NBA Mock Draft 2015: Predictions for Likeliest Moves for Each Team in 1st Round
In the court of public opinion, endless possibilities rest ahead at the 2015 NBA draft.
From an outsider's perspective, Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor could come off the board first, Kristaps Porzingis might be the craziest late riser in history or an afterthought, and Devin Booker may personify the league's desire for shooting—or fall right out of the lottery.
The thing is, only the NBA knows what's really what, and there are droves of smokescreens flying around so teams can outsmart the rest of the Association.
Below, let's take a look at a mock based on team need and prospect value, then look at three of the likeliest moves to go down on draft day.
2015 NBA 1st-Round Mock Draft
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Karl-Anthony Towns, PF, Kentucky |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China |
| 4 | New York Knicks | D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State |
| 5 | Orlando Magic | Justise Winslow, SF, Duke |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings | Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets | Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets | Cameron Payne, SG, Murray State |
| 10 | Miami Heat | Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers | Frank Kaminsky, PF, Wisconsin |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns | Myles Turner, C/PF, Texas |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Kelly Oubre, SG, Kansas |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn Nets) | Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (from New Orleans Pelicans) | Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky |
| 19 | Washington Wizards | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors | Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks | Tyus Jones, PG, Duke |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls | Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies | Richaun Holmes, PF, Bowling Green |
| 26 | San Antonio Spurs | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston Rockets) | R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers) | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta Hawks) | Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Christian Wood, PF, UNLV |
Notable Likely Moves
No. 4: New York Knicks
The Pick: D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State
The New York Knicks were the big losers of the draft process, landing at No. 4, remember?
While president Phil Jackson would enjoy a higher pick to increase the team's rebuilding options, there's nothing wrong with sticking at four and taking a solid player who can contribute right away and continue to develop.
Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell fits the bill after averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 boards and 5.0 assists per game as a freshman.
Even better, Jackson sees a clear fit for Russell in the Big Apple, as ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley captures:
From an offensive standpoint, there isn't a better guard in the draft. Russell can shoot all over the court, create for himself off the ball or score off the dribble.
While a player who can better get Carmelo Anthony involved might seem obvious at No. 4, it doesn't hurt the Knicks to grab another scoring option. Look for Jackson to pull the trigger if the best big men come off the board.
No. 8: Detroit Pistons
The Pick: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
Say hello to the hottest name when it comes to draft risers.
Porzingis is an impressive talent, to say the least. He's 6'11" and 220 pounds, but he continues to wow scouts in recent workouts after his arrival in the States thanks to his ability to shoot well from all ranges.
The Latvia native isn't a sure thing, but the Detroit Pistons seemed to have a serious interest a while ago, as Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops.com illustrated:
Porzingis won't blow anyone away with his ability to rebound or protect the rim, two things he didn't do much of overseas, but it's not a thing the Pistons will take into major account when pulling the trigger.
When it comes right down to it, the Pistons could use a complement to Andre Drummond in the paint and figure to need a replacement for Greg Monroe.
This pick accomplishes both things for the Pistons, as the offense gets quite a bit more versatile with Porzingis down low and able to stretch defenses. Given the value, it's hard to see how Detroit takes a pass.
No. 14: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Pick: Kelly Oubre, SG, Kansas
Here's one of the most predictable things of the draft most pegged before the season ended—the Oklahoma City Thunder will take a shooter with a solid shooting stroke to round out the offense.
Despite the rises of Booker, Cameron Payne and others, the team can still hit the need in quality fashion with someone such as Kelly Oubre out of Kansas.
Standing at 6'7" and 203 pounds, Oubre posted averages of 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals last season. As ESPN.com's Chad Ford points out, he seems to personify the word "upside" in this class:
"Oubre may have more upside than any other wing in the draft. After a strong performance at the Nike Hoop Summit and big moments in front of scouts at the LeBron James Skills Academy and Adidas Nations, Oubre began the season ranked at No. 5 on my Big Board -- the highest of any wing in the draft. He's the tallest of the four elite wings in the draft, has the longest wingspan, is the best or nearly the best athlete and he's a lefty to boot.
"
Even better for the Thunder, a team which could use an upgrade on Dion Waiters and others next to Kevin Durant, Oubre's elite athleticism and high on-court I.Q. mean he's a viable pro defender right out of the gates.
Upside isn't a bad thing in a prospect for the Thunder. This is especially the case with a player who seems ready to unlock his potential sooner rather than later. Playing on an offense with Durant and Russell Westbrook seems a good way to jump start the process.
Expect the Thunder to concur and pull the trigger.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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