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2015 NBA Mock Draft
June 22, 2015
There’s still one last opportunity to squeeze a profit out of the 2014-15 NBA season.
That’s what’s going through the minds of the key decision makers on the league’s 30 teams as we hit draft week. It should be your primary motivation too.
NBA Draft props have become a nice source of income for investors, especially if you can find a book that provides a healthy variety of options to consider. There aren’t many available as we start the week, but look for them to pop us as we get closer to Thursday’s festivities.
For now, Sportsbook.ag has a sole prop available on the No. 1 pick, installing Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns as a heavy favorite (-1000), listing him ahead of Duke center Jahlil Okafor (+300). Latvia’s Kristaps Porzingis (+2000), Ohio State’s D'Angelo Russell (+4000) and the field (-3000) are available (+3000).
TopBet.eu has a few variations, lumping Towns and Okafor in a prop where you can lay significant juice (-320) if you believe the duo will indeed go 1-2. There’s value (+240) if you believe the Lakers will bite on Russell or Porzingis instead of grabbing Okafor, though I wouldn’t recommend it. They’ve paired Porzingis (-150) with point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (+120) in a wager on who will be drafted first that’s definitely worth monitoring. Over-unders on draft position are also currently available on Duke’s Justise Winslow (5.5.), Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky (13.5) and Duke’s Tyus Jones (17.5).
Bovada.lv created a prop pairing Russell (-140) and Porzingis (+100) as to who will be selected first. They've also got draft position props on Mudiay (5.5), Winslow (6), Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein (8.5), Kaminsky (12.5) and Kentucky's Trey Lyles (12.5).
Those over-unders are the type of props you’ll see increasingly available at numerous shops in the coming days, so the aim here is to provide a guide for what to expect. The following first-round mock should hold up well as teams look to come away with building blocks in what appears to be a fairly deep draft given the upside available among the top 20 prospects. Use it wisely.
1. Minnesota - Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky: He worked out this weekend for the Timberwolves, the only team who got to see him showcase his skills in a workout. They won’t pass him over.
2. L.A. Lakers - Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke: There’s a good chance he ends up being the best player in this draft considering he often looked bored at Duke and has already gotten in much better shape than he ever was in college. His offensive gifts are undeniable. His defense won’t be as bad as it’s looked.
3. Philadelphia - D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State: The 76ers traded Michael Carter-Williams because they were scared of moving forward with a point guard that couldn’t shoot straight. They won’t let an opportunity to grab one that can slip through their fingers.
4. New York - Kristaps Porzingis, F/C, Latvia: The hype machine on him has been working OT, swearing up and down he won’t be the next European bust. He’s got size and a feathery touch that will be an asset down the road, but he’s more of a project than anyone ahead of him on this list. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
5. Orlando - Justise Winslow, F/G, Duke: He’s smart, a winner and a terrific athlete. As the surest thing at No. 5, look for the Magic to pull the trigger on the 19-year-old.
6. Sacramento - Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C, Kentucky: Keep an eye on whether Mudiay relents on his decision to not work out for the Kings, because he’ll be in the mix. Still, getting DeMarcus Cousins’ top choice wouldn’t be a bad way to go for new VP Vlade Divac, especially since he does bring game-changing defensive potential to the table almost immediately.
7. Denver - Emmanuel Mudiay, G, Guangdong: Considered the top prep guard in the country prior to opting for an early start to his pro career, he’d be the perfect replacement for Ty Lawson, who the Nuggets are actively shopping.
8. Detroit - Mario Hezonja, F/G, Croatia: Stan Van Gundy loves versatile forwards and has just added Ersan Ilyasova from Milwaukee, so he’s remaking his frontcourt in his vision with Greg Monroe set to walk.
9. Charlotte - Devin Booker, G/F, Kentucky: Not too complicated - best shooter on the board at a time where that’s what they need most.
10. Miami - Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona: The Heat will move on from Luol Deng sooner than later and have an opportunity to draft a steal with the last lottery pick they hope to make for a very long time.
11. Indiana - Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin: With David West and Roy Hibbert nearing the end of their tenure with the Pacers, picking up someone who can apprentice while also bringing something new to the table as a versatile offensive threat to aid the second unit.
12. Utah - Myles Turner, F/C, Texas: His frontcourt versatility would be an asset that would complement the emerging combo of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert quite nicely.
13. Phoenix - Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin: A versatile forward to add to the arsenal. The Suns could go in any direction here, including trading the pick entirely.
14. OKC - Cameron Payne, G, Murray State: Long tied to the Thunder, he’d be the change of pace point guard off the bench they want in order to start cutting back some of Russell Westbrook’s minutes.
15. Atlanta - Trey Lyles, F/C, Kentucky: He’s got size and versatility. On many boards, he’d be the prospect with the most upside here.
16. Boston - Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas: The Celtics vow to be active on draft night, so they may not even be making this pick. The reigning SEC Player of the Year has impressed with his length and motor.
17. Milwaukee - Kevon Looney, F, UCLA: The Milwaukee native would bring a little extra juice as this selection if the Bucks don’t trade out of this spot.
18. Houston - Tyus Jones, G, Duke: The Rockets can’t wait to have Patrick Beverley healthy again, but need another playmaking guard who can stretch the floor. Jones is a proven winner.
19. Washington - Jerian Grant, G, Notre Dame: A local product whose maturity and swiss-army knife skills could provide an instant boost.
20. Toronto - Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville: The Raptors had him in against Looney and love his wingspan and athleticism. GM Masai Ujiri drafted Kenneth Faried once too.
21. Dallas - Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas: Athletic wing is raw, but his upside is the highest remaining at this point.
22. Chicago - R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State: New coach Fred Hoiberg is going to need to tweak the roster to play a faster pace. Adding the best shooter left in the draft fits.
23. Portland - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F/G, Arizona: Athletic wing has to develop his jumper, but can step in and help defend right away.
24. Cleveland - Rakeem Christmas, F/C, Syracuse: With his 7-5 wing span, the Cavs could wrap up a rim protector who really helped himself at the combine.
25. Memphis - Delon Wright, G, Utah: The Grizzlies could use another standout defender and can groom him to be an asset behind Mike Conley.
26. San Antonio - Justin Anderson, G/F, San Antonio: He’s out of central casting to join what could be the Spurs’ last stand as title contenders.
27. L.A. Lakers - Terry Rozier, G, Louisville: Would’ve likely been drafted higher if not for off-court concerns, so the Lakers won’t be able to resist the value.
28. Boston - Olivier Hanlan, G, Boston College: Celtics know what kind of kid he is. He’d offer a different look at guard from the likes of Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley.
29. Brooklyn - Jarell Martin, F, LSU: Aids the push for increased athleticism up front. College teammate Jordan Mickey is worth a look here too.
30. Golden State – Joseph Young, G, Oregon: He’ll get buckets in the pros. Adds another shooter to the arsenal for the Splash Bros. to work out with daily.
June 22, 2015
There’s still one last opportunity to squeeze a profit out of the 2014-15 NBA season.
That’s what’s going through the minds of the key decision makers on the league’s 30 teams as we hit draft week. It should be your primary motivation too.
NBA Draft props have become a nice source of income for investors, especially if you can find a book that provides a healthy variety of options to consider. There aren’t many available as we start the week, but look for them to pop us as we get closer to Thursday’s festivities.
For now, Sportsbook.ag has a sole prop available on the No. 1 pick, installing Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns as a heavy favorite (-1000), listing him ahead of Duke center Jahlil Okafor (+300). Latvia’s Kristaps Porzingis (+2000), Ohio State’s D'Angelo Russell (+4000) and the field (-3000) are available (+3000).
TopBet.eu has a few variations, lumping Towns and Okafor in a prop where you can lay significant juice (-320) if you believe the duo will indeed go 1-2. There’s value (+240) if you believe the Lakers will bite on Russell or Porzingis instead of grabbing Okafor, though I wouldn’t recommend it. They’ve paired Porzingis (-150) with point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (+120) in a wager on who will be drafted first that’s definitely worth monitoring. Over-unders on draft position are also currently available on Duke’s Justise Winslow (5.5.), Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky (13.5) and Duke’s Tyus Jones (17.5).
Bovada.lv created a prop pairing Russell (-140) and Porzingis (+100) as to who will be selected first. They've also got draft position props on Mudiay (5.5), Winslow (6), Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein (8.5), Kaminsky (12.5) and Kentucky's Trey Lyles (12.5).
Those over-unders are the type of props you’ll see increasingly available at numerous shops in the coming days, so the aim here is to provide a guide for what to expect. The following first-round mock should hold up well as teams look to come away with building blocks in what appears to be a fairly deep draft given the upside available among the top 20 prospects. Use it wisely.
1. Minnesota - Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky: He worked out this weekend for the Timberwolves, the only team who got to see him showcase his skills in a workout. They won’t pass him over.
2. L.A. Lakers - Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke: There’s a good chance he ends up being the best player in this draft considering he often looked bored at Duke and has already gotten in much better shape than he ever was in college. His offensive gifts are undeniable. His defense won’t be as bad as it’s looked.
3. Philadelphia - D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State: The 76ers traded Michael Carter-Williams because they were scared of moving forward with a point guard that couldn’t shoot straight. They won’t let an opportunity to grab one that can slip through their fingers.
4. New York - Kristaps Porzingis, F/C, Latvia: The hype machine on him has been working OT, swearing up and down he won’t be the next European bust. He’s got size and a feathery touch that will be an asset down the road, but he’s more of a project than anyone ahead of him on this list. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
5. Orlando - Justise Winslow, F/G, Duke: He’s smart, a winner and a terrific athlete. As the surest thing at No. 5, look for the Magic to pull the trigger on the 19-year-old.
6. Sacramento - Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C, Kentucky: Keep an eye on whether Mudiay relents on his decision to not work out for the Kings, because he’ll be in the mix. Still, getting DeMarcus Cousins’ top choice wouldn’t be a bad way to go for new VP Vlade Divac, especially since he does bring game-changing defensive potential to the table almost immediately.
7. Denver - Emmanuel Mudiay, G, Guangdong: Considered the top prep guard in the country prior to opting for an early start to his pro career, he’d be the perfect replacement for Ty Lawson, who the Nuggets are actively shopping.
8. Detroit - Mario Hezonja, F/G, Croatia: Stan Van Gundy loves versatile forwards and has just added Ersan Ilyasova from Milwaukee, so he’s remaking his frontcourt in his vision with Greg Monroe set to walk.
9. Charlotte - Devin Booker, G/F, Kentucky: Not too complicated - best shooter on the board at a time where that’s what they need most.
10. Miami - Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona: The Heat will move on from Luol Deng sooner than later and have an opportunity to draft a steal with the last lottery pick they hope to make for a very long time.
11. Indiana - Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin: With David West and Roy Hibbert nearing the end of their tenure with the Pacers, picking up someone who can apprentice while also bringing something new to the table as a versatile offensive threat to aid the second unit.
12. Utah - Myles Turner, F/C, Texas: His frontcourt versatility would be an asset that would complement the emerging combo of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert quite nicely.
13. Phoenix - Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin: A versatile forward to add to the arsenal. The Suns could go in any direction here, including trading the pick entirely.
14. OKC - Cameron Payne, G, Murray State: Long tied to the Thunder, he’d be the change of pace point guard off the bench they want in order to start cutting back some of Russell Westbrook’s minutes.
15. Atlanta - Trey Lyles, F/C, Kentucky: He’s got size and versatility. On many boards, he’d be the prospect with the most upside here.
16. Boston - Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas: The Celtics vow to be active on draft night, so they may not even be making this pick. The reigning SEC Player of the Year has impressed with his length and motor.
17. Milwaukee - Kevon Looney, F, UCLA: The Milwaukee native would bring a little extra juice as this selection if the Bucks don’t trade out of this spot.
18. Houston - Tyus Jones, G, Duke: The Rockets can’t wait to have Patrick Beverley healthy again, but need another playmaking guard who can stretch the floor. Jones is a proven winner.
19. Washington - Jerian Grant, G, Notre Dame: A local product whose maturity and swiss-army knife skills could provide an instant boost.
20. Toronto - Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville: The Raptors had him in against Looney and love his wingspan and athleticism. GM Masai Ujiri drafted Kenneth Faried once too.
21. Dallas - Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas: Athletic wing is raw, but his upside is the highest remaining at this point.
22. Chicago - R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State: New coach Fred Hoiberg is going to need to tweak the roster to play a faster pace. Adding the best shooter left in the draft fits.
23. Portland - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F/G, Arizona: Athletic wing has to develop his jumper, but can step in and help defend right away.
24. Cleveland - Rakeem Christmas, F/C, Syracuse: With his 7-5 wing span, the Cavs could wrap up a rim protector who really helped himself at the combine.
25. Memphis - Delon Wright, G, Utah: The Grizzlies could use another standout defender and can groom him to be an asset behind Mike Conley.
26. San Antonio - Justin Anderson, G/F, San Antonio: He’s out of central casting to join what could be the Spurs’ last stand as title contenders.
27. L.A. Lakers - Terry Rozier, G, Louisville: Would’ve likely been drafted higher if not for off-court concerns, so the Lakers won’t be able to resist the value.
28. Boston - Olivier Hanlan, G, Boston College: Celtics know what kind of kid he is. He’d offer a different look at guard from the likes of Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley.
29. Brooklyn - Jarell Martin, F, LSU: Aids the push for increased athleticism up front. College teammate Jordan Mickey is worth a look here too.
30. Golden State – Joseph Young, G, Oregon: He’ll get buckets in the pros. Adds another shooter to the arsenal for the Splash Bros. to work out with daily.
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