2015 NBA Draft: Results and Easy-to-View Grades for Both Rounds

The future of the NBA took center stage Thursday night, as basketball's most promising talent was drafted to play on the sport's grandest stage. The event was enthralling from start to finish, and that was highlighted by some unexpected early picks.

The debate over which big man—Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns—will have a better NBA career will rage on, but the argument over which would go first in the draft was settled, as the Minnesota Timberwolves selected the ex-Kentucky star with the No. 1 overall pick. So, that paved the way for Okafor to go No. 2 overall, right? Not so fast.

The Los Angeles Lakers opted for help in the backcourt and went with the electric D'Angelo Russell out of Ohio State instead. That led to a likely befuddled Philadelphia 76ers team grabbing Okafor at No. 3 overall and creating a logjam at the center position with Joel Embiid already in the fold.

The New York Knicks rounded out the top four by taking the quick-rising Kristaps Porzingis—much to the chagrin of the team's fans in attendance.

So, which teams came away with the best draft hauls and which fell flat? Here's a look at the complete two-round results, a list of overall grades and some insight into the night's better selections.

2015 NBA Draft Results

2015 NBA Draft Grades

Team	Grade
Atlanta Hawks	D
Boston Celtics	B-
Brooklyn Nets	B+
Charlotte Hornets	C-
Chicago Bulls	B
Cleveland Cavaliers	C-
Dallas Mavericks	B
Denver Nuggets	A
Detroit Pistons	D+
Golden State Warriors	B+
Houston Rockets	A-
Indiana Pacers	B
Los Angeles Clippers	N/A
Los Angeles Lakers	A
Memphis Grizzlies	C-
Miami Heat	A
Milwaukee Bucks	C
Minnesota Timberwolves	A
New Orleans Pelicans	B
New York Knicks	B+
Oklahoma City Thunder	A
Orlando Magic	B-
Philadelphia 76ers	B
Phoenix Suns	B+
Portland Trail Blazers	B-
Sacramento Kings	C+
San Antonio Spurs	B
Toronto Raptors	B
Utah Jazz	B
Washington Wizards	B-

Analyzing Best Picks

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky

Towns was the right choice for the Timberwolves at No. 1 overall. He's an NBA-ready big man who will fit right in with a young Minnesota team, and due to his vast skill set on both ends of the court, he could become a dominant player in a short period of time. Minnesota already has shooters in place to complement Towns, making the ex-Kentucky star even more of a valuable asset.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State

The Lakers made the right move by selecting Russell here. Sure, many didn't expect this pick due to the emergence of Jordan Clarkson in the team's backcourt, but Russell's presence doesn't mean Clarkson's time is numbered. The former Buckeye can play both positions and can still flourish off the ball. He's a great shooter, but he can also set up his teammates. These two could be a dynamic duo for years to come.

7. Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, DR Congo

It's tough not to love this pick at No. 7 overall. Emmanuel Mudiay is a highly intelligent player with good size (6'5") for a guard, great speed and physicality. He has great vision and makes quick decisions on the floor, setting up open teammates or driving to the rim on his own. He does need to improve his jump shot, but that shouldn't affect him much out of the gate if he's playing on the ball.

10. Miami Heat: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

This really may have been the steal of the first round. While Winslow stands at just 6'6", he's still a fantastic and versatile defender who is reliable against several positions. Winslow has an incredibly high motor and will always contribute with consistent strong efforts. He may just be 19 years of age, but he already has great leadership qualities and could develop into a team captain down the road.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State

Many analysts considered Cameron Payne a sleeper in this year's draft, but the Thunder didn't wait to pull the trigger on the Murray State standout. He's a natural point guard who has the ability to facilitate and set up teammates, but he possesses the versatility to play off the ball and score. His addition will allow Oklahoma City to move Russell Westbrook around and create some packages that are incredibly difficult to defend.