The 2015 NBA draft is shaping up to be a real good one. Maybe even good enough to rival the greatest-ever draft class of 2003.
You know, the one that had Lebron, Melo, Wade, Bosh and of course Darko!
Although it was a top heavy class with only four genuine superstars – sorry Darko – they we all megastars.
2015 might not have LeBron but it has depth. And it has a good chance of unearthing some megastars of its own.
Here’s a look at the top prospects.
Jahlil Okafor 6’11 Centre projected pick 1-3
Barring something unforeseen happening between now and draft day Jahlil Okafor will probably be the first player selected in the 2015 NBA draft. Players with his skill set have become increasing rare in today’s NBA.
An offensive juggernaught, Okafor is gods gift to basketball fans who yearn for the return of the big men from the 1990s.
Big and strong with an arsenal of post moves, offensively he’s smart beyond his years. He can score in a number of different ways but the majority of his points come in the paint.
Handles the ball well for a big man and is surprisingly nimble. Offensively he’s being compared to Tim Duncan but defensively he’s not in the same league.
Although Okafor is a decent post defender, he sometimes gets lost playing team defence especially defending the pick n roll. Will never be a super shot-blocker but in time could learn to be a useful rim protector.
NBA projection: Will be an elite level offensive threat from the get go. Defensively not as bad as some suggest but needs to get better. Definitely has the potential to improve on that end of the floor. If he can turn into an above average defender Okafor has the makings of a superstar.
NBA Comparison: Best case scenario Tim Duncan worst case a mix of Al Jefferson and Andrew Bynum in his prime.
Karl-Anthony Towns 7’0 Center Projected pick 1-4
Along with D’angelo Russell, Towns is probably the only player that can steal the no.1 pick away from Okafor.
Although Towns and Okafor have similar stats, they are quite different. Towns can score from the post but not at Okafor’s level. He’s real offensive strength is shooting and athleticism.
He is vastly better in both areas than Okafor. Towns will use his athleticism to get easy points by way of put backs and alley-oops.
His shooting will set him apart from most centres in league. Knocks down mid range jumpers with ease and has three point range.
Towns is already a super shot blocker and has the potential to be an elite rim protector. It’s hard to get a good gauge on Towns’ true defensive ability as he plays alongside a defensive beast in Cauley-Stein.
But there is no reason to think Towns can’t play D. His shot blocking alone makes him a better defender than Okafor.
NBA projection: Towns seems to be the prototypical modern day centre – great shooting with solid rim protection. He’ll score plenty of points and if his defence is as good as assumed he could end up being better than Okafor.
NBA Comparison: A blend between DaMarcus Cousins and Serge Ibaka.
D’Angelo Russell 6’5 Point Guard/Shooting Guard Projected Pick 1-4
If you were to mix both James Harden and Manu Ginobili together you’d make D’Angelo Russell. A smooth left-handed combo guard you’d pay good money to watch any day.
Russell is unbelievably smart on offense both as a scorer and creator. He’s a super dribbler who gets to the rim with ease and can create his own shot. He has NBA three point range – a fantastic shooter.
What makes Russell special is that he isn’t just an awesome scorer he’s also a super distributer. Great at finding open teammates and makes really smart decisions.
He’s super cool under pressure, never flustered – you just cannot fault this man offensively.
His defence though is another story. He is at times uninterested on the defensive end seemingly lacking the desire to guard anyone and has struggled defending quicker players. He does have the tools however to be a good defender when committed. His length should be an advantage in the NBA.
NBA projection: Will be a huge hit where ever he plays. Should be a big-time scorer straight away and a crowd favourite. Which ever team drafts Russell will probably sell plenty of tickets and Jersey’s but they’ll need to get him motivated on the defensive end if they want to win games.
NBA comparison: James Harden/Manu Ginobili
Emmanuel Mudiay 6’5 Point Guard Projected Pick 1-5
The kid from Congo was originally going to play college ball but he later changed his mind and decided to play in China instead. At this stage it’s hard to judge if that was a good move or not.
It’s also been hard to judge his performance this season. He’s playing in an inferior league and he’s missed a large chunk of the season with injury.
In the games I have seen though, Mudiay has played up to his reputation. He’s your prototypical point guard – floor general and master creator. He loves getting his teammates involved and instantly makes the players around him better.
He’s super strong, can get to and finish at the hoop with relative ease.
At this stage he has a poor free throw and three-point shot and unfortunately will probably never excel in this area.
He can hit the mid range jumper though.
Versatile on defence, he uses his strong body to match up against shooting guards. He seems to be a good on-ball defender, although somewhat of a worry guarding super quick players. It has to be said it’s proving difficult evalauting Mudiay on the defensive end playing in such an inferior league.
NBA Projection: If I were an NBA GM I’d want to see a lot more of Mudiay to feel confident of picking him in the top five. Nevertheless in the limited amount of games we’ve seen him play, his basketball I.Q shines through. Mudiay should have no problems transitioning his game into the NBA.
NBA Comparison: John Wall
Myles Turner. 6’11 Center/Power Forward Projected pick 4-8
My favourite player in the draft. Should be considered in the same sentence as Towns and Okafor for the no1 pick. But an inconsistent start to the college season hurt his chances.
Turner is easily the best shooter out of all the big men in this draft. Hits shots from all over the floor, range extends beyond the three-point line. Also has some nice post moves. He is a great passer for a big man, will get the ball to teammates through tiny openings. Looks awkward running but is deceptively quick and agile. Great athleticism.
Will be an elite rim protector in the NBA and an excellent shot blocker. Turner is quick enough to defend forwards while strong enough to guard centres.
NBA projection: A year from now Myles Turner might be considered the best player in this draft. Should turn into a beast on offense and defence.
NBA comparison: Offensively very similar to fellow Texas longhorn Lamarcus Aldridge. Defensively could be as good as Andrew Bogut or Roy Hibbert.
Stanley Johnson 6’7 small forward Projected pick 4-8
Although still only 18 years old, he has the body and strength of a 28 year old. Very similar size to Lebron James at the same age.
Johnson is an absolute beast on the defensive end – a future NBA defensive player of the year candidate. Will be an elite level lock down defender using his strength and speed to guard multiple positions.
Johnson uses his athleticism to score easy buckets in transition. His strength and size make him a handful to defend in the post. A great passer will find open teammates.
Has some concerns over his shooting ability, and although his free throw and three-point percentages are decent, Johnson has a very awkward looking stroke. Will need to prove he can hit the open shot to be successful on offense.
NBA projection: Should be an elite defender straight away. Will probably never be a big time scorer but his defence alone will win plenty games.
NBA comparison: Ron Artest/Andre Igoudala
This looks to be a super draft class.The six players listed above have the best shot at being that mega star teams crave.
We haven’t even reached the playoffs this year and I’m already looking forward to the start of 2015-16 NBA season
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