Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell go No. 1 and No. 2 at NBA draft

Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell go No. 1 and No. 2 at NBA draft – Los Angeles Times

The Minnesota Timberwolves began the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on Thursday night as expected by using the first overall pick on power forward Karl-Anthony Towns out of Kentucky.

By the end of the evening 60 players will have been selected over two rounds.

Below is a running tally of each player as they are picked:

First round

No. 1 — Minnesota Timberwolves — Karl-Anthony Towns, 6-11 1/4, 250, Kentucky, power forward

Towns has the size of a center but the speed and footwork of a wing player. In his lone season at Kentucky, he was part of John Calipari’s 10-man platoon, and as a result, he only averaged 21.1 minutes per game, but his athletic ability and potential are unquestionable. With those limited minutes, he still ranked fourth in the NCAA in player efficiency rating (PER). Both offensively and defensively, he is a threat from all over the floor. He shot 56.6% from the field and averaged 2.3 blocks per game, and he effectively can run and defend the pick-and-roll.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Imaginary friend Karlito probably would have preferred to spend rookie season in Southern California.

No. 2 — LAKERS — D’Angelo Russell, 6-5, 193, Ohio State, point guard/shooting guard

Russell electrified the NCAA this past season with precise shooting and even crisper passing, making the All-America first team. His marks of 19.3 points and 5.0 assists per game ranked among the top three of college freshmen, and he was a workhorse for the Buckeyes, averaging 33.5 minutes per game, while connecting on 41.1% of his three-pointers. His obvious skills put him near the top of mock drafts. Because of his size, it is not clear whether he will run the point or be a shooting guard in the NBA.

Ben Bolch’s comment: The Lakers apparently preferred Russell’s red jacket to Jalil Okafor’s.

No. 3 — Philadelphia 76ers — Jahlil Okafor, 6-10 3/4, 272, Duke, center

Perhaps no player in the draft is more NBA-ready than Okafor. With a massive 7-5 wingspan and excellent footwork in the post that some scouts compare to a young Tim Duncan, Okafor is a classic center who should be able to match up against most big men in the pros. He collected 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in his only season at Duke en route to a national championship and first team All-American honors. The biggest concerns are about his defense, where he was often inconsistent and uninspired, and his free throw shooting; in college he averaged 51% from the charity stripe.

Ben Bolch’s comment: 76ers going big when rest of the NBA trying to emulate Golden State’s small-ball approach.

No. 4 — New York Knicks — Kristaps Porzingis, 7-0, 220, Latvia, power forward

Porzingis, 19, is listed as a power forward, has the height of a power forward, but he does not always act like one. Setting aside the obvious lack of bulk that hurts him in the post, Porzingis’ game is unlike most 7-footers. He is best facing the basket, taking mid-range jumpers and stretching the floor in transition like a small forward or wing player. On the offensive end, he will be a tough matchup for any opposing frontcourt, but on defense, he may struggle to contain stronger players.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Something was lost in translation given all the thumbs down from Knicks fans over Latvian 7-footer.

No. 5 — Orlando Magic — Mario Hezonja, 6-8, 215, Croatia, small forward/shooting guard

Hezonja has all the physical tools to be a starting NBA small forward: good length, decent strength, a smooth shot and excellent body control and athleticism on both ends of the floor. What may hold him back, though, is his brash, fiery personality and sometimes questionable decision-making. While he was with F.C. Barcelona in Europe, his obvious skills made up for these mental shortcomings, but in the NBA he could clash with more demanding teammates who want the ball.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Slim chance Hezonja spends any time in D League after starring for Barcelona in ACB League.

No. 6 — Sacramento Kings — Willie Cauley-Stein, 7-0 1/2, 242, Kentucky, center

Cauley-Stein has been projected as a first-round draft pick for almost three years now. But while he decided to return to school after his freshman and sophomore years, he’s finally making the jump in 2015. And those last two years made a difference. Always a defensive force — he averaged 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes in his collegiate career — “Trill” needed work on the offensive end. He has since improved his jumper and can score well in transition and averaged 8.9 points a game last season. But in the NBA, Cauley-Stein will begin his career best known as a do-it-all defender.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Seven-footer is insurance with center DeMarcus Cousins’ future shakier than San Andreas fault.

No. 7 — Denver Nuggets — Emmanuel Mudiay, 6-5, 200, China, point guard

The 19-year-old Mudiay may not be well known to fans of the college game, which he skipped to play professionally in China for a year, but he arguably has more speed and strength than any other guard in the draft. His ability to drive to the hoop and finish strong, both in the half-court and in transition, is top-notch. However, his jump shot needs work, and just 10 games into his Chinese career he went down with an ankle injury. Durability could be an issue, especially as he adjusts to an 82-game NBA schedule.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Reputation partly made in China after ankle injury limited him to 12 games with Guangdong Southern Tigers.

No. 8 — Detroit Pistons — Stanley Johnson, 6-6 1/2, 242, Arizona, small forward

In his one season at Arizona, Johnson led the team with 13.8 points a game and averaged 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals. He often drove to the hoop, sometimes losing track of wide-open teammates on the wings, but he converted those opportunities at such a high rate it hardly mattered. His shooting percentage climbed as the year went on en route to winning the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award. Defensively, he showed great anticipation and the length necessary to lock down the perimeter; it helped the 19-year-old climb up most mock drafts.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Mater Dei High product already winning confidence game by calling himself the best player in the draft.

No. 9 — Charlotte Hornets — Frank Kaminsky, 7-0 3/4, 231, Wisconsin, power forward/center

With Kaminsky, what you see is what you get: the consensus national player of the year. A rare four-year college player who was prominent in virtually every mock draft, he brings an extensive skill set that should translate well to the professional game. Continuing the trend of NBA big men, Kaminsky can hold his own on the perimeter and score from all over the floor. Last season he averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and shot 41.6% in three-pointers. He can run in transition and has great knowledge of the game.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Has same strengths (size, shooting), weaknesses (athleticism, defense) as new teammate Spencer Hawes.

No. 10 — Miami Heat — Justise Winslow, 6-6 1/2, 222, Duke, small forward

The list of Winslow’s shortcomings continues to shrink. Not only does he have the size and length of an NBA-ready player, he has worked to improve several areas of his game. After poor three-point shooting plagued him throughout high school, Winslow connected on 42% of his attempts in his one season at Duke. Rather than continue to bulldoze his way into the lane on every drive, he has developed more finesse and a better touch around the rim. Winslow has always been a top prospect because of his defensive ability, but with a stellar NCAA tournament (14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds a game), he has shown how complete a player he can be.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Will Justise be served a spot in the starting lineup? Probably so if Luol Deng declines player option.

No. 11 — Indiana Pacers — Myles Turner, 6-11 1/2, 239, Texas, power forward/center

At just 19 years old and nearly 7 feet tall, Myles Turner has the raw physical attributes to make an impact for any NBA team. Add that to that his ability to shoot jumpers, block shots (2.6 per game in college) and make free throws (83.9%) and it is clear Turner has a bright future. But he is far from a finished product. He still needs to grow into his body, improve his mobility and figure out how to hold his own against NBA big men. His ceiling is high, but it will take time for him to reach it.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Pacers will either have a surplus of shot-blocking or a new cog in the middle if Roy Hibbert opts out of his contract.

No. 12 — Utah Jazz — Trey Lyles, 6-10 1/4, 241, Kentucky, power forward

Lyles has a massive wingspan of 7-1 1/2 and a standing reach of 9 feet, meaning he could play either power forward or center in the NBA. But at Kentucky, an embarrassment of riches in the frontcourt pushed him to the small forward position — nevertheless, he made the All-SEC freshman team. It is not clear how good Lyles is when it comes to post play. He rarely had to play with his back to the rim, and his rebounding numbers (5.2 a game) were pedestrian. But with his frame and size, most facets of the game should come easily to Lyles.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Labeling him stretch four might be a, well, stretch given Lyles made 13.8% of three-pointers in his only season at Kentucky.

No. 13 — Phoenix Suns — Devin Booker, 6-5 3/4, 206, Kentucky, shooting guard

Booker didn’t show up on the NCAA’s list of top three-point shooters for 2014-2015, but that absence can be chalked up to his limited minutes in Kentucky’s incredibly deep rotation. In fact, he has one of the smoothest shots in the draft, and when he had the opportunity he knocked down 41.1% of his long-range attempts. While his size is decent for an NBA guard, he lacks the strength to challenge bigger players, especially on defense.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Probably wondering whom he will play alongside in evolving backcourt that includes Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight … for the moment.

No. 14 — Oklahoma City Thunder — Cameron Payne, 6-1 1/2, 183, Murray State, point guard

One of the top scorers (20.2 points a game) in the nation last year, Payne is explosive with the ball. At the NBA combine, he posted a top-10 time in the shuttle run and shot 60% or better in almost every shooting drill. In addition, he can distribute the ball with the best of them. His average of 6.0 assists per game ranked 15th in the nation. Yet he barely stands above 6 feet, which doesn’t preclude him from being an effective NBA point guard, but makes it more challenging.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Mid-major player and his high-major coach, Billy Donovan, both trying to prove they belong in NBA during rookie season.

No. 15 — Atlanta Hawks — Kelly Oubre Jr., 6-6 3/4, 203, Kansas, small forward/shooting guard

Fluid and rangy, Oubre has the natural attributes to be an NBA wing player. His jump shot is smooth and natural, and in his lone season at Kansas, he put it to good use, shooting around 40% on two-point jumpers. Beyond that, Oubre has a long way to go in many facets of the game. His ball-handling skills need to improve and his passing ability is subpar. And Oubre must sharpen his focus on the defensive end. Still, these areas can be improved with good coaching, and Oubre has already grown a great deal under the tutelage of Bill Self.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Pictures of Oubre in a Hawks hat could become a collector’s item with immediate trade to Wizards for three picks.

Rights traded to the Washington Wizards

No. 16 — Boston Celtics — Terry Rozier, 6-2 1/4, 190, Louisville, point guard

Volume is key to Rozier’s game; he averaged 17.1 points per game last season, but it took the 10th-most shots in the NCAA to make it happen. To get off 14.5 shots per game, Rozier had to play an up-tempo, aggressive style that sometimes bordered on the manic. He has solid ball-handling skills and can change pace quickly to throw off defenders, but he turned the ball over 2.2 times per game because he often pushed so hard.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Celtics hoping they finally have their long-term replacement for Rajon Rondo in speedster who can play both guard positions.

No. 17 — Milwaukee Bucks — Rashad Vaughn, 6-5, 199, UNLV, shooting guard

Vaughn is one of the best scorers in the draft, putting up 17.8 points in 32 minutes a game in his lone season at UNLV. Those numbers are the result of incredible athleticism, smooth and fluid mechanics and lots of shots. He was second on the team in shots, but he played 10 fewer games than the rest of the starting lineup. To put up that many shots, Vaughn did not always exhibit good judgment when it came to choosing his spots on the floor and he rarely shared the ball (only 1.6 assists per game) — but he knows how to score.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Mountain West Conference freshman of the year suddenly has much higher aspirations alongside newly minted millionaires.

No. 18 — Houston Rockets — Sam Dekker, 6-9, 219, Wisconsin, small forward

While most of the nation was captivated by Frank “The Tank” Kaminsky, Dekker was just as much a key to the Badgers’ run to the title game. He put up 19.2 points per game in the NCAA tournament, and in doing so vaulted up many mock draft boards. What makes Dekker dangerous is his versatility; he can score from long range or he can drive into the lane with authority, he can scramble after loose balls and distribute assists just as well. What makes him less exciting is his lack of elite athleticism or outstanding talent in one particular area. Dekker is a jack of all trades.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Dekker’s length and shooting could help him fill the void Chandler Parsons left with his departure a year ago.

No. 19 — Washington Wizards — Jerian Grant, 6-4 1/4, 198, Notre Dame, point guard

Grant’s greatest strength is also a significant drawback; he’s already 22 years old and very much a polished player. While he will likely contribute immediately, the ceiling on his potential may be limited. He is especially strong for a point guard and has the ability to go off for massive scoring stretches, but can exhibit poor judgment with his shot selection, a trait that persisted through his college career. His father (Harvey), uncle (Horace) and brother (Jerami) all played in the NBA, so he has the right pedigree.

Ben Bolch’s comment: Son of longtime NBA forward Harvey Grant will get to play for Knicks President Phil Jackson, just like uncle Horace.

Rights traded to the New York Knicks

No. 20 — Toronto Raptors — Delon Wright, 6-5 1/2, 181, Utah, point guard

Wright has the ability to see the court in a way other, smaller point guards can’t. What’s more, he has the size to drive with authority and finish near the rim. In his senior season, he averaged as many rebounds as he did assists (5.0), while scoring 16.9 points and making the first team All-Pac 12. At the draft combine, Wright posted poor results in the vertical leap, the three-quarters sprint and the shuttle run, but these marks don’t capture his ability to use changes in pace, shifty moves and superior awareness to run the floor and create scoring opportunities.

Ben Bolch’s comment: He will learn “O Canada” and possibly say “Oh brother” if matched up against sibling Dorrell Wright anytime soon.

No. 21 — Dallas Mavericks — Justin Anderson, 6-6 1/4, 231, Virginia, small forward/shooting guard

The individual defensive stats aren’t all that impressive for Anderson, who put up fewer than one steal and block per game in his junior and sophomore seasons. But he was nevertheless instrumental to one of the nation’s top defenses throughout his three years at Virginia, cutting off drives and staying in front of screens and cuts. On offense, Anderson thrives mostly in transition, flying out ahead for high-percentage shots, but has poor ball-handling skills and isn’t all that explosive in the half court. To his credit, his three-point percentage jumped from 29.4% as a sophomore to 45.2% in his junior season.

No. 22 — Chicago Bulls — Bobby Portis, 6-10 1/2, 246, Arkansas, power forward

Portis flies down the court in transition on offense and defense, eating up massive amounts of ground with monstrous strides. His length, combined with his energy on both ends of the floor, means he is a ready-made power forward for the NBA. While Portis may not have the size of some pros, he makes up for it with quickness and versatility. He can connect on mid- to long-range jumpers (he shot 46.7% on three-pointers last season) and has no problem switching onto smaller players after ball screens. His post game, though, needs plenty of polish.

No. 23 — Portland Trail Blazers — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 6-7, 211, Arizona, small forward

With the second-fastest three-quarter sprint at the draft combine and the best mark of any small forward, Hollis-Jefferson excels in the transition game. Moreover, he has the size and strength to finish at the rim. He led his team with 6.8 rebounds a game last season and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive team. Like his teammate and fellow prospect Stanley Johnson, Hollis-Jefferson grabs more than a steal a game. On the offensive side, he still needs to develop a reliable jump shot and refine his ball-handling skills.

No. 24 — Cleveland Cavaliers — Tyus Jones, 6-2, 185, Duke, point guard

The NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, Jones was at his best in the postseason, averaging 13 points and 4.5 assists in March Madness. That success speaks to his cool head under pressure and high basketball IQ. He is as smart a point guard as any in the draft, but physically he underwhelms. His vertical leap and first step are average and his size is nothing extraordinary. Still, he has the proper mind-set and intelligence to flourish as a distributor down the road.

Rights traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves

No. 25 — Memphis Grizzlies — Jarell Martin, 6-9 1/4, 239, LSU, small forward/power forward

Martin, like many young big men, is as dominant in the paint as he is raw outside of it. He can attack the rim with authority and good ball-handling skills and draws fouls on a consistent basis (he averaged six free-throw attempts per game last season). His aggressiveness on the boards also stood out, with almost half his 9.2 rebounds a game coming at the offensive end. But his jumper is sloppy, his defense is weak and his focus is questionable. He has the athleticism to overcome these flaws, but it will take time. Until then, he still has a solid post game.

No. 26 — San Antonio Spurs — Nikola Milutinov, 6-11, 220, Serbia, center

Not only does Milutinov need to add bulk to his long frame, he needs the confidence to be more aggressive. In the post, he is nowhere near as effective as a player his size should be, either in scoring or rebounding. However, he does have a solid jumper and advanced passing skills for a big man. Both on offense and defense, he anchors his team in the block.

No. 27 — LAKERS — Larry Nance Jr., 6-8 1/2, 227, Wyoming, power forward

Nance worked out at the Lakers’ practice facility last Friday. Clearly he made an impression. “If there’s a ball on the court, first quarter, fourth quarter, I’m on it. Whether I get it or not, I’m going to be on the floor working for it,” said Nance. “It’s effort plays that you can really count on from me.” The Lakers may have reached a bit to take Nance, who was projected as the 54th pick by website DraftExpress.com. At 6-foot-9, the 22-year old senior may be ready to contribute off the bench as a role player at power forward. Nance has thrived despite battling Crohn’s disease and suffering a torn ACL in 2014.

No. 28 — Boston Celtics — R.J. Hunter, 6-6, 185, Georgia State, shooting guard

Hunter has attracted attention on mock drafts because of his size as a shooting guard, as well as his ability to convert long-range shot attempts; in three years at Georgia State, he made 36% of his three-pointers. On the defensive end, he has enough length to guard the perimeter and had nearly two steals per game in college. But seeing how his game will translate from the small pond of the Sun Belt Conference to the NBA probably makes him a long-term investment.

No. 29 — Brooklyn Nets — Chris McCullough, 6-9, 199, Syracuse, power forward

McCullough has the size and athleticism to make him an elite prospect. What he still needs to develop is consistency. At Syracuse, he showed flashes of greatness in his small sample size, as a shot blocker (two a game), and as a fluid, smooth-shooting frontcourt threat on the offensive end (he averaged 9.3 points in 28 minutes). But he also went down early with a torn ACL, ending his one college season at 16 games, and has not fully recovered.

No. 30 — Golden State Warriors — Kevon Looney, 6-9, 222, UCLA, power forward

A former point guard in high school, Looney has decent dribbling skills and court vision. He can make sharp cuts and run both sides of the pick-and-roll. But as of now, he does not have the strength to challenge most of the power forwards he will face in the NBA. At UCLA, he was dominant on the offensive glass, but relied more on length than proper technique or lower body strength. Nevertheless, the freshman led the Bruins with 9.2 rebounds a game, had 15 double-double games and shot 41.5% on this three-pointers.

Alex Shultz contributed to this report

ALSO:

Phil Jackson: NBA draft could bring ‘major surprises’ for Knicks fans

Lakers leaning toward drafting Jahlil Okafor over D’Angelo Russell

NCAA proposal for NBA draft would allow players to return to school

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