2015 NBA Draft Preview

 

 
As we approach the 2015 NBA Draft, there are some burning questions that will finally be answered on Thursday night. We are going to run by some of the most intriguing storylines of this year’s Draft: 

Who will be the first overall pick? 

The majority of experts have Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. going first overall, but stranger things have happened (ex. Anthony Bennett going first in the 2013 Draft ). His upside is tremendous and some say he’s a little more polished than Okafor is on the defensive end and runs the floor well for a big man. Barring another unsuspected name being called to begin the night, it’s safe to say the Timberwolves are leaning towards the former Kentucky Center as the overall number one pick.

After Minnesota makes their pick things will start to get interesting. The Lakers own the second pick in the draft, but rumors are swirling that they might end up trading the pick away. The biggest name floating around has been the Kings star Center Demarcus Cousins, but Sacramento has denied such reports. A deal like this would be beneficial for both teams as the Kings would continue their rebuilding process and pick a possible franchise player at number two. As for Cousins? he could possibly attract some big name free agents to play alongside him and could make for a interesting turn of events in Los Angeles. 

Who is Kristaps Porzingis? 

The 7 foot Forward from Lativa is gaining alot of momentum and is sky rocketing towards the top of some of the NBA draft boards . The youngster, who currently plays in Spain, has drawn comparisons to players such as Dirk Nowitzki because of his size and the way he can shoot the ball. He’s also very athletic for a man his size, but most don’t think he makes a impact in his first or maybe even second season. Porzingis might get stashed in Europe for the mean time, but a team like the 76ers, who can possibly wait for the talented kid to progress, drafting him could possibly pay off in the long run.
Will the New York Knicks trade the fourth overall pick?

The Knicks are in a peculiar position because they can still draft a quality player for the future at number four spot, or trade for an established player and some more picks. Eric Bledsoe has been one of the big names mentioned. If the Knicks can manage to get Bledsoe, he could possibly be the most explosive point guard they have had since the Marbury days. If a player like D’angelo Russell slips to four, or even if Jahlil Okafor falls, I’m sure Phil Jackson is going to pounce on one of the two. Im thinking the Knicks aren’t sold on Emmanuel Mudiay and are exploring all trade angles. Either way, with tons of cap space and a high draft pick, Carmelo Anthony might be getting the help he’s been craving for in New York.

Who are some of the players that are flying under the radar?

Willie Cauley-Stein, Justise Winslow and Frank Kaminsky are among players that are projected to be drafted early in the first round and are flying under the radar despite having alot of college success. Mario Hezonja, Cameron Payne and Sam Dekker are also players that haven’t been talked about much, but expect their names to be called early as well.

Trade talks are heating up, so it’s possible the actual draft can look completely different from what experts have been predicting. Teams throw out smokescreens to keep the league guessing, and also to drive up the trade value. Until those names are called, we won’t know for sure how it will all play out, but I expect alot of surprises this year.

The draft will be held at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York at 7 pm est and will be televised on ESPN.