2015 NBA Mock Draft: Breakdown of Top PF Prospects and 1st-Round Predictions
While every team wants to upgrade through the NBA draft, choosing the right players at each position is a difficult task.
Even when an organization has an idea of where it needs help, there are always a number of top options at each spot. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the 2015 class of power forwards, which features a number of closely rated players across the board.
With different scouts providing different information about the talent and potential of each prospect, these players could be selected in just about any order.
Along with predictions for the entire first round, here is a deeper look at the top power forwards available in the draft.
| 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 | Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers | Myles Turner, C, Texas |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (via Nets) | Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas |
| 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 | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 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 Power Forwards to Watch
Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia
Fans who watch college basketball are well aware of the talents of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor. However, Kristaps Porzingis remains a bit of a mystery for those who haven't watched him play.
The good news is NBA scouts have seen plenty of him, and many are expecting big things from the skilled 7'1" big man. The Latvian forward has a wide offensive skill set and more athleticism than we usually see from European prospects.
ESPN's Ryen Russillo reports Porzingis has plenty of fans across front offices:
ESPN's Fran Fraschilla also thinks highly of both him and Mario Hezonja:
While team need and other factors will likely push both players a bit lower, Porzingis clearly has as high of a ceiling as anyone in this class.
Bobby Portis, Arkansas
If you are looking for college production, Bobby Portis certainly provided it with 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season. While he showed the ability to score both inside and out at times for the Razorbacks, his best attribute in college was his motor.
Portis is as consistent as they come thanks to his ability to always be around the ball. He runs the floor well and knows how to finish inside. This could help him have the most productive rookie year of all the power forwards in this class.
Even if he doesn't become a star, he should have a long career providing depth to any rotation.
Trey Lyles, Kentucky
Playing on a loaded Kentucky team last season, Trey Lyles often struggled to truly show what he can do. On the plus side, he did show plenty of bright spots throughout the year that make teams believe he can be a productive NBA player.
The 6'10" big man is athletic and strong enough to score inside while also possessing a nice jump shot that can get better in time. His pure talent could make him shoot up draft boards this summer, per CBS Sports:
Even if this is unlikely, a team could get some great value in the middle of the first round.
Kevon Looney, UCLA
Although he didn't get the press of fellow freshmen like Okafor or D'Angelo Russell, Kevon Looney had an outstanding season at UCLA, finishing with averages of 11.6 points and 9.2 rebounds as well as 15 double-doubles.
Despite this production, the 6'9" power forward still felt he was limited in his only collegiate season.
"At UCLA, I don’t think I showed everything I can do," Looney told Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. "I just showed what I can do inside. I have a lot of potential. I think I have a lot of talent. I’ll be able to help coming in. In the future, I’ll be able to be a great player."
His 41.5 percent mark from three-point range (22-of-53) is certainly encouraging, but even if he doesn't become an elite scorer, he should remain a top rebounder in the NBA.
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
A lack of size could cause a decent slide, as Montrezl Harrell measured only 6'7 ½" in shoes at the NBA combine. Without a legitimate jump shot or the lateral quickness to play wing, he will have no options besides being an undersized 4 in the NBA.
On the plus side, he can still contribute thanks to a 7'4" wingspan and as much strength (253 lbs) as just about anyone else in this draft. He is intimidating on the court and usually takes out all his anger on the rims with ferocious dunks.
Versatility will be a problem, but Harrell will bring energy off the bench throughout his career and should provide nice depth for a contending squad.
Christian Wood, UNLV
The words "potential" and "upside" are thrown around a lot during the predraft process, but that is exactly how you describe Christian Wood. He has the length (6'11"), athleticism and ability to potentially be a top contributor in the NBA, but he is still a long way from making an impact.
This is something even Wood understands, as told to Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders:
"Yes, I know I’m based off potential. But I think I can produce at the next level and that’s why I made the decision to come up.
I feel like I have to get stronger. Especially at the next level, there are guys that [will be tougher]. If DeAndre Jordan was guarding me, how am I going to back DeAndre Jordan down in the post? You know? He’s a big guy. So that’s one thing I need to work on.
"
A team like the San Antonio Spurs is deep enough that it can wait for Wood to reach his potential, but opponents should watch out if he ever gets there.
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