2015 NBA Mock Draft: Breakdown of Top PG Prospects and 1st-Round Predictions
One tough part of the NBA draft is even if you identify a position of need there are a number of top options at each spot. For those looking for point guards, there could be some tough decisions in the first round.
Each of the potential first-round picks brings something different to the table even if all of them are considered point guards. None of them is a guaranteed star, but each has a lot to contribute to an NBA team.
The challenge will simply be for the teams on the clock to pick the right one. Here is a full look at predictions for the first round of the 2015 NBA draft and a breakdown of the top point guards in the class.
| 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, China |
| 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 | Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia |
| 10 | Miami Heat | Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers | Myles Turner, C, Texas |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns | Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (via Nets) | Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (via Pelicans) | Tyus Jones, PG, Duke |
| 19 | Washington Wizards | Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks | Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls | Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies | Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV |
| 26 | San Antonio Spurs | Christian Wood, PF, UNLV |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (via Rockets) | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (via Clippers) | Robert Upshaw, C, Washington |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (via Hawks) | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | J.P. Tokoto, SG, North Carolina |
Top Point Guards
D'Angelo Russell vs. Emmanuel Mudiay
For those who watched college basketball this season, this probably seems like an easy decision. D'Angelo Russell was simply the best guard in the country, averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and five assists per game.
He is already a polished offensive player with the talent to score in a number of ways while also showcasing the ability to find teammates all over the floor. His versatility to play either guard position also makes him a valuable commodity for NBA teams.
Zach Harper of CBS Sports thinks highly of the former Ohio State star:
However, it's also important not to count out the ability of Emmanuel Mudiay. While he was out of the spotlight playing in China this past season, he is strong and more athletic than Russell, with the ability to drive and finish at the rim almost at will.
Although there are some questions about his outside shot, Mudiay uses his quickness to provide his own looks closer to the basket. This aspect could also help him become a better defender than Russell.
It makes sense for a team choosing between either player (like the Philadelphia 76ers) to choose Russell as a safer option, as he has better all-around ability at the moment. Still, Mudiay has an incredibly high ceiling, and the New York Knicks would be crazy to pass on him at No. 4.
Jerian Grant vs. Tyus Jones
There are a lot of differences between these two players, but a major one teams won't be able to ignore is age. Jerian Grant is already 22 years old and will be 23 in October, while Tyus Jones only recently turned 19 years old.
In most cases, organizations will choose the younger option, as it implies there is more upside and room for improvement. The problem is Jones doesn't have the high ceiling normally seen in a one-and-done college player.
Jones is a quality pure point guard who knows how to run a team. He isn't incredibly athletic, but he always seems to be in great control with the composure to make the right decision on the floor. This will be a valuable commodity for a squad looking for immediate help, although it's tough to expect him to get much better with age.
On the other hand, Grant appears better suited for the NBA, with the skill to not only set up teammates, but also drive and finish at or above the rim. ESPN draft expert Fran Fraschilla highlighted what the senior did well this past year:
"He proved to be terrific with the ball in his hands in the Irish's high-powered offense this season. He is an excellent passer with great vision and, at 6-foot-5, has the size to see over defensive schemes. Few college guards can drive it into a defensive coverage and find an open teammate on the opposite side of the court. Plus, he has the size to create his own shot effectively in the mid-range game.
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Although he wasn't quite 6'5" at the combine, he was still three inches taller than Jones without shoes, per NBA.com.
Both players deserve for a team to take them early, as they could become immediate contributors to any rotation as rookies. However, Grant's size and superior athleticism will help him make a bigger impact in the NBA.
Cameron Payne vs. Terry Rozier
While he didn't play for a big school, Cameron Payne has all the tools necessary to make the big leap to the NBA. He showed at Murray State he can be a floor general who gets his teammates involved while also being able to take over offensively when needed.
This is one of the reasons he was quick to answer when asked which fellow point guard he should be ahead of on draft boards, per Yannis Koutroupis of Basketball Insiders:
"Tyus Jones. Just because he played on a great team. He had a lot of exposure through that team. He didn’t have to carry his team like I did, so I just felt I went through a lot of adversity and he had one of the best big men playing college basketball around him. He wasn’t a focal point.
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The fact Jones has proved himself on a bigger stage makes him more appealing to NBA teams, but Payne has a great point. With better help around him, the guard should truly reach his potential.
Conversely, a team likely won't take Terry Rozier on his upside. His lack of size (6'1") and poor shooting (just 30.6 percent from three-point range this past season) mean he is unlikely to ever be a starter at the next level.
Still, Rozier can provide plenty to an NBA team with his quickness and work as an on-ball defender. His role in a rotation could allow him to stick in the league for a long time even if he doesn't improve in other areas.
Payne would be a better selection for those looking for a possible future starting point guard, while Rozier is someone who can help quickly.
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