The Ideal Landing Spot for 2015 NBA Draft's Top Prospects

We've been hearing a lot of talk about how the top 2015 NBA draft targets would fit on each lottery team.

Let's change things up and look at it from the prospects' viewpoint. If you were in these youngsters' shoes, where would you want to land?

We dissected the skill set, experience and potential of each prospect and matched them with destinations that have ideal playing styles, personnel and coaching staffs for them.

Here are some of the factors we used to single out the players' best choices: 

• Will the team use the player substantially and enable him to flourish?
• Will it allow the prospect to develop at the right pace and in the right role?
• Will that role ensure short-term and long-term success?
• Does it have the optimal personnel to jell with the prospect?
• What is the team's playing and coaching style moving forward?

Where should your favorite draft stud hope to land?

Note: Not every lottery team is the best destination for any top prospect, and some teams will be used more than once.

Jonathan Wasserman's Mock Draft and Big Board

Take a look at how our top 10 compares to this top-10 list from B/R's draft expert Jonathan Wasserman. The top 10 in this article is based on collegiate production, transferable skills and overall draft value.

Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin PF/C: Utah Jazz

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Why Utah Is Ideal: Perfect personnel to complement his skills

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

Which late-lottery squad could give Frank Kaminsky a substantial offensive role, maximize his shooting prowess and cover his so-so defensive athleticism?

Several teams are in the running, but the one that is most exciting is the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz could use someone like him, and he needs a frontcourt like theirs to excel. With opponents paying so much attention to Gordon Hayward and the other bigs, Kaminsky will get some enticing shooting windows and mid-post touches.

No matter which post player he's paired with, whether it's center Rudy Gobert or power forward Derrick Favors, Kaminsky will streamline the offense.

When foes are too preoccupied with Gobert's dives to the rim on pick-and-rolls, Kaminsky will torch them on the weak side. And when Favors is drawing attention on the block, Kaminsky will cut for open looks or drift to sweet shooting spots.

He wasn't a bad defender at Wisconsin by any stretch, showing strong instincts and shot-blocking ability. But his below-the-rim athleticism and lack of foot speed may be exposed at the pro level. That's where Gobert comes in handy as an eraser; the Stifle Tower will handle the more strenuous defensive assignments.

Stanley Johnson, Arizona SF: Miami Heat

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Why Miami Is Ideal: Great developmental environment

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

Whether Luol Deng opts in for 2015-16 or not, Stanley Johnson could settle in splendidly as the Miami Heat's small forward of the future. He shouldn't be disappointed to fall to No. 10 because Pat Riley and Co. would provide a great home for him.

While no one can replace the canyon-sized void left by LeBron James, Johnson can help give the team some of the two-way power and assertiveness it's lacked since the King departed.

During Johnson's early years, he can share the swingman offensive workload with Dwyane Wade. And as Wade's role and presence wanes down the road, Johnson will be ready for more touches and responsibility.

Johnson's role-man versatility would blossom next to polished stars like Wade and Chris Bosh. He can serve as an off-ball threat while Wade attacks off the bounce, and when he's the primary ball-handler, he'll create efficiently for Miami's bigs.

Johnson averaged 2.3 assists per 40 minutes in a part-time facilitating role at Arizona, but that was with good-but-not-great targets like Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski. Imagine what he could do when gifted with Bosh and Hassan Whiteside.

Justise Winslow, Duke SF: Denver Nuggets

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Why Denver Is Ideal: Would be valued on both ends by Mike Malone

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

Before we dive into Justise Winslow's fit with the Denver Nuggets, let's be clear: He'd fit well on pretty much any lottery team. He plays with rangy athleticism from north to south and east to west, and he's a high-upside role player with a safe basement.

Denver would be a great fit because he'd be implemented as a defensive role player initially, and he could quickly develop into an oft-used scoring weapon.

New head coach Mike Malone said he's intent on using a stingy defense to ignite an aggressive transition offense, and that style plays right into Winslow's hands.

"I want to be like (the Nuggets '08-09 season)," Malone told Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. "Not because that was the only team to get out of the first round, but because they defended at a high level, which made the offense that much easier."

Winslow would be a phenomenal catalyst for this approach, and his end-to-end exploits in the NCAA tournament only scratched the surface of his long-term versatility. As he improves his ball-handling skills and defensive fundamentals, he could turn into a second or third scoring option and an elite defender.

Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky C: Sacramento Kings

Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Why Sacramento Is Ideal: He'd fill a key defensive role and won't be asked to do a ton offensively

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

This was a tough choice between the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings.

If you're Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein, would you want to play with Carmelo Anthony or DeMarcus Cousins? Would you want to play for Derek Fisher or George Karl?

Ultimately, we decided on Sac-Town because he can flourish more in Karl's open-floor style and has a younger set of stars around him. Cauley-Stein will be valued as an interchangeable defender who can take on the toughest frontcourt assignments, while Cousins could do the bulk of creating on offense.

Cauley-Stein's offensive game and upside are probably a little better than Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan's (his two widespread comparisons). However, he would be better off in a limited role early in his career, simply converting put-backs and pick-and-roll lobs.

At his recent workout in Sacramento, he wanted to show his strengths fit the Kings' style.

"Being able to run the pick and roll...and show the versatility, and the leaping ability, the finishing, the hands, the footwork, the speed and everything, it plays right into what the Kings do," he told reporters.

In the Western Conference's up-and-down tempo, WCS would enjoy playing hard and giving Karl energy on both ends of the floor. 

Mario Hezonja, Croatia SG/SF: Detroit Pistons

Why Detroit Is Ideal: Stan Van Gundy will maximize his talent alongside Andre Drummond and Brandon Jennings

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

Mario Hezonja is a dangerous three-point shooter with terrific size (6'8"), and he also has the ability to besiege the basket off the bounce with his athleticism.

The mid-lottery team that can maximize those traits the best is the Detroit Pistons. Stan Van Gundy proved during his Orlando Magic days that he can create a mutually beneficial system for his big man and shooters. With Dwight Howard in the middle, Van Gundy turned guys like Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Courtney Lee into dangerous weapons.

The same could happen for Hezonja, with Drummond serving as Motown's version of Howard.

Teams that pay too much attention to Jennings and Drummond on pick-and-rolls will get burned by Hezonja's perimeter prowess. The Croatian has notched 16 multi-triple games despite averaging just 15 minutes per contest.

Hezonja could also have some fun running the pick-and-roll himself. He's shown some potential in this area during his time with Barcelona, and attacking with a behemoth like Drummond would be electrifying.

Clubs like the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets would give him good opportunities, but no coach and teammate structure is set up for him better than Detroit's.

Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia PF/C: Minnesota Timberwolves

Why Minnesota Is Ideal: Modest role, good schematic fit

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate

If the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis, there would be a notable level of pressure for him to succeed.

However, the club wouldn't demand him to single-handedly carry it back to the playoffs. Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio are there to take a huge chunk of that burden off him.

Porzingis would be licking his chops at the chance to run the break with Wiggins and Rubio. The Canadian star would draw attention away from him, and the Spanish floor general will put him in some favorable positions to score.

Minnesota needs someone who can play above the rim and block shots, as well as a big man who can space the floor. Porzingis could eventually fill all of those needs, so the T-Wolves would give him plenty of playing time to grow as a two-way big man. Kevin Garnett will also likely be around to help show the 7'1" teenager how to battle in the jungle that is the NBA frontcourt.

If you think this partnership is impossible, think again. Bleacher Report's Rich Bucher spoke with Flip Saunders about the European stud: "Porzingis clearly impressed him. At one point, Flip said to me, 'If I really had guts, I'd take that kid as the No. 1 pick. Question is, do I have the guts?'"

If Saunders does have the gumption to pull the trigger, Porzingis should be thrilled. Minny is a great fit when it comes to his role, level of pressure and teammates.

Emmanuel Mudiay, China PG: Sacramento Kings

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Why Sacramento Is Ideal: Compatible system with star-level targets in Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate

Darren Collison is the current floor general for the Sacramento Kings, but that shouldn't deter Emmanuel Mudiay from wanting to play there. George Karl and Co. would use Collison to help groom the raw youngster, and he'd quickly become the club's point guard of the future.

Mudiay would enjoy himself enough at the helm of the New York Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers, but who wouldn't want to pair up with Boogie Cousins for the next five years?

The big fella and Rudy Gay offer Mudiay terrific targets to collaborate with offensively.

In pick-and-roll sequences or pinch-post action, the speedy playmaker will do serious damage with receivers of their pedigree. He's a nightmare to guard when he's in attack mode, and he'll either slice all the way to the rim or connect with Boogie or Gay.

"Mudiay would represent a perfect fit in Karl's system as a pick-and-roll heavy guard that can get into the lane whenever he wants," said CBSSports.com's Sam Vecenie.

For the first portion of Mudiay's rookie year, Collison can take some of the pressure off him and teach him the finer points of the game—that is, unless the veteran is traded. Once Mudiay gets a feel for competing against NBA guards, he could have a blast playing with Sac-town's stars in Karl's system.

D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State PG: Philadelphia 76ers

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Why Philadelphia Is Ideal: He'll have creative freedom in an up-tempo style

Likelihood of This Pairing: Moderate to strong

Ohio State prodigy D'Angelo Russell has poise and vision miles beyond most one-and-done guards. He'd embrace and thrive in a situation that gave him freedom and lots of open-floor opportunities.

Russell would do just fine with the New York Knicks, but they have a deliberate, half-court system with the triangle. The Los Angeles Lakers would be OK, but he'd have to share the ball with other talented playmakers like Kobe Bryant and Jordan Clarkson. And both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic have their point guards in place.

The Philadelphia 76ers are the top-five lottery squad that will really let him get out and run.

Brett Brown has directed a fast-paced offensive style since taking over in 2013, and the Sixers averaged about 95.7 possessions per 48 minutes in 2014-15 (sixth highest in the NBA).

This kind of up-tempo play would suit Russell superbly. He loves to push the ball and find easy transition opportunities for teammates, and he's more than confident enough to take the reins of Philly's offense.

If Joel Embiid's foot ever heals and Dario Saric comes stateside, Russell could have some fun teammates to work with. Until then, he'll run-and-gun with raw up-and-comers Nerlens Noel and Jerami Grant.

Jahlil Okafor, Duke C: Los Angeles Lakers

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Why Los Angeles Is Ideal: Good table-setters for him; can transition to stardom

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

Back in April, we tabbed the Los Angeles Lakers as Jahlil Okafor's best top-five fit. At the time, it didn't look like a probable destination for him. But L.A. got a lucky bounce in the lottery and landed the No. 2 selection, putting it in a position to make this marriage a reality.

Is this the absolute perfect pairing for the Duke star? Maybe not, but it's his best bet compared to the other clubs picking toward the top of the draft.

Okafor will immediately get scoring opportunities and production in the post, which is what he'll want. But unlike some of the other top-five teams like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers have some playmakers who can get him the ball.

Sure, Okafor will surrender the spotlight to Kobe Bryant in the short term, but you can bet the Black Mamba and Jordan Clarkson will get him the rock. After all, L.A. wants to improve its paint presence after landing 24th in points in the paint last season (per Fox Sports). During L.A.'s Horns and triangle sets, he'll get some prime chances to score.

The concerns about him meshing with Julius Randle are a bit overblown. Randle is quick enough to guard most 4s, and both are skilled enough to collaborate smoothly on offense.

From the Lakers' perspective, one scout said Randle's presence wouldn't be a problem, per Grantland's Ryen Russillo, "I don't think Julius Randle has any impact on the decision."

Los Angeles has been a splendid home for many championship-caliber centers in the past. If Okafor puts in the work, Tinseltown could work wonders for him as well.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky C: Minnesota Timberwolves

Pete Schwadel / Bleacher Report Media

Why Minnesota Is Ideal: He's the frontcourt star the Wolves need; can play off Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio

Likelihood of This Pairing: Strong

Karl-Anthony Towns is lucky because the best team for him is the one that's likely to pick him No. 1 overall.

On the Minnesota Timberwolves, he'd be the main man in the paint without having too much overall pressure. Even though Towns will be the top pick in the draft, he won't have to save the franchise all by himself.

Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio would be magnificent running mates. Rubio will find high-percentage scoring opportunities for Towns in transition and the pick-and-roll, and Wiggins' offensive role will take some pressure off the young Wildcat.

Like most teams with a high-level playmaker, Minnesota likes to run plenty of high ball screens for Rubio. In these scenarios, Towns can play several different spots. He can be the screener and dive or pop, spot up on the weak side as a shooting target or play along the baseline and cut to the rim for dump-offs.

The point is that these three stars can coexist nicely, and the presence of Rubio and Wiggins won't stifle Towns' development. Flip Saunders needs his interior defense and inside-out scoring flexibility, so he won't have to worry about not getting touches.

If Kevin Garnett continues to stay involved with the team, Towns would get some of the best instruction on how to grow as a frontcourt player. What young big man wouldn't want that?

Dan O'Brien covers the NBA draft for Bleacher Report.

Follow him on Twitter, @DanielO_BR