest and space things occasionally, this fit would be even higher in our rankings.

Honorable Mention: New York Knicks

5. Emmanuel Mudiay, China PG: Philadelphia 76ers

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Immediate Role with PHI: Primary facilitator, second or third scoring option

Long-Term Role with PHI: Star floor general, second scoring option

Why It's His Best Fit: Talented (but young) frontcourt needs a dynamic point guard

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

There are several high-lottery teams that could use a point guard, but the one that suits Emmanuel Mudiay the greatest is the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Chinese Basketball Association floor general needs reps at the helm of an NBA offense. But for the first year or two of his career, Mudiay shouldn't be in a high-pressure environment.

Philly fits the bill magnificently. The Sixers will continue to move out of the basement next season, but they're not in a championship hunt either. Brett Brown is trying to mold a team that scraps on defense, strikes quickly on offense (sixth in pace during 2014-15, per Basketball-Reference.com) and stretches opposing defenses. 

They'll allow Mudiay to attack aggressively and make mistakes while learning the ropes. He'll grow toward playoff contention with fellow prospects and talented frontcourt targets Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.

SMU coach and former Sixers skipper Larry Brown believes this young core, along with Brett Brown's coaching style, would make Philadelphia a prime destination for Mudiay.

"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel...I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," he told Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

It's not the biggest home run fit compared to some prospects, but it certainly meets his needs and sets him up for success.

Honorable Mention: New York Knicks

4. Justise Winslow, Duke SF: Detroit Pistons

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Immediate Role with DET: Fourth scoring option, top wing

Long-Term Role with DET: Second or third scoring option, star two-way forward

Why It's His Best Fit: Perfect number of touches and role for him early on

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate

Justise Winslow would do extremely well to land on the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic or other squads that are looking to plug in a small forward or swingman. But his top choice should be the Detroit Pistons.

Stan Van Gundy and Co. would welcome him as their starting small forward. They can give him a key role, one that includes the duties of spacing the floor, attacking the rim and locking down opposing wings.

Although he'd have important responsibilities, he wouldn't be overwhelmed. The one-and-done NCAA champ is still in the early stages of offensive refinement, and the Pistons can run things through Brandon Jennings and Andre Drummond while Winslow acclimates.

As for the defensive end, Detroit is a place where he could turn loose from day one.

"Winslow is an elite defensive player right now," said Patrick Hayes of Piston Powered. "He has the size, athleticism and physical tools that are desired in a wing defender, and he matches that with otherworldy instincts that make him a terror waiting to be unleashed."

The Pistons can indeed unleash his defense fully. Unlike the Magic, who have stoppers such as Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon, Detroit will enable him to display his talents more consistently.

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Lakers

3. Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia PF: Sacramento Kings

Immediate Role with SAC: Key reserve, third or fourth scoring option on the floor

Long-Term Role with SAC: Starting power forward, top-tier stretch 4

Why It's His Best Fit: Will maximize his shooting strengths while hiding his developmental flaws

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

If the Sacramento Kings land around the mid-to-late lottery range, Latvian youngster Kristaps Porzingis had better hope he falls to them. They might take the defensive route and pluck Willie Cauley-Stein as previously mentioned, but instead they could space the floor by adding the skilled stretch 4.

This could be a sublime marriage in the short and long term. Porzingis must find a home that can give him pick-and-pop and spot-up touches without asking for a heap of post production early in his career.

The Kings are that team. And DeMarcus Cousins is the player who makes that happen.

Sacramento would love to implement Porzingis' size and shooting to stretch defenses for Boogie. He should get some looks off the bench as a rookie. And until he grows into his frame, Cousins will compensate for some of the physical defense, rebounding and post-up power he lacks.

The two could complement each other exceptionally well as Porzingis develops. Boogie's interior dominance will open up favorable scoring angles for the European star, and the Latvian's spacing will force opponents to make tough decisions about doubling and stunting at Cousins.

Depending on future roster scenarios, they could wind up in the starting lineup together and form a playoff-caliber frontcourt that can hurt opponents from everywhere.

Honorable Mention: Denver Nuggets

2. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State PG: Philadelphia 76ers

Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Immediate Role with PHI: Primary facilitator, top three-point shooter

Long-Term Role with PHI: Star combo guard, primary or secondary scorer

Why It's His Best Fit: Freedom to create, pass and shoot

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

While the Philadelphia 76ers are the top choice for Emmanuel Mudiay, they are also D'Angelo Russell's top destination. The City of Brotherly Love is wanting for a floor general, so both prospects would find abundant opportunities there.

Brett Brown's outfit is probably an even better match for Russell than it is for Mudiay.

Russell brings a smooth shooting touch and a crafty, laser-like passing talent to the NBA. He loves to push the ball up the floor and quickly find his teammates, and he knows how to fill up the hoop in half-court scenarios. In Philly, he can thrive doing both.

The Sixers have no qualms about shooting triples; per Basketball-Reference.com, they hoisted the sixth most per game (26.3) in the NBA in 2014-15—albeit inefficiently, at a 32 percent clip. They would love to put the ball in the hands of a more gifted shooter, rather than the hodgepodge of role players who took those shots this past season.

Enter Russell, who shot 41 percent from beyond the arc as a high-volume freshman. Russell not only buries catch-and-shoot attempts, but he can also quickly create threes off the bounce. According to Hoop-Math.com, nearly half of his long-distance calls (46.8 percent) were unassisted.

This is a win-win for both parties. Russell fills a couple of huge needs for the franchise, while it offers him a unique vehicle for long-term success and potential stardom.

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Lakers 

1. Karl-Anthony Towns Kentucky PF/C: Minnesota Timberwolves

David Richard/Associated Press

Immediate Role with MIN: Third scoring option, primary shot-blocker

Long-Term Role with MIN: Versatile second scoring option, two-way star, elite rim protector

Why It's His Best Fit: Can star in frontcourt and grow with Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

Of all the high-lottery clubs praying to land Karl-Anthony Towns, the Minnesota Timberwolves stand out as the best fit.

They offer an opportunity to showcase his primary strengths without demanding huge production initially. In other words, they'll give him a key role in year one, yet he'll still be allowed to develop gradually.

With Ricky Rubio initiating the offense, and wings Kevin Martin and Andrew Wiggins creating shots, Towns won't have to carry a colossal burden. He'll convert sporadic pick-and-pops, get a healthy dose of post touches and flourish in transition.

On defense, he has some learning to do. But thanks to his elite tools and talent, Minny will use him as its chief rim protector. He'll be tasked with guarding the opponent's best big man almost every night. The T-Wolves surrendered the highest field-goal percentage at the rim (57.9) in 2014-15 (per SportVU). As a bonus, Towns may get some invaluable tutelage from Kevin Garnett.

Once he refines his game and players such as Martin and Pekovic continue their decline, he'll assume a featured role. Not only would this marriage be ideal for Towns, but it would be outstanding for Minnesota. 

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Lakers

Dan O'Brien covers the NBA draft for Bleacher Report.

Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR