NBA Draft 2015: Schedule, Live Stream, TV Coverage and 1st-Round Predictions
The NBA offseason is about to kick into full gear. Free agency begins July 1, but before that, the draft takes place Thursday night. In some years, there is a consensus No. 1 pick but not this time. It seems as if the Kentucky Wildcats' Karl-Anthony Towns will be taken first by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but no one can say he knows for sure just yet.
It shouldn't take long once the broadcast begins to have the top pick announced. Here's how you can watch, along with some predictions for the first round.
When: Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Predictions for First Round
Towns Goes No. 1
Despite a report from Adam Zagoria of Zags' Blog stating the opposite, Towns claims he doesn't have a promise from Minnesota that he'll be the No. 1 pick. Towns told Nina Mandell from USA Today's For The Win that he's still sweating out the big day.
"It’s not true whatsoever. I haven’t had any promises," Towns said. "Believe me, if I had any promises, I would right now be getting fat and eating a large ice cream. But right now I’m still just trying to find out what team I’ll play for and I’m still stressed out waiting for Thursday to come about."
Towns may not have received a formal promise, but all signs seem to be pointed in that direction. Kids are placed in tough situations when posed with these questions. Perhaps he was given strong indication that Minny would select him, but that little amount of wiggle room was maintained.
In any case, expect to see the talented 19-year-old taken first.
Okafor Goes No. 2
If I were making the pick, I'd take Okafor No. 1. While he has some perceived defensive deficiencies, his ability to draw a double-team and score on the block is one of the rarest skills in the sport. In the midst of a more wide-open style of the game, many are forgetting that.
The primary reason is because it's been a while since a player like Okafor has come along.
The Los Angeles Lakers haven't forgotten that big men still hold major value in the league. Every championship the team has ever won has included a dominant player in the post. Look for the Lakers to make Okafor the next big man in the long tradition.
Russell Goes No. 3
D'Angelo Russell is the player with the most superstar potential in the draft. His ability to score off the dribble, shoot the three with great accuracy and create for his teammates is just part of the package.
Russell is also supremely confident. He has the "it" factor that you want your team's alpha dog to possess. If there's a tough shot that needs to be taken, Russell will take it, and he'll believe in his heart it is going down.
The Philadelphia 76ers need a capable and talented leader of that ilk as a cornerstone for their rebuilding efforts. Philly will take things to the next level by selecting Russell. It'll flirt with the eighth playoff spot next season with Russell and an improved Nerlens Noel.
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