NBA Draft board and instant analysis


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NBA Draft Selections
SelectionTeamPlayerGrade
ROUND 1
1![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/min.jpg)[Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky ](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Karl-Towns-61831/)A
It's the easiest A a team can imagine for the Wolves, who get the clear-cut top prospect in this class at a position of clear need. Towns can work both inside and outside offensively, and at 7'0 with good athleticism has elite defensive potential also. Given the right chance to develop, he'll be one of the top big men in the NBA for years running. (Ben Dowsett)
2![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/lal.jpg)[D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Ohio State](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/D-Angelo-Russell-7175/)A+
The Lakers shocked much of the NBA world by taking D'Angelo Russell here over Jahlil Okafor, but to this eye, it's the right call. Russell is the future of the guard position in the modern NBA, with a passing and shooting combination unequalled among recent prospects. This might throw the remainder of the draft into chaos. (Ben Dowsett)
3![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)[Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke ](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jahlil-Okafor-6469/)B
With the Lakers grabbing Russell, this feels like a second choice for the Sixers, who appeared to have their eye on him. But Okafor is no slouch, and adds a third elite-upside big man to their asset stockpile alongside Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid. Philly is clearly all-in on their asset accumulation regardless of positional overlap. We'll see if a trade materializes anytime soon. (Ben Dowsett)
4![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/ny.jpg)[Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, Sevilla (ACB)](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kristaps-Porzingis-7119/)A-
Porzingis is a 7-foot-2 center with elite shooting range, and the darling of many an advanced model and modern NBA thinker. He has a 7-foot-6 wingspan with shot-blocking potential along with elite athleticism and lateral speed for his size. If he can fill out a bit and avoid being dominated by meatier centers, he's got start written all over him. Some feel a trade may be in play with the Knicks making this selection, however. (Ben Dowsett)
5![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/orl.jpg)[Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Barcelona (ACB)](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mario-Hezonja-6392/)A-
Hezonja is one who's drawn rave reviews from international scouts, with some going so far as to say he'd have been in the conversation for the top overall pick if he had played for an American college program last season. He has every physical tool imaginable on both ends of the floor, and if his noted egotistical nature doesn't get in the way, he could be a superstar on the wings. (Ben Dowsett)
6![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/sac.jpg)[Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Willie-Cauley-Stein-6441/)B-
This seems a strange selection for the Kings, though much remains up in the air for them with star DeMarcus Cousins' status. Cauley-Stein has excellent defensive prospects, but is limited on the other end and it's unclear whether he and Cousins can play big minutes together if Boogie stays in town. I've been generally lower than Cauley-Stein than many, and he also has injury concerns already. (Ben Dowsett)
7![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/den.jpg)[Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, Guangdong (China)](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Emmanuel-Mudiay-6472/)B+
It's hard to fully assess this pick immediately, because Mudiay has so much unknown about him after playing in China rather than Division I last season. He was one of the top high school recruits for his age group, and clearly has superstar upside. The biggest questions are regarding his shooting, but he's got great handles and court vision, plus excellent size at the point. Denver gets an offensive centerpiece at 7. There are rumblings, though, that Denver might move this selection. (Ben Dowsett)
8![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/det.jpg)[Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Stanley-Johnson-46065/)B+
A solid pick for the Pistons, who needed some help on the wing and will get one of the draft's most versatile players in Johnson. He can defend multiple positions, including perhaps moving up to the 4 spot in smaller lineups, and his shooting stroke came along in a great way last season. If his decision-making improves just a tad from his freshman season, easily possible with an NBA coach, he's got a lot going for him and should help Detroit right away. (Ben Dowsett)
9![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/char.jpg)[Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Frank-Kaminsky-41066/)A
Charlotte paved the way for this pick by dealing last year's lottery pick in Noah Vonleh in the last couple days, and now will get the reigning college Player of the Year in Kaminsky. He's got excellent range and passing ability, plus solid work in the post. There are questions about him defensively, but he's smooth and intelligent and can make up for some of his physical limitations. (Ben Dowsett)
10![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/mia.jpg)[Justise Winslow, SF, Duke](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Justise-Winslow-7190/)A+
Justise Winslow is a fantastic pick at #10 for the Heat. One of the best picks in the draft by most statistical models, Winslow is a long defender who also have numerous offensive skills, including shooting. He looks like, in many ways, the perfect prototypical wing player for the future of the NBA. (Andy Larsen)
11![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/ind.jpg)[Myles Turner, C, Texas](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Myles-Turner-72850/)B+
Along with this pick comes a rumor that Indiana is looking to trade center Roy Hibbert, which would appear to be a move to make room for Turner to take over. Turner has a very high ceiling as a two-way prospect who can both stretch the floor offensively and protect the rim on defense, and may have been a target for the Jazz had he fallen one pick further. (Ben Dowsett)
12![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/uta.jpg)[Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Trey-Lyles-7157/)B-
Trey Lyles has a lot of basketball IQ, and is a proven winner. But his athleticism is pretty limited, and I don't think he'll be a terrific finisher around the rim. Lyles isn't particularly well liked by the stat models, though neither was Rodney Hood. Can Snyder teach him defense? (Andy Larsen)
13![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/pho.jpg)[Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Devin-Booker-7216/)B+
Devin Booker fits well into what the Suns and coach Jeff Hornacek are trying to do: build a powerful pace and space offense. Booker provides the space, with his terrific shooting ability. But he'll have to show a secondary skill at the NBA level in order to stay in the lineup, something he didn't do at Kentucky. He's the youngest player in the draft, so he has plenty of time to improve. (Andy Larsen)
14![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/okc.jpg)[Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State](http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Cameron-Payne-70346/)B+
The Thunder get one of the fast risers of the 2015 class in Payne, who looks primed to back up Russell Westbrook for the star-studded Thunder. Payne can shoot the ball and has excellent basketball IQ and leadership skills, with many feeling as though he has elite-level upside as a combo guard. How he turns out defensively might define his true ceiling. (Ben Dowsett)
15![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/was.jpg)[Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas](http://www.draftexpress.com/clubhouse/Kansas-156/)C
TRADE: Per Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards have moved up to the 15th selection sending their own 19th pick as well as two future second-round picks, and will take Oubre out of Kansas. He has all the physical tools – size, speed, and shooting ability. There are some questions as to his mental acuity and commitment level, but he could be a steal outside the lottery if he hits his physical ceiling. (Ben Dowsett)
16![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bos.jpg)Terry Rozier, PG, LouisvilleC
Terry Rozier is a scoring point guard who was slated to go significantly later than this. While he fits in with the C's perimeter defensive attack, there were better guards available here: Jerian Grant, Delon Wright, Tyus Jones, R.J. Hunter, and more. (Andy Larsen)
17![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/mil.jpg)Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLVB
A bit of a speculative pick here for the Bucks, but one clearly aimed at bolstering their perimeter shooting with a group that's mostly lacking in this area. He shot over 38 percent from deep at UNLV last year and can fire away both while standing still and on the move. He's still 18 until August and is one of the youngest prospects in the class. (Ben Dowsett)
18![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/hou.jpg)Sam Dekker, SF, WisconsinB-
Dekker had a good amount of success at Wisconsin, but I'm not as high on him as many as an NBA prospect. He's an okay shooter and I doubt his athletic profile will transfer over to the NBA on either end of the floor. He's also an interesting fit in Houston given the presence of Trevor Ariza on the roster already. Keep an eye out for trade possibilities here. (Ben Dowsett)
19![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/ny.jpg)Jerian Grant, PG, Notre DameA-
TRADE: The Knicks traded Tim Hardaway Jr to Atlanta in order to get this pick, which makes a lot of sense. Hardaway Jr wasn't much of an impact player, but Grant could be: he has tremendous size and is a impressive floor leader, if not a shooter at this stage. Well done to move up and get a player with more upside. (Andy Larsen)
20![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/tor.jpg)Delon Wright, PG, UtahA-
As expected by many, Wright leapt up a bit higher than his consensus position to the Raptors at 20. He'll give them versatility at the guard spot and the ability to play both with and apart from franchise point guard Kyle Lowry. He's the first alumni of the University of Utah to be selected in the NBA Draft since Andrew Bogut went first overall back in 2005. (Ben Dowsett)
21![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/dal.jpg)Justin Anderson, SF, VirginiaB
Justin Anderson's relatively early selection, along with Rozier's move up, shows that the NBA is really beginning to focus on defense as much as offense. He was fantastic defensively at Virginia, that might help out the defensively challenged Mavericks. (Andy Larsen)
22![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/chi.jpg)Bobby Portis, PF, ArkansasA-
Portis slid a bit further than most expected, but looks to be a great selection for Chicago at 22. He's a versatile power forward who projects to potentially have NBA range out to the 3-point line, and if he develops well defensively, he could be a major steal this late. He brings high energy on both ends and also seems to have a higher floor than nearly anyone else at this range. (Ben Dowsett)
23![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bk.jpg)Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, ArizonaA-
TRADE: Hollis-Jefferson's trade to Brooklyn in exchange for Miles Plumlee is yet another signal that the Blazers are increasingly sure that LaMarcus Aldridge isn't coming back to Portland. That's the biggest result of this draft. Still, for the Nets, getting younger wings makes sense. (Andy Larsen)
24![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/min.jpg)Tyus Jones, PG, DukeB+
TRADE: The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded Tyus Jones to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the No. 31 and No. 36 picks of this draft, per Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. I like Tyus Jones, and think he has a real chance to be a good in the NBA, even if it's just as a backup. The numbers like him too. He wasn't flashy at Duke, but was really capable and is clearly a good player. I like his play on the pick and roll. (Andy Larsen)
25![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/mem.jpg)Jarell Martin, PF, LSUB
Martin will serve initially as a backup for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in the frontcourt, and as insurance in case one (perhaps Gasol) departs in the near future. He's versatile as a power forward, with enough size to bang down low and a decently varied offensive game. He could be a steal if his jump-shooting improves, but this feels like a bit of a long shot. (Ben Dowsett)
26![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/sa.jpg)Nikola Milutinov, C, Partizan (Serbia)B
This is what the Spurs do seemingly every year. They take a European player higher than most would have him. Sometimes that player works out really well: Tony Parker is a big example. They trust their international scouts more than any other team, and Milutinov's selection here is a reflection of that. (Andy Larsen)
27![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/lal.jpg)Larry Nance Jr, PF, WyomingC
This appears a bit of a reach for the Lakers, with Nance projected by many to go much later in the second round, or perhaps not even be drafted. But he had some hype building as the draft grew nearer, and could be a good NBA-level defender with the right development. His jumper also isn't bad, and if he could put a few things together elsewhere he could be a solid selection. (Ben Dowsett)
28![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bos.jpg)R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia StateA
Hunter fell too far to this eye, and is an excellent selection from Boston. He's a playmaker and a shooter with real potential from NBA range, as well as defensive upside with quick lateral movement and long arms. If his shot selection and feel for the game comes along, he could easily be the steal of the draft so late at 28. (Ben Dowsett)
29![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bk.jpg)Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse B
Somewhat of a neutral grade here with McCullough, who is mostly an athletic upside pick here at 29. He has some physical attributes that lend themselves well to NBA play, with a massive wingspan and good athleticism. His shooting stroke has been inconsistent, but if it comes along he could find rotation minutes at the NBA level. (Ben Dowsett)
30![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/gs.jpg)Kevon Looney, PF, UCLAA-
What a fall for Kevon Looney. Teams were concerned about two things: 1) his hip injury suffered at the beginning of the season, and 2) that he might not be that good even if he were healthy. But Looney's body and pedigree indicate he's a fantastic pick at #30, he's worth the risk all the way down here. (Andy Larsen)
ROUND 2
31![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/cle.jpg)Cedi Osman, SG, Turkey A
TRADE: The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded the No. 31 and No. 36 picks to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Tyus Jones. Cedi Osman is one of the only good draft-and-stash candidates in this year's second round. (Andy Larsen)
32![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/hou.jpg)Montrezl Harrell, PF, LouisvilleB+
Harrell stayed an extra year at school and may have cost himself money with a drop out of the first round, but is high-energy with a good physical profile and could be a solid second-round selection for the Rockets. (Ben Dowsett)
33![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bos.jpg)Jordan Mickey, PF, LSUB+
Celtics take the second consecutive undersized PF. This one's long at least, though. (Andy Larsen)
34![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/lal.jpg)Anthony Brown, SF, StanfordA
Brown is a knockdown shooter who should help the Lakers from distance right away, and has the size to potentially carve a role for himself in the league. Good pick. (Ben Dowsett)
35![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)Willy Hernangomez, C, SpainC+
Hernangomez played alongside Kristaps Porzingis in Sevilla this season. He's a good rolling big man, may end up helping a team. But he's yet another center! (Andy Larsen)
36![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/cle.jpg)Rakeem Christmas, PF, SyracuseA-
Trade: The Minnesota Timberwolves traded the No. 31 and No. 36 picks to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Tyus Jones. The Jazz had some interest in Christmas also, but he goes to Cleveland via an earlier trade here to further cement their stockpile of power forwards. (Ben Dowsett)
37![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)Richaun Holmes, PF, Bowling GreenB+
Hey, maybe Richaun Holmes can become a legitimate stretch 4. He made 42% of 3s at Bowling Green! (Andy Larsen)
38![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/det.jpg)Darrun Hilliard, SG, VillanovaB+
The Pistons get a potential shooter in the second round with Hilliard, who shot 38 percent from deep last season for Villanova. (Ben Dowsett)
39![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bk.jpg)Juan Vaulet, SF, ArgentinaC
The first Argentine to be drafted since 2003, Vaulet wasn't supposed to be drafted until about a week ago. (Andy Larsen)
40![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/mia.jpg)Josh Richardson, SG, TennesseeB
The Heat get another lengthy potential shooter with the 40th pick in Richardson, one who can also potentially defend on the wing. (Ben Dowsett)
41![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/por.jpg)Pat Connaughton, SG, Notre DameA
Jazz fans wanted Pat Connaughton at #42. He's not getting there. Begrudgingly: good pick, Blazers. (Andy Larsen)
42![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/uta.jpg)Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston CollegeA-
The Jazz make a solid upside 2nd-round pick here in Hanlan, who had good averages at Boston College and looks capable both as a passer and a shooter. (Ben Dowsett)
43![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/ind.jpg)Joseph Young, SG, OregonC+
Young is another small scoring guard. I like him less than Hanlan, though. (Andy Larsen)
44![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/mem.jpg)Andrew Harrison, PG, KentuckyC
TRADE: The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly traded for this selection and taken Harrison, but to this eye he's not really much as an NBA prospect. (Ben Dowsett)
45![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/bos.jpg)Marcus Thornton, SG, William & MaryD
Marcus Thornton has cool hair, but there's already a Marcus Thornton in the NBA. This one wasn't supposed to be drafted. (Andy Larsen)
46![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/por.jpg)Norman Powell, SG, UCLAB
TRADE: Powell isn't much of a shooter, but he's a very athletic wing with great defensive upside to add yet another of this ilk to Portland's stockpile. (Ben Dowsett)
47![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)Arturas Gudaitis, C, LithuaniaD
Fran Fraschilla just said about this pick, "we're at the warm body portion of this draft." He's another center. The Sixers still have two more picks left. Can they fill the whole roster? (Andy Larsen)
48![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/okc.jpg)Dakari Johnson, C, KentuckyB+
The Thunder get a Kentucky product in the second round, one who could have some hidden upside after playing behind superstars for two seasons. (Ben Dowsett)
49![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/was.jpg)Aaron White, PF, IowaA-
This is a fun upside pick for the Wizards, who get a power forward who can shoot the ball and play a decent overall game. (Ben Dowsett)
50![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/atl.jpg)Marcus Eriksson, SG, SwedenB
Markus Eriksson is a good shooter who played exactly 5 minutes for Barcelona. Maybe he becomes something? (Andy Larsen)
51![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/orl.jpg)Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern WashingtonB+
The Magic get another shooter to potentially upgrade their spacing in Harvey, who was one of the most prolific scorers in all of college basketball last year. (Ben Dowsett)
52![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/dal.jpg)Satnam Singh Bhamara, C, IndiaA-
Satnam Singh Bhamara might be the first player born in India to play in the NBA. That would be fun. (Andy Larsen)
53![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/cle.jpg)Sir'Dominic Pointer, SF, St. John'sA+
This grade is purely for the name, and the name alone. Pointer also plays basketball. (Ben Dowsett)
54![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/por.jpg)Daniel Diez, SF, SpainB-
TRADE: Daniel Diez was selected by the Jazz and then traded to Portland. He's another ACB SF. (Andy Larsen)
55![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/sa.jpg)Cady Lalanne, PF, UMassB
Lalanne is a relative unknown, but his wingspan of 7'5 is fairly insane on a 6'10 body. (Ben Dowsett)
56![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/no.jpg)Branden Dawson, SF, Michigan StateA-
Dawson got a good bit of his offense from transition play last season, and will fit in well if he can make the Nuggets rotation on a team that likes to do the same. (Ben Dowsett)
57![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/den.jpg)Nikola Radicevic, PG, Serbia B
Radicevic is another Sevilla player taken, making three from a foreign team in the same draft! He's a 6'5'' point guard. The NBA's getting harder and harder for small point guards. (Andy Larsen)
58![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)J.P. Tokoto, SF, North CarolinaB
Wait...the 76ers took a guy who isn't a center? Well, then. (Ben Dowsett)
59![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/atl.jpg)Dimitrios Agravanis, PF, GreeceB+
Agravanis exists, and is unsurprisingly Greek. He's another PF who might be able to shoot. Another one to take a flyer on. (Andy Larsen)
60![](//www.ksl.com/images/team_logo/nba/white/phi.jpg)Luka Mitrovic, PF, SerbiaB-
The Sixers get another big to close out the evening on a familiar note. (Ben Dowsett)

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