2015 NBA Draft: 1st-Round Selection Order, Analyzing Top Upperclassmen Prospects
The 2015 NBA draft continues the trend of classes being headlined by freshmen sensations making a quick leap from college and international prospects. The debate about the one-and-done approach rages on, but this is the reality unless rules are changed.
While staying in school can help a player develop at a more reasonable pace, it's impossible to blame those who want to cash in by going pro. That's especially true for those projected to be selected in the lottery based on their potential.
Yet, as a result, the top upperclassmen in the draft tend to get overlooked. So after checking out the selection order for the opening round, let's examine some of the best players in the class who stayed in school for at least three years.
Round 1 Draft Order
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 4 | New York Knicks |
| 5 | Orlando Magic |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 10 | Miami Heat |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers |
| 12 | Utah Jazz |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn Nets) |
| 16 | Boston Celtics |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (from New Orleans Pelicans) |
| 19 | Washington Wizards |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 26 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston Rockets) |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers) |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks) |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors |
Top Upperclassmen Prospects
Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky)
Cauley-Stein is going to become an impact player in the NBA. The question is whether it will be more as a defensive stopper and rebounder or if his offensive game can make enough strides to help him reach an All-Star level.
At Kentucky, his role on offense was mostly limited to easy looks around the rim, including dunks and putback layups. That's why he shot 59 percent over three seasons. He could fill a similar background niche as a pro.
His goal should be to add a more consistent mid-range game to his arsenal. Force defenses to at least respect him as a threat from 12 to 15 feet. Bleacher Report's Ethan J. Skolnick noted the talented center is ready to put in the work, downplaying any talk about a lack of desire:
Since there are questions about his offensive upside, he'll likely fall in the mid-to-late portion of the lottery. He's a safe, experienced selection who should have no problem matching that value. If his offense comes around, he'll greatly exceed it.
Frank Kaminsky (C, Wisconsin)
Kaminsky took the more traditional route through college. He arrived at Wisconsin as a little-used freshman (less than eight minutes per game) and steadily improved his all-around game. As a senior, he won the Naismith Award as the top player in college basketball.
In many ways, the Badgers standout is the opposite of Cauley-Stein. He's an outstanding offensive weapon capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. Concerns about his ability to defend and rebound against more powerful NBA post players leave his stock in limbo, though.
If you put the two players' skill sets together you probably have the draft's top pick. For Kaminsky, it means potentially having to accept a limited role at the outset. Rod Beard of the Detroit News pointed out it's something the center is willing to embrace:
The Indiana Pacers are another lottery team that could provide a similar opportunity, with Roy Hibbert serving as the defensive side of the duo if he picks up his option. In the meantime, Kaminsky should focus on adding more power to his frame to help survive the NBA grind.
Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)
Dekker spent most of the last couple of seasons in Kaminsky's shadow. That changed quickly in this year's NCAA tournament, as he played some of the best ball of his college career. In six games, he averaged 19.2 points and drained 15 threes.
He was already firmly on the NBA radar before that point, of course. But his showing during March Madness earned him another look before the draft process got underway. He's a great shooter with tremendous athleticism and good length, though he could benefit from adding some strength.
All things considered, he finds himself on the lottery fringe with about a month until draft day. He should be a solid contributor, but the question is whether he can become a star. Zack Miller of Badger Blitz reports some NBA people believe the answer is yes:
Staying in school for three years helped him boost his stock. He'll probably be used in an offensive role off the bench at the outset. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see him locking down a starting gig within a handful of years. He's got the talent to make it happen.
