2015 NBA Mock Draft

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2015 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 16-30
2015 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2

2016 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: June 25, 2015.

Team needs and outstanding trades have been taken into account with this mock draft.

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky, 7-0, Fr.
    The Timberwolves could use a frontcourt running mate for Nikola Pekovic, and with how Towns continued to develop as the 2014 season progressed, he moved into conversations surrounding the top pick. His versatility on the offensive end makes him a better fit in Minnesota than Jahlil Okafor.


  2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, 6-11, Fr.
    Jahlil Okafor is a terrific back-to-the-basket post scorer who knows how to carve out space inside with his wide body. He would be a building block inside for a Lakers franchise desperately in need of a spark. They could also use a play-making guard of the future like D’Angelo Russell, but Okafor seems to be the favorite here.


  3. Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State, 6-4, Fr.
    In drafting Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric the past two years, the Sixers have added young talent up front but have a huge void in the backcourt, especially since they dealt Michael Carter-Williams. D’Angelo Russell is a pure scorer whether he’s slashing to the bucket or shooting it from deep, yet he can also distribute the rock when running the point. Kristpas Porzingis is picking up steam as a legitimate option here as well.




  4. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, USA, 6-5, 1996.
    Mudiay was supposed to play his freshman season at SMU but is instead playing professionally in China. With ideal size and strength for an NBA point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay is at his best off the bounce. Kristpas Porzinigis is a real option here as well, but Mudiay seems like the safer pick for the Knicks.


  5. Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, C, Latvia, 7-2, 1995
    Porzingis’ window seems to be between No. 2 and No. 5. The Latvian is a versatile, athletic big man, and the Magic could use a versatile frontcourt player to pair alongside Nikola Vucevic. If Porzingis is off the board, Mario Hezonja is the likely pick.


  6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky, 7-0, Jr.
    Willie Cauley-Stein brings a ton of energy to the floor and is a huge difference-maker on the defensive. His stock is all over the place, but the Kings could use a power forward-type player to put next to DeMarcus Cousins. If Emmanuel Mudiay slides, it’s doubtful he falls past the Kings since they could use a point guard of the future.




  7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke, 6-6, Fr.
    The Nuggets dealt Arron Afflalo prior to the trade deadline, and with Wilson Chandler and Randy Foye both entering the final year of their contracts, Denver needs talent on the wing. Justise Winslow has an NBA-ready build and has a great all-around skill set on both ends of the floor.


  8. Detroit Pistons: Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia, 6-6, 1995
    The Pistons need a small forward of the future, and the Croatian is in the mold of most Europeans since he is a crafty all-around scorer. Hezonja has good size for an NBA wing as well, and his range seems to be between No. 5 and No. 8.


  9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky 6-5, Fr.
    With the Hornets dealing Lance Stephenson and Gerald Henderson, shooting guard is a huge need. Yes, Charlotte brought in Nicolas Batum, but neither he nor Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are real long-distance threats. Devin Booker is a sharpshooter from the outside, and that was a glaring weakness for the team last season. By trading last year’s first-round pick, Noah Vonleh, a post player is another option.




  10. Miami Heat: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona, 6-7, Fr.
    With Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng both possibly hitting free agency this summer, the Heat have questions on the wing. Stanley Johnson brings size, strength, athleticism and versatility to the floor.


  11. Indiana Pacers: Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
    With David West and Roy Hibbert becoming free agents by next summer at the latest, the Pacers should look to add a young post player. There are several options here, but Trey Lyles’ stock seems to be rising leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft, so he gets the nod.


  12. Utah Jazz: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin, 7-0, Sr.
    The Jazz have a terrific young frontcourt in Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, but Frank Kaminsky would provide some depth and offensive versatility up front since he has a plethora of moves on the block. Kaminsky can also stretch defenses with his three-point shooting.




  13. Phoenix Suns: Myles Turner, C, Texas, 7-0, Fr.
    The Suns need an injection of talent on the wing, yet could also use more depth inside. Myles Turner, meanwhile, is a developing big man with incredible athleticism. He is just scratching the surface with how good he might become and would be hard for the Suns to pass up at this point.


  14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State, 6-2, Soph.
    Though under-the-radar on a national level, the Racer point guard put up monster numbers during his sophomore year. Oklahoma City could use a Reggie Jackson replacement behind Russell Westbrook, and Payne would be a solid value this late.


  15. Atlanta Hawks: Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas, 6-7, Fr.
    Kelly Oubre is a lengthy, athletic wing who struggled earlier this season for Kansas but is loaded with potential on both ends of the floor. He is a bit of a project, but he could pay huge dividends down the road. Additionally, the Hawks could be losing DeMarre Carroll to free agency this summer.

    Atlanta owns the Nets’ pick from the Joe Johnson trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2015 NBA Draft Trades.



  16. Go to 2015 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 16-30
    Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.



    Go to 2015 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2



    Go to 2016 NBA Mock Draft



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: [email protected].
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




2015 NBA Mock Draft

2016 NBA Mock Draft

2014 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | COMBO-F | SF | COMBO-G | SG | PG





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