2015 NBA Mock Draft: Top International Prospects and Full 1st-Round Predictions

The NBA draft is always infused with tons of talent from around the world, and the 2015 version will be no different.

Although the depth of international prospects is not as great as it has been in the past, there are a few players who are certain to be taken early in the lottery. These players have as much upside as anyone in the entire class, and teams will be fighting for their services.

Here is a look at how they will fit into the rest of the first round in the latest 2015 NBA mock draft.

Pos.	Team	Selection
1	Minnesota Timberwolves	Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky
2	New York Knicks	Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
3	Philadelphia 76ers	Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China
4	Los Angeles Lakers	D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State
5	Orlando Magic	Justise Winslow, SF, Duke
6	Sacramento Kings	Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
7	Denver Nuggets	Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
8	Detroit Pistons	Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia
9	Charlotte Hornets	Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona
10	Miami Heat	Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
11	Indiana Pacers	Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin
12	Utah Jazz	Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky
13	Phoenix Suns	Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame
14	Oklahoma City Thunder	Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky
15	Atlanta Hawks (via Nets)	Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona
16	Boston Celtics	Myles Turner, C, Texas
17	Milwaukee Bucks	Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA
18	Houston Rockets (via Pelicans)	Kris Dunn, PG, Providence
19	Washington Wizards	Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin
20	Toronto Raptors	Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
21	Dallas Mavericks	Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
22	Chicago Bulls	Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State
23	Portland Trail Blazers	Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
24	Cleveland Cavaliers	R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State
25	Memphis Grizzlies	Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
26	San Antonio Spurs	Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
27	Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets)	Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia
28	Boston Celtics (via Clippers)	Caris LeVert, SF, Michigan
29	Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks)	Delon Wright, PG, Utah
30	Golden State Warriors	Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky

Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China

Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports

While people debate which center is better between Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor, the question of the best point guard will be just as interesting, as Emmanuel Mudiay and D'Angelo Russell both have a legitimate argument. 

Russell was one of the top players in college basketball this season, showcasing an incredible feel for the game while filling up the stat sheet every outing. Still, Mudiay will likely be the first one off the board in the draft due to his physical advantages.

Although both players are listed at 6'5", Mudiay is bigger and stronger while using his physical nature to attack the paint and finish inside. His athleticism and quickness represent much more upside in the NBA than his counterpart.

Mudiay also argued that playing overseas for a year instead of college will help him going forward. When asked about the physicality of the NBA compared to China, he told Evan Daniels of Scout.com:

"

Will Bynum was my teammate and Jeff Adrien, and they told me the NBA is actually easier physicality wise. We were getting fouls, but overseas you have to play through them. They said it wouldn’t be like this in the NBA, but it would still be physical. But they said I’m kind of a step ahead from going over there first and taking that beating, I guess.

"

He needs to improve his shot as well as his ability to create for teammates, but the upside is there to be a star at the next level, and one team is going to realize this early.

Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia

There is always a lot of mystery when it comes to drafting an international player, but the scouts have fallen in love with Kristaps Porzingis.

One NBA general manager couldn't help raining down praise on the Latvian star, via ESPN's Chad Ford:

"

He's an athletic, super-skilled 7-footer who can do everything well. I was watching him warm up and had flashbacks to when I saw Pau Gasol take the floor for the first time in Spain, only this kid is much more athletic than Gasol but plays with that same fluidity. I've been asking my team since then: Are you sure he's not the No. 1 guy? Are these guys in college really better than him?

"

Although it is hard to imagine Porzingis climbing up to the No. 1 spot in the draft, anyone would love to take a chance on someone who could become a more athletic version of a five-time All-Star. 

The forward is already a solid shooter who could become unstoppable thanks to his high release point and quick shot. He is perfectly built for the pick-and-pop, which could make him a threat for any NBA offense.

If he can add some strength and work on his defense (though he likely won't ever be a true shot-blocker), he could be a legitimate star in the NBA. At the very least, he has the upside of a longtime starter at either power forward or center.

For teams looking for a big man, this is certainly a good draft.

Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia

While European players have a stigma for being soft and simply just shooters, Mario Hezonja disputes that notion as one of the best all-around scorers in the class.

The 6'7" guard is a quality shooter from beyond the arc, but he is also willing to slash to the paint and finish at the rim. He has the toughness necessary to make him a go-to option in the NBA if he gets to that point, though he is also a capable passer when others are open.

Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress was impressed watching the young player during the season:

Playing for Barcelona in Spain will also help him make a quick transition to the NBA due to the high level of competition compared to other leagues around the world. He will be ready to contribute early on in his career no matter where he lands.

There are still questions about his defensive ability, but the 20-year-old player will have plenty of time to improve in the future. In a weak class for shooting guards, he should be the first one off the board.

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