The 2015 NBA Draft Thread: Draft Day Is Here

[pmatic]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRbK8Ujqr20


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PzsuVlvXE0

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[pmatic]

D'Angelo Russell looks like a light skin henz0.

Edit

This may or may not be a good thing.

 

[pmatic]

 

[victor page]

D'Angelo Russell looks like a light skin henz0.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Draft Combine on ESPN2 in one hour, hope there's some good stuff on since I have the day off 

 

[ValarMorghulis]

I'm telling guys..... Joseph Young. Book it.

Impact 6/7th man right away.

Joey Buckets.

 

[ValarMorghulis]

Thanks P for the links

I missed the Russell interview.

Dakari Johnson gives me a Kendrick Perkins vibe, he definitely improved his game at UK though.


He was :x when he first got there.

Daniel Orton.

If buddy gets over here and is Tskitishvilli .

If Super Mario comes over and is a weak sauce mix of Rudy Fernandez and Danilo Gallianari I might shed a legit tear.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Nothing but love for Pac 12 guys but how many guys his size with that skill set are instant 6th man impact players and stick around

Tough for him

 

[dacomeup]

Super Mario has too much swag to fail. I can see him getting in guys faces like Nurkic this year.

 

[pmatic]

The top 30 NBA draft prospects, ranked

The NBA Draft Combine is this week, giving teams a chance to see how the prospects measure out and what they're like as people. The 2015 draft class has many potential all-star prospects in the lottery and is littered with quality upside throughout the rest of the first round. Team interviews can go a long way in separating those prospects.

The top eight prospects in this draft are clearly defined, but the talent level falls off quickly at the back of the lottery. That doesn't mean teams picking in the middle of the first round should fret. The 20-45 range of this draft is rich with potential role players that could suit respective situations, with some players that could exceed their expected draft value.

It is also particularly loaded with proficient big men, forwards and wings, all pressing needs for many teams. The NBA is already stacked with elite point guards, so the lack of depth at that position isn't as big of a deal.

Below is a list of my current top 30 prospects. This list is extremely fluid from top to bottom, so approximate range of players and analysis should be weighed more than the specific ordering.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky

The 7'0 big man has outstanding potential as a defensive player, with the athleticism to defend both centers and power forwards. Towns bites on pump fakes and fouled at too high a rate, but that is to be expected from a young, eager shot blocker. He should develop into a defender that can stay on the floor, since he has superb timing on his block attempts.

Though Towns showcased high-end potential as a low post scorer and passer, he can also stretch the floor with his shot even though Kentucky didn't offer many opportunities to showcase that skill. With a clean release, it won't be long before Towns is a scoring threat from all areas of the floor.

2. Justise Winslow, Duke

Winslow is an excellent all-around player with few weaknesses. The 6'6 wing hustles on every play with timely help defense, dives to the floor and blocks from behind in transition. Winslow will be able to defend three positions, which gives him immense value in the switch-heavy NBA.

Winslow must improve as a shooter, but his mechanics need only minor corrections with the top of his release. He has flashed smooth footwork in tight spaces and is a terrific passer for his position, especially in the screen game. At the least, Winslow will develop to be a high-end glue guy and consummate teammate, but his upside far exceeds his floor if he corrects his jump shot.

3. Jahlil Okafor, Duke

Okafor is an elite low post scoring prospect. With pristine footwork and counters, he is guaranteed to have a long career in the NBA.

But he slips to the three spot on my board because of warts in his game that can't be ignored, such as his defense, free throw shooting and perimeter scoring, all of which make him tough to fit onto many rosters.

4. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State

Russell is the prototypical modern point guard due to his physical tools, positional versatility, ankle-breaking handles and knockdown jumper. He shined throughout the entire season, making one highlight play after another.

The only shortcomings that hold him back are his lack of explosiveness and a lack of an elite first step with the dribble. Still, most players with his overall skill set turn out to be successful players.

5. Mario Hezonja, Croatia

Hezonja is a knockdown three-point shooter who also drives to the basket like a bull. The Croatian has made a habit of dunking with fierceness, but he'll need to work on his off hand to prevent savvy veterans from overplaying him to his right. Hezonja's athleticism also pops up defensively, though he still needs to play with more discipline.

6. Emmanuel Mudiay, DR Congo

Mudiay's feel for the game is off the charts. He epitomizes what teams want in a playmaking point guard because of his height, advanced ball handling maneuvers and a sense of space that can't be taught. Mudiay still makes errors, but that is to be expected from most young floor generals. He also does a supreme job of using his ball handling to create space for himself, especially in the pick-and-roll by changing speeds to attack the rim.

However, Mudiay's upside as a scorer is limited unless he can improve on his poor jump shot mechanics. He's just 19 years old, but there are multiple issues with his form that need a major overhaul. If Mudiay does improve his jumper, he could become the best guard in this class, since he is a better finisher and defender than Russell.

7. Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia

With a lanky build, it might appear that Porzingis is too thin for the NBA, but his wide shoulders are reminiscent of Joakim Noah as a teenager. Porzingis doesn't compare much to Noah as a player, but concerns about his body are overblown, provided he has the work ethic to hit the weights and add muscle.

Porzingis will get pushed around inside until he changes his body, so he is a long-term project. But teams will be willing to wait for him, since he's a sharpshooting big man that can drive closeouts and finish above the rim or from mid-range. Porzingis is the NBA's ideal stretch forward and he also has potential as a rim protector due to his long wingspan and leaping ability.

8. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky

Cauley-Stein could someday be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation on a yearly basis because of his elite athleticism and shot blocking capabilities. The 7-footer receives flack for his inability to score on the low block, but it's a meaningless conversation when he won't be used in that role as the fourth or fifth option on the floor. If anything, NBA spacing will make him a lethal threat in the pick-and-roll, where he has already shown he can excel with high-flying dunks. It's more important for Cauley-Stein to set better screens than it is for him to add low post moves.

9. Stanley Johnson, Arizona

Johnson has the potential to be a stud on the defensive end of the floor, since he can lock down multiple positions. Unfortunately he isn't always mentally engaged, which is why he gets bumped down a bit in my rankings. When things don't go his way offensively, he can lose focus on defense and miss rotations.

This also shows up offensively, since he's not the best decision maker. Johnson does a terrific job of dribbling at difference paces when probing in the pick-and-roll, with advanced moves and accurate passes. However, he has a tendency to force plays that aren't there, especially floaters from mid-range. Johnson shot the ball well from three-point range, but he has a low release that takes away from an otherwise seamless form.

10. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin

Frank the Tank's collegiate career ended with a crash landing loss to Duke, but the National Player of the Year still showed why he's a deserving lottery selection.

With a diverse set of ways to score, Kaminsky will certainly have a role in the NBA for a long time. He has outstanding footwork and a knockdown perimeter jumper that make him a threat from multiple areas on the floor. He's not a very good defender, but he plays hard to deny low post positioning and focuses on his team rotations.

11. Myles Turner, Texas

Turner was misused under Rick Barnes, but despite the faulty fit, he managed to showcase his talents with the Longhorns. Turner is a giant at over 240 pounds with a long wingspan. This makes him unique in that his bread-and-butter offense comes from the perimeter. He was streaky from behind the arc, but his picturesque form and efficient clip from the free throw line suggests he'll develop into a great shooter.

Turner also does a good job of using his massive frame to protect the rim. He'll need to work on improving his lateral quickness on the pick-and-roll, but his high basketball IQ should help make the transition easier.

12. Bobby Portis, Arkansas

Portis brings quality skills in nearly every attribute you look for from a big man, including his post game, passing, shooting and defense. Overall, the 6'10 big man has very few notable weaknesses. Portis also plays enthusiastically by wearing his heart on his sleeve, with screams to pump up the crowd and his teammates.

He is a safe bet to be a solid role player in the NBA, though his ceiling is unclear.

13. Sam Dekker, Wisconsin

Dekker is versatile and can play both forward positions in the NBA. He's an inconsistent three-point shooter, as proven by his performance in the title game, but when he gets hot, his dribble drive game opens and he becomes even more dangerous.

Dekker is a jack of all trades, but a master of none, which could limit him to being just a role player. He possibly has higher upside depending on which team drafts him.

14. Trey Lyles, Kentucky

Lyles brings an intriguing mix of tools to the table, especially as a shooter off the dribble. He must prove that he can catch-and-shoot, but few players with his size and length can attack the rim or pull up as well as he does. Lyles could also be a mismatch nightmare from either forward position, since his pristine footwork and passing from the low post will easily translate to the next level.

15. R.J. Hunter, Georgia State

College prospects that shoot less than 30 percent from three-point range usually don't get touted as shooting specialists, but Hunter is exactly that because of his ability to hit shots from all over the court off the catch, the dribble or screens. Once he isn't receiving the full attention of college defenses, Hunter could flourish.

16. Kelly Oubre, Kansas

Oubre is as fluid as they come in transition, but he lacks skills in half-court situations despite having an unblockable three-point shot. He has flashed the ability to drive against closeouts, but he must improve as a ball handler and use his off hand. Oubre lacks creativity with the ball, but he's quite good at timing his cuts, so he has slashing potential. However, it appears that he goes through the motions, which shows in his lapses on defense, poor decision-making and hesitancy to pass the ball.

17. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona

If Hollis-Jefferson had a reliable jump shot, he'd be a lottery pick. Unfortunately, he has the worst jumper of all wing prospects. Despite that, he brings plenty of other positive attributes that make him a tantalizing prospect, including top-notch athleticism, versatile defense and nifty passing. If he can develop even an average mid-range jumper, he'll have a long career in the NBA as a defensive-oriented role player.

18. Kevon Looney, UCLA

With a long wingspan, Looney is a spectacular rebounder for his position and has the potential to be a versatile defender. He complements these skills with floor spacing and solid court vision. But Looney could be a one-trick pony unless he dramatically improves on his dribble drive game and natural touch. Looney is an intriguing prospect, but his thin frame and lack of athleticism may hold him back from being anything more than a situational backup.

19. Cameron Payne, Murray State

Payne has elite shiftiness and is a creative off-the-dribble scorer despite being undersized. The sophomore does an excellent job of playing at different speeds, especially in the pick-and-roll, where he was a lethal playmaker. Payne's shot selection improved this past season, but his efficiency could stand to rise in a clearly defined role.

20. Jerian Grant, Notre Dame

Grant will be a very good floor general at the next level because of his ability to play at different speeds, change directions quickly and make accurate passes off the dribble. Grant's fast first step bodes well for his ability to create in half-court situations, though he'll need to add upper body strength to finish inside, which was a problem in college.

21. Jarell Martin, LSU

Martin is built like a freight train with the mobility of a Corvette. Martin can both plow through defenders like a bowling bowl or flash around them with crossovers and spin moves. The big man shot just a hair over 30 percent from three in his two years at LSU, but has sound fundamentals that he should build on.

Despite his skills driving against closeouts, Martin can get careless with the ball by putting his head down or by making head-scratching passes. He had an awful assist-turnover ratio and will need to play in control to win the trust of his coaching staff. And though he has versatile defensive potential, his lack of length may hinder his ability to defend most power forwards and rebound well at his position.

22. Christian Wood, UNLV

Whichever team drafts Wood will have a project on their hands, but he could be worth it. At 19 years old, Wood is raw, but he has excellent potential as a rebounder and as a shot blocker. He must add strength and become more engaged mentally, but the untapped potential is there. Wood is a streaky shooter, but if he finds consistency, he could be a threat to drive on closeouts.

23. Devin Booker, Kentucky

Booker has textbook range from the perimeter, which led to a 41 percent three-point mark as a freshman. However, he had major struggles shooting off the dribble, largely due to his slow first step and lack of athleticism. It's possible that Booker will be nothing more than a specialist at the pro level, so his development as a ball handler and defender will be key in determining how much he plays.

24. Justin Anderson, Virginia

It'll be easy for the team that drafts Anderson to place him into a defined role that asks him to spot up from the arc, attack closeouts with straight-line drives and play hard-nosed defense. Anderson lacks the ball handling ability to create offense by himself, but it won't matter when he's used purely as a glue guy.

25. Tyus Jones, Duke

Jones went off for 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, leading the Blue Devils to victory in the national championship with pull up jumpers out of the pick-and-roll. But Jones isn't going to have success in the NBA as a go-to scorer. If he does succeed, it'll be primarily be due to his playmaking and instincts. He has a stellar first step that he uses to manufacture open looks for his teammates. Jones has his size working against him, but should be able to become a competent game-manager.

26. Montrezl Harrell, Louisville

Few athletes play with as much intensity and passion as Harrell did in his three years at Louisville. The high-motor forward showcased elite explosiveness and is one of the best finishers at the rim in the draft. However, Harrell will be limited as an energy bench player unless he can add a jumper or become an elite rebounder.

27. Delon Wright, Utah

With so many star scorers at the point guard position, Wright could carve out a role as a defensive stopper with his elite lateral quickness and instincts. He lacks any semblance of a jump shot, but he was still able to get to the paint to create offense. But doing it at the NBA level with defenders sagging off him is another story. His jump shot improvement will be the key in determining his success.

28. Robert Upshaw, Washington

Upshaw has several major red flags working against him. He was dismissed mid-season by two different programs for rules violations, on-court his motor can run cold and he's a terrible free throw shooter. But I still think he should be a first-round prospect because of his lottery-level talent. He's a freight train when he's rolling down the lane on the pick-and-roll and consistently makes emphatic blocks with his gigantic wingspan on defense. Maybe all it'll take is the right situation with positive surrounding influences for things to finally click for him. The upside is there.

29. Tyler Harvey, Eastern Washington

Harvey might lack pure point instincts, but the team that drafts him will want him to ignite runs off the bench by shooting the ball. He's an elite shooter off all play types, so it's important for a team to let Harvey be Harvey at the next level. Still, he will need to cut down on some of his ill-advised heat-check shots.

30. Aleksandar Vezenkov, Cyprus

Vezenkov is an extremely skilled forward with a deadly jumper from downtown. Though he lacks athleticism, he has a solid first step and looks smooth driving the lane. However, his poor athleticism does hurt him on defense, since even non-NBA level players blow by him with ease. This limits his upside, but his size and knockdown jumper makes him a good value pick in the middle of the draft.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/14/8587289/nba-draft-2015-rankings-big-board-karl-towns

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Nice, that top 10 matches my top 10

Still take Okafor #2 at this point

Cool highlight tape, hope there's more scrimmages today

Rozier has that Wade in him, his movements mimic him so much

 

[jjs07]

Love Tokoto's defensive potential. Could turn out to be a good rotational player in due time.

 

[victor page]

I need Rozier in a Wizards uniform.

 

[jjs07]

I need Rozier in a Wizards uniform.

Rozier, Portis, Lyles, Rozier, T. Jones...I'd be happy with any of those 5 in the 1st.

As much as we need another big to groom, there is a HUGE need for a back up PG.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

You really gonna say the Bucks didn't perform better with him on the floor when he was without a doubt their best player?

Alright man, Bucks were one of the best defenses with him out there.


Nobody could've made those Pistons teams he played on better, stop it.

per the on/off stats, they were better with him on the bench. and even when you adjust for the fact he played against starters it just gets worse.

strange but true.


He's like Jeff Green to me, he looks like he should be good at basketball but it usually just adds up to losing.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Bilas still has Okafor as his #1 overall prospect

Any other analysts still thinking Okafor is #1? I'd be surprised if too many others had him #1

 

[pmatic]

Not #1, but I do feel like his warts are getting overblown, just a hair.

I have him 2-3-4 depending on how I feel that day.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Serious, ESPN's coverage of the draft right now is lowkey frustrating

These talking heads getting paid to spew this stuff

Fran slobbering over Okafor getting upset that people are picking him apart. Coaching can only do so much to make you into a defender.. 

Said Okafor will be unstoppable in 3 to 4 years. Not a stretch to say but still...

 

[awwsome]

per the on/off stats, they were better with him on the bench. and even when you adjust for the fact he played against starters it just gets worse.

strange but true.


He's like Jeff Green to me, he looks like he should be good at basketball but it usually just adds up to losing.

I just checked and their best lineup was Knight/Middleton/Giannis/Dudley/Henson.

Better than any bench or MCW lineup with significant minutes.


All the times he's minus is when he's playing with Mayo.

All their highest rated offensive lineups feature him and so do the top rated defensive ones so......yea.


You can say he's Jeff Green but that's misinformed, not to mention he was far superior to Rubio if we're making comparisons.


I'm done talking about this, back to the draft.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

This Tobias Harris story 

"My last workout was with the Bucks, missed my flight for a McGriddle"

 

[awwsome]

Serious, ESPN's coverage of the draft right now is lowkey frustrating

These talking heads getting paid to spew this stuff

Fran slobbering over Okafor getting upset that people are picking him apart. Coaching can only do so much to make you into a defender.. 

Said Okafor will be unstoppable in 3 to 4 years. Not a stretch to say but still...

Okafor could develop into a rich man's Al Jefferson but do you really wanna run an offense that way?

Not to mention he'll probably only be an average rim protector so you have to pair him with one which can limit spacing unless he develops more of an outside game.


That's why Towns has moved into the #1 spot because he can get shots in the flow of the offense instead of post ups while being able to rim protect.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Give me something here Combine