2015 NBA Draft Analysis: Kentucky stars shine, while Knicks, Lakers add key … – Washington Post

A heralded class of NBA prospects enters the league with Thursday night’s 2015 draft. Get comprehensive analysis of the league’s premier offseason event, including the latest news, rumors, live Round 1 analysis and more.

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Draft analysis

Michael Lee and Matthew Giles break down every pick in Round 1 to analyze what the new prospect offers and what the moves mean for the teams taking them. 

We can finally stop trying to sift through all of the smoke screens and flat-out lies. After filling our day with trade rumors and endless speculation about DeMarcus Cousins, LaMarcus Aldridge and seemingly every other iteration of people with the name Marcus, the NBA draft is over and we just sit back and applaud, chortle or wonder what the general manager of [insert team name here] was thinking when he decided to take another power forward when he clearly needed a point guard.

[Draft’s best, worst dressed | Oubre’s shoes are … ]

For the first time in a while, two of the league’s marquee franchises – the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks – made top-five choices, so there was plenty of intrigue and even more drama surrounding this draft than others. Karl-Anthony Towns went No. 1 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving that organization the past three top picks and plenty of hope going forward. But after that, the Lakers really put the draft in motion.

This night wasn’t only about the selections but also the trades. Teams wanted to move up. Some wanted to move back. And Luke Ridnour just wanted to go a few hours without being traded somewhere.

Round 1

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns | C | Kentucky

You get the feeling that in about 10 minutes, Kevin Garnett will be on the phone barking in this kid’s ear, asking him if he wants to be great and telling him that if he doesn’t bust his bleepity bleep every bleepity bleep day then there will be some bleepity bleep problems. But seriously, by pairing a great wing defender in Andrew Wiggins with a defensive anchor in Towns, there probably isn’t a better time to be a Timberwolves fan since Garnett was in his prime, cursing at no one in particular and pounding his chest after ferocious dunks. Towns is the best fit for what this franchise wants to become. The third Kentucky player to go No. 1 in the past five years, Towns still has plenty of upside but arrives with several skills – great feel for the game, incredible defensive range and the ability to score inside-out – that will easily translate at the next level.

[Towns, Russell set tone atop 2015 NBA draft]

What’s little Karlito got to say now? Towns usually relied on his imaginary friend/alter ego to get through any adversity and it recently came to life. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The statistic that perfectly encapsulates Towns’s freshman season in Lexington is 21.1 — his minutes per game. On any other team, the 7-footer wouldn’t have left the floor, but Kentucky’s stacked roster adds weight to his accomplishment. Consider his 25-point performance against Notre Dame in the Elite Eight, a PhD program in post moves. Or his showing versus LSU, when Towns grabbed seven offensive rebounds amid the long arms of the Tigers’ talented frontcourt. There’s also his 11.5 percent block rate – while Towns isn’t an adept defender, he can still make an interior challenge look foolish. And to think the big has a three-point touch and perimeter skillset coach John Calipari forbid him from unveiling at UK. – Matthew Giles

2. Los Angeles Lakers

D’Angelo Russell | PG | Ohio State

The Lakers passed on Duke’s Jahlil Okafor to take Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell. This is easily the first sorta shocker of the night. The Lakers are desperately in need of player with superstar potential with Kobe Bryant expected to retire after next season and Russell arguably has the most upside. He certainly has the most colorful suit, going with the bright red of his alma mater. Russell is an excellent passer, has decent range on his jumper and sets the stage for the Lakers to chase a power forward – LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love, anyone? – in free agency. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 6-foot-5 guard’s otherworldly vision helped vaunt him up the draft rankings, but what has NBA GMs salivating is Russell’s ability to dominate an entire game. The guard was often forced to do it all at Ohio State. Per Hoop-Math.com, only a quarter of his non-transition field goals within the arc were assisted, and if a defender managed to keep Russell from probing the interior, he was overly efficient from deep, converting 41 percent of his threes. Outside of Cameron Payne, no other lottery selection had both a higher offensive rating and percentage of shots taken than Russell, and when combined rebounding chops (perhaps his most underrated skill), Russell’s upside appears limitless. – Matthew Giles

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Jahlil Okafor | C | Duke

Before announcing the 76ers’ choice, Adam Silver took time to honor Harvey Pollack, the longtime statistician for Philadelphia’s basketball team. He was a true legend. “He will be missed,” Silver said.

Then, he made an announcement that was real shocker with the selection of Jahlil Okafor. In the past two drafts, Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie has taken Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid. But the shocking part isn’t that Okafor is a center; it’s that he’s healthy – and could actually play this season. But seriously, you have to wonder if another deal is in the works – or if Embiid’s health is more of a concern than the 76ers are leading on. Okafor is easily the most skilled low-post scorer in the draft, a true throwback to the days when you could toss it inside and let a man go to work. – Michael Lee

[Did Wizards draft Oubre to lure Kevin Durant]

What he brings: Concerns about Okafor’s defensive limitations and conditioning during his frosh season at Duke hampered the 6-foot-11 big. No matter – Okafor is a scoring master on the block. The center is methodical, but also possesses quick and nimble footwork that, when paired with a skillset he has spent years perfecting, often results in a made field goal. Once he gets an angle on an opponent, a defense’s lone option is to hack the big. Plus, his Andre the Giant-esque hands are suited for zipping passes from the post around the perimeter: the Blue Devils scored more than one point per jumper assisted by Okafor. – Matthew Giles

4. New York Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis | PF | Latvia

With ESPN’s Andy Katz reporting that the 76ers are keeping Okafor, you have to assume that the Knicks were pretty ill. It seemed as if the stars were aligned for Okafor to land in Phil Jackson’s lap. Instead, Jackson decided to go with Kristaps Porzingis, the Latvian big man with the potential to be the next Dirk Nowitzki … or Darko Milicic. Porzingis is skilled, can shoot, runs like a guard and has plenty of personality (He recently said he’d like to go on a double date with Rihanna, Jay-Z and Beyonce). Knicks fans were livid at Barclays Center. They booed. They gave thumbs down gestures. One little boy looked like he wanted to cry. Porzingis knows how many busts have been taken in the top five but he decided to declare, “I’m different.” Carmelo Anthony sure hopes so. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 7-foot-1 Latvian is no mystery prospect. NBA teams have been waiting for Porzingis to enter the league for years. Imagine Dirk with a more mechanical sound jump shot. Whether spotting up or coming off screens, where, according to Synergy Sports, he has connected on 53 percent of his jumpers, Porzingis excels at spacing the floor. There have been whispers that his body can’t stand up now to an 82 game slate, but Porzingis represents the natural evolution of the 4 – a 19 year old with a seasoned pick and pop game. – Matthew Giles

5. Orlando Magic

Mario Hezonja | SG | Croatia

The Magic took Mario Herzonja, a Croatian sharpshooter with plenty of moxie. Herzonja is arguably the best shooter in the draft and provides an element sorely missed on an athletic team with few players capable of spreading the floor. New Coach Scott Skiles should enjoy having him around because Herzonja’s confidence will be contagious for an up-and-coming team with some young, talented pieces. – Michael Lee

What he brings: A role player in Europe loaded with significant upside, Hezonja is an international prospect for the millennial generation. He converts effortlessly from beyond the arc, attempting nearly two-thirds of his attempts from deep and the uber-athletic 6-foot-8 Hezonja gets buckets in a hurry. There could be an adjustment period – his handle needs work – but Hezonja’s shooting sets him apart in this lottery. – Matthew Giles

6. Sacramento Kings

Willie Cauley-Stein | C | Kentucky

The Kings have been the most dysfunctional team in the NBA for some team, whether the owner has the last name Maloof or Ranadive. This week, the fractured relationship between DeMarcus Cousins and George Karl has played out in ugly, public fashion. So this would be a great environment for Willie Cauley-Stein to begin his NBA career, right? Maybe not. Though it appears that Cousins wants out, Cauley-Stein could actually work well with Cousins, giving the Kings an athletic, defensive-minded complement. Since Cauley-Stein already spent a season playing with Towns at Kentucky, it won’t be much of an adjustment for him. But will Cousins be around? – Michael Lee

[Culpepper: Willie Cauley-Stein is worth a listen]

What he brings: Accompanied with a new, legally changed middle name (Trill), Cauley-Stein is arguably the draft’s most exciting player. He can legitimately defend all five positions, and even when switched on a guard during pick-and-roll possessions, Cauley-Stein’s speed, footwork, and length often result in a contested shot or a pass to player not covered by WCS. And contrary to reports, he isn’t a scoring black hole. No other Wildcat had more attempts at the rim than WCS, converting an impressive 68 percent of those shots, and has the requisite hops and football-tested mitts to wrangle all varieties of lobs. – Matthew Giles

7. Denver Nuggets

Emmanuel Mudiay | PG | China (by way of SMU)

Like Brandon Jennings, Emmanual Mudiay decided to skip college to earn an income overseas. And like Jennings, Mudiay’s decision probably contributed to him sliding in the draft despite being a top recruit out of high school. Jennings went 10th in 2009 and Mudiay went seventh to the Nuggets. The selection probably signals the eventual departure of Ty Lawson, the subject of trade rumors for months. Mudiay, a speedy, athletic point guard, is physically ready for the league but needs to improve his jump shot. He had the potential to go first and might end up being a steal.  – Michael Lee

[Brewer: Brown intrigued by Mudiay’s NBA potential]

What he brings: A 6-foot-5 guard with a seven-foot wingspan, Mudiay should have spent this past season anchoring Larry Brown’s SMU backcourt. Instead, Mudiay came off the bench for Guangdong in the Chinese Basketball Association, showcasing his athleticism, ability to break down any opposing defense, and his finishing ability at the rim. Mudiay is the point guard for any NBA team’s future, but he first needs to learn how to actually run an NBA offense. – Matthew Giles

8. Detroit Pistons

Stanley Johnson | SF | Arizona

After trading away Caron Butler, Detroit could use another aggressive, hard-nosed wing player. The Pistons were looking to fill a need with a small forward who can defend and shoot three-pointers and they selected the best available in Stanley Johnson from Arizona. Johnson isn’t short on confidence, stating that he believes he’s the “best player in the draft.” – Michael Lee

What he brings: In high school, the knock on Johnson was his subpar perimeter shooting. After a few summers spent honing his shot, Johnson arrived at Arizona and made 37 percent of his long-range attempts, a ‘What Do You Think of Stanley Johnson Now?’ moment for the 6-foot-6 wing. He overpowered collegiate opponents, bowling his way to the rim while also excelling at creating his own shot within the half court. His offensive rating was lower than what one might expect from a player with a 26 percent usage rate, but the Wildcats were loaded with veterans, and Johnson was deferential at times. His footwork and positioning helped elevate his reputation as a defensive stopper, like his shutdown performance against Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell in the Sweet 16. – Matthew Giles

9. Charlotte Hornets

Frank Kaminsky | PF/C | Wisconsin

The Hornets were one of the more active teams in advance of the draft, making moves that would make it easier for them to take Kaminsky. Kaminsky is a skilled 7-footer who can play pick-and-pop basketball but the choice seems odd for a Hornets team desperately in need of shooting, even after trading for Nicolas Batum. General Manager Rich Cho hasn’t hit on many lottery picks – the team already gave up on last year’s top choice, Noah Vonleh, and was reportedly looking to move Cody Zeller, the top choice from two years ago. Michael Jordan needs this pick to work out. But Charlotte’s fascination with power forwards from the Big Ten continues, as Kaminsky becomes the third straight pick to fit that bill. – Michael Lee

What he brings:  The big was college basketball’s most offensively efficient player last season, using a wide range of skills to post an offensive rating of 1.26 and score 1.14 points per possession. Whether Kaminsky unfurled a jumper (42 percent from beyond the three-point arc), head faked a shot into a drive or maneuvered about the interior (1.18 points per post up or cut), he was a defensive nightmare. He is quick enough to beat opposing 5s off the dribble, and he has a cornucopia of feints to stall peskier defenders. Uninhibited when he’s attacking the rim off the dribble, Kaminsky’s offensive flexibility is his best asset. – Matthew Giles

10. Miami Heat

Justise Winslow | SF | Duke

The last time the Miami Heat had the 10th pick, Pat Riley snagged Caron Butler. Thirteen years later, Riley might have found another late-lottery gem in Duke’s Justise Winslow, a player expected to be among the first five or seven players chosen. Winslow was probably the best small forward in the draft, given his feisty competitiveness and crafty scoring ability. The Dwyane Wade saga clouds the Heat’s summer but the team had a really nice player fall in its lap. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Forget the James Harden comparison. Winslow, a 6-foot-7 wing, is positionless, switching seamlessly on defense from backcourt assignments to matching with 3s and 4s. His athleticism and strength allowed him overpower college opponents, and Winslow is a blank canvas for defensive gameplans. Winslow can convert from deep or at the rim – only a quarter of his attempts were mid-range twos, and he made just 27 percent of those shots (per Hoop-Math.com) – but in only one season at Duke, the wing has learned how to position his body to draw contact while still finishing the shot. During Duke’s postseason run, including the ACC Tournament, Winslow attempted nearly six free throws per 40 minutes. – Matthew Giles

11. Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner | C | Texas

Coming out of high school, Myles Turner was slated as the second-best prospect after Jahlil Okafor. Turner has a soft touch and can step out to hit three-pointers. But he also is a solid defensive player. The Pacers got some much-needed frontcourt depth after finding out that David West won’t be returning. Roy Hibbert is going to be de-emphasized as the team adapts to a more uptempo, running style. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Turner realized his limitations at Texas – in conversation with scouts about why he came off the bench, he reportedly said that he “wasn’t good enough” – but he still showed flashes of defensive mastery, using his 7-foot frame to not only block 12 percent of opponents’ attempts but grab a quarter of their misses, a unique combination. His offensive game is very much a work in progress. Just a quarter of his non-transition attempts, per Hoop-Math.com, were at the basket, and though he didn’t roam the perimeter, he has a fluid three-point stroke. – Matthew Giles

12. Utah Jazz

Trey Lyles | PF | Kentucky

The Jazz established a solid defensive identiy with a frontcourt that features Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors and Trevor Booker, but after trading Enes Kanter last season, the team desperately needs a player who can put the ball in the basket. Trey Lyles solves that problem. Lyles wasn’t given many opportunities to thrive in Kentucky’s platoon system, but he is very skilled inside and can play with his back to the basket. Though he lacks range on his shot, Lyles will be able to improve in that area. Utah has stockpiled a lot of young talent and could be moving closer to ending that lottery misery. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 6-foot-10 Lyles was the only true ‘positionless’ Wildcat this past season. On defense, he is capable of switching between 3s through 5s, a tailor-made option for the NBA’s lineup evolution, but his versatility is most abundantly clear offensively. Efficient from midrange – the big made 41 percent of his two-point jumpers during UK’s halfcourt possessions – and equipped with an ability to, with just a few dribbles, finish at the rim from below the free-throw line, Lyles was often overshadowed by his fellow blue-chip teammates. Lyles’s three-point touch is nonexistent (and it’s unclear whether it was by design or just isn’t yet part of his offensive repertoire), but when a player scores 1.5 points per cut to the basket, one of the nation’s most efficient rates in 2015, a consistent long-range touch isn’t a pressing concern. – Matthew Giles

13. Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker | SG | Kentucky

Kentucky had four players go in the lottery. Many expected Devin Booker to land in Charlotte but he slid four spots down to Phoenix, a team that has two slashing point guards on the roster in Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe and could use a shooter to open up driving lanes. Booker can knock down shots from almost anywhere, but he also can put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. He should thrive in an uptempo offense. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 6-foot-6 Booker is arguably the draft’s best shooter. There isn’t another shooting guard as smooth who approaches the game with a near effortless precision. With his feet set, Booker is automatic, and when he attacks off the dribble, his shot seems to have more lift, the ball hanging for longer before splashing the net. Aaron Harrison was the only Wildcat to attempt a higher percentage of shots taken than Booker, whose movements around the court appeared pre-orchestrated. He knew where and how to position his body, and all he needed was a teammate for the assist. – Matthew Giles

14. Oklahoma City Thunder

Cameron Payne | PG | Murray State

Point guards from mid-major schools have been all the rage in recent years, with Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Elfrid Payton all going in the lottery since 2009. Cameron Payne is next in line. The consolation prize for a miserable, injury-plagued season that placed the Thunder in the lottery, Payne becomes the first draft pick for new Thunder Coach Billy Donovan. The lefty Payne will help lessen the playmaking load for the electrifying Russell Westbrook and he is already confident about what he can accomplish on the next level. “There is no ceiling for Cameron Payne,” Payne said after getting selected. He’s already speaking about himself in third person. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Only four other players handed out an assist on a higher percentage of their team’s attempts than Payne, and the 6-foot-2 guard has the sort of enhanced vision typically found in sci-fi novels. But if an opponent shifts to stop the pass, Payne will use that space and a variety of speeds to either convert on the interior or pull up from deep. Payne’s jumper — though a funky, quick flick of the left wrist — appears effortless, and he scored 1.02 points coming off picks (per Synergy). – Matthew Giles

15. Washington Wizards (from Atlanta)

Kelly Oubre | SF | Kansas

The Hawks selected Kansas swingman Kelly Oubre … for the Wizards. Washington is expected to send Atlanta the 19th pick and two future second-round picks to get Oubre, a wiry wing with the potential to be a solid perimeter defender at the next level. Oubre didn’t overwhelm anyone in college, but he was a decent shooter and came on strong after earning a starting nod late in the season. Oubre easily had the nicest shoes – a pair of shiny, gold spiked Louboutins – and plenty of confidence. “Whoever gets me is getting a jewel …Whoever gets me, is winning a championship.”

The Wizards might lose Paul Pierce in free agency but have already reached for another Jayhawk. – Michael Lee

[Brewer: Wizards hope to cash in on Oubre]

What he brings: Even after 36 games at the high-major Kansas, it is still unknown exactly what Oubre, a 6-foot-7 wing, does well. He used a high percentage of possessions, has a tight handle, and showed potential to be an elite level defender. Yet he played just half of the Jayhawks’ available minutes, and endured several game-long spurts of irrelevance (after dropping 25 on TCU, Oubre didn’t crack double-digits the final four games of 2015). But since his skill set, and the potential for dominance on both sides of the ball, is tantalizing, perhaps his lone KU season was a blip. – Matthew Giles

16. Boston Celtics

Terry Rozier | PG | Louisville

Boston already has one short, speedy point guard who can score in bunches in Isaiah Thomas, so now they have another in Terry Rozier. The 6-1 Rozier was expected to go much later in the first round but the Celtics scooped him up, despite other more pressing needs – such as a physical, defensive presence. But they also have another first-round pick with which to address those concerns. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The Celtics, who took Marcus Smart last draft, clearly covet players with swag, and Terry Rozier can absolutely own the halfcourt. He doesn’t have a reliable three-point shot, but coach Rick Pitino knew he had a guard in Rozier who can dominate a game through pick-and-roll dribble-drives and pull up jumpers. Every shot is within 10 feet of the bucket, and Rozier has a reliable handle that he can handle the point or switch to a shooting guard. – Matthew Giles

17. Milwaukee Bucks

Rashad Vaughn | SG | UNLV

After making a deal for Vasquez, the Bucks got another point guard in UNLV’s Rashad Vaughn. Vaughn is a scoring guard who plays both backcourt positions and should flourish on a young team that features some young exciting pieces in Giannis Antetokounpo, Jabari Parker and Michael Carter-Williams.  Like Rozier, he was expected to go in the 20s, but Milwaukee didn’t hesitate to scoop up a player who could turn out to be one of the draft’s best-kept secrets. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The UNLV guard is a shot-maker. He scored just under one point per iso, according to Synergy. He complements a pull-up game, which he also likes to showcase when coming off a pick, with a range of floaters to finish on the interior. He is also precocious with his shooting, improving from beyond the arc when the Rebels moved into Mountain West play, and though he wasn’t overly efficient, his role on UNLV was to get buckets, which is the 6-goot-5 guard’s best trait.  – Matthew Giles

18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans)

Sam Dekker | SF | Wisconsin

Sam Dekker was expected to land in the lottery after a strong finish in the NCAA tournament. But questions about whether that was a fluky run contributed him landing with the Rockets – which isn’t that bad. Dekker will give Houston another perimeter scorer to play off James Harden and Dwight Howard. And, for the first time in his life, Dekker gets to leave Wisconsin. – Michael Lee

What he brings: This past season was vintage Sam Dekker. As scorching as Dekker’s offensive game was during the NCAA tournament – remember that three he hit despite Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s fierce close-out during the Elite Eight game? – the wing could suffer droughts that made you wonder if he had a bout of food poisoning. Dekker isn’t a typical Bo Ryan Badger, attacking the rim off the bounce with abandon and using his athleticism to showcase a defensive versatility.  – Matthew Giles

19. New York Knicks (from Washington and then Atlanta)

Jerian Grant | PG | Notre Dame

Jerian Grant got to put on a Wizards cap, which almost seems fitting since he practically grew up at Verizon Center. His father, Harvey, played and worked for Washington’s basketball franchise – but Jerian won’t ever don the uniform. Grant will end up playing for the New York Knicks. The Wizards will send Grant to the Hawks, who will send Grant to the Knicks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. Grant is a steady point guard who makes solid decisions and always seems to rise to the occasion in crunch time. He also earns bragging rights on his brother, Jerami, who was a second-round pick last season. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 6-foot-5 Grant is a pick and roll savant, transforming into a point guard that powered Division I’s second-most efficient offense in 2015. When Grant wasn’t spreading the floor, he was using that pick to either jab step or step back and convert from deep (32 percent as a senior), or drive the paint and connect over ACC bigs (1.4 points per dribble-drive, per Synergy).  – Matthew Giles

20. Toronto Raptors

Delon Wright | PG | Utah

The Raptors were overly reliant on all-star point guard Kyle Lowry and the season collapsed once he started to break down. Realizing they had to find a more serviceable backup, Toronto drafted Utah guard Delon Wright after agreeing to deal Greivis Vasquez to Milwaukee earlier in the evening. Wright is already 23 and should be mature enough to slide right in and contribute to a team that could use another backcourt scoring option to complement Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. He also provides some insurance in case Lou Williams leaves in free agency. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Wright’s jump shot is leagues behind his brother’s, and his athleticism is also lacking, but no other player could have carried Utah during Wright’s two seasons. At 6-foot-5, he has vision to see over opposing defenses, and he doesn’t get flustered easily, which could have happened as the ball almost never left his hands. He also is a crafty defender, using his length to pry the ball from opponents. However, he is going to have to develop some sort of offense with the Raptors — that old man game worked in college, but teams will sag off Wright and take away that acclaimed passing skill set.  – Matthew Giles

21. Dallas Mavericks

Justin Anderson | SF | Virginia

The Mavericks needed a point guard but most of the best options were gone by the time their choice came up. With Monta Ellis expected to leave in free agency, Dallas found a decent replacement in Justin Anderson. Anderson is a solid defensive player, improved his jump shot and was an important piece on one of the top teams in the country. He should fit in well with Coach Rick Carlisle’s system. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Justin Anderson is a freak athlete. For anyone who watched the guard during his three years at Virginia, the 6-foot-6 Anderson finishes with ease above the rim, rocketing past defenders and skying among the trees to finish with contact. Before this past year, though, that would have been Anderson’s ceiling … but then he added a three-point shot. Anderson was a knock-down shooter in 2015, making an astounding 45 percent of his threes (after barely cracking 30 percent his first two years). When coupled with his defense, which combines manic energy with superb body control, Anderson is an ideal three-and-D player, capable of contributing on both sides of the ball for the Mavericks, and he is the one rookie who projects to be a sixth man of the year award candidate.  – Matthew Giles

22. Chicago Bulls

Bobby Portis | PF | Arkansas

How Bobby Portis was still around when Chicago was picking remains a mystery, but the Bulls certainly won’t complain. With the NBA moving more toward having more skilled big men capable of spreading the court and putting the ball on the floor, Portis was an ideal fit for most teams. Portis provides an immediate jolt to the Bulls’ aging front court of 30-somethings Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. He has a lot of upside, especially since he was SEC player of the year – ahead of all of those players from Kentucky picked ahead of him. – Michael Lee

What he brings: On offense, the Arkansas forward plays well below the rim, scoring on a variety of hooks, elbow jump shots, drop steps, and offensive rebounds – Okafor is the only first round selection who grabbed a higher percentage of his team’s misses than the 6-foot-11 Portis. On the other side of the ball, though, Portis was the Razorbacks’ rim protector, an energetic ever-growing thicket of arms that blocked shots, was the only Arkansas player to keep opponents off the glass, and perhaps most importantly, remained on the court (he committed just under three fouls per 40 minutes). Pairing Portis with Joakim Noah guarantees an interior that’ll be tough to score on, and together the two will run an efficient high-low offense.  – Matthew Giles

23. Portland Trail Blazers

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson | SF | Arizona

The Rondae Hollis-Jefferson era in Portland was quite brief. The Trail Blazers sent the ferocious competitor from Arizona to Brooklyn, along with Steve Blake, in exchange for Mason Plumlee and a second-round pick. Jefferson will give the Nets an athletic perimeter defender with a huge wingspan. He also has the ability to make plays for others and finish at the rim. – Michael Lee

What he brings: A freak athlete with a defensive intensity that rivals Willie Cauley-Stein, Hollis-Jefferson often matched up with the opponent’s top scorer and shut him down with a combination of superb body control, quick hands and an innate ability to beat his man to different areas on the court. While he may not be an immediate starter, he’ll be one of the best sixth- or seventh-men in the Western Conference, a rugged rebounder who can, and will, be given the night’s toughest defensive assignment. – Matthew Giles

24. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Cleveland)

Tyus Jones | PG | Duke

The Timberwolves already found their foundational star in Andrew Wiggins by dealing with Cleveland. And when they needed a backup for Kyrie Irving, they also sought help from the Cavaliers, who shipped Duke freshman and Minnesota native Tyus Jones home in exchange for two second-round picks. Jones is a solid backup for Ricky Rubio and already has an understanding of when to set up his teammates and take over games. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The 6-foot-1 Jones is a cerebral player, though it doesn’t take much insight to get Jahlil Okafor at least one touch per possession. But Jones posted the team’s second-best offensive rating, utilizing quickness (especially in pick-and-roll possessions), pinpoint pull-up shooting, and long-range accuracy – he made 40 percent of his threes in ACC play, and the guard continually showed a willingness to take (and often make) that waning shot clock attempt. He is going home to Minnesota, and he could be the knockdown shooter the team needs to spread the floor, get Andrew Wiggins involved in pick and rolls, and feed Karl-Anthony Towns in the post. A few years after being widely mocked for selecting two point guards in the draft, the Timberwolves may have the best young nucleus in the league. – Matthew Giles

25. Memphis Grizzlies 

Jarell Martin | PF | LSU

The Grindhouse gets a little a little more grit with the addition of LSU’s Jarell Martin. The Grizzlies already added Matt Barnes earlier in the day in a deal with Charlotte and they now have a versatile, bruising forward who can score in a variety of ways. Martin is a player who loves to battle inside, seeks contact and provides some athleticism for Memphis’ aging front line. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Jarell Martin isn’t your typical 6-foot-10 big man. He has the hops and athleticism to attack the basket in the halfcourt, and is a consistent finisher at the rim. He is also competent on the defensive glass. Martin didn’t fulfill all of the expectations the LSU fanbase had when he arrived on campus, but he has the tools to start on the bench and contribute in limited minutes while he adjusts to Memphis. – Matthew Giles

26. San Antonio Spurs 

Nikola Milutinov | C | Serbia

The Spurs would probably prefer to stash Nikola Milutinov in Europe for a year or two and save their money to keep Kawhi Leonard and possibly add a marque free agent. Milutinov, a 7-foot Serbian, is extremely mobile, has size and athleticism has plenty of experience – despite being just 20 – after spending the past three seasons at Partizan Belgrade. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Is it any surprise San Antonio chooses an international prospect with its first-round selection? The Spurs’ choice, Nikola Milutinov, is a project for sure. At this stage in the 7-footer’s development, not much of the offense is run through his hands on the block. Think of Milutinov as an offensive self-starter, a high-energy finisher on the offensive glass or securing lobs. His willingness to initiate contact on the interior also bodes well when he crashes the glass. – Matthew Giles

27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston)

Larry Nance Jr. | PF | Wyoming

The son of the former NBA all-star, Larry Nance Jr. has shown some incredible fight just to make it this far. Nance recovered from a torn knee ligament sustained in February 2014 and still has Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the digestive track. But he didn’t let that stop him from winning Mountain West Conference player of the year honors as a senior at Wyoming. – Michael Lee

What he brings: The Lakers already have Julius Randle in the frontcourt and with Larry Nance now in the fold, that could be a strong defensive core. Both patrol the glass well and are weak-side block savvy. Nance isn’t overly athletic, but his work ethic separated him from other bigs in the Mountain West and nationally. But don’t give Nance space — he’ll take off and throw it down, a la his old man. It’s debatable whether Nance can develop an outside shot — that was not his game at Wyoming — but his midrange shot evolved during his four seasons. – Matthew Giles

28. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers)

R.J. Hunter | PG | Georgia State

The Celtics went with another back court player, despite their need for a defensive-minded big man. But Georgia State’s R.J. Hunter was the kind of shooter who was difficult to pass on. Hunter is a dynamic scorer with deep range. But the Celtics might have too much young talent and too many players filling duplicate roles. They will eventually need to package some of these pieces to get a player to build around. – Michael Lee

What he brings: He was unconscious when on the floor when the 6-foot-6 Hunter propelled the team to an upset of Baylor. But because he often had to take over games, some questioned that shot selection. No matter – Hunter can stroke it. His range extends well beyond the three-point line, and he has an innate understanding of how to create angles on defenders (222 free throw attempts in 2015).  And he’s not a defensive stiff, melding surprising length and foresight to post both block and steal rates of nearly four percent. Hunter is a shooter that the Celtics need, and his potential as an above-average defender will pair nicely with Marcus Smart in the backcourt. – Matthew Giles

29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta)

Chris McCullough | PF | Syracuse

Chris McCullough grew up in the Bronx, so he was thrilled that he will start his NBA career close to home. But the question is when that will begin. McCullough only played 16 games last season before suffering a torn ACL that sent his draft stock plummeting. Though he plans to return by November, the Nets don’t seem to be in a rush to get him out on the floor and feel fortunate to grab a lottery-caliber talent late in the draft. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Chris McCullough only played 16 games for the Syracuse Orange before his ACL injury, but when he was on the court, McCullough was developing into one of the ACC’s top forwards. Nearly all of his attempts were at the rim, and while expectations should be tempered (he just started the running part of his rehab), the Bronx native will cross the East River and add his athleticism into a lineup that badly needs some. – Matthew Giles

30. Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney | PF | UCLA

The champion Warriors snagged the best player available in UCLA’s Kevon Looney. Looney is a versatile, highly-skilled big man who won’t be expected to make an immediate impact. Looney had a hip injury that hurt his stock but the Warriors might end up continuing the recent draft success for a franchise that selected two all-stars and two starters on a title team from 2009-2012 despite selecting no higher than seventh. – Michael Lee

What he brings: Kevon Looney felt he was underutilized at UCLA. He rarely left the paint on offense, and was the team’s sole presence on both the offensive and defensive glass, but during his pre-draft interviews, Looney stressed his versatility, explaining his perimeter game was much more advanced than his freshman year demonstrated. We’ll see if that is true, but Golden State really just needs him to fill a similar role as Draymond Green, using his energy, strength and lower body to create lineup mismatches and patrol the interior. – Matthew Giles

News and rumors

Watch Ty Lawson smoke a hookah and comment on his future

This really happened. (Read More)

Dwyane Wade eyeing Lakers and Cavs?

Heat star seems ready to move on from Miami. (Read More)

More on the draft

Justise Winslow a perfect fit for Heat

The numbers like his chances for success in South Beach. (Read More)

The worst top-five picks in NBA history

Kwame Brown, anyone? (Read More)

Top 50 prospects

Ranking the best players available for Thursday’s draft. (Read More)

Big men headline draft as NBA becomes small-ball league

Two of the best center prospects, Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns, will grace the stage early in Round 1. But didn’t the Warriors just give the world the blue print to beat teams with strong big men? (Read More)

Brewer: Larry Brown ponders Mudiay’s future

SMU coach imagines what might have been had he stayed at the school, but is fascinated by what his NBA career will hold. (Read More)

Fancy Stats: Okafor is a risky pick atop draft

The Duke big man sports some red flags that could signal a future bust. (Read More)

Fancy Stats: Why Karl-Anthony Towns is most complete big man

UK center can dominate at both ends of the floor. (Read More)

Wizards coverage

Wizards trade No. 19 to Atlanta Hawks for Kelly Oubre

Washington jumped up to snag the former Jayhawk. (Read More)

Wizards hope Oubre’s game is as deadly as his shoes

These are … something. (Read More)

Fancy Stats: Five good picks for the Wizards at No. 19

Kevon Looney, Bobby Portis and Jerian Grant could all fall in this range. Who makes the most sense? (Read More)

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