Parker's Picks: 2015 NBA Mock Draft - Rounds 1 & 2

With the NBA draft comes a new edition of Parkers Mock Draft. Similarly to my NFL mock draft I did the drafting as if I were the GM of each team. Since the NBA is limited to 2 rounds I decided to give the full thing a go, even though the 2nd round is a bit of a crapshoot, due to the unpredictable trades that are bound to happen (I highly doubt Philadelphia makes 5 picks). Also due to a lack of time I only had time to watch a handful foreign players, which may affect the end of the second round, as some teams will look to that pool of players late, where I am much more uniformed. That said it should be fun to look at the late picks, and free agents I would have drafted that find their way to rosters.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Karl Anthony Towns – Kentucky

I have been back and forth on the Jahlil Okafor versus KAT debate for a while now. They both have so much to bring, but like most of America, seemingly, I have decided to jump on with KAT. His upside as a complete big man is so rare in this game it is hard to pass up. He isn’t the scorer that Okafor is yet, but has better range, and free throw shooting, and if he can develop post footwork he will be right there in leading scoring among big men. Towns also can run the floor well which plays well with Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins. I don’t think the T Wolves nor the Lakers can miss here.

2. Los Angeles Lakers- Jahlil Okafor

I entertained other names but, come on this is too easy. You just can’t pass on a 7-foot pure center with 20 point scoring ability, and that ability could come next year. The Lakers will need to work out some spacing between last years lottery pick Julius Randle and Jahlil Okafor but I am sure two talents can come together, and I know they will dominate the offensive glass. With two big scorers the Lakers are finally on the comeback trail with just a few pieces to go.

3. Philadelphia 76ers- Justice Winslow- Duke

A lot of talking heads have the 76ers going point guard here and while it does make sense given the talent in this class, I just could not pass on the potential star that is Justice Winslow. His floor is an NBA wing defender, but his footwork in the lane and ability to get to the rim, along with underrated athleticism gives him a ceiling that I think is too much to pass on. I see hesitance at times, which makes sense for an 18 year old in a Coach K offense, but he has upside to be a strong NBA scorer in my opinion. Defensively he will fit right in, and his length will fit right in. With 4 second round picks, and potentially 4 first rounder’s next year the 76ers have assets to climb back into the first round and grab a point guard but an NBA wing defender that has scoring abilities is much harder to come by.

4. New York Knicks- D’Angelo Russell- Ohio State

Phil Jackson gets his guy. After getting fined for talking about him, he gets to start the rebuild with him. Russell is a perfect fit as a point guard with Carmelo Anthony in the sense of using Anthony as a stretch four in a pick and roll offense. You have the shooting, size and ball handling between the two to give you all of the offense you need. Find defenders and the Knicks are in business.

5. Orlando Magic- Kristaps Porzingas-Latvia

The Magic are in the mode where they need to be shooting for the stars. When I watch Porzingas the first things that come to mind is that he needs to put on muscle if he wants to play NBA defense in the paint and the other is that he has extreme upside. At 7’1” 220 pounds he is best suited as a stretch four, which seems to be a missing piece for plenty of teams. That height gives him potential to be a great power forward because he clearly has a nice shooting touch from all distances. He seems to have good athleticism for his size as well. If he can put on the muscle and become a better defender he is a prime prospect and will be a great fit in Orlando. When you look at Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladpio turning into stud defensive guards, and the potential upside of Aaron Gordon on defense there is plenty of defense around a potential offensive stud. Pairing him next to Nik Vucevic will be an experiment but it has upside potential to be a strong pairing, and makes the pick worthwhile.

6. Sacramento Kings- Emmanuel Mudiay- China

Goal number one for this season has to be keeping DeMarcus Cousins happy. Since 2010 when Cousins entered the league he has played with five different head coaches, and eight different starting point guards. The Kings need to provide stability and Mudiay has a low floor is my opinion. Darren Collison is a fine point guard but he knows his role and he will help bring Mudiay along fine and if he can provide a report with Cousins they could be the one two punch that gets Sacramento to the playoffs. His vision and ability to move the ball is a good fit next to not only Cousins, but also Rudy Gay. This is basically a slam-dunk for the Kings.

7. Denver Nuggets- Willie Cauley- Stein Kentucky

The Nuggets cannot miss this pick here. They do have Jusuf Nurkic who had a promising rookie season, but a defensive addition like WCS is too hard to pass on. His defensive flexibility is his greatest strength as he is probably the best rim protector in this draft, and while some say he can guard five positions I certainly believe he can guard three. Staying at Kentucky for three years was a great decision as he grew physically and as a basketball player and can jump in this rotation right away. The Nuggets may be looking to get rid of Kenneth Faried and his contract this off-season and this is a great replacement of his minutes, and a young pair of bigs to look forward to.

8. Detroit Pistons- Mario Hezonja –Croatia

I hope this happens just to see Stan Van Gundy and Hezonja clash. Hezonja is a guy who knows how to score. He also has a bit of swagger about him and honestly may need a coach like SVG before becoming a guy like JR Smith. He has that ability to be a starter and a crunch time scorer but he needs to round out his overall game to become a year one starter. However I think with the right coach and the right mindset Hezonja has enormous upside. I do think he has some downside; although he was considered for me around pick 4.

9. Charlotte Bobcats- Devin Booker- Kentucky

One of the biggest wild cards and unknowns of the draft is also one of my favorite prospects. The youngest player in the draft, who didn’t even start on his own college team, becomes the 3rd Kentucky product taken in this year’s top 10, to a team that desperately needs him. Due to the constant subbing in Kentucky he was able to see plenty of minutes and I came away impressed every time I watched. At 6’6” he has the size to be a talented starting two guard and is being heralded as the best shooter in the class. Many have knocked Booker for his lack of elite athleticism, and while I agree in the terms of vertically dunking on people in transition not being his strength, I see his agility and footwork as elite for the class to go with his shooting. Due to that agility I think he can become one of the better two-way guards in the NBA. For a team who finished dead last in the NBA in perimeter shooting this should be a slam-dunk.

10. Miami Heat- Stanley Johnson- Arizona

Pat Riley will be doing kart wheels to the podium as he hands in the pick. The Heat are desperately looking for Luol Deng to come back for one more season, as well as find his replacement and one just falls into their laps. Whether Deng comes back or not I think Johnson has the size to play the small forward position in the NBA next year and if that is off the bench or in a learning role from a great NBA vet like Deng so be it. Johnson has the upside of a guy who can play both ends of the ball in a very efficient way. He can shift to the 2, and even play down low as a stretch 4 type and the lineups that Eric Spoelstra can conduct to save Dwayne Wade and Dengs’ older legs is key to this pick being such a slam dunk for Miami.

11. Indiana Pacers Myles Turner -Texas

This is where the I feel as though the draft could go 100 different ways. I could also see the Pacers going about 7 different ways if the board breaks this way. When looking at the Pacers you have your star Paul George and then pieces. The backcourt could use an upgrade, and while the frontcourt has talent, when looking to the future both David West and Roy Hibbert will free agents in 2016. Larry Bird talked about the Pacers playing a smaller, faster lineup this year and Turner is a big man who can do that in a way that Hibbert cannot. Hibbert and West both have player options this year and I would expect both to opt in, and this pick gives them a much stronger front court rotation, while giving Turner a chance to learn behind quality veterans. Whether you lose Hibbert or West I think that Turner can play with both due to his size, and ability to shoot and stretch the floor. If he fills out more he can be a rim protector and could be a rare versatile player and putting that beside your emerging star George seems like a win.

12. Utah Jazz- Frank Kaminsky -Wisconsin

The Jazz are a team that can go almost any direction but small forward. I still like the prospects of Dante Exum and when looking at guys like Trey Burke, Alec Burks and Rodney Hood as rotational guards I think the Jazz can use this pick to upgrade the depth of the frontcourt. Kaminsky is a great fit here because he can play both the center and the power forward role and be able to spread the floor in each. Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors have plenty of upside but both play their best near the basket. Kaminsky can free it up and can fit next to either in a rotational role. He can also play center next to Trevor Booker on the bench and it would appear to be a good fit. Booker has a contract up in 2016 and if you have a talented rotational big that you can trust losing Booker isn’t nearly the blow it could be to this teams depth. The guard rotation is growing, but Burks seems to be the only pure shooter right now. Kaminsky being possibly the best shooter in this class and being 7 foot tall is what makes him a great fit here.

13. Phoenix Suns Bobby Portis- Arkansas

The Suns can’t draft a guard here can they? I mean at the time I am writing this I am assuming that they will be throwing a big deal at Brandon Knight to be their future point guard. The Suns could still go many ways but to me this is the best fit for them. When looking at the Suns frontcourt you see Alex Len who is still in a learning phase and you have Markeiff Morris who is more of a grinder who can really only play one position. Marcus Morris and TJ Warren can play a stretch four but it isn’t their best positions and there is almost no depth at center on the roster. Portis, like Turner and Kaminsky can play both of the frontcourt positions, and create a young energetic frontcourt rotation. In the small lineups Portis can run the floor as a center, and with both Knight and Eric Bledsoe he can run the pick and roll efficiently and free space for the two. You can never have too much size and while the Suns figure out who they are they add a piece that can help this young core right away.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder- Cameron Payne- Murray State

Of all the lottery teams the Thunder have the most “win-now” roster and that is probably obvious. With a healthy Kevin Durant I don’t see many holes in the team. When you look at the roster you see Durant, Westbrook and a plethora of young frontcourt pieces. While trading Reggie Jackson the Thunder acquired DJ Augustine but he is a career back up who is due a new contract next year. Speaking of a contract everyone is buzzing over Kevin Durants’, but Russell Westbrook is also two years away from testing the market. Westbrook is basically a ball handling shooting guard, who needs a spot up shooter to play with and you do get that with Payne. Payne can play next to Westbrook and add defense in which Dion Waiters cannot. He can also come off of the bench to spark the team, in the old Reggie Jackson role, as he is a type of player to push the ball. A lot of rumors have swirled that this will be the Thunder pick if he is around, and while that may not be the reason I made this pick it is certainly understandable. What the Thunder need is a guard that can play now and provide depth for its superstars and Payne brings that. While he can help immediately, if Payne turns into a key contributor in the Thunder future this is an absolute steal, and Payne does have that starting potential.

15. Atlanta Hawks- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson- Arizona

The Hawks cannot afford to lose Demarre Carroll. However I see Paul Milsap and Al Horford also due a re-up and I think it would be tough to pull off the move. RHJ is one of my favorite players in the draft, due to his athleticism, but mainly for his attention to defense. He guarded everyone from Joe Young to Frank Kaminsky last season and at age 20 if his body can fill out he will be a wing defender who can guard 3 positions effectively. RHJ has potential to be a star, but sits at 15 and could slide lower due to his inability to shoot, and create offensively. If he can develop more consistency he is a huge threat, but for the time being he can be a bandage on the Carroll loss, and add a defensive wing that is always needed for the future.

16. Boston Celtics- Kevon Looney- UCLA

When you look at the Celtics roster there is a gaping need for size and a superstar. Jared Sullinger is a free agent next year and Kelly Olynk has a team option coming up and they both have a lot to prove as to whether they can be starters on a winning team. Looney has all the physical tools to be a huge talent in the NBA but needs some ironing of his game and needs to figure out who he is. A coach like Brad Stevens is perfect for Looney because of the versatility and how he can use him in multiple lineups for multiple purposes. Looney probably has the most super star upside left when you look at his physical tools, and whatever position he can turn into in the NBA is basically already a need for Boston making him too hard to pass up.

17. Milwaukee Bucks- Christian Wood -UNLV

Christian Woods’ play screams Milwaukee Bucks. Wood is a 6’11” player with a 7’3” wingspan that can run the floor and potentially play 3 different positions. Wood plays good defense, can shoot, and potentially can slot into a role at the center position on the court. He is decent a rim protector, but given time I think he can be strong enough to play beside Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetotenkumpo and create spacing night mares. Welcome to the team of the future Christian Wood.

18. Houston Rockets- Kelly Oubre- Kansas

The Rockets were able to make the conference finals without Patrick Beverly and Donatas Motiejunas who both started a majority of the season for them so they are not far off here with a nice selection coming. With Beverly heading into free agency I like the idea of Denver baiting Ty Lawson at Houston to get this pick, but with Beverlys’ injury, and the Rockets possessing pick 32 I think it would be a smart play to take the highest upside available, and resign Beverly on a prove it deal. Josh Smith was also a key contributor and is a free agent as well. I would hope that if Motiejunas were healthy he would be picking up the slack as a stretch four and I would use cap space on Beverly over Smith mainly because I now have Oubre. Some talking heads have Oubre in the same tier of prospects as Stanley Johnson, and Justice Winslow but I have him slipping to 18 here mainly because I think he has more learning to do before being as NBA ready as the other two are. He has all the physical attributes to be a strong wing threat but lacks the complete all around game and consistency at his young age. Trevor Ariza is a good veteran wing and good presence to have around a kid like Oubre as he eases into big minutes in the NBA. This pick helps depth in a win now aspect, and gives you the upside of a future starting small forward and that is too tough to pass up.

19. Washington Wizards- Trey Lyles- Kentucky

In terms of upside Lyles could be considered a better prospect than a Kaminsky or Portis but last year was a weird one for him. The youngest of those three, Lyles was considered a top prospect, but like teammate Devin Booker he played a rotational role one the Kentucky 2 tier squad. While Booker was able to flash in a role that was relatable to his NBA skill set, Lyles spent a lot of his season learning the small forward wing position. He was able to flash a lot, but also had his share of growing pains. At 6’10” 240 pounds I see him as a much better fit as an exclusive power forward. Lyles can learn and grow and can hopefully be a rotational big this season. This is also Nenes’ last year of his contract and in the post season putting Paul Pierce at the stretch four position was usually more efficient. Lyles isn’t a stretch guy, but his upside really shows a great fit next to John Wall. When looking at a pick and roll forward, and a 6’10”: athlete who can run with Wall I think this fit can really show off the best of Lyles.

20. Toronto Raptors- Sam Dekker- Wisconsin

If you had watched the Badgers last three games you may see Dekker as a top ten pick. He shot, he defended and he has the athleticism to be so. What I think Dekker lacks most is his consistency. Also he needs to establish a role in the NBA. He can shoot, drive, pass and play defense, but doesn’t necessarily excel at any of them. He also doesn’t have a defined position and I have heard everything from a 6’9” guard to a stretch power forward. Amir Johnson is a guy the Raptors need to decide whether he is worth serious money and he plays a role similar to Dekker. He is a little small for a power forward but basically does a little bit of everything that keeps the team together. Dekker probably isn’t the rebounder of Johnson, but has a better shooting stroke. If what he did in the tournament is followed up by a nice NBA career, the Raptors really have something with Kyle Lowry, Demar Derozen and Sam Dekker all on the court together. I like the idea of that trio and it brings a lot of length to the backcourt. By filling a hole and taking the best guy left makes it a nice haul for Toronto down a pick 20.

21. Dallas Mavericks- Delon Wright – Utah

The Mavericks are at a cross roads here. With Monta Ellis fully expected to use his player option to test free agency, and Tyson Chandler being an unrestricted free agent, the Mavericks have giant monetary decisions to make. When you have a guy like Dirk Nowitzki you almost have to strive for a championship, but last year may have proved that Dirk can no longer be the best player on a championship winning team, or at least will need more around him than before. While bringing back the same at potentially more money is not the best plan, but the Mavs almost have to do it. They have to ride this out and get as many pieces for Dirk as possible and that has to be the same for the draft. Rajon Rondo clearly didn’t work out and it leaves the Mavs with point guards on the books, but Devin Harris, and Ray Felton are not exactly the class of the league. Adding Wright is a guy who can be versatile. He can come off the bench behind Harris and would provide little drop off with more upside. He is a guy who isn’t ball dominant which makes him a fit next to Ellis and also at his 6’5” frame with long arms he can guard multiple positions, which was the biggest problem in the Dallas back court last season. Wright is competent and provides immediate depth, and if he can fit in a backcourt with Monta Ellis that says something and makes him a strong selection here for Dallas.

22. Chicago Bulls- Jerian Grant- Notre Dame

Assuming the Bulls give Jimmy Butler the max extension in which they need to and he doesn’t bolt off to the Lakers, the Bulls are going to be pressed against the salary cap. Both Mike Dunleavy and Aaron Brooks are free agents and they may not be able to afford one let alone both of them. The team should look to recent first round picks Doug McDermott and Tony Snell for wing help, so that leaves this years first round pick to help with the point guard play. I would assume giving Butler the max deal would have him playing plenty of minutes in the small forward spot going forward, leaving a lot of minutes at guard to Snell, and Kirk Hinirch. I view Grant as a combo guard who could play the 2 and the point, which gives the Bulls really nice flexibility with him, and Hinrich. Grant can come off the bench in a Jamal Crawford type role if all goes well and provides depth as a guy who may see a lot of minutes while the Bulls rest Derrick Rose at times. Grant is ready to play in the NBA now and I think his transition in a fit like this would be ideal for his style of play.

23. Portland Trailblazers- Montraezl Harrell- Louisville

With or without Aldridge, Harrell is a really good fit here. When you are looking for energy and intensity this guy will bring it every single night. He is a little shorter than some of the other power forward prospects, but he has great length and decent NBA strength to a point where he can help in the paint immediately. He started in college as an under the basket player but his game really developed all over the court and his versatility is what makes him so valuable. He has the defense that can help with Meyers Leonard and is big enough to make a small lineup with Aldridge as a center look pretty big. There is just no depth in Portland right now and I think that seeing someone like Harrell as a guy to take some weight off of Aldridges’ shoulders can do something in terms of convincing him that the Blazers are still moving forward.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers- RJ Hunter- Georiga State

James Jones, Mike Miller, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, and JR Smith will tell you that there is a lot of money in being a clutch spot up shooter on a Lebron James led basketball team. Smith has a player option this year for the Cavs that they may not want him to take. If they are looking to lock up Lebron and Kevin Love long term, they more than likely will have to let either Iman Shumpert, or JR Smith go and possibly even both. I would rather have Shumpert due to his defense and if I can get Hunter here I think I have a smarter, less athletic JR Smith replacement. Hunter has the bball IQ to be a guy who can step up right away. While his 3 pt shooting % took a deep decline at GSU year to year, he was a small school star who would be double-teamed at will. Something tells me he won’t be the guy being double-teamed on a Lebron James team.

25. Memphis Grizzlies- Justin Anderson- Virginia

Anderson would be such a great fit for Memphis. Anderson is a guy who can defend at a high level, which is what Memphis is preaching right now. Anderson has the ability to be a tall two guard, but can defend forwards, and having him play next to Tony Allen is steal city. Anderson also has a decent offensive game, which really improved at times last year at UVA. Jeff Green is a nice piece but is a guy you are never sure what you can get. Anderson will be able to rotate in with him and give quality minutes as a rookie and if all pans out I think he could start for Memphis in a years time.

26. San Antonio Spurs- Rashad Vaughn – UNLV

Of all the Spurs in their big 3-4 I would say that Manu Ginobili is the least likely to come back. The Spurs have a lot to do this off-season including sign Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard as well as pursue a Tim Duncan replacement (LaMarcus Aldridge). This will leave the Spurs with little to no cap room and this draft pick may see bench minutes right away. Vaughn had his season shortened due to injury so it is hard to grasp exactly what he can be but you know two things and it is that he is athletic and he can create on offense. Whether it be off the ball next to Tony Parker or even in a more ball dominant role like Ginobili has had as a bench guard beside Patty Mills I can see him fitting both molds. While he doesn’t fill a future hall of famers shoes he does fill a need and has the talent to potentially be a steal years from now.

27. Los Angeles Lakers- Tyus Jones- Duke

The Lakers absolutely need stability, and this pick needs to hit just as much as pick 2 does. When looking at Jones you don’t see the best athlete, or the disgusting handling or the Steph Curry shot, but he is an NBA point guard. I think he is a guy that will either be one of the best back up point guards in the league or a lower tier starter who can win with stars around him. He may not make any all-star games but his basketball IQ and his overall game is strong enough to make him an asset. He hits free throws, shoots well, doesn’t turn it over and knows when to attack. His lack of elite skill or potential knock him down a peg or two but at pick 27 he is tremendous value for the Lake show. Throwing him in a backcourt with Kobe and Jordan Clarkson is a good situation and with now two top ten picked bigs the Lakers have pieces. Also you have to love throwing him with ex-teammate and friend Jahlil Okafor.

28. Boston Celtics- Jarell Martin- LSU

Martin is a guy who needs to go to a team that knows what to do with him. I think Stevens will see this talent and jump all over him in what should be a great fit. Stevens is all about rotations, he’s just adding another piece and a guy who can play both the three and four positions. When looking at pick 16 Kevon Looney there is a question as to how he can fit but I think it would be well. Neither has a defined position, but it would be fun to see them on the court together. Looney plays like a big 3, and Martin plays like a small four and I think they can compliment each other’s games. The Celtics also need to continue to shoot at upside and with Martins athleticism there is plenty of upside to like. You can look at the last two years, and see Marcus Smart, James Young, Martin, and Looney and all of the sudden you have four young talents under age 22, who are all long and athletic, and none have even touched their upside yet. Give this core to Brad Stevens and lets see the chef cook.

29. Brooklyn Nets- Chris McCullough- Syracuse

This is a tough pick in a critical stage for Brooklyn here. You are staring down Thad Young contract discussions as well as deciding whether to sign Brook Lopez by next season. Bringing in a kid like McCullough may show Lopez a sign of some young size and a future for Brooklyn. It is tough to judge exactly what McCullough is due to the fact that he only played 16 college games, and it wasn’t the toughest competition either. He has a lot of upside and can run the floor and fits the need, and now hopefully he can mesh with Lopez.

30. Golden State Warriors- Joe Young – Oregon

The Splash Brothers are going to love this kid. The Warriors should be spending most of their off season clearing space to sign Draymond Green and seeing Leondro Barbosa as a free agent opens a cheap guard position. They may resign Barbosa to a one year deal in the late summer if they feel Young isn’t ready but he is a guard who fits the Golden State philosophy. He is up-tempo, shoots the three and in a Barbosa type of way has the ball handling skills. I like him learning with these talented guards and this is prime for both him and the Warriors.

For the second round we will shorten up the write-ups as these are more “best player available” picks, and I would bet most of these will be traded.

31. Minnesota Timber Wolves- JP Tokoto- UNC

I really like his fit here and Tokoto provides all the role-playing potential needed, when looking at the hope of stars Andrew Wiggins and Towns. Tokoto is the example of what a 3-and-D guy can be. He is quick, long and athletic and if he is open he can knock down the trey. If the Spurs are worried about Danny Green they may even want to grab him earlier. I think he is limited in an overall game but every team needs a guy to know his role and if Tokoto does he will be in this league.

32. Houston Rockets- Terry Rozier- Louisville

The Rockets would probably love this haul right now. When making pick 18 I was debating whether to grab a PG, trade for PG or what I would do this offseason and now Rozier comes in with NBA ready ability. I am still looking to sign Beverly this off season as mentioned in 18, but with him coming off an injury, and Pablo Prigioni being the only option left they would love Rozier for the competition. Rozier can come off the bench and lead the second unit, as well as be an off ball point next to Harden. He can guard both positions and is probably the best player left as well.

33. Boston Celtics- Robert Upshaw- Washington

If I am Boston I just keep swinging for the fences. Upshaw is a block machine and is a pure center. Upshaws’ greatest weakness is off court but if this young crew could band together the Celtics have as many upside lottery tickets as you can have.

34. Los Angeles Lakers-Tyler Harvey- Eastern Washington

From the Big Sky to the big time this is a great fit for the Lakers. A rotational guard may get thrown to the wolves quicker than expected with a Kobe Bryant injury but I think Harvey would be great in a rotational roll behind Bryant, and as a spot up shooter. He had a career three-point % of 43% and while he was facing weaker opponents he looks like a guy that can be a pro.

35. Philadelphia 76ers- Andrew Harrison- Kentucky

Harrison is probably a tough sell to the 76ers fans, as he has some MCW qualities, but in my eyes he is the best point guard available and with his length you cannot beat it given the direction they are going. In the NBA to be a legitimate point you need to either have a 3-point shot or get to the hole effectively. Harrison isn’t necessarily great at either but the 76ers have time and he has some of the features of an NBA guard.

36. Minnesota Timber Wolves- Jordan Mickey – LSU

Mickey is a nice pick here because he can fit in a strong way when looking the defense of him, Towns, Wiggins, and Tokoto. Mickey is a great athlete, but his best skills are under the basket, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. At 6’8” 238 he needs another legitimate big man next to him but if KAT can stretch the floor, he can be the power rebounder under the hoop.

37. Philadelphia 76ers- Cliff Alexander- Kansas

I would be pretty surprised if the 76ers kept all these picks but if you walk away with Winslow, Harrison and Alexander you have all kinds of pieces. Alexander, like Harrison has work to do in ironing out his game but on a team that is so far away he can peak around the same time as his teammates.

38. Detroit-Pistons-Rakim Christmas- Syracuse

He plays bigger than his size and is another high energy guy. Also when looking at the starting center in Andre Drummond I think Christmas could play with him at times as well.

39. Charlotte Hornets- Dakari Johnson- Kentucky

Player number 6 from this Kentucky class is off the board. I think his upside is rotational starter, but that is also very achievable due to his size and athleticism.

40. Miami Heat-Guillermo Hernangomez- Spain

I didn’t get plenty of time to watch him but he does have an NBA body. He doesn’t look like a guy who can play away from the hoop but he has the physical tools to be a rotational rim protector.

41. Brooklyn Nets- Jonathan Holmes- Texas

The Nets need to keep going for it and I think Holmes is a guy who can contribute immediately off the bench. He is a bit of a tweener but I think the Nets will need help in the frontcourt.

42. Utah Jazz- Aaron Harrison- Kentucky

I managed to get seven Kentucky guys in the top 42 picks. I think he is the best shooter available here and he does have size like his brother Andrew. He needs to develop but if he can play defense and hit threes he can be a rotational guard.

43. Indiana Pacers- Oliver Hanlan- Boston College

The Pacers get a boost in the backcourt. His upside isn’t sky high but I think at the worst you are getting a spark plug and a rotational guard here. His size of 6’4 doesn’t hurt and gives him an opportunity to get minutes next to George Hill and the starters

44. Phoenix Suns- Michael Frazier- Florida

The Suns only real shooter three point threat is Archie Goodwin and he doesn’t see the floor much yet. Frazier can battle for time with Goodwin and play in a solid rotation with him.

45. Boston Celtics- Pat Connaughton- Notre Dame

The Irish goes to the Celtics. This isn’t as high upside for the Celtics, but again a fit in a way that Brad Stevens can find a role for him. He has the athletic ability and a shot that can keep him in the league but needs to be in a perfect situation. If any team could find minutes its Boston.

46. Milwaukee Bucks- Mouhammadou Jaiteh-France

Another guy in which I was limited by time to watch but has the physical features of an NBA center. I think it will take time before we see him but pick 17 Christian Wood is not the safest bet and may not even be an actual center so this is a strong safety net.

47. Philadelphia 76ers- Treveon Graham- VCU

Here we have a classic 3-and-D guy. When I am talking about the 76ers investing in young length I mean it. He can play either wing but preferably shooting guard.

48. Oklahoma City- Timothe Luwawu- France

There is almost no chance this draft picks making the team in 2015-16. Why not make it a draft and stash pick.

49. Washington Wizards- Quinn Cook- Duke

His upside is a back up point guard but he has basketball IQ and can help John Wall. I personally like the kid and would give him a shot here.

50. Atlanta Hawks- Brandon Ashley- Arizona

Ashleys upside is a rotational power forward and the plan would be to have him back up Paul Milsap. If they break the bank for Milsap and Horford this summer guys like Ashley will have to play. It doesn’t hurt that he can move to Atlanta with his teammate of the past two years Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who went pick 15 in this draft.

51. Orlando- Norman Powell- UCLA

I like what Powell brings. He can come in and be a bench guard who fits in with what the team philosophy should be and I think we will see Powell in the league longer than expected.

52. Dallas Mavericks- Brandon Dawson- Michigan State

If the Mavs are breaking the bank this pick may need to play some this season. Dawson is a guy who may not score for you but can give you 10 good minutes of hard-nosed basketball at maximum effort.

53. Cleveland- Chris Walker- Florida

Billy Donavan couldn’t seem to reach the kid so maybe it will take Lebron to do it. He has the size and athleticism to be an NBA player but is a risk on and off the court.

54. Utah Jazz- Vince Hunter- UTEP

Hunter seems to be a guy who can do a little bit of everything for you. He has the size and a scrappy defensive wing can always find minutes in the league.

55. San Antonio Spurs- Nikola Milutinov- Serbia

If everything goes to plan this pick will not be making the Spurs roster so a draft and stash would be smart here. I haven’t watched him but through research he appears to be one of the best centers left.

56. New Orleans Pelicans- Anthony Brown- Stanford

When watching Stanford, Chasson Randle was the team leader but Brown has a role in the NBA. He has size, bball IQ, and can shoot the ball well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went higher.

57. Denver Nuggets- Richaun Holmes- Bowling Green

This is a kid that can find his way into the league. He has developing to do but his overall game is solid.

58. Philadelphia 76ers- Briante Weber- VCU

Weber suffered a rough injury and missed the end of his senior year. His defensive abilities give him a legitimate chance to make a roster.

59. Atlanta Hawks- Sir Dominic Pointer- St Johns

His defense and athleticism is worth a shot this late.

60. Philadelphia 76ers- Cedi Osman- Macedonia

I didn’t watch much of Osman, but who better than Sixers to take a big overseas question mark with nice upside?

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