With the lottery over we finally know for certain, barring trades, where each team will be drafting. There are still plenty of team workouts between now and the draft that will effect team's rankings, but the picture will slowly become clearer as we move towards the draft.
Note: measurements are rounded combine numbers, ages are on draft night.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C Kentucky (6-11, 250) Age: 19
Minnesota held serve in the draft lottery and ended up with the top overall pick, where rumor has it Flip Saunders is favoring Jahlil Okafor. While they could certainly select Okafor, Towns makes much more sense for a number of reasons, the most of important being he is clearly a better talent. While that may be subjective, what isn't is that Towns is a better fit with Minnesota's current roster because of his ability to play on the perimeter as a power forward. Okafor is a center only and in some ways duplicates Nikola Pekovic while also not fitting well next to Gogui Dieng. Pairing two excellent young two-way players like Towns and Andrew Wiggins will set Minnesota on a path to success they haven't been on since the early days of Kevin Garnett.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C Duke (6-11, 270) Age: 19
Karma took a day off as the Lakers made the only move up in the lottery, jumping from 4 to 2. Truth be told however, unless they plan on trading the pick (an terrible idea, but certainly possible) or Towns isn't the top pick, it doesn't really change their future that much unless you think Okafor is significantly better than D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay (I don't, the opposite in fact). Still, center is a big need for the Lakers, though Okafor's inability to stretch the floor isn't exactly a great fit with their lack of any kind of consistent 3-point threat. Okafor is a building block piece, but L.A. will have to remake the roster around him, which is probably their plan anyways based on the lack of talent on their roster. Both Mudiay and Russell are better prospects and fits, but true centers are far less common so you can see the appeal to a team like the Lakers who will likely be signing a point guard and wing player this offseason.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, G Ohio State (6-5, 193) Age: 19
Technically, Philadelphia "moved" ahead of the Knicks but stayed at 3, actually a perfect spot for them because the clear best fit for their team is likely to be there. D'Angelo Russell is exactly what the doctor ordered for Philly, that need a playmaking guard and shooting, both of which Russell excels at. Mudiay is a possibility and is certainly talented enough to be the third overall pick, he fills the playmaking role and has higher defensive potential than Russell, but the shooting is the biggest differentiation between the two and will be important for Philly's offense with Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Dario Saric in the frontcourt.
4. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guandong (6-5, 200) Age: 19
The Knicks were the big "losers" of the lottery, dropping down two spots, but still ending up fourth with a shot at one of the top four elite prospects in the draft. The only way that the Knicks end up a loser here is if they trade the pick for a middling veteran in attempt to "win now." To me, their process is clear: whichever of Towns, Okafor, Russell, and Mudiay falls, you take them. For the Knicks, they may not be comfortable with Mudiay's unknown factor in which case Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kristaps Porzingis, and Mario Hezonja would come into play. All four would fill a need but are slightly behind Mudiay's talent level and upside. Whatever the case, the Knicks should get a talented player and building block player.
5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, G/F Barcelona (6-8, 200) Age: 20
The past three drafts the Magic have selected a high energy, defensive focused player with offensive question marks. Justise Winslow fits that profile to a tee and could easily be the pick, however the Magic's offense was so bad last season, they may wish to add a comparable talent with better offensive skill. Cauley-Stein is also a possibly to play alongside Nikola Vucevic, who was atrocious defensively last season and basically tanked the Magic's defense. A versatile big who can protect the rim like Cauley-Stein to cover for Vucevis could turn their defense around quickly. The issue is WCS plays the same position as last year's first rounder, Aaron Gordon.
6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C Kentucky (7-1, 242) Age: 21
The same logic for Orlando applies to Sacramento, though DeMarcus Cousins is a much better defensive player he is inconsistent in this area and would certainly benefit from a defensive blanket like Cauley-Stein to cover up any mistakes. His athleticism would certainly play well in George Karl's uptempo system, though spacing may be more of an issue on offense than the Kings are willing to deal with. In that case, Porzingis would make a lot of sense because he can stretch the floor alongside Cousins while also helping defensively with his shot-blocking ability. Sacramento's front office seems to be desperate to win sooner rather than later however, which might lead them away from a longer term project like Porzingis.
7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, G/F Duke (6-7, 222) Age: 19
The Nuggets have a talented roster but had the wrong coach and it is unclear how all the pieces fit together. Whatever the reason for their struggles, the Nuggets have a great opportunity to add another talented player to their roster. Porzingis is a possibility because he offers a different skill set that should compliment Kenneth Faried well. Winslow is the safer bet to contribute right away, which will appeal to a Denver team that got used to making the playoffs and would like to get back there sooner rather than later, demonstrated by the fact they didn't completely blow up their team last season at the trade deadline. Winslow should start at shooting guard over the likes of Randy Foye and Gary Harris from day one and provide insurance at the 3 if Danilo Gallinari fails to bounce back.
The Nuggets have a talented roster but had the wrong coach and it is unclear how all the pieces fit together. Whatever the reason for their struggles, the Nuggets have a great opportunity to add another talented player to their roster. Porzingis is a possibility because he offers a different skill set that should compliment Kenneth Faried well. Winslow is the safer bet to contribute right away, which will appeal to a Denver team that got used to making the playoffs and would like to get back there sooner rather than later, demonstrated by the fact they didn't completely blow up their team last season at the trade deadline. Winslow should start at shooting guard over the likes of Randy Foye and Gary Harris from day one and provide insurance at the 3 if Danilo Gallinari fails to bounce back.
8. Detroit Pistons: Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla (7-0, 220) Age: 19
Porzingis is the type of player every team needs and is in play with every pick from 4 on down, so the Pistons would be doing backflips if he falls to them here, not only because he is such a talent, but because he is exactly what they need. With Greg Monroe most likely on the way out, the Pistons will have a massive hole at power forward with a particular need for one that can shoot and play on the perimeter alongside Andre Drummond. If Porzingis is off the board, Winslow or Hezonja makes sense to fill the equally gigantic hole at small forward, which was manned by the decaying corpses of Caron Butler and Tayshaun Prince last season.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Stanley Johnson, SF Arizona (6-7, 242) Age: 19
The Hornets are in a difficult spot because their biggest needs don't necessarily line up with the prospects available, at least not in a traditional sense. The Hornets need a shooting guard that can make outside shots, so Devin Booker or R.J. Hunter are possibilities, Charlotte would be passing on much better players to take them. Stanley Johnson isn't a prototypical shooting guard but he can make outside shots and the defensive versatility that he and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist offer would handle any defensive question marks that might arise from using a non-traditional player like Johnson in that spot.
10. Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky, F/C Wisconsin (7-1, 231) Age: 22
Myles Turner and Kelly Oubre are certainly possibilities here, but the Heat have had little patience for projects or the inclination to draft them. Kaminsky isn't a reach over those two in any sense and would be able to step in right away to solidify Miami's bench and provide insurance for another Chris Bosh injury, who's loss tanked the Heat's season completely because they lacked even a replacement level option to fill in. Kaminsky can backup both Bosh and Hassan Whiteside immediately. Another interesting option is Kaminsky's teammate Sam Dekker, who can play either forward spot and would be a versatile bench scoring option that can also contribute early in his career.
Porzingis is the type of player every team needs and is in play with every pick from 4 on down, so the Pistons would be doing backflips if he falls to them here, not only because he is such a talent, but because he is exactly what they need. With Greg Monroe most likely on the way out, the Pistons will have a massive hole at power forward with a particular need for one that can shoot and play on the perimeter alongside Andre Drummond. If Porzingis is off the board, Winslow or Hezonja makes sense to fill the equally gigantic hole at small forward, which was manned by the decaying corpses of Caron Butler and Tayshaun Prince last season.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Stanley Johnson, SF Arizona (6-7, 242) Age: 19
The Hornets are in a difficult spot because their biggest needs don't necessarily line up with the prospects available, at least not in a traditional sense. The Hornets need a shooting guard that can make outside shots, so Devin Booker or R.J. Hunter are possibilities, Charlotte would be passing on much better players to take them. Stanley Johnson isn't a prototypical shooting guard but he can make outside shots and the defensive versatility that he and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist offer would handle any defensive question marks that might arise from using a non-traditional player like Johnson in that spot.
10. Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky, F/C Wisconsin (7-1, 231) Age: 22
Myles Turner and Kelly Oubre are certainly possibilities here, but the Heat have had little patience for projects or the inclination to draft them. Kaminsky isn't a reach over those two in any sense and would be able to step in right away to solidify Miami's bench and provide insurance for another Chris Bosh injury, who's loss tanked the Heat's season completely because they lacked even a replacement level option to fill in. Kaminsky can backup both Bosh and Hassan Whiteside immediately. Another interesting option is Kaminsky's teammate Sam Dekker, who can play either forward spot and would be a versatile bench scoring option that can also contribute early in his career.
11. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, F/C Texas (7-0, 239) Age: 19
The Pacers are reportedly high on point guard Cameron Payne, but if a talent like Turner is still available, it would be hard to pass up on, especially considering they might be moving on from both Roy Hibbert and David West in the next year or two. Another reason to go for a talent like Turner, or even Oubre is that the Pacers are unlikely to be drafting this high again and should go for "lottery talent" when they have the chance. Payne is a very good prospect but the kind of player that is available in the middle of the first round most years, unlike the size and shooting ability of Turner.
The Pacers are reportedly high on point guard Cameron Payne, but if a talent like Turner is still available, it would be hard to pass up on, especially considering they might be moving on from both Roy Hibbert and David West in the next year or two. Another reason to go for a talent like Turner, or even Oubre is that the Pacers are unlikely to be drafting this high again and should go for "lottery talent" when they have the chance. Payne is a very good prospect but the kind of player that is available in the middle of the first round most years, unlike the size and shooting ability of Turner.
12. Utah Jazz: Jerian Grant, PG Notre Dame (6-4, 198) Age: 22
The Jazz are loaded with young talent at most spots, but point guard is an issue. Dante Exum will be a star, but at what position is still a question, he may be best suited off the ball while Trey Burke is best off the bench. Cameron Payne is another possibility if Grant's age is an issue for Utah. If they aren't comfortable drafting any available point guard, the best player available at any position is a possibility, particularly a wing to provide depth behind Gordon Heyward.
13. Phoenix Suns: Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 219) Age: 21
Backup center is a big need for Phoenix, though they may be more comfortable with a veteran in that capacity due to starter Alex Len's inexperience. If they chose to go in a different direction, power forward is a logical area of improvement because the Suns have nothing behind Markieff Morris. A traditional 4 lie Bobby Portis is a possibility but Phoenix is far from a traditional offense and a perimeter player like Dekker, who has the size to play power forward and the skills of a stretch 4, might be more appealing to them.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kelly Oubre, G/F Kansas (6-7, 203) Age: 19
The Thunder would probably like an instant impact player, but if a talent like Oubre is still available, it would be hard to pass up. Oubre is incredibly talented, but his upside is matched by his inconsistency at this point. New head coach Billy Donovan has had success developing players in college and will likely look to continue that in the NBA to keep talented young players in the OKC pipeline. If the Thunder do go instant impact, Dekker or Kaminsky would make a lot of sense if they are available, as would R.J. Hunter and Devin Booker as shooters to play alongside Russell Westbrook in the backcourt.
The Jazz are loaded with young talent at most spots, but point guard is an issue. Dante Exum will be a star, but at what position is still a question, he may be best suited off the ball while Trey Burke is best off the bench. Cameron Payne is another possibility if Grant's age is an issue for Utah. If they aren't comfortable drafting any available point guard, the best player available at any position is a possibility, particularly a wing to provide depth behind Gordon Heyward.
13. Phoenix Suns: Sam Dekker, F Wisconsin (6-9, 219) Age: 21
Backup center is a big need for Phoenix, though they may be more comfortable with a veteran in that capacity due to starter Alex Len's inexperience. If they chose to go in a different direction, power forward is a logical area of improvement because the Suns have nothing behind Markieff Morris. A traditional 4 lie Bobby Portis is a possibility but Phoenix is far from a traditional offense and a perimeter player like Dekker, who has the size to play power forward and the skills of a stretch 4, might be more appealing to them.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kelly Oubre, G/F Kansas (6-7, 203) Age: 19
The Thunder would probably like an instant impact player, but if a talent like Oubre is still available, it would be hard to pass up. Oubre is incredibly talented, but his upside is matched by his inconsistency at this point. New head coach Billy Donovan has had success developing players in college and will likely look to continue that in the NBA to keep talented young players in the OKC pipeline. If the Thunder do go instant impact, Dekker or Kaminsky would make a lot of sense if they are available, as would R.J. Hunter and Devin Booker as shooters to play alongside Russell Westbrook in the backcourt.
15. Atlanta Hawks (from Brooklyn): R.J. Hunter, SG Georgia State (6-6, 185) Age: 21
Though injuries have certainly played a role, the Hawks bench went into the tank in the playoffs and their offense struggled when Kyle Korver has gone cold. Due to the Joe Johnson trade, Atlanta was able to switch picks with Brooklyn, giving them a prime opportunity to improve their bench. Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter should both provide a boost off of the bench and help to mitigate the Atlanta's reliance on Korver's shooting. Booker is younger and perhaps more highly thought of, but Hunter's ball-handling and passing would fit very well in Atlanta's offense. Booker is a little more one dimensional, and perhaps a little too much like John Jenkins for the Hawks taste.
Though injuries have certainly played a role, the Hawks bench went into the tank in the playoffs and their offense struggled when Kyle Korver has gone cold. Due to the Joe Johnson trade, Atlanta was able to switch picks with Brooklyn, giving them a prime opportunity to improve their bench. Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter should both provide a boost off of the bench and help to mitigate the Atlanta's reliance on Korver's shooting. Booker is younger and perhaps more highly thought of, but Hunter's ball-handling and passing would fit very well in Atlanta's offense. Booker is a little more one dimensional, and perhaps a little too much like John Jenkins for the Hawks taste.
16. Boston Celtics: Robert Upshaw, C Washington (7-0, 258) Age: 21
This may seem high for Upshaw, but if a team is comfortable with his off-the-court problems than this would be an excellent value compared to other available players. No team blocked fewer shots per game than the Celtics last season and Upshaw's outstanding shot blocking ability would change that in a hurry. If they don't go with Upshaw, a power forward like Bobby Portis or Kevon Looney would make sense, or even a shooter like Hunter or Booker.
This may seem high for Upshaw, but if a team is comfortable with his off-the-court problems than this would be an excellent value compared to other available players. No team blocked fewer shots per game than the Celtics last season and Upshaw's outstanding shot blocking ability would change that in a hurry. If they don't go with Upshaw, a power forward like Bobby Portis or Kevon Looney would make sense, or even a shooter like Hunter or Booker.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky (6-6, 206) Age: 18
The Bucks were actually in the top 10 in 3-point percentage, but were in the bottom third of the league in both makes and attempts. There are questions about his ability to do anything else, but Devin Booker can certainly shoot and Milwaukee has the defenders to cover for him if he struggles in that area. This is another possible higher landing spot of Upshaw, while Portis is also a possibility if the Bucks wish to boost their frontcourt depth.
The Bucks were actually in the top 10 in 3-point percentage, but were in the bottom third of the league in both makes and attempts. There are questions about his ability to do anything else, but Devin Booker can certainly shoot and Milwaukee has the defenders to cover for him if he struggles in that area. This is another possible higher landing spot of Upshaw, while Portis is also a possibility if the Bucks wish to boost their frontcourt depth.
18. Houston Rockets (from New Orleans): Cameron Payne, PG Murray State (6-2, 183) Age: 20
"Point guard" is a loose term when it comes to the Rockets offensive system, but the fact remains that Pablo Prigioni and Jason Terry are 38 and 37 respectively while Patrick Beverly is coming off an injury. The Rockets have talent everywhere else, but they could take whatever the best prospect is at an position, or trade the pick.
19. Washington Wizards: Bobby Portis, PF Arkansas (6-11, 246) Age: 20
The Wizards were at their best with Paul Pierce at power forward to space the floor, but even if he returns to Washington, they'll need someone else to man that role in addition to Pierce. Portis is developing into that type of perimeter player and does just about everything you'd want from a power forward. Kevon Looney is another option if they're looking for upside. Backup point guard behind John Wall like Payne or Tyus Jones is another possibility.
20. Toronto Raptors: Kevon Looney, PF UCLA (6-9, 222) Age: 19
With Amir Johnson and Tyler Hanbrough free agents, the Raptors will need depth at power forward. Kevon Looney, Portis, Christian Wood, or Trey Lyles are all possibilities depending on what the Raptors are looking for. After drafting Bruno Caboclo last season, anything is possible for Toronto, including another long, raw Brazilian like George de Paula Lucas, who wouldn't be as off board as Bruno.
21. Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones, PG Duke (6-2, 185) Age: 19
After the disaster that was Rajon Rondo last season, the Mavericks will be looking for a new point guard to either start or backup a veteran. Jones or Payne are possibilities, as is Delon Wright. Really, most of Dallas' roster are free agents this summer so they could go any direction with this pick, including drafting a draft-and-stash prospect in order to preserve cap space.
22. Chicago Bulls: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF Arizona (6-7, 211) Age: 20
The Bulls will be hoping for a perimeter player who can make outside shots to fall to them, including Booker and Hunter, while Justin Anderson is another possibility if the Bulls believe in his outside shot. Another possibility is a player like Hollis-Jefferson, who's only flaw is his ability to shoot but is the best perimeter defender in the draft and great scoring off of cuts to the basket.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Trey Lyles, PF Kentucky (6-10, 241) Age: 19
The Blazers bench has long been a bugaboo, and if LaMarcus Aldridge leave is free agency it will become an even bigger issue. Lyles or Montrezl Harrell are possibilities here, as is Justin Anderson or Anthony Brown to provide depth behind the very inconsistent Nicolas Batum. The best player available makes sense for Portland because their bench needs so much work.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Delon Wright, G Utah (6-6,181) Age: 23
The Cavs are firmly in their competitive window and will likely target a ready to contribute prospect that can help right away. Delon Wright fits the bill, as do Anderson, Brown, Harrell, and Jonathan Holmes. If they are looking for upside, Cliff Alexander would also make a ton of sense because frontcourt depth always seems to come into play in the playoffs.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Wood, PF UNLV (6-11, 216) Age: 19
With Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos potential free agents, the frontcourt could quickly become a position or great need in Memphis. Wood, Jarell Martin, Harrell, or Alexander are possibilities while I imagine that Upshaw falls no further than this. Brown's knockdown shooting ability is also a potential for here.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, SF Virginia (6-6, 231) Age: 21
The Spurs have a way of getting the best out of prospects and if they can do the same with an athletic wing like Anderson they'd have a valuable piece. Brown is another possibility as a potential Danny Green replacement. Since they have no clear needs, the Spurs could go in any direction, including a draft-and-stash prospect,.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (from Houston): George de Paula Lucas, PG Pinheiros (6-6, 197) Age: 19
The Lakers could take the best player available here, they have so many needs, but in order to preserve cap space they will likely take a draft-and-stash prospect. Fortunately for them, if Lucas is available he would also be the best player and could play a role down the line in Los Angeles.
28. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Montrezl Harrell, PF Louisville (6-8, 253) Age: 21
Even with adding Upshaw earlier, the Celtics still need to find more defense and athleticism in their frontcourt. Brown or Holmes are also possibilities here, as Even Turner is Boston's starting small forward.
29. Brooklyn Nets (from Atlanta): Cliff Alexander, PF Kansas (6-9, 239) Age: 19
The Nets, who are picking here due to the Joe Johnson trade, have needs for talent and youth all up and down their roster, particularly power forward if Thaddeus Young leaves during free agency. Alexander is a strong option if Brooklyn is looking for athletic upside, while Martin is more of a skill option.
30. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Brown, G/F Stanford (6-9, 211) Age: 22
The Warriors are built on versatility, defense, and shooting all of which Brown offers. Obviously as the best team in the league, the Warriors have few needs so they could really go in any direction with this pick, most likely just drafting the best prospect that fits their system.
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The Warriors are built on versatility, defense, and shooting all of which Brown offers. Obviously as the best team in the league, the Warriors have few needs so they could really go in any direction with this pick, most likely just drafting the best prospect that fits their system.
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