A Way too Early Re-Draft of the 2015 NBA Draft
- the Real Jevans
- Dec 28, 2016
- 5 min read
Okay, so first a couple ground rules:
I know it hasn’t even been two years, but the early returns of this class have put them on a historic level with the potential to be mentioned in the same group as the legendary ’83 class and the more recent ’03 class. Given how little we’ve seen of the prospects, this is as much about predicting the next 10 years as it is about analyzing their current production.
We are not redrafting with concern to fit on a certain team. For example, just because at the time the 76ers had Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid on the roster does not mean they wouldn’t still select Jahlil Okafor (on a shocking note – they actually did this)
Yes, this is in homage to the late, great Sam Hinkie. WE ARE ALWAYS TAKING BPA (best player available).
We are considering injury history, personality, etc. when making a pick. This is not just based on pure talent.
Any and all arguments are acceptable (OK not all, but most). Because we are only 18 months after the draft, there are plenty of arguments to be made, and I am the first to admit that.
Without further ado…
1. Karl Anthony Towns
Towns is possibly the best prospect to come into the NBA since Kevin Durant. He can literally do everything you would from a modern big. There really wasn’t much debate here.
2. Kristaps Porzingis
Again, not a very tough choice here. In just his second season, he has seemingly already usurped Carmelo as the Knicks number one option. It will be interesting to see how his body holds up in the second half after a rough end to last year, but there is no debating the Knicks have found themselves a franchise guy for the next 10+ years.
3. Myles Turner
Turner is another young guy who fits the “unicorn” bill that I am already tired of hearing and using. His ability to protect the rim and shoot threes at a solid clip is the most valuable skill combination in today’s NBA. My main reason for having him ahead of the likes of Booker and Russell is that it will always be tougher to find a guy like Turner than a future two way sniper (Booker) or do-it-all offensive force to spearhead your attack (Russell)
4. Devin Booker
5. D’Angelo Russell
Both of these players will be extremely special for years to come on the offensive end. However, Booker’s defensive potential is what places him ahead of Russell for me. That, as well as the fact that a two-way shooting guard is much tougher to find than a dynamic offensive point guard (assuming D’Angelo doesn’t become Steph 2.0-which is highly unlikely).
6.Justise Winslow
7.Trey Lyles
Two versatile players who have the ability to shoot, pass, and defend multiple positions. It will probably be a few years before they come all the way around offensively, but all the traits and skills you look for in a building block are there when you look at these two.
8. Mario Hezonja
9. Stanley Johnson
Two players who haven’t done much of anything, but I still believe in. Hezonja has definitely not helped himself, but the magic have done literally nothing to aid in his development. It wouldn’t surprise me if 10 years from now you see him in a JR Smith role for a contender (including the shirtless celebrations). Johnson also needs a change of scenery where there aren’t as many similar players (Morris and Harris), and he can just focus on playing defense and improving his jump shot (hint: he should give up on trying to be a playmaker)
10. Norman Powell
11. Josh Richardson
The two second round steals of the draft. Both could fit in on any team with their ability to shoot, pass and defend. With the way today’s game is played, look for them to get massive pay raises elsewhere after their rookie deals. Side note – I would rather have both of these guys on their rookie deals than Derozen on his current max deal.
12.Willie Cauley-Stein
Players who can switch onto the perimeter and protect the rim will always be extremely valuable. WCS should be able to play a similar role to Tristian Thompson, but I think we can all agree that won’t happen in Sacramento. Odds are also not likely that he’ll find someone like Lebron to get him paid like TT as well.
13. Emmanuel Mudiay
Not a believer in him as a top level PG but worst case, he should be able to make an impact as a defender off the bench.
14. Jahlil Okafor
Okafor puts up numbers offensively but is a complete turnstile on defense. Think of him in an Enes Kanter/Greg Monroe role – overpaid bench scorer. I could write 1,000,00 words on him, but I digress.
15. Larry Nance Jr.
Do-it-all forward who could be much higher if he can hit a consistent jump shot. I already think he’s probably more valuable over the next 10 years than Julius Randle.
16 . Sam Dekker
17. Justin Anderson
18. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
19. Kelly Oubre
4 players that should be useful role players for years, but in different ways. Dekker should develop into a skilled, small ball 4 who can provide instant offense and team defense off the bench. Anderson is a sort-of 3 and sort-of D guy who would make himself a lot more money if he improved in either of those areas. RHJ projects as an elite defender who is unlikely to ever learn to shoot. Oubre is slowly coming around and has too much talent not to succeed in some role.
20. Frank Kaminsky
21. Bobby Portis
2 guys who are likely 4th bigs off the bench for their careers. Kaminsky is probably already at or near his ceiling (can you believe they passed on Winslow or 4 1st rounders for this guy!?), and Portis needs to be more consistent all around.
22. Terry Rozier
23. Montrezel Harrell
These former Louisville Cardinals will have long careers as long as they settle into their roles. Rozier could be a second unit spark plug with the ability to play defense which is quite unique although I doubt he’s okay with this. Harrell is an undersized 5 in today’s NBA who will have value for his ability to defend and finish around the rim.
24. Cameron Payne
25. Jerian Grant
Two players I expected much more out of. Payne hasn’t played much due to injuries and the Thunder’s depth last year but was disappointing in limited action. Grant suddenly forgot how to shoot in the NBA, but has all the qualities to be a valuable defender and ball mover. Would rather take a flier on Payne due to some untapped potential.
26. Richaun Holmes
27. Jordan Mickey
28. Guillermo Hernangomez
3 bigs who have seen limited action, but I think deserve a shot. Holmes has the makings of a 35% 3 point shooter who can rim run and protect the rim. Rebounding will always be his issue (see, I already am smarter than Chris Vernon). Mickey is an undersized shot blocker who also can shoot some, and if you can’t tell already, I’m all in on rim protectors who can space the floor. Hernangomez is a tough player with a high IQ who should settle into an ICE bench role. But honestly, he was Kristaps’ partner in crime overseas, so I really just want to see them lace ‘em up together in MSG. LAND THE PLANE PHIL!!
29.Briante Weber
You’re telling me this guy couldn’t be a poor man’s Patrick Beverly with more of a floor game?! I mean he averaged 4 STEALS PER GAME as a senior in college. I believe in you, Briante.
30. Darrun Hilliard
Just a solid wing who can shoot, pass, and defend just enough to make an impact. Classic ‘Nova guy.
*** It took everything in me not to put JP Tokoto in here. I still maintain that if Danny Green can learn to shoot, so can Tokoto ***
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