2015 NBA Mock Draft: First-Round Projections, Predictions for Top Shot-Blockers

Rim protectors are a thing in the NBA.

Advanced statistics such as defensive field-goal percentage at the rim measure how well big men defend the goal, and players like the Indiana Pacers' Roy Hibbert and Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside are getting more attention than they normally would. 

A few of the incoming prospects in this year's NBA draft have the collegiate production, size and athleticism to be excellent rim protectors. The text below the mock focuses on the top shot-blocking prospects in this year's draft.

Pick	Team	Player
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	Robert Upshaw, C, Washington

Robert Upshaw, Washington Huskies

Most people knew that Robert Upshaw was a great prospect as a defensive center, but after seeing his measurements at the NBA combine in Chicago, it's becoming more evident.

Upshaw measured a legit 7 feet in shoes and also had the biggest wingspan and largest hands of any player at the event.

Considering he averaged 4.2 blocked shots per game this past season for the Washington Huskies, we're all ready for him to be a lottery pick, right?

Not so fast. Upshaw was dismissed from both the Fresno State Bulldogs' and Huskies' basketball programs. There are serious concerns about his maturity and decision-making. If he can land with a veteran ball club with a strong coaching staff, Upshaw might find an environment that gives him the best chance to succeed.

Willie Trill Cauley-Stein, Kentucky Wildcats

James Crisp/Associated Press

Despite the fact that Cauley-Stein saw his blocks per game drop from 2.9 as a sophomore to 1.7 this past season, NBA talent evaluators undoubtedly know the impact he can make as a defender all over the floor.

He too measured as a true 7-footer in shoes in Chicago. Couple that with his extraordinary athleticism and defensive instincts, and you have a potentially elite shot-blocker. 

He'd be an excellent fit with DeMarcus Cousins on the Sacramento Kings.

About 10 years back, the Chicago Bulls had Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry on the roster. Chandler didn't come into his own until after he left Chicago, and Curry was wildly inconsistent and out of shape. The two had skill sets that should have complemented each other. Chandler was a long, athletic, defensive-minded big, while Curry was a more offensive-minded post player.

If the Kings draft Cauley-Stein, Sacramento could have a more productive version of that duo.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky Wildcats

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Despite playing just 21.1 minutes per game, Karl-Anthony Towns still averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game. That's pretty impressive—especially when you consider that Towns is seen as an elite offensive prospect.

Towns measured 6'11.25" with a 7'3.25" wingspan at the combine. That's more than enough length to be a solid rim protector in the NBA. Towns' potential impact on defense further validates his place near the top of any draft board. 

If you're wondering why Towns isn't No. 1 or No. 2 in this mock, as he is in most, it's because I believe Duke's Jahlil Okafor is the rarer prospect. The Minnesota Timberwolves would be better off selecting him with the top pick.

While Towns might be the next-best prospect, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers would be better off taking an impact perimeter player over a frontcourt prospect—even one as gifted as Towns.

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