2015 Draft Preview: Atlanta Hawks

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Jeff Teague/Dennis Schroder/Shelvin Mack

SG: Kyle Korver/Kent Bazemore/John Jenkins

SF: Thabo Sefolosha/Austin Daye

PF: Mike Scott

C: Al Horford/Mike Muscala

2015 Free Agents

C Pero Antic (RFA)

PF Elton Brand

SF DeMarre Carroll

SG John Jenkins

PF Paul Millsap

2015 Draft Picks

1-15 via Brooklyn

2-20(50) via Toronto

2-29(59)

Team Needs
The biggest areas of need will be created if either Paul Millsap or DeMarre Carroll leave in free agency. I would say the former is very unlikely, with the latter fairly likely. Under that assumption, Atlanta will be looking for a wing to take Carroll's role as defensive stopper/cutter/shooter. Even if Millsap returns, Atlanta is still thin in the frontcourt and could look in that direction if one of the better big men fell into their laps. Another issue for Atlanta is that when Kyle Korver was off the court or in a slump, their offense suffered. That is not to say that they could find a shooter like him, as historic great, but some approximation of a superior outside threat would be a serious boon to Atlanta's offense.

Potential Fits
I think if Devin Booker of Kentucky or Arkansas' Bobby Portis falls to them, they would be all over it. Booker for his shooting and Portis for his diverse skills for a big man. If they are off the board, Atlanta could look at UCLA forward Kevon Looney, who has tremendous length and a developing jumpshot, but is also a bit of a project. R.J. Hunter of Georgia State is an excellent shooter with the vision and passing to fit in Atlanta's ball-movement system, but would be more of a Korver backup than a Carroll replacement. The best replacement the Hawks are going to find to replace his defense and cutting ability is Arizona's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He is probably a better defender than Carroll and excels making smart cuts to the basket. The shooting is another matter, but Atlanta seems to have been able to get the most out their shooters and have other options that can make Hollis-Jefferson work. Wisconsin's Sam Dekker is another interesting option because he could theoretically fill two roles, and Carroll's replacement and Millsap insurance... if his jumpshot comes along and he can defend either wings and bigs, if not both.

Mock Draft

15. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona

50. Josh Richardson, SG, Tennessee

59. Alan Williams, C, UC-Santa Barbara

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2015 Draft Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Russell Westbrook/D.J. Augustin

SG: Anthony Morrow/Dion Waiters/Jeremy Lamb

SF: Kevin Durant/Andre Roberson/Josh Huestis/Steve Novak

PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison/Perry Jones III

C: Steven Adams/Mitch McGary

2015 Free Agents

C Enes Kanter (RFA)

SF Kyle Singer (RFA)

2015 Draft Picks

1-14

2-18(48)

Team Needs

Oklahoma City's biggest need is to stay healthy for a whole season and with their rotation next year essentially set, any player they draft is likely to be only a bit player at first (unless those pesky injuries strike again). Because of this, Oklahoma City will be looking down the line for needs that may pop up in the future. Next summer D.J. Augustin, Dion Waiters, and Jeremy Lamb could all depart in free agency, leaving Oklahoma City thin in the backcourt. It can't be ruled out that Oklahoma City would use some of their myriad pieces to trade up for a first year impact prospect, they could also trade down or out of the first round altogether.

Potential Fits

Assuming that Oklahoma City is thinking backcourt, there are four main prospects in their range to look at: Duke's Tyus Jones, Murray State's Cameron Payne, Notre Dame's Jerian Grant, and Kentucky's Devin Booker. Jones, Payne, and Grant are all point guards; Jones is the best pure playmaker, but he has questions about his ability to defend and finish, not unlike Augustin. Payne is a good combination of scoring and playmaking, but also has similar size and defense questions. Grant is the best of the three right now (also the oldest) because he can defend either guard spot, but also legitimately play point guard full time if needed. Booker is a better shooter than all three, but isn't a point guard. At just 18 he has the most upside and could be groomed for a year as Anthony Morrow-insurance before taking a bigger role next season. New coach Billy Donovan will want players who can space the floor and move the ball, both of which Booker can do.

Mock Draft

14. Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

48. Cedi Osman, SF, Andolu Efes

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2015 Draft Preview: Phoenix Suns

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Eric Bledsoe

SG: Archie Goodwin/Reggie Bullock/Jerel McNeal

SF: P.J. Tucker/T.J. Warren

PF: Markieff Morris/Marcus Morris

C: Alex Len

2015 Free Agents

G Brandon Knight (RFA)

C Earl Barron

SF Danny Granger (player option)

SG Gerald Green

SG Marcus Thornton

C Brandan Wright

2015 Draft Picks

1-13

2-14(44)

Team Needs

Assuming Brandon Knight is re-signed, which all signs point to, the biggest hole that stands out is backup center. This is especially worrisome because Alex Len has struggled injuries both of his seasons so far and isn't yet a complete player. A third point guard, preferably one that can play alongside both Knight and Bledsoe, is also a need, though this may be a spot Phoenix wishes to fill with a veteran. After Knight, the Suns have a number of intruiging young players there, all with strengths and flaws. If Phoenix can grab a more complete shooting guard the backup Knight, it would allow them more flexibility to use Archie Goodwin more as a ballhandler and Reggie Bullock out on the wing, where his shooting will be more useful.

Potential Fits

If any of the top shelf center prospects fall, Phoenix would be wise to pounce; especially if they compliment Len's game well. Even if they don't, Phoenix will still likely have an excellent option available with Arkansas' Bobby Portis. Portis is a tough, physical, old school big man who should be able to backup Len at center, or play power forward alongside him. Portis is a smart defender that can also help provide driving lanes for Knight and Bledsoe with tough screens and outside shooting touch. If Phoenix is looking to strengthen their backcourt, Notre Dame's Jerian Grant would fit nicely as a third guard able to play either guard spot because of his ability to defend most shooting guards. Kentucky guard Devin Booker is a off-guard only but is a dynamite shooter who would really make defenses pay for helping onto Bledsoe and Knight. In the second round, there are a couple solid backup center types such as Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas or Spanish international Guillermo Hernangomez that could probably play a couple minutes a game as Len's backup, but might be overexposed if they had to start because of a Len injury. Third point guard is another area they could address with their security no round pick, local Arizona prospect T.J. McConnell is far from flashy, but gets the job done when needed. Oregon's James Young, Kentucky's Andrew Harrison, and Olivier Hanlan of Boston College are more combo guards, but would provide some interesting versatility.

Mock Draft

13. Bobby Portis, F/C, Arkansas

44. T.J. McConnell, PG, Arizona

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2015 Draft Preview: Utah Jazz

2015-16 Depth Chart 

PG: Dante Exum/Trey Burke/Bryce Cotten

SG: Alec Burks/Rodney Hood

SF: Gordon Heyward/Elijah Millsap/Chris Johnson

PF: Derrick Favors/Trevor Booker/Grant Jerrett

C: Rudy Gobert/Jack Cooley

2015 Free Agents

SG Joe Ingles (RFA)

F Jeremy Evans

2015 Draft Picks

1-12

2-12(42)

2-24(54) via Cleveland

Team Needs

Utah is in a great position, they are quite frankly stacked up and down their roster with young players who are good now and have plenty of room for growth still. If Utah has a need, it is for some depth and shooting in their frontcourt. There aren't many better 3-4-5 combinations in the league tha Gordon Heyward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert but behind them only Trevor Booker is a sure-fire contributor. Neither Favors nor Gobert is a threat from the perimeter, so finding a big that can space the floor and play alongside either starter would allow them to give more diverse looks and create space for their offense. If Utah does decide to look more at backcourt players, I'd expect them to target players who can make outside shots and move the ball, two tenants of coach Quinn Snyder's offense.

Potential Fits

This is probably the case with every team because what he offers is so valuable, but Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky would be ideal for this team. He could play next to both Gobert or Favors, space the floor and keep the ball moving. I could also see Utah going with upside and drafting Texas center Myles Turner; he will take longer than Kaminsky but has a higher defensive potential. Turner would absolutely be a luxury pick, but Utah needs depth at his positions and could use his jumper in short stretches off the bench as they bring him along slowly. Having three talented bigs is not a problem. As far as guards go, Kentucky's Devin Booker would be a logical fit; he can really shoot and is a smart player who will keep the ball moving. Because they have no glaring needs, Utah could also just draft whomever they believe is the best player regardless of position or look to trade the pick for a veteran. 

Mock Draft

12. Myles Turner, C, Texas

42. J.P. Tokoto, G/F North Carolina

54. Vince Hunter, PF, UTEP

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2015 Draft Preview: Miami Heat

2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Mario Chalmers/Shabazz Napier
SG: Tyler Johnson/Zoran Dragic
SF: James Ennis/Bill Henry Walker
PF: Chris Bosh/Josh McRoberts/Udonis Haslam
C: Hassan Whiteside/Chris Anderson

2015 Free Agents
F Michael Beasley (team option)
PG Goran Dragic (player option)
SF Luol Deng (player option)
SG Dwyane Wade (player option)

2015 Draft Picks
1-10
2-10(40)

Team Needs
Assuming that Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, and Dwyane Wade all opt-in or re-sign, Miami's starting lineup will be both set and stacked. However, depth is a real issue. James Ennis has potential to be a solid 3-and-D wing off of the bench if his shooting improves and Mario Chalmers is a decent backup point guard. But other than that... Chris Anderson will be 37 and Josh McRoberts is coming off of a torn meniscus, Considering Wade, Deng and Dragic's proclivity to get injured, Miami needs a better backup plan than Tyler Johnson, Henry Walker, and Shabazz Napier when the inevitable bumps and bruises come along.

Potential Fits
Miami is a team all-in on the next season or two, so they will likely be looking at players who can contribute right away, stick in a rotation, and step into the starting line-up in event of an injury. Looking at the players that will likely be available, Wisconsin power forward Frank Kaminsky is the most NBA ready; he can really shoot and is great handling the ball and passing. His ability to help you as both a high and low usage player is very valuable because he always be contributing. Kaminsky, however, does many of the things they are hoping to get from Josh McRoberts; though having multiple super-skilled big men is never a problem. If Arizona's Stanley Johnson falls to their pick, he would be another strong option as a backup and eventual replacement for Deng. Johnson also has the size to some play small-ball 4 but could guard many shooting guards as well, the kind of versatility Miami likes. Kelly Oubre of Kansas is more of a pure wing than Johnson, but he is more likely to be available and does a lot of things on both ends of the court. Oubre might not be as much of a day one contributor as Johnson or Kaminsky, but he has a higher upside. Kentucky guard Devin Booker's jumpshot will play from day one, and Miami loves shooters, but there are so questions about what else he can do. If Johnson is, as expected, off the board I think Kaminsky makes the most sense. In the second, they should target an NBA-ready role player to provide some inexpensive depth.

Mock Draft
10. Frank Kaminsky, F/C, Wisconsin
40. Norman Powell, SG, UCLA

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2015 Draft Preview: Charlotte Hornets

2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Kemba Walker/Brian Roberts
SG: P.J. Hairston/Lance Stephenson/Troy Daniels
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF: Marvin Williams/Cody Zeller
C: Noah Vonleh

2015 Free Agents
C Bismack Biyombo (RFA)
SF Jeff Taylor (RFA)
SG Gerald Henderson (player option)
C Al Jefferson (player option)
PF Jason Maxiell
PG Mo Williams

2015 Draft Picks
1-9
2-9(39)

Team Needs
Charlotte's plans may change if Al Jefferson, now 30, decides to opt out in search one final big contract. Assuming he opts in however, Charlotte will have a heavily invested in frontcourt, including Jefferson and Charlotte's last two top ten picks, Cody Zeller and Noah Vonleh; and if Bismack Biyombo re-signs, he was also a top ten pick. However, neither has shown that they are for certain starting quality players who can take Jefferson's spot after he moves on. Shooting guard is another problem area for Charlotte: Lance Stephenson cannot play alongside Walker, so a starting quality option is needed. There is still hope for P.J. Hairston to be that guy, but he was pretty dreadful as a rookie and isn't the quality of prospect that you pass over a talented wing for. If you find someone who can start over Hairston, but improves, congratulations you now have two good players, which isn't a problem. Whatever they do at shooting guard, one thing is for sure: he better be able to shoot.

Potentials Fits
Both Zeller and Vonleh are young and have potential, but if, for instance, Willie Cauley-Stein fell to them would they consider him? As crazy spending a third straight top ten pick on a big man is, I think they would have to take him provided he is the best prospect on the board. Jefferson may be gone this summer and almost certainly gone next year, while Zeller improved last season it was mostly based on his energy not skill, and Vonleh basically had a lost rookie season, with no real evidence yet that he is a starting quality player. Cauley-Stein isn't perfect and wouldn't help Charlotte's floundering offense, but he would be an excellent defense anchor for years to come. Your core would be Cauley-Stein, Kidd-Gilchrist (a perennial DPOY candidate), and Walker; find shooters at PF and SG and have what could be a dominant defensive team with a good-enough offense. If they do decide to upgrade at shooting guard with their first round pick, any of the top tier of wings would be a good fit. However, it is likely that they are off the board by the ninth pick, which leave two clear options: Kelly Oubre of Kansas and Kentucky's Devin Booker. Oubre has as much upside as anyone in the draft and is a good shooter, but not necessarily a great one. He can also create some for himself off the dribble and strong defensive potential. Booker on the other hand, might be the best shooter in the draft, but a question mark in other areas. I think Oubre fits the value of a top ten pick better, but if Charlotte manage a trade down, Booker would definitely be a possibility. With their second pick, they should draft either a big or a shooting guard, depending on what they do with the ninth pick. Preferably, the second round guard can shoot, but those aren't always easy to come by, meaning they'll will likely have to take a chance on a player who could become a good shooter.

Mock Draft
9. Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
39. Michael Qualls, SG, Arkansas

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2015 Draft Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Ricky Rubio/Lorenzo Brown

SG: Kevin Martin/Zach LaVine

SF: Andrew Wiggins/Shabazz Muhammad/Chase Budinger

PF: Anthony Bennett/Adreian Payne

C: Nikola Pekovic/Gorgui Dieng

2015 Free Agents

G Jorge Gutierrez (RFA)

C Justin Hamilton (RFA)

C Arinze Onuaku (RFA)

F Robbie Hummel (RFA)

PF Kevin Garnett

G Gary Neal

2015 Draft Picks

1-1

2-1(31)

2-6(36) via Sacramento

Team Needs

The Timberwolves have two definitive foundational pieces in Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio to go along with several young, inexperienced talents that could become part of that foundation if they continue to develop. On the court, Minnesota utilizes a lot of post-ups, so shooting and spacing are crucial to success. The lack of said shooting last season contributed to Minnesota's offensive woes; "lack" is an appropriate term: Minnesota finished dead last in both makes and attempts from behind the 3-point line. If the Wolves resign Kevin Garnett, their starting lineup will essential be set; however, they may try to trade both Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin. Pekovic would be replaced with the number 1 pick, whether is be Karl Towns or Jahlil Okafor, but if Martin is traded, a need at shooting guard would open up. A strong spot-up shooting 2-guard would be a tremendous boon to Minnesota's offense.

Potential Fits

With the number 1 pick, Minnesota needs to take whomever they think the best prospect is; we can debate whether that prospect actually is the best, but not the process behind the selection. With their two early second round picks, shooting needs to be a priority. Anthony Brown of Stanford can ably defend both wing positions and is a 40%+ 3-point shooter; there is a good chance he will be available then. Cyprien international Aleksandar Vezenkov isn't a shooting guard, but he might be the best shooter in the whole draft, though there is a chance he won't be coming to the NBA right away. Florida's Michael Frazier is another excellent shooter, but at 6-4 he lacks ideal shooting guard size, which will likely contribute to his availability in the second round. There are some questions about UNLV's Rashad Vaughn's ability to make 3s, but he shot a good percentage as a Freshman and is just 18; however he may be drafted in the late first. If Minnesota is able to trade for another first rounder this season, both Kentucky's Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter of Georgia State would be great fits. Because of Ricky Rubio's size and ability to defend 2-guards, a non-traditional option like point guard Cameron Payne of Murray State could work.

Mock

1. Towns/Okafor

31. Johnathan Holmes, F, Texas

36. Michael Frazier, SG, Florida

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