NBA Mock Draft 2015: The First Round
By Osman Baig
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
21- Dallas Mavericks
Pick – Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky
Oz’s Analysis – I think Dallas is tempted by RJ Hunter here, but Trey Lyles is too talented to pass up at 21.
The talented freshman forward didn’t get the opportunity to show his full skill set as he was forced the play the 3, but that experience may serve Trey well in the future as he develops into a potentially effective stretch/face up 4.
Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
22- Chicago Bulls
Pick – Delon Wright, PG, Utah
DJ’s Analysis – With Aaron Brooks likely on his way out (to the Wizards, perhaps? Just a thought), the Bulls are going to really need a backup point guard. Who better than Delon Wright, one of my favorite players in this draft, a defensive demon with a burgeoning offensive game who crushed the Pac-12 for the last two seasons?
Fred Hoiberg’s in charge now, but no one else fits better into the defense-first ethic that Tom Thibodeau built in Chicago. Wright’s a little old, but quietly been one of the best players in college basketball the last two years.
When in doubt, take the guy who can guard three positions.
Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
23- Portland Trail Blazers
Pick – Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville
Nithin’s Analysis – This pick is generally contingent on the Blazers being able to retain LaMarcus Aldridge this offseason. Then again, the entire franchise’s future is dependent on that.
But if Portland does hang on to LMA, Harrell would be a good compliment down low, a banger who can defend opponents’ scoring big men while recklessly crashing the glass on every jump shot that the team takes.
He is undersized to play center and probably projects more as a power forward but his lack of range and touch around the basket make it tough to maintain a functioning offense.
I still believe he can make up for some of those deficiencies with tenacity and athleticism. Basically everything we ever wanted from former Blazer Thomas Robinson.
Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
24- Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick – RJ Hunter, SG, Georgia State
Oz’s Analysis – RJ Hunter is one of my favorite prospects in this draft so of course I have the team I hate the most, the Cavaliers drafting him.
The Cavs understand the importance of surrounding LeBron James with players who can shoot and Hunter provides just that. I wouldn’t call him Klay Thompson but I can see similarities to him and Kevin Martin when I watch Hunter play.
Additionally Hunter will provide insurance behind Iman Shumpert who is a restricted free agent and J.R. Smith, who has a player option for next season.
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
25- Memphis Grizzlies
Pick – Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia
DJ’s Analysis – Remember the first couple months of the season when Courtney Lee was pure flame and the Grizzlies had the best 3-point shooting percentage in the league? Things changed pretty quickly, and the Jeff Green acquisition produced pretty mixed returns.
Justin Anderson may not fix Memphis’ shooting woes by himself, but he’ll help. Anderson was one of the best shooters in Division I last year as Virginia’s breakout offensive threat, and he’s also a willing and capable perimeter defender who will fit right in on the Grit Grinders.
I wouldn’t mind the Wizards taking a glance at Anderson themselves, by the way.
Next: Picks 26-30