NBA beat writers mock draft: Towns, Okafor go 1-2

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NBA beat writers mock draft: Towns, Okafor go 1-2




Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State’s DeAngelo Russell, and Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns are among the top players on the draft board.
AP

Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State’s DeAngelo Russell, and Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns are among the top players on the draft board.

By Rachel G. Bowers GLOBE STAFF  JUNE 23, 2015




Karl-Anthony Towns, a 7-foot center out of Kentucky, was the No. 1 pick in the Globe’s NBA beat writers mock draft on Tuesday.

Writers in NBA cities were recruited to pick, in real-time, for the teams they cover. Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune explained why he thinks Towns is the right choice for the Minnesota Timberwolves.


“Towns’s defensive mobility, shot blocking, and his effortless shooting from long range were the clinchers,” Zgoda writes.

Here are the picks and the beat writers’ analysis:

1. Minnesota: Karl-Anthony Towns, C-PF, Kentucky

Measurables: 7-foot, 250 pounds



2014-15 statistics: 10.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, .566 FG%, 2.25 BPG

Briefly: Flip Saunders chooses Towns’s multi-skilled game — a bit reminiscent of another gifted 7-footer named Kevin Garnett two decades ago — over Jahlil Okafor’s polished low-post game. Towns’s defensive mobility, shot blocking, and his effortless shooting from long range were the clinchers.

— Jerry Zgoda, Minneapolis Star Tribune

2. L.A. Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Measurables: 6-11, 270

2014-15 statistics: 17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, .664 FG%, 1.4 BPG

Briefly: Lakers love franchise centers, and Okafor fits the mold.

— Baxter Holmes, ESPN.com

3. Philadelphia: D’Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State

Measurables: 6-5, 180

2014-15 statistics: 19.3 PPG, 5.0 APG, .449 FG%, 5.7 RPG

Briefly: In addition to being the best player available, D’Angelo Russell fulfills a glaring hole for the Sixers after they traded away point guard Michael Carter-Williams in February. A better shooter than Carter-Williams, Russell could excel playing with Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

— Keith Pompey, Philadelphia Inquirer

4. New York Knicks: Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Measurables: 6-10, 235

2014-15 statistics: 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, .488 FG%, 1.05 APG

Briefly: If Russell (and Towns and Okafor) are unavailable at 4, I’m guessing the Knicks would probably try to move down. But since trades aren’t an option here, they seem to like Lyles; he has the sort of versatility that would make him a nice fit for the offense. And Phil Jackson has been adamant about wanting to do things his way, almost defiantly so. And he is going to take the player he wants, regardless of consensus opinion.

— Scott Cacciola, The New York Times

5. Orlando: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Baloncesto Sevilla

Measurables: 7-0, 220

2014-15 stats: 10.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, .531 FG%, 1.0 BPG

Briefly: This is a high-risk, potentially high-reward pick for the Magic. Porzingis is perhaps three years away from being an effective rotation player on a good NBA team, but if he has All-Star potential, the Magic have to take him because they need high-ceiling players.

— Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel

6. Sacramento: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China

Measurables: 6-5, 200

2014-15 stats: 18.0 PPG, 5.9 APG, .514 FG%, 6.3 RPG (12 games)

Briefly: The Kings have looked for a long-term solution at point guard for years so they cannot pass on a chance to select perhaps the second-best point prospect and add size at the point.

— Jason Jones, Sacramento Bee

7. Denver: Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia

Measurables: 6-8, 200

2014-15 stats: 4.8 PPG, 1.3 APG, .593 FG%, 2.0 RPG

Briefly: In need of many things, what the Nuggets are in search of most is a player with star potential. Hezonja qualifies, checking off boxes in shooting — something the Nuggets sorely need — and athleticism.

— Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post

8. Detroit: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

Measurables: 6-7, 230

2014-15 stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, .486 FG%, 2.1 APG

Briefly: This would be a dream-scenario for the Pistons. You get the sense Hezonja is at the top of the wish list, but they will be more than happy to take Winslow as the consolation prize.

— Vincent Ellis, Detroit Free Press

9. Charlotte: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

Measurables: 6-6, 205

2014-15 stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, .470 FG%, 1.1 APG

Briefly: The NBA team with the worst 3-point percentage selects the best shooter in this draft. If not Booker, then Willie Cauley-Stein makes some sense.

— Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer

10. Miami: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona

Measurables: 6-7, 245

2014-15 stats: 13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, .446 FG%, 1.7 APG

Briefly: Lucky break for Heat that Johnson slipped to this spot. Small forward is their biggest need, and Johnson is the No. 2 prospect at that position in this year’s class.

— Jason Lieser, Palm Beach Post

11. Indiana: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

Measurables: 7-1, 240

2014-15 stats: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, .572 FG%, 1.76 BPG

Briefly: Indiana wants to play smaller and faster next year and although Cauley-Stein isn’t a threat on the offensive end, he is by far the best defensive big man in the draft. Extremely skilled at what he does, Cauley-Stein can impact the Pacers as much, if not more than, defensive-minded veteran center Roy Hibbert. Also, he can still get garbage points under the rim and run the floor as a lob threat – way better than Hibbert. Besides, he goes by “Trill.” What’s not to love?

— Candace Buckner, Indianapolis Star

12. Utah: Myles Turner, C, Texas

Measurables: 7-0, 243

2014-15 stats: 10.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, .455 FG%, 2.6 BPG

Briefly: The Jazz could use another big man to round out their frontcourt rotation and Turner, who has great size and stretch potential, has the most upside here. He might not be as ready as Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky, but the Jazz have the ability to wait.

— Aaron Falk, Salt Lake Tribune

13. Phoenix: Frank Kaminsky, C-PF, Wisconsin

Measurables: 7-1, 242

2014-15 stats: 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, .547 FG%, 2.64 APG

Briefly: The Suns are plenty young so taking an older player with less upside won’t bother them. They need size and a big man whose shot can stretch out a defense to make room for two penetrating point guards, like what Channing Frye once did for them.

— Paul Coro, The Arizona Republic

14. Oklahoma City: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State

Measurables: 6-2, 185

2014-15 stats: 20.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, .456 FG%, 3.7 RPG

Briefly: This might be the exact scenario the Thunder is hoping for. OKC’s front office is believed to be high on Payne, and if he’s still available I think he’s the guy. The Thunder needs a steady long term option beside star Russell Westbrook. D.J. Augustin is as steady as they come as backups go, but he’s entering the final year of his contract. Payne, meanwhile, might be viewed as an upgrade both in the short and long term.

— Darnell Mayberry, The Oklahoman

15. Atlanta: Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas

Measurables: 6-11, 242

2014-15 stats: 17.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, .536 FG%, 1.38 BPG

Briefly: The Hawks face the loss of Paul Millsap to free agency and Portis would fill a need. He would provide needed depth at power forward if Millsap re-signs.

— Chris Vivlamore, AJC

16. Boston: Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia

Measurables: 6-6, 228

2014-15 stats: 12.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, .466 FG%, 1.73 APG

Briefly: With no bigs available with the Hawks taking Portis, Celtics take tough, defensive-minded Anderson. And they are hoping Anderson’s 3-point range has improved.

— Gary Washburn, The Boston Globe

17. Milwaukee: Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas

Measurables: 6-7, 200

2014-15 stats: 9.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .448 FG%, 0.8 APG

Briefly: The Bucks are already loaded with young talent on the wing, and in an ideal world they might have preferred a versatile big like Bobby Portis at #17. Still, Oubre’s smooth stroke and two-way potential likely provide too much value to pass up at this stage of the draft, and his combination of length and defensive versatility would seem a perfect fit for Jason Kidd’s switching, pressuring defense.

— Frank Madden, SB Nation

18. Houston: Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame

Measurables: 6-4, 205

2014-15 stats: 16.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, .478 FG%, 3.0 RPG

Briefly: The Rockets ignore need in the draft, especially with almost every player they select headed to the D-League for much of their rookie season, anyway. But they are not opposed to having someone that would be a good fit and with the uncertainty at point, Grant does make sense. They are more likely to take him for his outstanding athleticism, passing and potential to develop as a reliable shooter.

— Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle

19. Washington: Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin

Measurables: 6-9, 200

2014-15 stats: 13.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, .525 FG%, 1.23 APG

Briefly: The Wizards jump on the borderline lottery talent after he slides further than expected. Standing at 6-foot-9, the versatile Dekker provides three things the Wizards need: athleticism, wing depth, and a stretch-four option. And he can do so immediately.

— Jorge Castillo, The Washington Post

20. Toronto: Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA

Measurables: 6-9, 220

2014-15 stats: 11.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, .470 FG%, 1.28 SPG

Briefly: The woods are littered with No. 20 busts but Raptors are going to need some frontcourt help and versatility; alternately they take someone none of you has ever heard of.

— Doug Smith, Toronto Star

21. Dallas: Delon Wright, PG, Utah

Measurables: 6-6, 190

2014-15 stats: 14.5 PPG, 5.09 APG, .509 FG%, 4.9 RPG

Briefly: Mavericks need a PG with the Rondo thing now working out, and Wright has the size and NBA pedrigree to help out.

— Gary Washburn, The Boston Globe

22. Chicago: Tyus Jones, PG, Duke

Measurables: 6-2, 184

2014-15 stats: 11.8 PPG, 5.6 APG, .417 FG%, 3.5 RPG

Briefly: Jones has been a winner at every level. He provides some point guard depth, which is even more important given Derrick Rose’s recent health issues.

— Adam Himmelsbach, The Boston Globe

23. Portland: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona

Measurables: 6-7, 220

2014-15 stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, .502 FG%, 1.16 SPG

Briefly: The Blazers have a slew of free agents and no second-round picks, so —barring a trade — this is their only shot at adding young talent to the roster. They could go a variety of ways this late in the first round, but they could do a lot worse than Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Although he’s limited offensively, Hollis-Jefferson is a superb athlete and an elite defender, who could potential guard every position from point guard to power forward — and do so immediately.

— Joe Freeman, The Oregonian

24. Cleveland: Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville

Measurables: 6-2, 190

2014-15 stats: 17.1 PPG, 3 APG, .411 FG%, 5.6 RPG

Briefly: Native Clevelander could back up Kyrie Irving and play along side of him, if needed. He’s a tough customer, who can defend and distribute the ball.

— Bob Finnan, The News-Herald

25. Memphis: R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State

Measurables: 6-6, 185

2014-15 stats: 19.7 PPG, 3.6 APG, .395 FG%, 4.7 RPG

Briefly: The Grizzlies could use shooting, and Hunter might have more range than any prospect in this draft. Will benefit from not being the sole focus of opposing defenses.

— Adam Himmelsbach, The Boston Globe

26. San Antonio: Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Madrid, Spain

Measurables: 6-11, 255

2014-15 stats: 10.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, .546 FG%, 0.5 APG

Briefly: The Spurs would have gone with Hunter since Danny Green’s a free agent. On other hand, Tim Duncan might retire in 10-12 years, and maybe the Spurs trade Tiago Splitter to create cap space. So . . . a center

— Mark Rosner, The Associated Press

27. L.A. Lakers: Jonathan Holmes, SF/PF, Texas

Measurables: 6-9, 240

2014-15 stats: 10.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, .389 FG%, 1.03 BPG

Briefly: The “Stretch-Four” position is all the rage these days, and the Lakers could use a PF with range. Holmes fits that bill and can defend and rebound.

— Baxter Holmes, ESPN.com

28. Boston: Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville

Measurables: 6-8, 240

2014-15 stats: 15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, .566 FG%, 1.2 BPG

Briefly: Not the rim protector the Celtics were seeking in this draft, but Harrell has a motor that never stops. Must work to improve his jumper.

— Adam Himmelsbach, The Boston Globe

29. Brooklyn: Jarell Martin, PF, LSU

Measurables: 6-9, 235

2014-15 stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, .509 FG%, 1.78 APG

Briefly: With the Nets looking for additional athleticism all over the roster, they’ll take the 6-foot-10 Martin, who could give them a nice compliment to free agent forward Thaddeus Young if they can retain him next month.

— Tim Bontemps, New York Post

30. Golden State: Trade Pick and David Lee

Beat writer: Since nobody picks after me, I decided to break the rules. The Warriors have so much depth they could take Chris McCullough (PF, Syracuse) here and wait on his recovery, but their biggest desire may be to minimize their luxury tax. They’re going to figure out a way to trade David Lee and his $15.5M salary. Packaging the 30th pick in a trade may be the only way that gets done.



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