The 2015 NBA Draft Thread: Draft Day Is Here

frshstunna said:
Like I was saying if you think he's the best player on the board and better than what you have then you take him...top 5 it's in your best interest to grab the BPA ....Randle hasn't played a whole game yet and is coming off a serious injury, he's not some untouchable player that should have his spot solidified yet
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This is my thinking on it.

Still an incredible stupid use of assets for a team that has very little of them.

When you have needs at PG, SG, SF & C.

Oh and look there will be two PGs & a Center available at # 2. And all three are projected Top 5 picks

Who are as good as Kristaps at the very least.

You don't go left and take the guy who plays the same exact position that you picked last year. That's how you stop rebuilds in the tracks.

If the draft was top heavy with all PFs. Then sure, take KP. But it isn't.


So if he's BPA by a mile, a once in a generation player. Fine, Go ahead and take him. Not a word would be said by me. But to say it's a smart use of assets, or makes any sense when there are guys you need, as good, who either are better today, or in other cases have just as high a ceiling then you don't overthink it, and you fill in the hole.
 
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If one were to think Porzinguis is the BPA, OK do what you have to do

I just don't think you can say that when Okafor is on the board. Just my opinion

When you factor in all of the other points Essential brought up, I would agree that it would be foolish to take anyone but Okafor or Towns
 
Kris finna be trash, I dont like the hype him or Mario are getting but I fully expect Mario to come out better
 
Vincent Van Ho said:
 
If one were to think Porzinguis is the BPA, OK do what you have to do

I just don't think you can say that when Okafor is on the board. Just my opinion

When you factor in all of the other points Essential brought up, I would agree that it would be foolish to take anyone but Okafor or Towns
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Yeah, I don't think there's any question those two guys go 1/2. They are 1/2 and then there's everybody else who is a tier below them. All the other stuff we're hearing now is just random pre-draft nonsense. But the good news is we're officially 8 days away 
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From yesterday:
PODCAST – ESPN DRAFT INSIDER Chad Ford Part 1

Utah Jazz radio voice and Jazz NBA Insider David Locke kicks off the NBA Draft PODCAST with ESPN Insider Chad Ford. Part 1
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http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/06/16/podcast-espn-draft-insider-chad-ford-part-1/
Today:
PODCAST – ESPN NBA Draft Insider Chad Ford – Part 2

Utah Jazz radio voice and Jazz NBA Insider David Locke sits down with ESPN Draft expert Chad Ford – Part 2 of the conversation
Click to expand...
http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/06/17/podcast-espn-nba-draft-insider-chad-ford-part-2/

Podcast: Jonathan Givony with David Locke

Jonathan Givony goes into significant depth and detail on a wide variety of NBA Draft related topics with David Locke of Locked on Jazz.
Click to expand...
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/PodcastJonathan-Givony-with-David-Locke-5092/
 
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New mock draft:
Chad Ford Mock Draft 7.0

The NBA draft is eight days away. Teams are finishing up their workouts. Draft boards are firming up. With the deadline to withdraw from the draft passing on June 15 (and a number of young international prospects deciding to withdraw), we now have a finalized list of who is eligible to be drafted.

Still, there's much left to be decided. I spoke with a number of NBA executives in Las Vegas on Friday. Most of them said their draft boards are still pretty fluid. Most teams admitted to still considering four to five players at their draft position.

In other words, while it's becoming clearer who is in consideration for each pick, it's hard to pinpoint who exactly a team is going to take. Nevertheless, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, here's our best stab at how the draft might play out on June 25. And for the first time this year, we're also running a full second round mock! If you think the first round is tough to predict, the second round is almost impossible right now.

The second round of every draft is a bit of a crap shoot. Unlike the NFL draft, very few prospects taken in the second round go on to have a major impact. However, there are always exceptions. Jordan Clarkson was taken 46th last year and made the All-Rookie First Team. Draymond Green is about ready to get a max contract after falling into the second round.

This year's draft is particularly thin in the second round thanks to a dearth of international players. But here's our best guess at what each team will do.

Remember, our mock draft is not a ranking of who we think the top players are (see our Top 100 for the latest rankings of players). Instead, it's a reporting tool to convey our latest intel from NBA scouts and GMs on what each time might do in the draft.

Note: Traded picks are denoted by numbers with explanations at the bottom.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Karl-Anthony Towns

It's a two-man race between Towns and Jahlil Okafor for the No. 1 pick, multiple sources say, even though the Wolves also have been trying to get in D'Angelo Russell, traveled to Vegas to see Kristaps Porzingis and are bringing in Emmanuel Mudiay. Which guy will they take? General manager and coach Flip Saunders has been an Okafor guy all year, but most of his staff is pushing for Towns, who will be a better fit given Minnesota's personnel. Saunders traveled to Thousand Oaks last week to watch Towns work out. After the workout, I kept getting assured that Flip will ultimately turn Towns' way. But it's not a done deal. Okafor was in Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Jahlil Okafor

The Lakers will keep crossing their fingers that Towns somehow falls to them. If he doesn't, it sounds like it's down to Okafor versus Russell for No. 2. Both players worked out for the Lakers last week. While neither player necessarily wowed in the workout (Russell was fighting a bug and Okafor struggled a bit with the pace of the workout), neither hurt or separated himself, I'm told. Mudiay also came in for a workout, and while he was impressive in many areas, he didn't shoot the ball as well as he did in other workouts. The Lakers also traveled to Vegas to see Porzingis work out and they interviewed him afterward. They were impressed, but I'm told it's doubtful they'd select him over Okafor or Russell. There are arguments for both players, but I'm told the Lakers fear that getting a quality center via free agency or trade will be much harder than getting a scoring guard. Advantage: Okafor.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - Kristaps Porzingis

We've been hearing both Mudiay's and Russell's name here for months. But in the past few weeks, multiple sources around the league suspect that GM Sam Hinkie may actually be leaning toward Porzingis. He's an odd fit, given the Sixers' abundance of big men (though news that Joel Embiid's foot hasn't healed may change the fit analysis). But Hinkie has always drafted based on the best-player-available strategy. He doesn't draft for need. So while the team needs Mudiay or Russell more, if he believes Porzingis is the best player on the board, so be it. Or, as one rival GM believed, this Porzingis intel is all a smoke screen to get Orlando (who loves Porzingis) to trade up to No. 3 and give Hinkie another coveted asset. I believe Porzingis' camp strongly prefers he land in Orlando.

4. New York Knicks - D'Angelo Russell

The Magic have been very high on Porzingis, but he's not the only player who makes sense for them. The team badly needs shooting and Hezonja's ability to shoot from 3-point range, combined with his athleticism and aggressiveness on the scoring end, will be a perfect addition to the defensive-minded Magic. Willie Cauley-Stein is another option here for Orlando if Porzingis is off the board, but I think Hezonja's offense is more of a need.

5. Orlando Magic - Mario Hezonja

The Magic have been very high on Porzingis, but he's not the only player who makes sense for them. The team badly needs shooting and Hezonja's ability to shoot from 3-point range, combined with his athleticism and aggressiveness on the scoring end, will be a perfect addition to the defensive-minded Magic. Willie Cauley-Stein is another option here for Orlando if Porzingis is off the board, but I think Hezonja's offense is more of a need.

6. Sacramento Kings - Emmanuel Mudiay

The Kings have needed an elite point guard for some time and I think if Mudiay is on the board, it's going to be hard for them to pass. On talent, he's a top-four pick and is a major upgrade over Darren Collison at the point. Cauley-Stein is the other option for Sacramento, and he's also a fit, but I just don't see them passing on Mudiay if he's still on the board.

7. Denver Nuggets - Justise Winslow

We've had Winslow here for a while and still think this is his floor. He'll get looks as high as the Knicks at 4 and the Magic at 5. But he'd be a good fit in Denver and with defensive mastermind Mike Malone taking over as head coach, he could really use a player like Winslow to help jumpstart the defense.

8. Detroit Pistons - Sam Dekker

Everyone in the league has Mario Hezonja pegged here for the Pistons. And if he falls to eight, it's likely he'll be the pick. However, if he's off the board, don't be surprised if the Pistons select Dekker a few spots higher than other NBA teams have him. He had a terrific workout there on Saturday, shot the lights out, and is more NBA ready than several of the wings. The Pistons also have a huge hole at the three. Stanley Johnson and Devin Booker will be other options for Detroit.

9. Charlotte Hornets - Devin Booker

The Hornets traded Lance Stephenson to the Clippers on Monday, getting back Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes in return. Barnes will likely be waived which means that there's a very strong chance the Hornets will look to replace Stephenson with a two guard who can really shoot threes. Booker is probably the best shooter on the board. No. 9 might be a little high, but given how desperately the Hornets need shooting, I think they won't mind reaching. One other scenario to consider. The Hornets also really like both Kelly Oubre and R.J. Hunter. I'm told they'll explore options to trade back into the mid to late teens if they can land a valuable veteran as well for the No. 9 pick. One team to watch in that scenario? Boston. They've been exploring moving up for a while and would especially be thrilled if Willie Cauley-Stein was still on the board.

10. Miami Heat - Stanley Johnson

Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker and Johnson are the three players most likely to find a home in Miami. In this scenario, Dekker is off the board. Kaminsky is an option -they could use more offense in the middle -but the Heat's needs at the three may push Johnson to the top. He's tough, plays on both ends and is super competitive. His upside might not be as high as several others on the board, but I wouldn't be shocked if Miami is just content to hit a double instead of a home run.

11. Indiana Pacers - Willie Cauley-Stein

Larry Bird told Cauley-Stein he thought he'd be a max player someday. For weeks it's looked like Cauley-Stein could go as high as the Knicks at four and the Kings at six. That's still possible. But if both teams pass, then Cauley-Stein could slide and I doubt he gets past the Pacers. They are looking to re-energize their front line with speed and defense. Cauley-Stein offers both, and is worth the risk. Cameron Payne, Myles Turner and Bobby Portis are other players getting a strong look from Indiana.

12. Utah Jazz - Myles Turner

The Jazz have been looking at around seven players at this spot: Turner, Trey Lyles, Kaminsky, Johnson, Dekker, Looney and Oubre. You can make a solid argument for each of them. However, if Turner somehow falls to them at 12, I don't know how they pass. The Jazz have the ability to be patient. They have starters at every position and money to add a few free agent veterans to support the bench. And Turner gives them something they don't have - a big man who can really stretch the floor. If Turner is gone, I think Lyles is the next most likely option at 12.

13. Phoenix Suns - Frank Kaminsky

It's been hard to get a read on what Phoenix is going to do at 13. There are a lot of variables left in the draft. But Kaminsky makes a lot of sense for a team that's trying to fight its way into the Western Conference playoffs next year. He's more ready than most draft prospects to come in and do his thing. His ability to stretch the floor is especially appealing. Alex Len can't play 48 minutes a night. The Suns really need back-up help at the 5.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cameron Payne

The Thunder have been on Payne for a while. They need a longterm back-up behind Russell Westbrook and the buzz around Payne has made him a real draft sleeper. Payne has a high basketball IQ, excels in the pick-and-roll and has great quickness for his size. Another sleeper at No. 14, I'm told, is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

15. Atlanta Hawks - Bobby Portis

The Hawks get this pick from Brooklyn. Portis has drawn raves everywhere he works out. He's got a great motor, is skilled, and competes on both ends of the floor. He's one of the safest players in the draft and could go as high as 11 to the Pacers. But at 15, he gives the Hawks some much needed support in the frontcourt. Portis can rebound, block shots, stretch the floor and gives you tremendous energy. Lyles and Oubre are other potential options for Atlanta.

16. Boston Celtics - Kelly Oubre

The Celtics, as we said, are trying to move up in the draft. But if they stay at 16 and both Oubre and Lyles are on the board, they're in very good shape. Both players could fit a need and I'm not sure which player the Celtics would take. Oubre is here because, in many ways, his upside is the highest, both as a defender and as an offensive player. He's shown more maturity of late and if Boston believe he'll work, he's worth the risk. Two dark horses to watch - Hollis-Jefferson and Rashad Vaughn.

17. Milwaukee Bucks - Trey Lyles

Lyles is getting looks from teams as high as the Pistons at 8. No one is sure quite what to make of him after he played out of position all year at Kentucky. Everyone likes him. I'm just not sure anyone is in love with him. With Ilyasova now out of the mix, the Bucks will have a little more playing time for a player like Lyles. While the Bucks bigger needs are at center and shooting guard, Lyles's talent will make him tough to pass at this spot. Sometimes you just have to take the best prospect left on the board.

18. Houston Rockets - Tyus Jones

The Pelicans send their pick to the Rockets as part of the Omer Asik trade.

Jones hurt his back in a workout with the Rockets and hasn't worked out since. While the injury may be legitimate, rival GMs have whispered that the Rockets may have shut him down. He's an analytics darling, fits a major need, and has a lot of momentum after winning a National Championship. Jerian Grant, Delon Wright and Terry Rozier are other players the Rockets like.

19. Washington Wizards - Kevon Looney

As I wrote two weeks ago, the Wizards are hoping that one of the three young power forwards - Portis, Lyles or Looney - falls to them at 19. That's their major area of need going forward and all three players are young and still have upside. Of the three, Looney has the most. He's incredibly long, a terrific offensive rebounder and very skilled. He's also the furthest away of the three and questions about a hip he injured before his freshman season at UCLA and a form of sports asthma have caused his stock to slip from the mid-lottery to here. He's worked out well recently, however, and if teams can get comfortable with the hip (the asthma thing doesn't seem to worry anyone), he could end up going as high as the Heat at No. 10.

20. Toronto Raptors - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Hollis-Jefferson is rising. A number of teams in the teens have told me he's now in the mix after terrific workouts. Yes, his shot is broken, but many teams see him as an elite defender and slasher and feel he'll find a niche in the league. And if his shot starts falling, he could be a star. Grant and Vaughn are two other guards that could fill a similar role in Toronto.

21. Dallas Mavericks - Jerian Grant

Just about everyone in the league is penciling in a point guard for the Mavs. Rajon Rondo is likely leaving and J.J. Barea is a free agent. They need help. Grant is one of the most NBA-ready point guards in the draft, is terrific in the pick-and-roll, can swing to the 2 when you need him and plays with incredible fire. He could go as high as 14 to the Thunder, but if he's here, he'll be tough to pass on. Vaughn, Hunter and Wright are other options for Dallas.

22. Chicago Bulls - Rashad Vaughn

The Bulls are always looking for shooting and Vaughn can really fill it up. Some teams also feel he can play some back-up point guard in a pinch. He's received interest from the Celtics, Bucks, Raptors and Mavericks, but could end up being here at No. 22. Very few players his age can score the way he can. Hunter, Wright and Justin Anderson could also hear their name called by Chicago.

23. Portland Trailblazers - R.J. Hunter

Hunter is one of those love him or hate him type prospects. Teams that love him point to his terrific shooting and passing ability. Teams that hate him think he's soft and will get killed on defense. He has teams as high as the Hornets at nine who really like him. But I could also see him sliding to around here. It would be tough for the Blazers to pass on him, however, with Wesley Matthews heading into free agency.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Delon Wright

With Kyrie Irving out, Matthew Dellavedova played admirably (and sometimes great) in his absence in the postseason. But the Cavs could always use depth at the point position and Wright has the chops to provide it right away. He's an excellent, pass-first point guard who, if he can continue to improve his jumper, could be a terrific NBA backup. Justin Anderson and Terry Rozier are other good candidates at No. 24.

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Justin Anderson

Anderson is another guy who has been tough to peg. Teams in the teens, such as the Bucks, and teams in the early 20s, such as the Raptors and Bulls, are interested. At this point, he's a steal, especially if you believe his 3-point shooting wasn't a fluke this year. And the truth is, the depth of the draft really starts to fall off here. The Grizzlies could use more shooting and Anderson is probably the best shooter left on the board.

26. San Antonio Spurs - Montrezl Harrell

Harrell has explosive athleticism and is tough, but his lack of focus has scared some teams off. The Spurs are the right sort of culture to nurture his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. They definitely could use some back-up help at the 4.

27. Los Angeles Lakers - Joseph Young

If the Lakers take Okafor or Towns with their first pick, I expect they'll look at guard with their second one. The Lakers had great success with Jordan Clarkson last year and I think they could have similar success taking a chance on Young here. I believe both guards could play together in the backcourt because of Clarkson's size at the one. Young brings something to the table that the Lakers desperately need: shooting. And the fact that he hasn't worked out since the combine is suspicious. Multiple sources believe that a team in the late first round made him a promise in exchange for not working out for other teams. While I have no idea if that's LA or not, he is a good get at No. 27.

28. Boston Celtics - Jarell Martin

Boston receives this pick via the L.A. Clippers. One of the reasons Danny Ainge can roll the dice on a wing like Oubre is that there are several interesting forwards who will be available later in the draft. Martin is especially intriguing. He's skilled, a very good athlete, and he has an NBA body. He's just a bit of a tweener. But if he focuses on rebounding and toughness, he'd give the Celtics so much needed athleticism to their front court.

29. Brooklyn Nets - Chris McCullough

McCullough tore his ACL and will likely miss most of the NBA season. But there is lottery talent there and given the Nets's atrocious draft pick situation in the coming years, they need to take a half court heave here and hope, when healthy, McCullough can live up to his raw potential.

30. Golden State Warriors - Anthony Brown

The Warriors, believe it or not, are looking for more shooting in their backcourt. When Steph Curry or Klay Thompson sit, they'd like someone who could come in and make open shots. Brown shot 45 percent from three as a junior and 44 percent this season, and has very good size for his position.
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http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2015&version=7&source=Chad-Ford-Mock-Draft
 
WCS on the Pacers could change that whole franchise but I doubt he makes it past the Magic or Kings.

Sell Hibbert for anything.
 
My man RHJ could be Josh Smith lite, 10/9/3/2/3 guarding 4 postions.


Shot creation/jumper is pure poverty but he could still be valuable to a team already with great offense. He shot 70% from the line so maybe he could one day at least hit an open shot.


If he falls to the Cavs at 24. :nerd:
 
awwsome said:
My man RHJ could be Josh Smith lite, 10/9/3/2/3 guarding 4 postions.


Shot creation/jumper is pure poverty but he could still be valuable to a team already with great offense. He shot 70% from the line so maybe he could one day at least hit an open shot.


If he falls to the Cavs at 24.
nerd.gif
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I always viewed him as a homeless man's Gerald Wallace for those exact reasons
 
awwsome said:
My man RHJ could be Josh Smith lite, 10/9/3/2/3 guarding 4 postions.


Shot creation/jumper is pure poverty but he could still be valuable to a team already with great offense. He shot 70% from the line so maybe he could one day at least hit an open shot.


If he falls to the Cavs at 24. :nerd:
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Let's just hope he doesn't chuck 3's like Smoov.
 
Vincent Van Ho said:
I always viewed him as a homeless man's Gerald Wallace for those exact reasons
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Yup, people forgot how crazy Wallace was when healthy.

18/8/3/2/2 efficiently switching everything on defense like a Swiss army knife.


He would have been a problem on some better teams.
 
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