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The 2015 NBA Finals just ended, yet the NBA off-season is already here as the 2015 NBA Draft comes at us in just a matter of days. Rumors are swirling and we’re hearing more than ever about some of the top names that could rise and fall in the draft. We’ll know for sure when June 25th finally hits us, but until then it’s a guessing game. Anyone betting on the NBA Draft may want all the information they can get, which is precisely why we’re maneuvering through the top five players with the best odds to go #1 overall and decide which is the safest bet to roll with:
Karl-Anthony Towns (1/5)
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the top pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and by all accounts, they’re going to use it on a talented big man. They do have some solid depth in that department led by the defensive-minded Gorgui Dieng and offensive bruiser Nikola Pekovic, but both have their limitations. Neither have the two-way skill-set or upside that Towns possesses, either. Towns is without a doubt the odds on favorite due to his talent and Minnesota’s main need, so it’d be a marginal surprise if he’s not the first pick off the board.
Jahlil Okafor (11/4)
As locked in as Towns is starting to look, no one could blame the Wolves for taking the other talented big man in this draft. That’s Okafor, who is currently the better offensive player down low, thanks to a more polished game, better footwork and a better jumper. He’s not as good as Towns defensively, but it doesn’t hurt that he has the tools to get better in that department and is also a national champion. If it’s not Towns going #1, the next best bet is Okafor.
Kristaps Porzingis (17/1)
Is anyone ascending draft boards faster than Porzingis? The answer is no, as the multi-talented Latvian is now a near-lock to go inside the top-five and many draft experts see him as the best pure talent in the draft. The funny thing is that the T’Wolves wouldn’t be going that much against the grain here, as the true seven footer still gives them a post player to work with, while he might have the most upside of anyone in this draft class. He also may take the most time to develop, which is why he doesn’t have as great of odds to go #1. If you’re looking for a minor dark horse to chase, though, he just might be it.
D’Angelo Russell (22/1)
Likened to Russell Westbrook by many draft pundits, Russell is flying up draft boards as a big point guard who can really score the ball. He’s not a freak athlete and he comes off a bit one-dimensional as a pure scorer, but he’s still an exceptional talent that could change a franchise. Minnesota already has Andrew Wiggins to rely on at the two or three, while Ricky Rubio and Zach Lavine man the point. Russell remains in the mix to go first overall, but he’s much likelier to go third overall.
Emmanuel Mudiay (30/1)
A more natural fit at the point than Russell, Mudiay is an interesting choice to go #1 overall. Thanks to a big contract and lingering ankle issues, Ricky Rubio has been a hot trade topic. It sounds odd the Timberwolves would trade him after just signing him to a long-term deal, but if the right trade comes, they could unload Rubio and draft his replacement in Mudiay. Mudiay has overseas experience at a professional level, and while his jumper needs work, he’s a human highlight reel waiting to happen thanks to elite athleticism and flashy passing.
Anyone Else (40/1)
It’s arguable that the top spot is somewhat wide open given the depth of top shelf talent this year, but it’s highly unlikely the T’Wolves pass on one of the best players in the draft. They could trade down if they felt a deal was worth it, but they’re not going to randomly pick a weaker prospect that isn’t mentioned above. Ultimately, they probably pick between the two best bigs in the draft and our money is easily on Towns being the top overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
