Today is the day that a handful of basketball players dreams become reality. With the NBA draft taking place in a few short hours, let’s take a look at the five 19-year-olds who are expected to be this year’s top draft picks.
First up, a reminder of today’s draft order:
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. Orlando Magic
6. Sacramento Kings
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Charlotte Hornets
10. Miami Heat
11. Indiana Pacers
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Atlanta Hawks (From Brooklyn)
16. Boston Celtics
17. Milwaukee Bucks
18. Houston Rockets (From New Orleans)
19. Washington Wizards
20. Toronto Raptors
21. Dallas Mavericks
22. Chicago Bulls
23. Portland Trail Blazers
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. San Antonio Spurs
27. Los Angeles Lakers (From Houston)
28. Boston Celtics (From L.A. Clippers)
29. Brooklyn Nets (From Atlanta)
30. Golden State Warriors
Now onto the prospects – in no particular order:
Karl-Anthony Townes
Kentucky, center, 7-0, 248
Stats: 10.3 points on 56.6 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks
Breakdown: The top two picks will likely be Towns and Jahlil Okafor. Of the two, Towns is probably more NBA ready. His strengths; dominating the paint and rim protection, plus he has a decent midrange jumper.
Jahlil Okafor
Duke, center, 6-11, 272
Stats: 17.3 points on 66.4 percent shooting, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
Breakdown: Okafor’s strengths are his big hands and footwork. His defense leaves a little to be desired.
These are Jahlil Okafor’s hands holding a baseball (via @daleysports) pic.twitter.com/f6nHXIs3lx
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 24, 2015
D’Angelo Russell
Ohio State, point guard, 6-5, 193
Stats: 19.3 points on 44.9 percent shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists
Breakdown: Some feel like D’Angelo could sneak into one of the top two spots. That he could be the one to help bring back “showtime” to Lakers fans. His strengths: he can shoot, pass and play off the ball.
Emmanuel Mudiay
China, point guard, 6-5, 200
Stats: 18 points on 47.8 percent shooting, 34.2 percent from 3; 57.4 percent from foul line
Breakdown: An International prospect that already has world basketball experience. Strengths: athleticism and speed. But, his jump shot is shaky.
Kristaps Porzingis
Latvia, power forward, 7-0, 230
Stats: 10.7 points on 47.1 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks
Breakdown: Another international prospect, already being touted as the next Dirk Nowitzki.
Ok, you’ve heard all those names before. What you’re really interested in are the sleepers, right? Here’s a preview:
Justin Anderson
Virgina, shooting guard or small forward
Breakdown: His strengths are his length and above average quickness.
RJ Hunter
Georgia State, shooting guard
Breakdown: His strength lies in the fact that he can create open looks for himself and his teammates
Delon Wright
Utah, point guard
Breakdown: Delon already has a lot of experience playing with NBA players. His older brother is NBA free agent Dorell Wright who spent the last 2 seasons with the Portland Trailblazers. The two brothers games operate from opposite ends of the spectrum. Delon is a skilled playmaker who causes trouble on the defensive end. His jumpshot could use some work – his brother set a three-point record while with Golden State – but a solid pick.
Robert Upshaw
Washington, Center
Breakdown: The questions here are about maturity. A stellar shot blocker whose mind might not quite be ready for the NBA lifestyle. Both Fresno State and Washington parted ways with Upshaw because of decisions made away from basketball.
The NBA draft takes place at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn at 7:00 PM EST/ 4:00 PM PST on ESPN.
