2015 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions for Where Coveted 1st-Round Prospects Will Land

The 2015 NBA draft is going to fill a lot of needs around the league. This year's class features plenty of depth, which is good news for those teams that didn't enjoy any lottery luck and even those selecting outside of the top 14 altogether.

Every draft class seems to take on a life of its own with different characteristics. Some are top-heavy, while others are strong at one position and weak at others. The lasting impact from this year's class will probably be determined by the amount of players who actually contribute in meaningful ways over the long haul.

Not all of them are going to become stars, but there's plenty of value in role players. So let's check out a complete mock draft of the opening round to see where some of the top names fall.

First-Round Mock Draft

Pick	Team	Selection
1	Minnesota Timberwolves	Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky
2	Los Angeles Lakers	Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
3	Philadelphia 76ers	D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State
4	New York Knicks	Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, Congo
5	Orlando Magic	Justise Winslow, SF, Duke
6	Sacramento Kings	Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
7	Denver Nuggets	Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
8	Detroit Pistons	Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona
9	Charlotte Hornets	Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky
10	Miami Heat	Mario Hezonja, SF, Croatia
11	Indiana Pacers	Frank Kaminsky, PF, Wisconsin
12	Utah Jazz	Myles Turner, PF, Texas
13	Phoenix Suns	Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
14	Oklahoma City Thunder	Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin
15	Atlanta Hawks (via Nets)	Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky
16	Boston Celtics	Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
17	Milwaukee Bucks	Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA
18	Houston Rockets (via Pelicans)	Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
19	Washington Wizards	Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
20	Toronto Raptors	R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State
21	Dallas Mavericks	Christian Wood, PF, UNLV
22	Chicago Bulls	Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame
23	Portland Trail Blazers	Justin Anderson, SG, Virginia
24	Cleveland Cavaliers	Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State
25	Memphis Grizzlies	Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
26	San Antonio Spurs	Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona
27	Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets)	Jarell Martin, PF, LSU
28	Boston Celtics (via Clippers)	Delon Wright, PG, Utah
29	Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks)	Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas
30	Golden State Warriors	Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky

Four prospects have seemingly broken away from the pack as things stand now. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor are the top post players, while D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are the most coveted guards. Things are more varied starting with No. 5 and beyond.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the top prospects off the board from that next group. They aren't getting the same amount of hype as that main quartet, but they are prospects with bright long-term outlooks.

Top "Next Wave" Prospects

5. Orlando Magic: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

Justise Winslow elevated his play during the second half of his freshman campaign at Duke. While he became more assertive offensively, his main impact came on the defensive end. He was able to shut down opponents' top perimeter weapons and sparked the Blue Devils' title run in the process.

He fits the mold of a modern small forward—somebody who can do a little bit of everything at both ends of the floor. He's probably never going to become a high-end scorer, but his overall impact should warrant a top-10 selection.

Winslow also showed during the latter stages of his college career that he was ready to make the jump. He didn't have anything more to prove at Duke. A quote that Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer provided shows the forward doesn't lack confidence, either.

"Size, athleticism, someone who can immediately come in and have an impact," Winslow said. "I definitely have the talent to be a lockdown defender. But offensively, also, I have the ability to have positive impact—as a spot-up shooter, off ball screens and posting up. I think I have a lot that can help an NBA organization."

The Magic have some promising pieces on the roster but are still waiting to put everything together. Winslow can step in and be the proverbial glue guy—a perfect fit for a team that's been stuck in retooling mode for a couple of years.

6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

Willie Cauley-Stein is an interesting case. There's little doubt about his ability to impact a game at the defensive end, whether it be blocking and altering shots or grabbing rebounds. Looking ahead, his long-term value is tied to how much he can improve offensively.

He shot 59 percent across three seasons at Kentucky. That's because most of his attempts were dunks or putback layups as a complementary weapon on highly talented rosters. Getting those easy looks won't be as simple at the NBA level.

The center could still have plenty of value as a defensive stopper. He'll need to become a more reliable scoring threat to reach an All-Star level, though. Slam Magazine notes that at least one major name thinks highly of his potential:

So it seems like the Indiana Pacers would be interested if Cauley-Stein slides to No. 11. That could happen, but it's not likely. He could instead form a rock-solid duo with DeMarcus Cousins if the Kings grab him with the sixth pick.

7. Denver Nuggets: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia

Kristaps Porzingis moves around the court extremely well for a 7-footer. He's a typical stretch 4 on the offensive end with plenty of range, and that movement helps him make more cuts to the basket than you typically see from a player of his size.

The questions mostly come on the defensive end. His quickness and length provide a solid base, but he could struggle with the more powerful post players in the NBA. He needs to work on adding more strength to his frame, which will also help him survive the long grind of a season.

His upside, especially as an offensive weapon, is intriguing. The question is how confident front offices are that he'll be able to make a smooth transition. Based on what Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops is hearing, their concerns must be limited:

The Nuggets aren't on that list but would also be a solid fit. They could use another frontcourt player, and since they aren't ready to contend, they can afford to give him the minutes he needs to develop. It's going to take some patience from whichever team drafts him, but there's a good chance it will be worth the wait.