2015 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions for Prospects Who Starred at Combine
The first day of activities at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago will prove to be fruitful for a few of the attendees. Once you get beyond the players who are projected to be lottery picks, there's very little that separates most of the other prospects. That's why three of the top performers from Thursday have moved into the first round of my latest mock draft.
The players who are spotlighted have their names highlighted in the table below. More details about their performance are listed just beneath the table.
| 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 | Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU |
| 25 | San Antonio Spurs | George Lucas, SG, Brazil |
| 26 | Memphis Grizzlies | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston Rockets) | J.P. Tokoto, SG, North Carolina |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers) | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks) | Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Robert Upshaw, C, Washington |
J.P. Tokoto
We knew J.P. Tokoto could fly, and we'd seen North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams use him as a defensive stopper on the perimeter. We hadn't seen him knock down outside shots with consistency. Tokoto did the latter Thursday, as he made all five of his shots from the field during the five-on-five scrimmages. That included a three-point basket.
Tokoto measured at 6'6 ¼" and showed off his explosive hops on a few slams. Thursday's hot shooting wasn't enough to completely ease the concerns about his ability to knock down shots from the outside, but when coupled with his athleticism and willingness to defend, enough is there for him to garner serious consideration as a late first-round pick.
A team like the Los Angeles Lakers, which could use depth behind Kobe Bryant and a potential successor for the Mamba, might be interested.
Rakeem Christmas
Not many were talking about Rakeem Christmas as a potential first-round pick before Thursday, but that should change in the wake of his measurements and play during the five-on-five scrimmages. Christmas had 20 points, six rebounds and a blocked shot in an impressive performance.
Earlier in the day, his wingspan measured at 7'5 ¼", and he stands at 6'9 ¼". That's ideal length for the power forward position, and he showed off a nice shooting touch from mid-range.
At 23 years old, he's one of the oldest prospects available, but he showed enough promise to warrant serious consideration as a late first-round pick. The Brooklyn Nets will probably be rebuilding, and Christmas could be a nice addition.
Jordan Mickey
If the Cleveland Cavaliers are unable to match the offers restricted-free-agent-to-be Tristan Thompson is bound to receive, or if the team loses Kevin Love in free agency, they should seriously consider drafting Jordan Mickey with the 24th pick in the first round.
He's a little undersized for the power forward position at 6'8 ¼", but his 7'3 ¼" wingspan and exceptional timing and instincts make up for his lack of height. Mickey blocked 3.6 shots per game for the Louisiana State Tigers in 2014-15. If anyone doubted the legitimacy of those numbers, he proved that he's a legitimate rim protector by swatting eight shots during Thursday's scrimmages.
Mickey also appears to be developing a solid mid-range jump shot to expand his offensive game beyond putbacks and transition baskets. Here's what DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz said about Mickey on Thursday:
"Mickey's feel for the game and overall skill level still could use some polish, but his ability to protect the rim and guard his position at 6'8”, along with his mobility, gives him a chance to play a role as a bench big at the next level."
Even if Cleveland doesn't take Mickey, it would be a surprise to see him fall outside of the first round.
All measurements per DraftExpress unless otherwise noted.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
