NBA Draft Order 2015: Post-Lottery 1st-Round Picks, Predictions

The 2015 NBA draft order is set in stone following Tuesday's lottery reveal. Draft day on June 25 figures to feature multiple trades, but based on the consensus on the top prospects, those near the very top aren't likely to make any maneuvers.

An unfortunate bouncing of Ping-Pong balls saw the New York Knicks slip from a projected spot of second to fourth, making their pick the wild card of the lottery. New York's fall allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to rise into the second overall slot.

Two big men are battling for No. 1 overall bragging rights. At the moment, it appears Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky is the favorite for the Minnesota Timberwolves to choose first over Jahlil Okafor.

Read on for the updated post-lottery order of the first 30 picks followed by more detailed analysis on where the best prospects seem destined to land.

Predictions for Top Prospects

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky

There is no need for Minnesota to draft a perimeter player with the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio in place. So the Timberwolves' choice comes down to Towns or Okafor.

Based on Towns' superior all-around play on both ends of the court, he seems like the logical fit. Minnesota already has Nikola Pekovic as a true center, and Okafor doesn't have the versatility to play power forward.

ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman expressed such an opinion in his analysis:

Towns is also a much better rim protector and natural shot-blocker. While Okafor has the physical tools and upside to be that type of presence with some significant work, the innate traits are already there for Towns to thrive.

Pekovic and Rubio must stay healthy, which has been easier said than done. If Wiggins and LaVine can build off promising rookie seasons as well, Minnesota can see significant improvement in 2015-16.

The X-factor will be the team's new No. 1 pick, and Towns seems like the no-brainer choice based on the personnel the Timberwolves have and his skill set.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Okafor isn't the worst consolation prize for one of the NBA's most storied franchises. Aging legend Kobe Bryant won't be around for much longer, and Okafor is the type of big man the Lakers can build their future around.

L.A.'s draft last year may be among the most underrated in the Association. Julius Randle is coming back from an injury that kept him out for almost all of his rookie campaign, and second-rounder Jordan Clarkson has flashed plenty of ability to run the offense.

Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com believes Okafor is being underestimated leading up to the draft:

"

It’s incredible to me how much Jahlil Okafor is being downplayed in this draft. The guy is absolutely incredible.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 20, 2015"

"

Lakers are going to get a terrific, terrific building block in Jahlil Okafor, most likely. Perfect for them.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 20, 2015"

Most believe Towns is the superior prospect. What's fascinating about Okafor is how polished his post game has been from the start of his freshman year at Duke. To have such great development in that area is so rare, as is Okafor's natural size at 6'11" and 270 pounds.

The Lakers could certainly use some outside shooting help to complement Okafor when he passes out of double-teams down low. Those shooters should come in time once Bryant's massive contract is off the books and L.A. can free up enough space to lure free agents.

Part of persuading open-market players to don a Lakers jersey is the pieces L.A. is assembling now. Okafor is bound to be a key component of that package and should benefit greatly from a competitive, fiery mentor in Bryant to guide him early.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Ohio State

The 76ers had reportedly already been coveting Russell in the event they landed the No. 3 overall pick. Philadelphia didn't see any lottery surprises, so the purported plan shouldn't change.

Russell is exactly what the Sixers need. They have a pair of frontcourt studs in Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, so there's no need to go big in the draft.

Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe senses Russell is the best fit in Philly:

Since general manager Sam Hinkie traded away Michael Carter-Williams, his team needs a new floor general. What's great about Russell is he can accommodate any decisions Hinkie makes in the future with regard to wing players because the former Ohio State star can play point guard or the 2.

SportsCenter made sure to document how confident Russell is, too:

Both Towns and Okafor deserve the acclaim they're getting, but the modern NBA tends to favor those who have the best perimeter players. As loaded as the Sixers are up front, they need a dynamic stud like Russell in the backcourt to be the offensive catalyst.

With outstanding shooting range, a high basketball IQ and tremendous passing instincts, Russell has a game that translates so well to the pros. If he lands in Philadelphia, he ought to be the front-runner to win the Rookie of the Year Award.

A nucleus of Russell, Embiid, Noel and eventual overseas import Dario Saric suggests Hinkie's long-term rebuild will be worth it in the end.