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Jun 9, 2015

TSN.ca's 2015 NBA Mock Draft

The 2015 NBA Draft will be held on June 25 from Brooklyn. Before then, though, 1 On 1 With Will & Duane's Will Strickland and Duane Watson present TSN.ca's 2015 NBA Mock Draft. The Minnesota Timberwolves pick first overall, while the Philadelphia 76ers have a league-high six picks over the two rounds.

D'Angelo Russell

The 2015 NBA Draft will be held on June 25 from Brooklyn. Before then, though, 1 On 1 With Will & Duane's Will Strickland and Duane Watson present TSN.ca's 2015 NBA Mock Draft. The Minnesota Timberwolves pick first overall, while the Philadelphia 76ers have a league-high six picks over the two rounds.

 

 

#1 - MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns

Kentucky Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Centre
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    248
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Highly skilled, young big with tremendous upside to grow his game at the next level.

#2 - LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Jahlil Okafor

Duke Blue Devils

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Centre
  • HEIGHT
    6'11
  • WEIGHT
    272
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Perhaps the most pro-ready player in this draft offensively; will have to get in better shape and learn to defend his position.

#3 - PHILADELPHIA 76ers

D'Angelo Russell

Ohio State Buckeyes

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Point Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    176
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Game-growth potential is enormous; is top pick on many pre-draft boards.

#4 - NEW YORK KNICKS

Emmanuel Mudiay

Guangdong Southern Tigers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Point Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    200
  • CLASS
    International

BREAKDOWN

Amazing athlete whose year of seasoning in China eases adjustment to playing in the league's biggest market

#5 - ORLANDO MAGIC

Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis

Baloncesto Sevilla

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    220
  • CLASS
    International

BREAKDOWN

Will the "next Dirk Nowitzki" expectation be a burden or motivation for the young Latvian? Stay tuned!

#6 - SACRAMENTO KINGS

Mario Hezonja

Barcelona

VITALS

  • POSITION
    SG/SF
  • HEIGHT
    6'8
  • WEIGHT
    200
  • CLASS
    International

BREAKDOWN

If there is such an animal called the "poor man's Chandler Parsons, but with more attitude and athleticism," Super Mario is him!

#7 - DENVER NUGGETS

Willie Cauley-Stein

Kentucky Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Centre
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    244
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Will come into the NBA as one of the most diverse defenders in basketball; Could end up as a better Tyson Chandler/DeAndre Jordan.

#8 - DETROIT PISTONS

Justise Winslow

Duke Blue Devils

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    221
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

The versatility and unselfishness in his game projects well in the NBA; he will need work on shooting, but elite-level body, motor and smarts help.

#9 - CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Stanley Johnson

Arizona Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'7
  • WEIGHT
    237
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Supremely talented athlete who will grow into his game in the NBA.

#10 - Miami Heat

Sam Dekker
Sam Dekker

Wisconsin Badgers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'7
  • WEIGHT
    200
  • CLASS
    Junior

BREAKDOWN

Some make be surprised by Dekker's athleticism, but not his heart and enthusiasm to be a solid pro.

#11 - INDIANA PACERS

Frank Kaminsky

Wisconsin Badgers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    PF/C
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    242
  • CLASS
    Senior

BREAKDOWN

The National Player of the Year will be in the rotation and contribute immediately.

#12 - UTAH JAZZ

Justin Anderson

Virginia Cavaliers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    222
  • CLASS
    Junior

BREAKDOWN

Hard to find rugged, skilled wing defenders in a draft -  Anderson's one of them.

#13 - PHOENIX SUNS

Kelly Oubre, Jr.

Kansas Jayhawks

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    204
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Has "Nick Young" written all over him, which could be both a good and bad thing!

#14 - Oklahoma City Thunder

Jerian Grant

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Point Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    185
  • CLASS
    Senior

BREAKDOWN

Son of former NBAer Harvey Grant, Jerian is an explosive, smart athlete who will have to get stronger to compete in the Association.

#15 - ATLANTA HAWKS

Trey Lyles

Kentucky Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    235
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Highly coveted big with skill set that may expand to the point where he can also play at the three in the NBA.

#16 - Boston Celtics

Myles Turner

Texas Longhorns

VITALS

  • POSITION
    PF/C
  • HEIGHT
    6'11
  • WEIGHT
    242
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Same size. Same school. Same game as fellow former Longhorn LaMarcus Aldridge? Jury's out, but the kid has the tools.

#17 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Bobby Portis

Arkansas Razorbacks

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'11
  • WEIGHT
    231
  • CLASS
    Sophomore

BREAKDOWN

Quiet as kept, Portis could be sleeper pick in this draft with game reminiscent of a young Kevin Garnett. Then again, he could be Tyrus Thomas.

#18 - HOUSTON ROCKETS

Tyus Jones

Duke Blue Devils

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Point Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'1
  • WEIGHT
    184
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

March Madness' Most Outstanding Player this past spring will look to finda  niche as a smaller signal caller in a league of increasing bigger lead guards.

#19 - WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Montrezl Harrell

Louisville Cardinals

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'8
  • WEIGHT
    230
  • CLASS
    Junior

BREAKDOWN

Can't teach motor and desire. Add in capable mid-range jumper game, defence and aggressive board work and Harrell finds a Taj Gibson-like rotation spot.

#20 - TORONTO RAPTORS

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Arizona Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Small Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    212
  • CLASS
    Sophomore

BREAKDOWN

Excellent athlete with right demeanour and focus to become a very solid, resourceful wing defender in a Kawhi Leonard-mold.

#21 - DALLAS MAVERICKS

Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne

Murray State Racers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Point Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'2
  • WEIGHT
    182
  • CLASS
    Junior

BREAKDOWN

What Payne lacks in size, he makes up for in hoops IQ, multiple ways to score and unselfishness; can get anywhere on the court when he wants.

#22 - CHICAGO BULLS

Delon Wright

Utah Utes

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Poing Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    190
  • CLASS
    Senior

BREAKDOWN

Brother of Portland's Dorell Wright, Delon is an excellent combo guard with skills on both sides of the ball; has to show and prove quickly as a soon to be 23-year-old rook, however.

#23 - PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Kevon Looney

UCLA Bruins

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'10
  • WEIGHT
    220
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Multifaceted player who will have time to grow into his potentially prodigious skills; top five pro-ready entrant.

#24 - CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

RJ Hunter

Georgia State Panthers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Shooting Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    185
  • CLASS
    Junior

BREAKDOWN

Silky, smooth shooter who can actually do more than shoot; Has a lot of Kevin Martin in his game; more work on defence brings intrigue to this pick.

#25 - MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Devin Booker

Kentucky Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Shooting Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    186
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Slipped quite a bit and could have mistakenly gone early to a bad fit; shooters are always welcome, especially when you can do it like Booker can.

#26 - SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Rashad Vaughn

UNLV Runnin' Rebels

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Shooting Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'5
  • WEIGHT
    200
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

The 18-year-old is built ready for NBA action, but recovery from torn meniscus may raise red flags for some.

#27 - LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Aaron Harrison
Aaron Harrison

Kentucky Wildcats

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Shooting Guard
  • HEIGHT
    6'6
  • WEIGHT
    212
  • CLASS
    Sophomore

BREAKDOWN

The better scorer (player?) of the Harrison twins, lack of high-level athleticism and questions about attitude could spell D-League bus rides instead of team charters.

#28 - BOSTON CELTICS

Robert Upshaw

Washington Huskies

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Centre
  • HEIGHT
    7'0
  • WEIGHT
    255
  • CLASS
    Sophomore

Raw, quality defensive talent with an affinity for being dismissed from multiple schools, Upshaw may be more of a challenge than simply a project.

#29 - BROOKLYN NETS

Chris McCullough
Chris McCullough

Syracuse Orange

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    200
  • CLASS
    Freshman

BREAKDOWN

Weighing talent and potential versus torn ACL might be an issue, but McCullough is a low-risk, decent yield potential at this pick.

#30 - GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Jarell Martin
Jarell Martin

Louisiana State Tigers

VITALS

  • POSITION
    Power Forward
  • HEIGHT
    6'9
  • WEIGHT
    240
  • CLASS
    Sophoomore

BREAKDOWN

A solid and safe pick at 30, who could develop or be an asset to package later, Martin is proficient on both backboards and has an evolving offensive game.

Second Round

 

2015 NBA MOCK DRAFT

 
# TEAM PLAYER COL. POS. CLASS
31  Minnesota Timberwolves  Terry Rozier  Louisville  PG So. 
32  Houston Rockets  JP Tokoto  North Carolina  SG/SF  Jr. 
33 Boston Celtics  Jonathan Holmes   Texas PF  Sr.
34   Los Angeles Lakers Terran Petteway  Nebraska  SF  Jr.
35   Philadelphia 76ers Norman Powell  UCLA  SG  Sr. 
36   Minnesota Timberwolves Richaun Holmes  Bowling Green  PF  Sr.
37   Philadelphia 76ers Michael Frazier  Florida  SG  Jr. 
38  Detroit Pistons  Dakari Jones  Kentucky  So. 
39  Charlotte Hornets  Anthony Brown  Stanford  SG/SF  Sr. 
40  Miami Heat  Joseph Young  Oregon  Sr. 
41   Brooklyn Nets Michael Qualls  Arkansas  SF  Jr. 
42   Utah Jazz Jordan Mickey  LSU  PF So. 
43   Indiana Pacers  Andrew Harrison Kentucky  So. 
44   Phoenix Suns Tyler Harvey  Eastern Washington  SG  Jr. 
45   Boston Celtics Olivier Hanlan  Boston College  Jr. 
46  Milwaukee Bucks  Cedi Osman  Anadolu Efes  SF  Intl. 
47   Philadelphia 76ers Vince Hunter  UTEP  So. 
48   Oklahoma City Thunder Rakeem Christmas  Syracuse  PF/C  Sr. 
49   Washington Wizards Aleksandar Vezenkov  Aris Thessaloniki  F Intl. 
50   Atlanta Hawks Alan Williams   UC-Santa Barbara  PF Sr. 
51   Orlando Magic Dez Wells  Maryland  SG  Sr. 
52   Dallas Mavericks George de Paula  Pinheiros  Intl. 
53   Cleveland Cavaliers  Branden Dawson Michigan State  Sr. 
54   Utah Jazz Aaron White   Iowa Sr. 
55   San Antonio Spurs  Cliff Alexander Kansas  PF/C  Fr. 
56   New Orleans Pelicans  Pat Connaughton Notre Dame  SG/SF  Sr. 
57   Denver Nuggets Quinn Cook  Duke  PG  Sr. 
58  Philadelphia 76ers  Larry Nance, Jr.  Wyoming  PF  Sr. 
59   Atlanta Hawks LeBryan Nash  Oklahoma State  Sr.
60   Philadelphia 76ers Brandon Ashley  Arizona  PF  Jr.