2015 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions for Best Defensive Prospects
No matter how many "Eurostep" layups the Houston Rockets' James Harden makes or crazy three-point shots the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry drains, defense still wins championships.
Of the eight teams still alive in the postseason, only two of them allowed more than 100 points per game during the season. Teams will look for players who can put the ball in the basket, but they will also target guys who can get stops.
This mock spotlights the best defenders projected to be selected in the first round.
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke |
| 2 | New York Knicks | D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China |
| 4 | Los Angeles Lakers | Karl-Anthony Towns, PF, Kentucky |
| 5 | Orlando Magic | Justise Winslow, SF, Duke |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings | Willie Trill Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets | Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 10 | Miami Heat | Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers | Kelly Oubre, SG, Kansas |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns | Myles Turner, C/PF, Texas |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn Nets) | Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (from New Orleans Pelicans) | Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame |
| 19 | Washington Wizards | Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors | Christian Wood, PF, UNLV |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks | Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls | Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Jarell Martin, PF, LSU |
| 25 | San Antonio Spurs | George Lucas, SG, Brazil |
| 26 | Memphis Grizzlies | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston Rockets) | Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern Washington |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers) | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks) | Tyus Jones, PG, Duke |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas |
Willie Trill Cauley-Stein
When it comes to rim protectors, Willie Trill Cauley-Stein is clearly the best in this draft. His blocked shots were down this past season because of the Kentucky Wildcats' platoon system. He swatted just 1.7 during the 2014-15 season after rejecting 2.9 as a sophomore.
No matter, NBA scouts know what kind of defender Cauley-Stein can be in the NBA. He's the complete package on that end of the floor because he does more than just block shots. His amazing athleticism and 7-foot frame with a 7'2" wingspan makes him a potential anchor on defense in the NBA.
Rarely will you see a player capable of covering as much ground as Cauley-Stein can. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress wrote:
"Defensively is where he has the chance to be a real game-changer at the NBA level. He legitimately guarded five positions for Kentucky this season, showing incredible versatility and agility covering ground on the perimeter and staying in front of players much smaller than him. His exceptionally quick feet give him the ability to switch seamlessly on pick and rolls, and he does a great job of contesting shots on the perimeter or recovering into the paint and offering rim protection. Cauley-Stein averaged a terrific 3.6 blocks and 1.8 steals per-40 minutes over the course of his career at Kentucky, showing outstanding instincts for forcing turnovers.
"
For a team like the Sacramento Kings that allowed 105 points per game last season, WTCS would be an excellent addition.
Justise Winslow
When it comes to versatile perimeter defenders in this year's draft, Justise Winslow has to rate near the top of the list. At 6'7", 229 pounds, he has an NBA body similar to the Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler. Unlike Butler, Winslow is blessed with a huge wingspan to go with his strength.
Winslow's wingspan measures at 6'10". When you add that to his above-average athleticism and desire to lock down on an opponent, you have the makings of a truly elite defender in the NBA.
Winslow averaged 0.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, but most impressive is his positional defense. He bodies up on opponents trying to take him off the dribble and makes even the most talented scorers work for every bucket.
The Orlando Magic already have above-average defenders at point guard and shooting guard in Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo, respectively. Winslow would fit right in.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
If Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could knock down the corner three with regularity, he'd be a lottery pick. He hasn't quite added that skill to his game yet, but he'll still hear his name called in the first round.
RHJ simply locks down on the opponent's best perimeter scorer.
Whether its checking Utah Utes point guard and fellow first-round prospect Delon Wright or guarding Wisconsin Badgers small forward and likely lottery selection Sam Dekker, RHJ can handle the assignment.
He has NBA All-Star Weekend hops and a ridiculous 7-foot wingspan to augment his 6'7" height. RHJ is the best on-ball defender in this draft and a future NBA All-Defensive team selection.
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