NBA Mock Draft 3

The NBA regular season is done and the playoffs are underway. College basketball is also completed and we’re nearing the end of the early declaration period. So this mock today comes with a little more clarity than the last couple of mocks.

With that said, the draft lottery still has to take place, more in depth analysis will happen with the NBA prospects, and many foreign players will need to still make their intentions known. Trade and free agent rumors will affect the draft this summer as well. Nonetheless, there are at least 14 teams out there already looking ahead to next season. This will help.

Last year we did four mock drafts. We got a lot right in our final mock, but missed on many picks as well. We’ll do our best once again to bring you accurate analysis. Today, Andrew will start with the top pick, but then we’ll let Greg take the next two (#2 and #3), then Andrew will take two, and we’ll continue until the first round is complete. This mock will be first round only, but we’ll add in the second round next time.

NOTE: The draft order below is based on the final NBA standings (and trades) as of 4/22/15.

2015 NBA Mock Draft 3

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

1st and 2nd Mock: Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke)

For the first time in any of our mocks, we do not have Okafor going #1. A late season surge and a great NCAA Tourney by Towns has moved him past Okafor for now on my big board. He isn’t quite as skilled offensively (although it’s close), but he’s better defensively by a mile. I would love to see those two square off at the combine or at a team visit though. As for Minnesota, a Towns/Wiggins combo moving forward has so much upside and would make fans giddy.

2. New York Knicks select: Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke)

1st and 2nd Mock: Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, China)

Unlike my colleague, I don’t think the comparison between Okafor (my #1) and Towns is that close.  The Knicks are going to be ecstatic picking either player, but to have Okafor drop to them here has got to make them excited. Okafor seemingly fits the style of the Knicks better than Towns does as well.

3. Philadelphia 76ers select: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

1st Mock: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

2nd Mock: Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Kentucky)

Winslow was a key catalyst to Duke winning the national championship. On a team with a lot of talent, he was almost always the X factor. When Winslow played well, his team didn’t lose.  His shooting improved throughout the season and he is a plus defender on the perimeter. Philly could use help in those areas.

4. Los Angeles Lakers select: Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, China)

1st Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

With Winslow going earlier than expected at #3, the Lakers had their choice between Mudiay and Russell. Either would be an excellent fit with LA, but I like Mudiay for them better. Russell is similar to Jordan Clarkson, who they drafted a year ago (Clarkson played well this season too). Mudiay gives them something different and gives them a great point guard prospect that they haven’t had in a long time.

5. Orlando Magic select: D’Angelo Russell (G, Ohio State)

1st Mock: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

2nd Mock: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

Justise Winslow is probably the best player for them here due to his position and could end up being the pick come draft day. But in this mock he’s off the board and Russell is clearly the best player available anyways. Russell complicates the backcourt a little bit since they already have emerging stars Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo at guard, but he offers skills those two don’t. With Oladipo’s lengthy arms and athleticism, you could see him slide to the 3 to allow Russell to join the starting lineup alongside he and Payton.

6. Sacramento Kings select: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

1st Mock: Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

Turner has a ton of upside. He has range for a big man, is a very capable defender, and still has some room to develop offensively inside. He can play right away and contribute defensively alongside Cousins.

7. Denver Nuggets select: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona)

2nd Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (PF/C, Kentucky)

Cauley-Stein doesn’t have much of an offensive game. If he did, he’d probably be the #1 overall pick as he’s the best defensive player in the draft. If he can translate his athleticism into a serviceable offensive game, he can be a good player in the NBA for a long time. In fact, he probably can without it.

8. Detroit Pistons select: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

1st Mock: Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)

2nd Mock: Stanely Johnson (SF, Arizona)

For the record, I’m not one that often loves international prospects. But Porzingis offers the most upside of any player remaining and could be a perfect fit with Detroit. The team is likely losing Greg Monroe this offseason, so Porzingis could be the long term replacement and perfect compliment to Andre Drummond inside.

9. Charlotte Hornets select: Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

I admit that I have a man crush on Devin Booker as a draft prospect (he’s in that 5-7 range on my draft board). But Charlotte needs offense, particularly players that can shoot. Booker is clearly the top shooter in the draft, and he’s also sneaky athletic. When I think about him as a pro, I think Klay Thompson over and over. I also considered Mario Hezonja here but I doubt MJ picks a foreign player.

10. Miami Heat select: Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona)

1st Mock: Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Latvia)

2nd Mock: Myles Turner (PF, Texas)

The Heat want to win now before Wade declines any further. They should and will pick best available player here. That’s Stanley Johnson, a great defender and emerging offensive player. I’d be shocked if he lasts this long on draft day.

11. Indiana Pacers select: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

1st Mock: Mario Hezonja (SG, Croatia)

2nd Mock: Melo Trimble (PG, Maryland)

The Pacers are back in the lottery for the first time in years. Bird seems to like veteran college players capable of producing immediately. Kaminsky is therefore the perfect selection, and would be the long-term solution when David West’s contract is up.

12. Utah Jazz select: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

1st Mock: Kevon Looney (F, UCLA)

2nd Mock: Kelly Oubre (SF, Kansas)

The Jazz aren’t going to take over the Western Conference any time soon. So Hezonja is worth a selection here due to his long-term upside as a potential star. If he stays overseas a little longer, that would be just fine with Utah.

13. Phoenix Suns select: Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

2nd Mock: Devin Booker (SG/SF, Kentucky)

The Suns just missed the playoffs and could go many directions with this pick. They are a tough team to project though because they are unpredictable (as we saw at the trade deadline). Lyles is the best player available however so that’s why he was the choice for now.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder select: Sam Dekker (F, Wisconsin)

1st Mock: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

2nd Mock: Kevin Looney (F, UCLA)

OKC is clearly in win-now mode and Dekker can help them do that. He gives them depth behind Kevin Durant at small forward and can get it done on both sides of the court.

15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn) select: Kelly Oubre (F, Kansas)

1st Mock: Kelly Oubre (SF, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)

Oubre may end up going in the lottery come draft day, but his slide is to Atlanta’s advantage here. Oubre gives them an intriguing bench option that could blossom into a starter down the road. I don’t think his upside is sky high, but I’ve been wrong before.

16. Boston Celtics select: Kevin Looney (F, UCLA)

1st Mock: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

2nd Mock: Cliff Alexander (PF, Kansas)

What’s working against Looney is that his NBA position is unclear. But he ended the college season playing well and he seems to be improving his jumpshot. That will be important in the NBA. If there is a coach I trust to get the most out of a player though it’s Coach Stevens, who could have been Coach of the Year in my opinion. So this is a good fit.

17. Milwaukee Bucks select: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

1st Mock: Cliff Alexander (PF, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

I’m a big Harrell fan and once thought he’d be a top ten pick for sure. I think his age is working against him. But the Bucks could use an interior presence with his massive motor. He’d block shots, rebound, and defend for Kidd’s club. Oh, and he’d dunk a lot too.

18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans) select: Kris Dunn (PG, Providence)

1st Mock: Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)

2nd Mock: Trey Lyles (F, Kentucky)

The Rockets clearly need more depth at point guard. In fact, they’ll likely need to do better than Beverly in the starting lineup if they want to win a NBA title. Dunn isn’t as known as some of the other players in this draft class, but he has the chance to be special. His talent is outstanding and he’s one that could do better in the NBA than in college.

19. Washington Wizards select: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

1st Mock: Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame)

2nd Mock: Domantas Sabonis (PF, Gonzaga)

Hunter became more known when he hit the shot of the NCAA tourney against Baylor in the opening round. He’s got good size for a shooting guard and can clearly score. The only question he’ll have to answer at the combine is if he is athletic enough and aggressive enough to play in the league.

20. Toronto Raptors select: Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame)

1st Mock: Jacob Poeltl (C, Utah)

2nd Mock: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

Toronto made the playoffs but aren't making a good showing there. They simply don’t have the explosive scorers like many other teams have (such as the Wizards who they are playing currently). Grant isn’t a pure point guard and could end up playing off the ball a little bit more in the NBA. But he is a scorer and that’s what the Raptors need.

21. Dallas Mavericks select: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

1st Mock: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

2nd Mock: Jerian Grant (PG/SG, Notre Dame)

I love Tyus Jones and would likely take him in the top ten. So if I’m Dallas I sprint to the podium to select him here. Rondo has been a disaster so I’m assuming he won’t be back. Tyus Jones would make others around him better, wouldn’t demand the ball in any way, and could come up big when leaned upon (as we saw in the championship game and many other big games this past season). This is a perfect fit.

22. Chicago Bulls select: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

1st Mock: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

2nd Mock: AJ Hammons (C, Purdue)

The Bulls have been privately and publically thinking about parting with Rose at some point. His injuries continue to hamper the team. Rozier can do a lot of the same things as Rose when it comes to penetrating and creating. He isn’t the same finisher and doesn’t have the same build as Rose though, but would still be a solid prospect.

23. Portland Trailblazers select: Dakari Johnson (C, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

2nd Mock: R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)

Dakari Johnson didn’t see the floor a ton at Kentucky due to the depth they had at the position (including #1 Towns), but he did well when he played. Plus, you can’t teach height which he has, and Portland could use another big body.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers select: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

1st Mock: Tyrone Wallace (PG, California)

2nd Mock: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

Since the Cavs are trying to win now, it makes sense for them to add a polished player, that can contribute towards winning, rather than a project. Anderson seems to be a safe pick as you know what you’ll get with him. He doesn’t have a big ceiling however.

25. Memphis Grizzlies select: Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)

1st Mock: Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

Interior depth is a surprising need for Memphis, especially if they lose Gasol this summer. I don’t love Portis but he seems to possess some decent skills that could translate to the next level. So even though I don’t love the player, he fills a need.

26. San Antonio Spurs select: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

1st Mock: Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)

2nd Mock: Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)

Wright is a terrific defender, leader, and has great size for a point guard. Even though he doesn’t have a polished offensive game, he’d make plays off the bench for the Spurs. He just seems to be a SA player.

27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston) select: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona)

1st and 2nd Mock: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona)

Talent is one thing the Lakers lack and it’s one thing Hollis-Jefferson has. Will he be a big time player immediately? No. But his upside is large and he can at least provide a defensive spark in year one.

28. Boston Celtics (from LAC) select: Robert Upshaw (C, Washington)

1st Mock: Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)

2nd Mock: Delon Wright (PG, Utah)

Upshaw is flying under the radar due to his off the court issues. But he could be one of the best big men in this entire draft after the top two guys. Boston could use a shot blocker inside and Upshaw can fill that need right away. If Boston decides his immaturity is behind him, he’s definitely worth a first round pick.

29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta) select: Cameron Payne (PG, Murray State)

1st Mock: Caris LeVert (SG, Michigan)

2nd Mock: Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)

Payne is another player that is under the radar due to his small school status. I wouldn’t be surprised though is a team in the top 20 falls in love with him. The Nets know Deron Williams won’t be around much longer so adding another option now is key. Payne is also the best point guard left in this mock.

30. Golden State Warriors select: Tyler Harvey (SG, Eastern Washington)

1st Mock: Buddy Hield (SG, Oklahoma)

2nd Mock: Jacob Poeltl (C, Utah)

Harvey led the nation in scoring last year and can get it done by shooting or driving. The main question with Harvey though is about his size and if he’s tall enough to play shooting guard. If teams evaluate him as a point guard, does he have enough ball handling and passing ability to thrive there? On the flip side, the same questions were asked about Steph Curry, and we see how that turned out for the Warriors. That’s why they won’t be afraid to make this pick.

So there you have our third mock for the NBA Draft. As we stated above, this will undergo some major changes moving forward. You agree or disagree with our projected picks? Let us know in the comment section.

By: The Sports Guys