NBA Mock Draft 2015: The First Round

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Jan 20, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers forward Jordan Mickey (25) against Florida Gators forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Stephen C. O

26- San Antonio Spurs

Pick – Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU

Nithin’s Analysis – For the Spurs, this pick represents another project who can grow slowly under the tutelage of Popovich and Duncan and eventually play a role for a contending time.

Mickey is undersized but has a long enough wingspan to be a disruptive shot blocker and an astute rebounder, which reminds me a little of Elton Brand. Unlike Brand however, he has ways to go to become a more proficient mid-range shooter.

He produced numbers in LSU’s high-octane offense but didn’t do so with great ease or efficiency. Mickey will add most of his value early in his career on defense until the other half of the game comes around

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

27- Los Angeles Lakers

Pick – Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV

Oz’s Analysis – After drafting Jahlil Okafor, the Lakers draft their potential heir to Kobe Bryant in Rashaud Vaughn.

The highly touted freshman had a productive season. He had his share of ups-and-downs and struggled at times as freshman are prone to do, but he brings good size and skill to potentially pair with Jordan Clarkson (should I even bother with the obligatory Ernie bashing? YES).

Vaughn is an intriguing player whom I hope Ernie considers at 19 if the game plan is to redshirt whomever the Wizards draft.

28- Boston Celtics

Pick – Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain

DJ’s Analysis – I just had to take someone weird here, especially after I blew my chance to pull a Grunfeld and take an obscure European player 19^th to the Wizards.

I do think the Celtics will take a big man at some point though, and why not Guillermo Hernangomez? “Willy” is a big, strong, quick center with a diverse offensive skillset, and he’s already cut his teeth battling some of Europe’s strongest teams as a member of Baloncesto Sevilla, where he was a teammate of Kristaps Porzingis.

Is he a defensive sieve? YOU BET. But so is Jahlil Okafor! I believe in Guillermo Hernangomez.

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

29- Brooklyn Nets

Pick – Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse

Nithin’s Analysis – The Nets don’t really have the luxury to rebuild considering they don’t have any draft picks until basically the Qatar World Cup. So it makes sense to opt for an NBA-ready player in Christmas, who really produced his final season at Syracuse.

I like Christmas’ scoring prowess and it is easy to see how the extra years in college helped him develop an all-around game. While I’m a little concerned that he waited until Year 4 to really blow up, everyone matures at different stages of their careers and now might be the time for Christmas to truly commit himself and become a functioning member of an NBA roster.

Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

30- Golden State Warriors

Pick – Robert Upshaw, C, Washington

Oz’s Analysis — The Warriors draft a big man they can develop behind Andrew Bogut with the last pick of the first round. Given Andrew Bogut’s age and injury history this makes a lot of sense for Golden State. Trading out of the 1^st round or a draft and stash may be the route they go given their tight cap situation and Draymond Green’s upcoming contract.

Upshaw is a talent who comes with some risk but the solid locker-room that Golden State provides could be an ideal landing spot for the young center.

Next: Montrezl Harrell's Potential Fit In D.C.

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