The 2015 NBA Draft Thread: Draft Day Is Here

[jjs07]

@SportsCenter: THIS JUST IN: Duke freshman Tyus Jones to enter 2015 NBA Draft. He averaged 11.8 Pts & 5.6 Ast per game this season. http://t.co/93QvuBijO3

Smart move. His stock will never be higher.

If the Wizards can't get a stretch 4, and if Sato shows no interest in coming to the NBA from Europe, I'd love for them to target Jones in the late-teens/early 20's.

 

[ballinsam23]

tyus is a very smart PG, he has a place in the league

 

[pmatic]

Now was the time to go. Career backup, I imagine.

Tyus Jones boasts first-round talent

WARP Projection: 2.6 (5th among players in top 100)
Comparables: Jordan Farmar (92.3), Jrue Holiday (92.1), Brandon Knight (91.9), Russell Westbrook (90.
Strengths: Shooting, Assist%, PF%
Weaknesses: Usage, 2P%

The analytics perspective

Tyus Jones has rated well by my statistics all season, even when scouts expected him to return for his sophomore year. Polished beyond his years as a playmaker, Jones posted an assist-to-turnover ratio near 3-to-1. He was an efficient scorer by virtue of 37.9 percent 3-point shooting and attempting more than four free throws per game, which he hit at an 88.9 percent clip.

There are some negatives in Jones' numbers. He's a below-average rebounder, and most star point guards excel on the glass in college. Jones also made just 44.0 percent of his 2-point attempts, which could become a real problem against NBA shot-blockers. Still, there's a strong statistical case that Jones should be the third-ranked point guard in the draft after D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay.

-- Kevin Pelton

The scouting perspective

If not for the focus on his fellow freshman teammates Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones could have been a first-team All-American. Instead, he settled for being the starting point guard on the national championship team.

The 6-foot-1 Jones, who won a Minnesota State 4A title in high school and three FIBA Gold medals as part of USA Basketball, is the ultimate winner with a nearly complete college point guard package. In fact, the word best used to describe him is "poised."

Playing as a freshman at Duke is challenging enough because of the bulls-eye that the Blue Devils play with versus every opponent on the schedule. But while being a freshman point guard for Mike Krzyzewski comes with its own set of challenges, it's clear he met, and probably exceeded, his coach's high standards.

Jones, in fact, was at his best in Duke's biggest games this season. In games involving ranked and NCAA tournament opponents, he averaged 15.5 points on 47 percent shooting and 42 percent from behind the arc. And he passed for 74 assists in those games vs. only 24 turnovers. Jones' 23 points in the national championship game versus Wisconsin earned him the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player Award.

The first thing that jumps out about Jones' game is his great vision and pinpoint passing ability. He makes long "lay it out front" passes in transition effortlessly. In the half-court, he moves the ball instinctively to the correct teammate without it sticking in his hands.

When I watch point guards on tape, I always like to rewind the play a couple of times to see what the player is "seeing" when he begins to make a play. I try to notice the point on the tape that he realizes his teammate is open. This is where Jones excels because he is always thinking one move ahead of the defense.

Although not blessed with extraordinary quickness, Jones knows how to change speeds to keep defenders at bay. His ability to go from slow to fast allows him to beat defenders to the lane off the dribble.

Although Jones is involved in the pick-and-roll on only 18 percent of his offensive possessions, he is in the top 2 percent of efficiency in college basketball, according to Synergy.

And Jones improved his shooting at the rim as the season progressed, making 55.6 percent of those shots. He showed a proficient "floater game" because he has a good shooting touch and possesses good body balance. This is a must for a point guard that is Jones' size.

Jones proved this season to be a better than outside shooter. He shot 38 percent from the 3-point line. As impressively is that his combination of poise and shooting ability make him seemingly impervious to pressure.

There are areas where Jones can certainly improve. He is not an explosive athlete so, versus top-level defenders, he does not get into the lane as easily off the dribble without the use of ball screens.

And that same lack of elite foot speed challenges him as a defender. Numerous times this season he has struggled to keep the ball in front of him. And while he not Duke's only culprit in that area, it is a reason why Krzyzewski has utilized a zone more this season than in any year I can remember.

This lack of elite athleticism will be problematic at the NBA level if Jones cannot compensate. Given that his stock is at its highest and he is unlikely to get any if he stays at Duke for his sophomore year, I understand why he is entering the draft now.

In Jones' favor are his age and potential for physical maturity as Jones does not turn 19 years old until May. Combine that with all of the outstanding qualities he possesses at the moment and he is going to be drafted in the first round.

-- Fran Fraschilla

The front-office perspective

Jones was the top-rated point guard in the high school class of 2014, and he played like it all season at Duke. His uncanny floor vision, leadership and improved jumper all lead to him becoming the MVP of the national title game.

However, NBA scouts have never been crazy about Jones as a NBA prospect. Despite the high-level basketball IQ and leadership, his lack of elite size, length or explosive athletic ability all lower his ceiling tremendously. If he was two to three inches taller or longer, or if he was a faster or more explosive athlete, he'd be a top 5 pick in this draft. But given those physical limitations, teams are struggling to get too excited about him.

"I want to love him," one GM said. "He's really, really good. His feel for the game is tremendous and now that his jump shot is falling, he's very difficult to guard. I'm just worried that given the size of so many elite point guards in our league and how great so many of them are athletically, whether he can keep up on either end of the floor. That was my concern last year with Tyler Ennis and he was bigger and more athletic. I just don't know when you take him."

The scouts I spoke with varied widely on Jones. A few considered him a late lottery pick. Most had him in the 17-to-25 range.

-- Chad Ford

 

[dacomeup]

Damn, is Ennis really more athletic than Jones? That's not good. I'd say that Jones feel for the position is better for sure. Agree on the career backup prediction. I like him much more than Ennis and I felt like Ennis was getting more hype.

 

[pmatic]

Bobby Portis a 'jack of all trades'

WARP Projection: 2.2 (12th among players in the top 100)
Comparables: Terrence Jones (96.7), LaMarcus Aldridge (96.6), Anthony Bennett (95.7), Brandon Bass (95.6)
Strengths: Shooting, TO%, PF%
Weaknesses: FTA%

The analytics perspective

After a promising freshman season that put him fourth among returning prospects in my preseason draft projections, Portis made the most of his decision to stay for a second season in Fayetteville, taking a solid step forward. Per Sports-Reference.com, mid-major star Cameron Payne was the only sophomore with a better player efficiency rating than Portis this season.

Portis' most similar players are defined by their combination of size, athleticism and shooting ability. While he wasn't much of a college 3-point threat (he attempted 30 triples in 2014-15, making 14 of them), Portis' 73.7 percent free throw shooting suggests he'll become a reliable midrange shooter and maybe more. When he wasn't stretching the four, Portis was causing problems for opponents on the offensive glass. And his hidden skills include low rates of both fouls (2.9 per 40 minutes) and turnovers (2.1), indicating mistake-free play.

-- Kevin Pelton

The scouting perspective

Portis is a valuable commodity in this NBA draft. He is a young big man with good size, some athletic ability, a reliable midrange jump shot and very good motor. Even if he doesn't become an NBA star, he has all the attributes teams look for, which could keep him in the NBA for a decade.

The 20-year-old Portis is a sturdy 6-foot-11, 242 pounds, but is not an explosive athlete by NBA standards. However, he tries to play with energy, runs the floor hard and is a quick second jumper around the basket. And because he establishes good position away from his teammates' shots and "wedges" well, his 14 percent offensive rebound rate this past season was 36th-best in the country.

Another bonus with Portis is his shooting ability for a player his size. While his 47 percent behind the arc came from a small sample size, he did make a healthy 38 percent of his 2-point jump shots this season and they accounted for 53 percent of his attempts. He has also made 74 percent of his free throws in two years as a Razorback.

Although Portis' finishing percentage at the rim was a healthy 75 percent this season, his lack of explosiveness will manifest itself at the NBA level. He'll struggle initially around the rim, in my opinion. But he has a hard-to-block turnaround jump shot that could develop into a good weapon in time because of his touch.

I don't expect Portis to be a rim protector on the defensive end in the NBA. Rather, he'll be called upon to be solid in screen-and-roll coverages and in isolation situations. Because he stays engaged, plays with energy and tries to move his feet, he'll be more than serviceable on that end of the court. And he's been coached not to foul. The effort to be good defensively is there on the tape.

Portis struggled a bit late in the season, but because of his body of work all season (and Kentucky's platoon system) he was voted SEC Player of the Year. I see him drafted in the middle of the first round, meaning it's likely he will end up on a playoff team at worst. Given his age, his size and shooting touch, that team may be getting a gift.

-- Fran Fraschilla

The front-office perspective

Portis is the classic jack of all trades, master of none. He's got good size and length for his position; is a good, but not elite athlete; is a good, but not dominant rebounder and a good, but not lethal, offensive player. He does everything well; nothing great.

That reality means that GMs will have a tough time justifying using a top 10 pick on Portis. They typically want higher ceilings than Portis can offer. But once the we start moving out of the top 10, he seems like a sure thing -- a guy with very few flaws that, at the very least, will have a long career as a solid starter or key rotation player at the four. Look for him to go in the 13-to-20 range.

"He's solid," one scout said of Portis. "And that's not a dig at him. He's solid at everything he does. I don't see a lot of holes in his games. If you want to reach for the stars, this isn't the player. But if you say, 'I want a guy that at the very least will be a solid rotation guy and at the very best will be the fourth- or fifth-best starter on my team,' I don't think you can go wrong.

"And after you get out of the top 10 or 12 in this draft, that's realistically all you're going to get. In fact, it might actually be more than you're going to get from other prospects in his range."

-- Chad Ford

 

[frshstunna]

Yea Tyus is a back up PG in the league...mid to late 1st

 

[pmatic]

Kristaps Porzingis is a top-three talent

WARP Projection: 2.3 (11th among players in top 100)
Comparables: Tobias Harris (97., Marvin Williams (96.4), Yi Jianlian (96.2), Gerald Green (95.
Strengths: Shooting, Steal%, TO%
Weaknesses: 2P%, FTA%, Rebound%

The analytics perspective

At the age of 19, Porzingis has been a valuable contributor for Sevilla in the ACB -- one of the best national leagues in Europe -- as well as the intercontinental EuroCup competition. Based on his translated statistics, Porzingis could come to the NBA and competently play rotation minutes right away.

Porzingis has shown range to the slightly shorter FIBA 3-point line, making 38 percent of his 3-pointers this season across all competitions. His combination of blocks and steals is also solid.

In general, Porzingis' stats tend to be more typical of a small forward than the power forward he will likely be in the NBA. While that's positive in terms of shooting and steals, it also means he's a poor rebounder for a 4-man. And Porzingis has struggled at times with his shooting inside the arc. He's making precisely half his 2-point attempts against Spanish competition, though he's been more effective in EuroCup games. One surprising cross-cultural comparison: Porzingis' statistical profile is similar to Arkansas forward Bobby Portis, who declared for the draft earlier this week.

-- Kevin Pelton

The scouting perspective

Latvian Kristaps Porzingis is, potentially, a different type of NBA "3-and-D" guy.

We usually reserve that term for a wing shooter who can defend on the perimeter. But while the most effective offensive weapon the 7-foot 19-year-old possesses is a soft shooting touch from deep, he combines that with volleyball-like shot-blocking ability on the defensive end of the court.

Porzingis, who has spent his professional career in Spain, could have been a high draft pick a year ago as an 18-year-old but chose to go back to Spain to grow up and mature physically. It appears to be a wise decision as he is projected to be, at worst, a top-10 selection this year. While he is not noticeably stronger, he is a very athletic and agile big man who will play almost his entire NBA rookie season as a 20-year-old.

Porzingis, who has been compared to guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol because of his athleticism and mobility, has shot 38 percent from behind the arc this season. Considering that he has attracted opponents' main defensive focus and he has a green light to sometimes take tough shots, it is a shooting stroke that should become his NBA calling card.

He can also easily put the ball on the floor to create his own shot and has good passing acumen. In addition, he is a very good rim-runner in transition, catches lobs easily, is a quick jumper and uses the backboard well in the midrange game.

His struggles lie in his lack of lower body strength. He currently has a limited post-up game and his finishing ability is also affected by his lack of strength and thin body type. Occasionally, he uses his length and touch to shoot a soft turnaround jump shot.

Defensively, Porzingis cannot be blamed for his team's poor defensive play (Seville is the youngest team in the ACB this season). He moves well laterally and can develop into a good screen-and-roll defender. More impressively, his length, athleticism and excellent timing could make him a potentially elite shot-blocker. And his lateral quickness allows him to be a good off-the-ball shot-blocker as well.

Overall, he has been very well coached in Seville since arriving as a 15-year-old after leaving Latvia. His coaches have included Aito Reneses, the former Spanish national team coach who has a great reputation with young players, and former NBA assistant coach Scott Roth.

Ultimately, because of his rare combination of size, age, athleticism and shooting ability, Porzingis will be very enticing for every team that has a high lottery selection. However, physical maturity will be the key to his success.

-- Fran Fraschilla

The front-office perspective

Porzingis turned a lot of heads in April 2014 when he declared for the NBA draft. Scouts and GMs flocked to see him play in Spain, and everyone who watched Porzingis in person came back wowed at his potential. He ultimately decided to withdraw his name from the draft, but had he stayed in he likely would've been a late lottery pick.

After spending the summer working with Joe Abunassar at IMPACT Basketball in Las Vegas, Porzingis went back to Sevilla and is having a really strong season while continuing his development. He's spent much of it being coached by Roth.

Porzingis is the true sleeper in the 2105 draft. While he's been ranked constantly in the top five all season on our Big Board, a number of international scouts and an increasing number of GMs who've made the trip to see him have come away with very high opinions of the Latvian big man.

"He's an athletic, super-skilled 7-footer who can do everything well," one GM said. "I was watching him warm up and had flashbacks to when I saw Pau Gasol take the floor for the first time in Spain. Only this kid is much more athletic than Gasol, but plays with that same fluidity. I've been asking my team since then, 'Are you sure he's not the No. 1 guy? Are these guys in college really better than him?'"

Said another veteran international scout: "He's my favorite player in this draft. I keep telling my staff, 'This one is not like other international players.' He's the real deal. He's special in all the ways a player can be special. He just needs to get stronger. That's it. He's going to be a big-time pro."

While more and more GMs are warming up to the idea that Porzingis is in the mix to go as high as second or third overall, the most likely scenarios have him in the four-to-six range.

-- Chad Ford

 

[pmatic]

SI:

2015 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Battle for No. 1 begins between Towns, Okafor

Minnesota—at least until next month’s NBA draft lottery—is officially on the clock.

No, having the most ping pong balls doesn’t guarantee anything, but the ‘Wolves gave themselves the best opportunity to add another top overall pick to the stable by losing 12 straight to end the season and cap a woeful 16-win campaign. So before the lottery, the combine and individual workouts send the draft process into total chaos, here is SI.com’s Mock Draft 1.0, ordered by record.

* Indicates player has not formally declared for the draft.

​(Note: Random draws will decide whether the Jazz or Pacers pick 11/12, Bulls or Mavericks pick 21/22, Grizzlies or Spurs pick 25/26 and Lakers or Celtics pick 28/29).

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Karl-Anthony Towns

Let the debate begin: Karl Towns vs. Jahlil Okafor is the NBA’s version of Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota. The early nod goes to Towns, whose free throw shooting (81.3%) has become an increasingly popular topic amongst NBA executives. Think about this: Towns will likely get at least a year of Power Forward 101 from Kevin Garnett.

2. New York Knicks - Jahlil Okafor

The Knicks solidify the pivot with Okafor, the best center prospect in years. At 19, Okafor already has a diverse low post game and has shown flashes of a consistent face-up game, too. He needs work defensively but he will step into the middle of the triangle next season and contribute immediately.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - Emmanuel Mudiay

After trading Michael Carter-Williams, the Sixers have a gaping hole at point guard. Enter Mudiay, a dynamic athlete with Russell Westbrook-like potential. Mudiay’s one season in China was derailed by injuries, but the combine and individual workouts will remind executives of his talent quickly.

4. Los Angeles Lakers - Justise Winslow

This pick could go a few directions. D’Angelo Russell is the best player on the board, but the Lakers are likely to pursue Rajon Rondo this summer, eliminating the need for a point guard. Winslow has had a meteoric rise, and while his offensive game is raw, there looks to be a Jimmy Butler-type player ready to be molded.

5. Orlando Magic - Kristaps Porzingis

The Latvian Dirk Nowitzki? Maybe. Porzingis continues to evoke rave reviews from international scouts who see him as a tremendous stretch four prospect. He’s mobile, has a nice mid-range game and has the tools to evolve into a consistent three-point threat. He will need to bulk up, but he’s a terrific prospect.

6. Sacramento Kings - D'Angelo Russell*

Oh, the things George Karl could do with a point guard who reads the floor like a five-year vet and thrives in transition. Questions about Russell’s athleticism are drowned out by praise for his playmaking and brilliance in the pick-and-roll. Russell is an ideal complement to DeMarcus Cousins.

7. Denver Nuggets - Mario Hezonja

Denver is unpredictable. The Nuggets began to dismantle their roster in February and could do more tinkering on draft night. For now, pencil in Hezonja, an athletic, sweet shooting two-guard whose inconsistent playing time was more due to team politics in Barcelona than diminished play.

8. Detroit Pistons - Stanley Johnson*

Detroit has a massive hole at small forward and Johnson, a defensive-minded forward who has evoked comparison’s—at least physically—to Ron Artest, looks like a nice fit. Johnson needs polish offensively but he made 37.1% of his three’s last season.

9. Charlotte Hornets - Frank Kaminsky

A forgettable Hornets season was highlighted by an ugly stat: No. 28 in the NBA in offensive efficiency. Enter Kaminsky, an NBA-ready big man whose inside-out game could complement Al Jefferson in the post. It will be up to Steve Clifford to iron out any defensive deficiencies out.

10. Miami Heat - Myles Turner

Turner is a tantalizing talent. He’s long, blocks shots and has three-point potential. He’s a stretch five prospect. He’s also a superior defender with excellent timing, scouts say. Teams will dig deeper into his awkward gait at the draft combine, but if they can live with his immobility, there is a quality center prospect there to be developed.

11. Utah Jazz - Willie Cauley-Stein

Dealing Enes Kanter left the Jazz a little thin up front. Cauley-Stein is limited offensively but he is a versatile defender who can slide between both frontcourt spots. He may never be more than a good role player, but he’s a low risk choice in this spot.

12. Indiana Pacers - Kevon Looney

David West has a player option for next season, but even if he picks it up, at 34 West is nearing the end. Looney didn’t put up big numbers last season, but he is a physical specimen who has the potential to be an elite rebounder, a skill Pacers coach Frank Vogel highly values.

13. Phoenix Suns - Trey Lyles

On a deep Kentucky team, Lyles numbers are misleading; scouts see the potential for a skilled inside-out player. The Suns badly need an offensive presence in the frontcourt. Lyles will take time to develop, but his upside is pretty high.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder - Devin Booker

Yes, Oklahoma City is disappointed not to make the playoffs. But giving Sam Presti another lottery pick cushions the blow. The outside-the-box Thunder will undoubtedly surprise a few people on draft night but for now pencil in Booker, one of the draft’s best shooting prospects, who fills a need in OKC.

15. Atlanta Hawks - Jake Poeltl*

Poeltl played well in Utah’s loss to Duke, impressing scouts with his defense on Jahlil Okafor. Poeltl is mobile, finishes well around the rim and works hard on every possession. He will need to bulk up and his brutal free throw shooting (44.4%) will have to improve.

16. Boston Celtics - Kelly Oubre

Celtics GM Danny Ainge’s recent history suggests he is not afraid to take a flyer on a project. That’s Oubre, who was billed as Andrew Wiggins' heir at Kansas but struggled to put a complete season together. Oubre has a good looking jump shot and the physical tools to slide between either swing spot. He’s a D-Leaguer next season, but a Marcus Smart-James Young-Oubre core is a nice one for Brad Stevens to develop.

17. Milwaukee Bucks - Kris Dunn*

Dunn has enjoyed a rapid rise up draft boards the last two months as scouts have gotten a closer look at the total package he was believed to be before injuries slowed his ascent. Dunn is a big time athlete, but needs to learn the nuances of playing point guard. Who better to teach him than Jason Kidd?

18. Houston Rockets - Sam Dekker

Can Dekker be a consistent NBA three-point shooter? That’s a question Rockets GM Daryl Morey and others will have to decide. Dekker has an NBA body and is athletic enough to be a serviceable defender. But is he the shooter that powered Wisconsin to wins over Arizona and Duke? Or is he closer to the erratic player that couldn’t make a three against Duke? Dekker’s 33.1% season average won’t cut it.

19. Washington Wizards - Montrezl Harrell

Harrell lacks traditional size, but he is a relentless rebounder with superior athleticism that made some nice strides offensively this season. Harrell could fit in nicely behind Nene and Marcin Gortat in the Wizards frontcourt.

20. Toronto Raptors - Bobby Portis

The Raptors, predictably, got nothing from Bruno Coboclo, last year’s first-round pick who played sparingly in eight games this season. Portis isn’t particularly dynamic, but his offensive skills could help a Raptors team that gets the bulk of its scoring from perimeter players.

21. Chicago Bulls - Jerian Grant

Grant has put up strong numbers for two straight seasons, and is as NBA-ready as any point guard in this range. At 22, Grant is on the older side, but the Bulls didn’t hesitate to take 22-year old Doug McDermott last season.

22. Dallas Mavericks - Cameron Payne

Will Rajon Rondo return? Dallas’s fear of losing Rondo could lead the Mavs to taking another point guard in the draft. Payne is a good playmaker in a crowded field.

23. Portland Trailblazers - R.J. Hunter

The Blazers love the mid-majors, so why not grab another? Hunter didn’t shoot the ball particularly well last season but he has good size for a team that could need some help at shooting guard next season.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

The Cavs add a defensive-minded wing as insurance in case Iman Shumpert becomes too pricey to bring back.

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Caris LeVert*

The Grizzlies need shooters—when don’t they?—and LeVert, who made 40% of his three’s in each of the last two seasons, is one of the best left on the board.

26. San Antonio Spurs - Cliff Alexander

Alexander’s college career ended prematurely because of eligibility issues and he never lived up to his potential. Still, he’s a potent rebounder and shot blocker who could be a high value pick this late in the draft.

27. Los Angeles Lakers - Justin Anderson

Virginia defended better than the Lakers last season. A lot better. Anderson will help and, if his perimeter shooting develops, could be a steal.

28. Boston Celtics - Christian Wood*

Wood brings a big, athletic, defensive-minded presence to a Boston frontcourt that doesn’t have much of one. Wood needs to mature physically, but he can shoot from the outside, a skill G.M. Danny Ainge is fond of.

29. Brooklyn Nets - Tyus Jones

Deron Williams still has two more years left on his contract, but it doesn’t hurt to think about the future. The Duke connection with GM Billy King puts Jones firmly in play in this spot.

30. Golden State Warriors - Delon Wright

At 22, Wright doesn’t have the long-term upside teams like, but he has good size, is an excellent defender and could easily be developed as a backup to Stephen Curry in Golden State.

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/04/16/20...l-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor-emmanuel-mudiay

 

[ValarMorghulis]

So the Lakers pass on Russell, with the logic that they'll have 2 PGs with Rondo, to draft Winslow and Anderson who play the same position?

While being mentored by KG aint bad, Towns def not a PF.

Then the Hornets spend another top draft pick to take Big Frank when they have Al, their #1 last year in Vonleh, Zeller and Biyombo

SI gotta get another mocker

 

[dacomeup]

Yea, WCS to Utah with Gobert already there? They probably want to add a wing of some sort.

 

[keel252]

Charlotte is not taking Frank, stop it.

 

[Quincy McCall]

Heat- Henzonja pls

 

[the goodlife]

I see I wasn't the only one who thought that mock draft was way off.

 

[victor page]

WCS ain't lasting til 11th.

Russell going 6th?

SI on that water...

 

[frshstunna]

Somebody put that mock together in like 4 mins

 

[johnnyredstorm]

they should hire me even when I'm blacked out drunk i dont come out with anything as dumb and ridiculous

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Mocks right now are going to be pretty rough regardless, combines, workouts, interviews etc. will surely have a significant impact

For now the consensus seems to be Towns at #1

 

[NickFolarin]

T-Wolves have Dieng & Pek; they still draft Towns? Any chance they draft someone else, trade the pick, trade either of the bigs, or keep all three?

 

[johnnyredstorm]

i'd trade pek to save some money. or trade down two spots n go with russell.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

T-Wolves have Dieng & Pek; they still draft Towns? Any chance they draft someone else, trade the pick, trade either of the bigs, or keep all three?

Them two guys are expendable, especially Pek who plays zero defense and is injured every single year. I think Pek is in danger of already being on the downside of his career

They would be fools to not take Towns if they had the chance, and I wouldn't trade down at all either

Towns/Wiggins>Russell/Wiggins IMO

 

[awwsome]

I'm taking Towns and getting rid of Pek for the best offer, dude is constantly injured.


Dieng and Towns are a potentially really good defensive duo.

 

[johnnyredstorm]

who would be interested in Pek? has a hefty contract and injury prone. would definitely be the best idea to try and move him if they land at 1.

 

[frshstunna]

Twolves gon have to take an L with any trade involving Pek...just take the 1st deal they can get

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

If the 76ers get the #1 pick, it's going to be great drama

That's the only team I consider to not automatically select Towns

 

[awwsome]

Twolves gon have to take an L with any trade involving Pek...just take the 1st deal they can get

It'll be better than keeping him for sure.


They should package him and Rubio if they can.