1. Karl-Anthony Towns.
Position: Center
Hometown: Piscataway, N.J.
College: University of Kentucky
Talents: Karl-Anthony Towns is who a coach -- high school to NBA -- wants in a player: tall, long and athletic. KAT stands at nearly 7' tall with a wingspan of roughly 7’3”, but has the ability to run and jump like a guard. Towns was also an emphatic defender in college, averaging 2.3 blocks and 6.7 rebounds per game, while averaging only 21.1 of court time.
Expectations: Towns will be drafted first overall by the Timberwolves and join a team of talented young players in Minnesota. His defense will make an immediate impact, and he has the potential to become a future All-Star if his offense improves.
2. Jahlil Okafor.
Position: Center
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
College: Duke University
Talents: Okafor is a once-in-a-decade talent. He has been compared to some of the greatest scoring centers of all time. These are fair comparisons considering he averaged nearly 18 points a game while leading Duke to a NCAA Championship. While his defense, free throw shooting and mid-range shooting all could be improved, his ability to dominate opponents on the block is incredible.
Expectations: Okafor goes second in the draft to the Lakers. LA is in need of young talent to compliment an aging Kobe Bryant, and Okafor is a threat who can post double digit stat lines in points and rebounds on any given night. He definitely has potential to become a star in the league, but he has areas of improvement as well.
3. Kristaps Porzingis.
Position: Power forward
Hometown: Liepāja, Latvia
Last season: played in Spain for Cajasol Sevilla.
Talents: Porzingis is very different than other big men in the draft namely because of his outstanding shooting ability. He is also able to use his 7' frame and quick feet to defend against pick-and-roll and any dribble penetration. He kept a low profile by playing internationally, but has recently created much buzz around the NBA during his pre-draft workouts.
Expectations: After the Sixer’s, Joel Embiid, found out that he might have to sit out another season due to his prior foot injury, the Philadelphia team is in need of a big man to help Nerlens Noel. Porzingis will definitely need to bulk so he can find success in the physical league, along with improving his rebounding and ability to finish at the rim. It is very likely the Sixer’s look past his weaknesses, and draft him third overall
4. D’Angelo Russell.
Position: Point guard
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
College: Ohio State University
Talents: D’Angelo Russell can flat. Out. Score. He is tall for his position, giving him an athletic edge over opponents, but also possesses a killer jump shot. He can also handle and pass the ball exceptionally well.
Expectations: The Knicks need talent, and they need it now. Carmelo Anthony wants to win a ring, and Russell is the player to help him. Assuming the Knicks pick Russell fourth overall, he will be able to take some of the scoring load off of Melo’s shoulder and, hopefully, will be able to make other players around him better.
5. Willie Cauley-Stein.
Position: Center
Hometown: Spearville, Kan.
College: University of Kentucky
Talents: Cauley-Stein’s exceptional play in the NCAA Tournament this past March helped showcase his talent. He is an extremely skilled rim-protector and defender, with the ability to guard nearly all positions. He did not get much of a chance to show his offensive skill set, but he can finish at the rim and has a reliable mid-range jumper.
Expectations: The Orlando Magic are in dire need of a big man who can help spread the floor while also protecting the rim. Cauley-Stein offers exactly that, so expect him to be picked up fifth overall by the Magic.
