Mock NBA Draft 2015: Order and Projections for All 1st-Round Prospects
Pinpointing where first-round prospects will land in tonight's NBA draft isn't the easiest exercise, but with mere hours remaining before commissioner Adam Silver steps to the podium, we're starting to gain clarity regarding a few noteworthy names.
In this case, we're talking about Wooden Award winner Frank Kaminsky finding a home in the lottery, international man of mystery Kristaps Porzingis making overtures in an attempt to join a big-market power and Duke point guard Tyus Jones joining an established title contender.
Mock draft season may be coming to a close, but we've got one final look at how Thursday night may shake out before things get underway.
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State |
| 4 | New York Knicks | Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia |
| 5 | Orlando Magic | Justise Winslow, SF, Duke |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings | Mario Hezonja, SF, Croatia |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets | Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets | Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin |
| 10 | Miami Heat | Myles Turner, C, Texas |
| 11 | Indiana Pacers | Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky |
| 12 | Utah Jazz | Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky |
| 13 | Phoenix Suns | Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky |
| 14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State |
| 15 | Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn) | Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State |
| 17 | Milwaukee Bucks | Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas |
| 18 | Houston Rockets (via New Orleans) | Tyus Jones, PG, Duke |
| 19 | Washington Wizards | Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame |
| 20 | Toronto Raptors | Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas |
| 21 | Dallas Mavericks | Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV |
| 22 | Chicago Bulls | Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Delon Wright, PG, Utah |
| 25 | Memphis Grizzlies | Kevon Looney, PF UCLA |
| 26 | San Antonio Spurs | Jarell Martin, PF, LSU |
| 27 | Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston) | Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia |
| 28 | Boston Celtics (via L.A. Clippers) | Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky |
| 29 | Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta) | Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville |
| 30 | Golden State Warriors | Jordan Mickey, PF/C, LSU |
Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
It remains to be seen if the New York Knicks love Porzingis, but the 19-year-old Latvian sharpshooter wasn't shy when asked about his feelings toward the Madison Square Garden residents, according to ESPN's Andy Katz:
With hours to go, the Knicks still aren't tipping their hand. However, Knicks president of basketball operations Phil Jackson did indicate the team has zeroed in on a select few prospects.
"I think there were maybe about six guys for our particular pick that were chosen by them and I think we’ve narrowed it down to three," Jackson said on MSG Network Wednesday, according to ESPN New York's Ian Begley. "So we’re pretty content that we have a good idea of what’s going to come our way and what will be good."
If Porzingis is on that list, he could be a seamless fit in New York's frontcourt. With Carmelo Anthony slotted in at the 3, Porzingis could help stretch the floor at the 4 and diversify the Knicks' offerings with his three-point stroke.
"The kid can flat-out shoot," a Western Conference executive said, according to the New York Post's Fred Kerber. "Now he's really, really thin, but he’s athletic. A 7-footer who can step out and hit 3s is something."
The Knicks have needs at virtually every position, so if Porzingis is the best player available on New York's board when it's on the clock, he should be considered heavily by Jackson and the front office.
Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin
In the run up to the draft, Kaminsky has been projected to land anywhere from the Knicks at No. 4 to the Utah Jazz at No. 12.
But now, a clear-cut favorite has emerged following a series of trades.
While Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski originally reported the Charlotte Hornets were interested in moving Cody Zeller to clear a spot at power forward for Kaminsky, the team opened that slot up in a different way just hours later.
According to Portland Trail Blazers PR on Twitter, the Hornets officially dealt 2014 No. 9 overall pick Noah Vonleh and shooting guard Gerald Henderson to the Blazers in exchange for swingman Nicolas Batum.
So not only did Charlotte solidify its wing depth by adding the Frenchman, but it now has the freedom to draft a stretch big like Kaminsky if he's still available at No. 9, according to Katz and ESPN.com's Chad Ford:
Center Al Jefferson is one of the NBA's few true back-to-the-basket bigs, so supplementing his low-block stylings with some outside jumpers from a 7-footer like Kaminsky could change the complexion of Charlotte's offense.
With the Hornets in need of more shooters, added operating room for Jefferson and Kemba Walker and bigs who can slot in at multiple positions, Kaminsky has the makings of a logical addition in the Queen City.
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke
Jones ranks No. 7 overall among the 20 point guards in this year's class graded by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, but a Western Conference finalist may have its eyes on the 6'1'' floor general.
"If the Rockets keep the 18th pick, look for them to select a point guard, with Duke's Tyus Jones at the top of their list, sources said," according to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger.
That's a team looking to fill a pressing need.
Last season, Houston Rockets point guards ranked last in scoring (14.8 points per game) and assists (5.1) while shooting 39.3 percent from the field, according to HoopsStats.com.
Considering the Rockets' second-best ball-handler was power forward Josh Smith, adding a point guard should be of utmost importance for general manager Daryl Morey. And with defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley set to become a restricted free agent, Houston can't afford to pass up a player like Jones if he's still available after the lottery.
"He's an excellent passer and decision-maker out of pick-and-rolls and has flashed terrific vision in the open floor. His 5.1 pure point rating also ranked No. 16 in the country, per RealGM.com," Wasserman wrote.
Jones doesn't have elite physical tools like Emmanuel Mudiay or handles like D'Angelo Russell, but he still has plenty of room to grow after playing just one season in Durham.
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