2015 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions and High-Risk Prospects Who Will Be Taken Early
The NBA draft is all about potential and upside, but not every prospect turns out to be a star.
When sorting through a deep class full of talent, NBA organizations are forced to make predictions about which players will turn out to be top contributors going forward. This task is certainly easier in cases where the prospects have proven themselves at a high level.
On the other hand, there are a few projected high picks who will be extremely risky for whoever selects them on draft day.
| 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) | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 19 | Washington Wizards | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors | Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks | Tyus Jones, PG, Duke |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls | Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | Christian Wood, PF, UNLV |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies | Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville |
| 26 | San Antonio Spurs | Jarell Martin, PF, LSU |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets) | Robert Upshaw, C, Washington |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (via Clippers) | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks) | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky |
High-Risk Prospects to Watch
Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China
The problem with drafting Emmanuel Mudiay is the lack of scouting done on him over the past year. Not only did the former Texas high school star decide to forgo a college career to instead play in China, but he injured his ankle just 10 games into the year.
NBA teams are now left making a decision based on minimal film and in-person reports, which could make any choice a tough one.
To make things even tougher, Mudiay is extremely raw at this point while getting by mostly on his natural abilities. Derek Bodner of USA Today breaks down the player's strengths and weaknesses:
"Mudiay is a quick, athletic guard who does his damage in transition and off of dribble penetration. While Mudiay's shooting still needs improvement (34% from three and 57% from the free throw line during his 12 game stint in China), he has the size, athleticism, and instincts as a play maker to be a potential impact player down the line.
"
There is still incredible upside with this young player if he can improve his shooting and passing ability. ESPN's Chad Ford notes the New York Knicks as one team that has Mudiay higher than D'Angelo Russell on its board, and they are not alone.
The overall athleticism might make him a better pick, but whoever drafts him better be willing to take the risk.
Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
Someone in the lottery will fall in love will Kelly Oubre's potential. He has great size, measuring at just under 6'7" at the NBA combine with an impressive wingspan of 7'2 ¼".
His length and athleticism could help him become an elite defender to pair with the versatile scoring ability he showed flashes of at Kansas. He is a quality shooter but is at his best when driving to the rim.
Oubre also knows what it takes to succeed at the next level, per an interview with DraftExpress (h/t KUSports.com):
"No knock to anybody, but I feel I’m the hardest working guy in this draft because I have a chip on my shoulder. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. I know the importance of this draft, the importance of people saying where I’m going to go. I want to prove people wrong. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I’m going to show everybody what they said I couldn’t do. That’s definitely my main motivation.
"
The problem is he lacked any sort of consistency during his freshman year and rarely showed the aggressiveness he would need to succeed at the next level. He averaged just 9.3 points per game and was often just a bystander in the Jayhawks offense.
If he wasn't capable of taking over at the collegiate level, it's a tough bet for him to be a star in the NBA.
Myles Turner, C, Texas
The major issue teams have with Myles Turner is his potential for injury. DraftExpress' Matt Kamalsky and Mike Schmitz were among a wide group who see his "somewhat ginger, choppy running stride" as something that could cause problems in the future.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Turner got himself checked to make sure there were no current problems:
Even with these results, the center will likely have to change his running style if he wants to guarantee a longer career in the sport.
Of course, there are other issues to be wary about regarding Turner. One of his biggest problems as a freshman was his decision-making ability, which led him to take 62 three-pointers despite a 27.4 percent mark from outside. He seemed too willing to take a jump shot instead of fight for better looks inside.
Turner has raw tools that will excite teams, including great shot-blocking ability, but the rest of his game remains a question mark.
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