Welcome back to my look at the National Basketball Association’s 2015 amateur entry draft. In this post, I’ll take a look at the remaining five picks from the top ten. This is part two of the mini-series of posts and part one can be found here. But, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Pick 6: Willie Cauley-Stein, Sacramento Kings
Grade: A+
At first glance, this pick by the Kings seems to be contradictory with their star center in DeMarcus Cousins. But, take a closer look at Cauley-Stein’s attitude and skillset and you’ll realize this is a great match. Firstly, he’s stated several times he would rather play at the power forward rather than center. Secondly, he is an absolute defensive juggernaut. Even in college he never looked to score a lot on offense, he did however look for every opportunity to block shots on the defensive end. Scouts have already said several times that with his athleticism, length and quickness, Cauley-Stein could well guard any position in the NBA. He will slot in perfectly with the offensively minded center in Cousins and bolster the Kings frontcourt. This was a great addition by Sacramento’s front office.
Pick 7: Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets
Grade: A
The Nuggets went with the Sixers mentality here and picked the best player remaining on the board. Luckily for them, the player may actually be a good fit in their team. Mudiay played a year of pro ball in China and showcased his versatile skillset. He runs a great pick and roll and is able to reward his big men for good screens. Not only that he is 6’5″ with quite the athleticism, giving him great finish and transition play. The only negative this brings is a bit of a clash at point guard with Ty Lawson. However, Ty Lawson has been unsettled in Denver for quite a while now and this pick will allow them to offload Lawson at the height of his value. Not only that, the get a replacement for him with All-Star potential.
Pick 8: Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons
Grade: B-
I personally didn’t get to watch too much of Stanley Johnson when he played at Arizona, but when I did, I saw great fundamentals and a knack for offense. If Detroit wants to succeed with Johnson, they must push him to develop his defensive game further; standing 6’6″ and weighing just over 240 pounds, Stanley has huge potential at being an absolutely lock-down defender. Without a starting quality small forward in their rotation (only the likes of 35-year old Tayshaun Prince), Johnson should slot right into a starting spot and immediately contribute to the Pistons playoff hopes. The reason for the lower grade is simply the lack of risk. The Pistons could have gone for Justise Winslow, Bobby Portis, or even Kelly Oubre Jr. Unfortunately, the front office decided to play it safe and took the guaranteed immediate contribution of Stanley Johnson. Nothing wrong with that, just a little disappointing.
Pick 9: Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets
Grade: A
Ok, so this grade may be incredibly biased just out of my pure love for the player that is affectionately nicknamed “Frank the Tank”. However, in all seriousness, this pick by the Hornet isn’t bad at all. Having finished the regular season shooting a 32% clip from outside the arc (the worst in the league), the Hornets needed some reinforcements behind the three-point line. Kaminsky shot an immense 42% from three during college. Charlotte has Al Jefferson holding down the paint as one of the more physical centers in the league. Kaminsky acts as a stretch big option fro them from the outside as well as a consistent rebounder. This pick may not deserve the A I gave it simply due to Kaminsky’s rather low ceiling, but it sure comes close. Plus, did I mention his nickname is “Frank the Tank”?
Pick 10: Justise Winslow, Miami Heat
Grade: A++
How in the heck was Winslow allowed to drop this far down the board? TO be completely honest, other than the Timberwolves and Knicks, EVERY other team in the top ten could have used his services. I’m staring straight at you Pistons, Magic, and 76ers. Pat Riley already has quite a legacy within the league and this pick will only add to that. Winslow posses absolutely ridiculous athleticism which he puts to great use on the defensive end of the floor. His energy and tenacity are things which can’t be taught to any player. His ability to thrive without the ball in his hands is much the same. He can spot-up, run the transition, and finish above the rim. Alongside the aging Dwyane Wade, look for the Heat to be able to shake up the Eastern Conference standings this year. The 19 year-old may turn out to be the steal of the draft, which speaks to Winslow’s massive ability and potential.
In the next and final post, we’ll take a look at the trades made on draft night and also some personal comments on other picks made in the draft.
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