2015 NBA Draft...Thursday, June 25th.

[Kingspoint]

Minnesota tries once again to rebuild.

[BillDoran]

I think this will be a fun draft to follow. Lots of intriguing pieces available and a handful of teams either looking to make a big splash or wholly unpredictable.

Porzingis looks tailor-made for Hinkie, but he can't possibly pass on one of Towns, Okafor or Russell, right? Phil Jackson is looking increasingly senile. No idea what he might do. The Kings are an unholy mess. No doubt they'll make some kind of noise tomorrow. I think Danny Ainge is one of the more shrewd GMs in the league. Interested to see what he cooks up tomorrow.

I'm certainly no draft guru, but two players I think will outplay their draft spots are Bobby Portis and Dakari Johnson. I'd be delighted if my Blazers landed either. I have a hard time believing either won't be, at worst, rotational bigs on good teams. I particularly like Portis. Good size (though short arms), great motor, good-looking jumper. I think that'll play in the league.

[Kingspoint]

Revering4Blue's mock draft (thanks for posting it in the other thread...I'm going to post it here as a reference for the draft order and to give us a map of players, teams and positions, if you don't mind)...

Taking into account the transactions that have taken place recently and not taking into account draft day trades, which occur every year, here is my final one round mock draft for 2015.

T-Wolves -- Karl Anthony-Towns

Lakers -- Jahlil Okafor

76ers -- D'Angelo Russell

Knicks -- Justice Winslow

Magic -- Kristaps Porzingis

Kings -- Emmanuel Mudiay

Nuggets -- Mario Hezonia

Pistons -- Stanley Johnson

Hornets -- Myles Turner

Heat -- Devin Booker

Pacers -- Willie Cauley-Stein

Jazz -- Trey Lyles

Suns -- Frank Kaminsky

Thunder -- Cameron Payne

Hawks -- Sam Dekker

Celtics -- Kelly Oubre

Bucks -- R.J Hunter

Rockets -- Tyus Jones

Wizards -- Bobby Portis

Raptors -- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Mavericks -- Jerian Grant

Bulls -- Delon Wright

Trailblazers -- Justin Anderson

Cavaliers -- Rashad Vaughn

Grizzlies -- Jarell Martin

Spurs -- Kevon Looney

Lakers -- Terry Rozier

Celtics -- Christian Wood

Nets -- Montrezl Harrell

Warriors -- Chris McCullough

[Kingspoint]

If the Blazers stay in the 1st Round, I'd like to see them get Hollis-Jefferson.

[Kingspoint]

NBATV is currently doing a mock draft. There at about #17 right now.

[Kingspoint]

I think this will be a fun draft to follow. Lots of intriguing pieces available and a handful of teams either looking to make a big splash or wholly unpredictable.

Porzingis looks tailor-made for Hinkie, but he can't possibly pass on one of Towns, Okafor or Russell, right? Phil Jackson is looking increasingly senile. No idea what he might do. The Kings are an unholy mess. No doubt they'll make some kind of noise tomorrow. I think Danny Ainge is one of the more shrewd GMs in the league. Interested to see what he cooks up tomorrow.

I'm certainly no draft guru, but two players I think will outplay their draft spots are Bobby Portis and Dakari Johnson. I'd be delighted if my Blazers landed either. I have a hard time believing either won't be, at worst, rotational bigs on good teams. I particularly like Portis. Good size (though short arms), great motor, good-looking jumper. I think that'll play in the league.

Stotts loves scoring, and scoring from behind the arc. But, he also respects that you can't win without Defense (just wish he'd hire an Assistant Coach who taught it). While Matthews seemed to be the mental glue that the team needs, Batum was the on-the-court glue that made them flow. Batum moved the ball Offensively and passed the ball better than anyone of the Starting Unit. His Defense digressed last season (though it was still good) after being stellar for the last four seasons.

Whoever the Blazers take in the draft, that player isn't going to play more than 800 minutes his first season and won't be part of the 9-man rotation. He'll be 10th through 12th as a contributor. A defensive player could make a quicker impact (Hollis-Jefferson), but a scorer could develop into a better eventual Starter (Portis). Stotts inherited Matthews and Batum, the Blazers two best Defenders. One is already gone and the other is likely to be gone (he stated that he wants a multi-year deal at $15M per, which he isn't getting from anywhere, but he still proclaimed it yesterday, while he's coming off a ruptured Achilles.) I think they need to draft a natural Defender. He can teach them to shoot. Lillard is a terrible Defender. Matthews and Batum hid his faults, but they were exposed repeatedly in the playoffs by 3rd-string Point Guards.

Losing Batum, the Blazers need to replace both his Defense and his Passing. That is going to have to come through Free Agency, and not the draft. Chemistry is extremely important to Olshey. If a player doesn't fit in chemistry-wise, Olshey won't acquire him. A lot of players are eliminated because of this.

[BillDoran]

Stotts loves scoring, and scoring from behind the arc. But, he also respects that you can't win without Defense (just wish he'd hire an Assistant Coach who taught it). While Matthews seemed to be the mental glue that the team needs, Batum was the on-the-court glue that made them flow. Batum moved the ball Offensively and passed the ball better than anyone of the Starting Unit. His Defense digressed last season (though it was still good) after being stellar for the last four seasons.

Whoever the Blazers take in the draft, that player isn't going to play more than 800 minutes his first season and won't be part of the 9-man rotation. He'll be 10th through 12th as a contributor. A defensive player could make a quicker impact (Hollis-Jefferson), but a scorer could develop into a better eventual Starter (Portis). Stotts inherited Matthews and Batum, the Blazers two best Defenders. One is already gone and the other is likely to be gone (he stated that he wants a multi-year deal at $15M per, which he isn't getting from anywhere, but he still proclaimed it yesterday, while he's coming off a ruptured Achilles.) I think they need to draft a natural Defender. He can teach them to shoot. Lillard is a terrible Defender. Matthews and Batum hid his faults, but they were exposed repeatedly in the playoffs by 3rd-string Point Guards.

I like Hollis-Jefferson a lot as well, but his shot is so broken I wonder if he'll amount to much. His game doesn't seem to jibe with what Stotts has in mind.

Hard to foresee what the Blazers will look like next season. I'm pessimistic LA returns, and I'd like to see Wes stick around, but there's no telling there either. It could amount to a complete re-tooling of the roster. I do have a good deal of faith in Olshey though. Whether he'll ever get them over the hump, I don't know, but I do think he knows how to build a competitive squad.

[Kingspoint]

NBATV is currently doing a mock draft. There at about #17 right now.

They picked Notre Dame's Jerian Grant to Portland.

[BillDoran]

Revering4Blue's mock draft (thanks for posting it in the other thread...I'm going to post it here as a reference for the draft order and to give us a map of players, teams and positions, if you don't mind)...

Taking into account the transactions that have taken place recently and not taking into account draft day trades, which occur every year, here is my final one round mock draft for 2015.

T-Wolves -- Karl Anthony-Towns

Lakers -- Jahlil Okafor

76ers -- D'Angelo Russell

Knicks -- Justice Winslow

Magic -- Kristaps Porzingis

Kings -- Emmanuel Mudiay

Nuggets -- Mario Hezonia

Pistons -- Stanley Johnson

Hornets -- Myles Turner

Heat -- Devin Booker

Pacers -- Willie Cauley-Stein

Jazz -- Trey Lyles

Suns -- Frank Kaminsky

Thunder -- Cameron Payne

Hawks -- Sam Dekker

Celtics -- Kelly Oubre

Bucks -- R.J Hunter

Rockets -- Tyus Jones

Wizards -- Bobby Portis

Raptors -- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Mavericks -- Jerian Grant

Bulls -- Delon Wright

Trailblazers -- Justin Anderson

Cavaliers -- Rashad Vaughn

Grizzlies -- Jarell Martin

Spurs -- Kevon Looney

Lakers -- Terry Rozier

Celtics -- Christian Wood

Nets -- Montrezl Harrell

Warriors -- Chris McCullough

Looks like a pretty good mock to me. I'd like to see Okafor somehow end up on the Knicks. I think he'd be a great fit in the triangle.

Who y'all got long-term, Towns or Okafor?

Anybody want to take a stab on an overachiever or two?

[BillDoran]

They picked Notre Dame's Jerian Grant to Portland.

I like that pick. Not sure how he fits into the roster as currently constructed, but I think Grant's a rotation player in the NBA.

[Kingspoint]

I like that pick. Not sure how he fits into the roster as currently constructed, but I think Grant's a rotation player in the NBA.

They don't have enough players who can pass the ball very well, especially with Batum gone, so it wouldn't be a bad pick. It's just hard to get excited about anyone in the draft as the Blazers went into "win-now" mode when they traded for Afflalo, and then the season blew up when Matthews went down. Olshey didn't go into win-now only to back out of win-now a few months later. It's still win-now for Portland, and Olshey is going to do everything possible to keep Aldridge.

[Kingspoint]

Looks like a pretty good mock to me. I'd like to see Okafor somehow end up on the Knicks. I think he'd be a great fit in the triangle.

Who y'all got long-term, Towns or Okafor?

Anybody want to take a stab on an overachiever or two?

I know practically nothing about the players coming into this draft. All of my attention is on Free Agency this season. Dozens of trades are going down tomorrow (announced, but not official for a while per the bizarro NBA world of draft-day trades).

If I had to guess on an over-achiever, I'll usually go with a 4-year player from a smaller school. They are simply years ahead in the maturity and experience areas.

[Ohayou]

Threw together a mock draft...

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/draft_simulator/view/130704/

My biggest surprise is Kaminsky to the Knicks at 4, and Porzingis falling all the way to the Suns at 13, who I believe I had him going to last year before he withdrew.

[Kingspoint]

Marc Stein of ESPN has zero credibility, as he reported this first, but this Columbian reporter, Eric Gunderson, is credible, so it looks like LA is gone.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments via The Columbian.

LaMarcus Aldridge has informed the Trail Blazers that he will not return to the team as a free agent, according to a Western Conference executive with knowledge of the Aldridge pursuit.

An earlier report stated that there's a "99.9 percent chance" that Aldridge's time in Portland has reached it's end, and it's looking more and more likely that Aldridge will be sporting a new jersey next season. If Aldridge does indeed leave, the current roster would suggest that Noah Vonleh would become a starter for the Blazers, although free agency could change that. Dallas, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Aldridge thus far, with Dallas reportedly one of his top choices.

Source: columbian.com (http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/jun/25/sources-aldridge-tells-blazers-he-wont-be-back/)

[Revering4Blue]

I like that pick. Not sure how he fits into the roster as currently constructed, but I think Grant's a rotation player in the NBA.

He can play either guard position and Blake is a free agent following '15-'16.

[Revering4Blue]

Threw together a mock draft...

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/draft_simulator/view/130704/

My biggest surprise is Kaminsky to the Knicks at 4, and Porzingis falling all the way to the Suns at 13, who I believe I had him going to last year before he withdrew.

Nicely done. Possibly, the rumored Bledsoe and #13 for #4 trade will come to fruition, so Porzingis will end up in Phoenix and P.J will draft Lyles at #13 or Kaminsky if he falls.

[Slyder]

any chance that Staten is drafted?

[Revering4Blue]

If the Blazers stay in the 1st Round, I'd like to see them get Hollis-Jefferson.

He'd be a good choice, but Justin Anderson is also a lockdown defender, can play either the 2 or 3 as a 3-D.

[Kingspoint]

I'm in mourning.

Just glad I changed my season tickets from the front row to the middle of the section. I saved 60%. The Blazers had raised my prices by 17% last season. Now that they are on the "market-value" ticket pricing, games should be cheap as there should be 1000's of empty seats every game.

[Revering4Blue]

any chance that Staten is drafted?

I've seen him in some mocks, if he doesn't get drafted, it's not the end of the world as 2nd rounders receive no guaranteed money and he'd be free to attend any NBA camp. I like him as one of the many 76ers 2nd rounders.

[Kingspoint]

Anthony-Towns to Minnesota @ #1, as expected.

[Kingspoint]

Lakers take Russell.

By going PG, they must be expecting to get Cousins or Aldridge.

[Revering4Blue]

Russell to the Lakers. They've finally figured out that it isn't 2009 anymore.

[Revering4Blue]

Lakers take Russell.

By going PG, they must be expecting to get Cousins or Aldridge.

They can grab a Center at #27 or 34. Big men are expected to fall in this draft.

[Kingspoint]

Okafor to Philly @ #3.

[Kingspoint]

Porzingis to the Knicks @ #4.

[Kingspoint]

Hezonja to Orlando @ #5.

[Kingspoint]

Cauley-Stein to Sacotomato @ #6, which means that Cousins is probably heading to the Lakers.

[BillDoran]

Okafor to Philly @ #3.

Wonder if Hinkie holds onto him. His best-available policy would bite him in the butt if the picks weren't chronically injured or committed to Europe.

[BillDoran]

Cauley-Stein to Sacotomato @ #6, which means that Cousins is probably heading to the Lakers.

Cauley-Stein, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell would actually be a really nice young core.

[Kingspoint]

Mudiay to the Nuggets @ #7.

Suns looking to trade up to #8 to grab Kaminsky.

[BillDoran]

I'm in mourning.

Just glad I changed my season tickets from the front row to the middle of the section. I saved 60%. The Blazers had raised my prices by 17% last season. Now that they are on the "market-value" ticket pricing, games should be cheap as there should be 1000's of empty seats every game.

This is undoubtedly sour grapes, but the thing that bothers me most about Aldrige's departure is the posturing last summer and his generally petulant attitude. He's a talent, but he rubbed me the wrong way (even at his best).

[Kingspoint]

Cauley-Stein, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell would actually be a really nice young core.

They have some good pieces in the right places. It's just that management and ownership is all screwed up. The franchise has no chance until that gets fixed. There is bound to be a decision made at the top in the next six months that unravels everything once again. They can't even keep a Head Coach for three seasons.

- - - Updated - - -


This is undoubtedly sour grapes, but the thing that bothers me most about Aldrige's departure is the posturing last summer and his generally petulant attitude. He's a talent, but he rubbed me the wrong way (even at his best).

98% of Portland fans are responding exactly the same way.

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Wonder if Hinkie holds onto him. His best-available policy would bite him in the butt if the picks weren't chronically injured or committed to Europe.

Woj quoted immediately afterwards that he was going to be kept.


We'll also know for sure on the LA front post-draft during Olshey's press conference. Light should be shed on the situation.

[Revering4Blue]

Wonder if Hinkie holds onto him. His best-available policy would bite him in the butt if the picks weren't chronically injured or committed to Europe.

Not if he dealt them for more assets to avoid logjams at positions. It's all about maximizing assets. I've been on board with what Hinkie's doing from day one.

[Kingspoint]

Stanley Johnson to Detroit @ #8. Suns couldn't pull off the deal.

Kaminsky should go to Charlotte @ #9, unless of course that pick is traded.

[Revering4Blue]

Stanley Johnson to Detroit @ #8. Suns couldn't pull off the deal.

Kaminsky should go to Charlotte @ #9.

If Cho passes on Winslow, he's nuts. If they must go for a C/stretch 4 hybrid, Myles Turner makes more sense.

[Kingspoint]

If Cho passes on Winslow, he's nuts. If they must go for a C/stretch 4 hybrid, Myles Turner makes more sense.

Someone always falls, could be Winslow.

[Revering4Blue]

Can't fault SVG for drafting Johnson, though. IMO, he and Winslow are neck and neck as prospects.

[Kingspoint]

Charlotte has been active. It will be interesting to see what Cho does here.

[Gallen5862]

I am hoping the Hornets draft Kaminsky or Winslow . There are rumors that the Celtics might trade 16 to te Hornets for pick number 9.

[Kingspoint]

I am hoping the Hornets draft Kaminsky or Winslow . There are rumors that the Celtics might trade 16 to te Hornets for pick number 9.

They have multiple offers surrounding that pick and Kaminsky.

[Kingspoint]

Charlotte takes Kaminsky with #9.

Let's see if they keep him.

[Kingspoint]

If Cho passes on Winslow, he's nuts. If they must go for a C/stretch 4 hybrid, Myles Turner makes more sense.

Heat can take him.....and they did.

[Revering4Blue]

Charlotte takes Kaminsky with #9.

Let's see if they keep him.

Who's going to trade up for him? He isn't the rim-protector that the Celtics covet.

[Kingspoint]

Pacers @ #11 are on the clock.

Do it right, Pritchard or you may not be back next season.

- - - Updated - - -


Who's going to trade up for him? He isn't the rim-protector that the Celtics covet.

Phoenix.

[Kingspoint]

With Indiana and Hibbert in divorce proceedings, Turner could be the pick here.

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And, it's Turner to Indiana.

[Revering4Blue]

Heat can take him.....and they did.

Pat Riley could fall into a pit of manure and emerge smelling like a rose.

[Kingspoint]

If there's no sign-and-trade deal with Aldridge and the Blazers get nothing for him, Aldridge will be hated in Portland forever.

[Kingspoint]

Who is OKC after (they're trying to trade with Utah)...Payne, Booker, Lyles?

[Revering4Blue]

With Indiana and Hibbert in divorce proceedings, Turner could be the pick here.

- - - Updated - - -

And, it's Turner to Indiana.

This Pacers fan is ecstatic.

[Kingspoint]

Pat Riley could fall into a pit of manure and emerge smelling like a rose.

Blessed, for sure. Kind of like Jimmy Johnson.

[Kingspoint]

Lyles to Utah @ #12.

[Kingspoint]

Booker to Phoenix @ #13.

[Revering4Blue]

Lyles to Utah @ #12.

He was playing out of position (sf) at UK. He hasn't scratched the surface of his abilities and he has a 7'4" wingspan.

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Booker to Phoenix @ #13.

That could signal a swap with Charlotte.

[Kingspoint]

He was playing out of position (sf) at UK. He hasn't scratched the surface of his abilities and he has a 7'4" wingspan.

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That could signal a swap with Charlotte.

Yes. He's a 3-pt shooter with a 7'4" wingspan. Fits in with Stotts' system.

[Kingspoint]

Milwaukie has acquired Greivas Vasquez....for a future first and second.

[Kingspoint]

It's definitely "Lillard Time"....all day, every day.

[Revering4Blue]

Milwaukie has acquired Grievas Vasquez.

Raptors get the 46th pick and a future first. If the Bucks still had Sanders, they'd be scary.

[Kingspoint]

Payne to OKC.

[Kingspoint]

Raptors get the 46th pick and a future first. If the Bucks still had Sanders, they'd be scary.

Sanders is the tall one...

http://um.smash.com/2014/08/Loaiza_Stay-Happy-740x555.jpg

[Kingspoint]

...

[Kingspoint]

Washington will send Atlanta the No. 19 pick tonight and two future second-round picks for Kelly Oubre, #15.

[Kingspoint]

Rozier to the Celtics @ #16.

[Kingspoint]

Rashad Vaughn to Milwaukie at #17.

[Kingspoint]

Hezonia, Decker, Hunter, Jones still there from Rev4Blue's mock....

[Kingspoint]

Rockets on-the-clock.

Hawks on-deck.

Raptors in-the-hole.

[Kingspoint]

Dekkar to Houston @ #17.

[Kingspoint]

The Knicks are trading Tim Hardaway to the Hawks, who will draft Jerian Grant for the Knicks

[Kingspoint]

Raptors on-the-clock @ #20.

Mavericks on-deck @ #21.

Bulls in-the-hole @ #22.

[Kingspoint]

Delon Wright to Toronton @ #20.

Justin Anderson to the Mavs @ #21.

Portis possibly @ #22 to the Bulls.

- - - Updated - - -

Blazers are on-the-clock. (waiting on Chicago still)

- - - Updated - - -

Who the Blazers take doesn't mean they are taking that player for themselves.


And, it is Portis to the Bulls.

[Revering4Blue]

Hezonia, Decker, Hunter, Jones still there from Rev4Blue's mock....

Mock drafts are an exercise in futility. They are fun, though.

[Kingspoint]

Mock drafts are an exercise in futility. They are fun, though.

You did a great job.

[Revering4Blue]

You did a great job.
Thanks. but so did the others who contributed mocks. Lots of good NBA discussion on this forum.

[BillDoran]

Thought Bobby Portis was earmarked for Portland. Went one pick short to the Bulls.

Hollis-Jefferson available. That'd be a nice addition.

[Kingspoint]

Portland selects @ #23 Hollis-Jefferson.

[Kingspoint]

Hollis-Jefferson is a pick that most fans are happy with. He doesn't need the ball to be effective. He embraces Defense, and Damian needs better defenders around him to make up for his lack of defense.

I like it.

[Kingspoint]

This wasn't no Nolan Smith selection. Hollis-Jefferson is legit. The Offense will come through the years (while it will also keep his second contract down a bit). He's the kind of player I want at every position. I like effort.

[Revering4Blue]

Portland selects @ #23 Hollis-Jefferson.

Last night's trade looks better by the minute.

Vonleh can hit the outside shot and compliments RHJ well. Still can't believe Charlotte gave up the one young player on their roster with star potential.

[Kingspoint]

Woj reports that Yahoo is reporting Brooklyn and Portland are discussing a trade involving Hollis-Jefferson, but at the same time saying that Portland loves Hollis-Jefferson making the report have little credence.

Yeah. Hollis-Jefferson is who I wanted. We got him. I didn't get the player(s) I wanted two years ago when we got McCollum (I wanted Dieng and wanted to trade down for Gobert).

Hard to get a Starter with the #23 pick, but I think we got one, who may Start as soon as his rookie season because of his Defense.

[Kingspoint]

Cleveland takes Tyus Jones, sends him to Minnesota for picks 31 & 36.

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Jarell Martin to Memphis @ #25.

[Kingspoint]

The odd thing about the conflicting report from Woj regarding the trade makes you wonder if they haven't lost Aldridge, yet, as they got the player they wanted in the draft. To trade him would be "not rebuilding", but re-tooling for another run in the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

No reason Hollis-Jefferson can't develop into being as good as Draymon Green.

[Revering4Blue]

Cleveland takes Tyus Jones, sends him to Minnesota for picks 31 & 36.

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Jarell Martin to Memphis @ #25.

First one I've gotten right since #14.

[Kingspoint]

We interrupt this thread to say.....


TODDFATHER!!!!!!!!

[Kingspoint]

Might have to get a Hollis-Jefferson jersey. At least he's likely to be around for 8 years, making it worth it's value.

[Kingspoint]

First one I've gotten right since #14.

From Woj:

As DX readers have known for some time, Memphis promised Jarell Martin after the ASM Pro Day on June 12th. Worst kept secret in the NBA...

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Spurs select Nikola Milutinov with No. 26

[Revering4Blue]

We have now entered draft-and-stash territory.

[Kingspoint]

Milutinov, a Serbian, may not be joining the Spurs next season. He plays for Partizan.

[Kingspoint]

I'm actually the only one in the family that doesn't have a player jersey. I just don't buy them. Spouse and daughter and Father-in-Law all have Batum jerseys. I'm going to break my rule of not wearing player jerseys and get a Hollis-Jefferson. That should be one that lasts a while. He's the kind of player that can stay ten years on a team.

[Kingspoint]

Lakers take Larry Nance with #27.

Three picks left.

[Kingspoint]

When Matthews went down, Batum needed to step up, and he didn't. Time to move on.

McCollum starts at SG (Wes is gone), Henderson backs him up.

[Kingspoint]

Nets take Chris McCollough with the #29 pick. Don't know who the Celtics took with #28.

[Kingspoint]

Will Aldridge be gone? Can't find out until July gets here. Will be an interesting Summer.

And, then, of course, there's LeBron, Love, Chandler, Hibbert, Cousins, Jordan, Monroe, etc....

[Revering4Blue]

Nets take Chris McCollough with the #29 pick. Don't know who the Celtics took with #28.
R.J Hunter...another guard. Are they loading up on guards because a trade is coming?

[Kingspoint]

Warriors took Looney...still don't know who the Celtics took at #28.

[Kingspoint]

R.J Hunter...another guard. Are they loading up on guards because a trade is coming?

Thanks for filling that in.

Aside, it's really strange to not have any idea what direction Portland is going right now. Olshey conference should be any minute.

[Revering4Blue]

Nets take Chris McCollough with the #29 pick. Don't know who the Celtics took with #28.
Good pick for the Nets.

He's 6'10, can hit threes and block shots. May have been a lottery pick if not tearing his ACL early in the college season.

[BillDoran]

When Matthews went down, Batum needed to step up, and he didn't. Time to move on.

McCollum starts at SG (Wes is gone), Henderson backs him up.

Pieces exist for the Blazers. McCollum looked surprisingly good late. Meyers Leonard has a TS% of .631. Vonleh's a lottery ticket. Hollis-Jefferson's provides something to dream on.

And we're about to determine Damien Lillard's ceiling.

That ain't a playoff team though. Not by a longshot, but should be entertaining (in a 2014 Red-ish way).

Lakers take Larry Nance with #27.

Three picks left.

Fun player. Got a lot of his Dad's game. Will be fun to follow his career.

[Revering4Blue]

Warriors took Looney...still don't know who the Celtics took at #28.

Looney's a steal at #30. Apparently, health concerns caused him to drop, but, just as McCollough, he's a lottery talent.

[Kingspoint]

This is just the beginning of Olshey's Summer.

[Revering4Blue]

So far, both the Knicks and Lakers have surprised me by thinking outside of the box. IMO, they drafted at 2 and 4, respectively, the players with the highest upsides in the draft.

As for Nance, I concur with BillDoran. Certain scouts believe that he is versatile enough to play SF, just as his dad did at times with the Suns. When I hear the name Larry Nance, I can't help but think about the great Cavalier nucleus that was broken up by the absurd trade of Ron Harper for Danny Ferry. Much like the Lakers in the '80s, the 90's Bulls also benefited greatly from teams within their respective conferences making hair brained moves, creating a much easier path to the finals.

[Tom Servo]

Good pick for the Nets.

He's 6'10, can hit threes and block shots. May have been a lottery pick if not tearing his ACL early in the college season.
Feel good local kid story too, a nice pick.

[Revering4Blue]

Celtics finally land a rim-protector with Jordan Mickey. Nobody said that the rim-protector had to be a center.

[Revering4Blue]

Pat Connaughton to the Nets. He and Markel Brown, who is working on converting to PG, may well be their backcourt, or at least part of the backcourt rotation, of the future.

[Revering4Blue]

Brooklyn will send Mason Plumlee and Pat Connaughton to the Blazers for Hollis-Jefferson and Blake, league sources tell Yahoo.

What

the

heck?

[Revering4Blue]

The Pacers steal Joseph Young at #43.

[Tom Servo]

What

the

heck?
We just got Billy King'd

[Revering4Blue]

We just got Billy King'd

I actually like it for the Nets, but who plays center if Lopez bolts?

[Tom Servo]

I actually like it for the Nets, but who plays center if Lopez bolts?
King has expressed confidence that Lopez (and Thaddeus Young) will be resigned, but right now Jerome Jordan is the only center in the roster.

Is Hollis-Jefferson significantly better than Connaughton? Because not knowing them, the trade to me boils down to Plumlee for Steve Blake...

[Revering4Blue]

King has expressed confidence that Lopez (and Thaddeus Young) will be resigned, but right now Jerome Jordan is the only center in the roster.

Is Hollis-Jefferson significantly better than Connaughton? Because not knowing them, the trade to me boils down to Plumlee for Steve Blake...

He will significantly contribute from day one. If Hollis-Jefferson had a more reliable jumpshot, which he can develop, he would been a lock for the lottery. He was ranked between 15 and 20 by "experts." Connaughton was ranked anywhere from 38 to 55. RHJ is the type of rare wing player who can significantly impact a game without scoring a point, as he can provide airtight defense against four positions, which, IMO, is exactly the type of wing player this franchise desperately needs as they transition away from the current core.

To walk away from this draft with Hollis-Jefferson and McCollough is a coup for King and the Nets.

[BillDoran]

Ultimately, I think none of the players are real difference makers. Nice parts to contending teams, but I don't think it's too difficult to find the positive for either side.

Mason Plumlee is a bump up from Robin Lopez, and he's a 25-year-old with two more years at discount pricing. Connaughton may or may not stick.

Hollis-Jefferson has some attributes that make the Artest, sans the mercurial nature, comparisons seam very realizable. Steve Blake, not sure if that's a Portland salary dump or whether he has some value.

[Kingspoint]

Olshey said in his press-conference (https://soundcloud.com/caseyholdahl/062515-neil-olshey-talks-draft-trades) that the rumors of LaMarcus leaving were emphatically not true. He spoke with LaMarcus and asked Aldridge how would he like to address it. He said Aldridge told him to simply say, "It's not true".

So, Olshey remains in an odd situation. He has to improve the roster in an attempt to keep Aldridge, but not sacrifice the future in an attempt to do so.

Stay tuned.

It all comes back to Wojnarowski......if he doesn't report it, then it's probably not true, and he reported the Batum trade as being "not" a rebuilding move.

[Kingspoint]

What

the

heck?

And, that's why I don't buy jerseys with players' names on them. I love the Yankee uniforms for that reason.

[Ohayou]

Threw together a mock draft...

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/draft_simulator/view/130704/

My biggest surprise is Kaminsky to the Knicks at 4, and Porzingis falling all the way to the Suns at 13, who I believe I had him going to last year before he withdrew.

Quoting myself because of that clutch Spurs pick.

[Kingspoint]

Is Hollis-Jefferson significantly better than Connaughton? Because not knowing them, the trade to me boils down to Plumlee for Steve Blake...

It was all about King's interest in Hollis-Jefferson. Olshey said he and King had discussions about this (Hollis-Jefferson, if he's there when Portland picks, for Plumlee and the #41, with Blake being tossed in to match Plumlee's salary) last week. Portland needs Plumlee and his salary against the risk that they don't resign Robin Lopez. King highly valued Hollis-Jefferson, who fell to Portland, so Portland got the opportunity to do this trade. Portland is happy with who Portland chose with the #41 pick in Connaughton.

[Kingspoint]

The odd thing about the conflicting report from Woj regarding the trade makes you wonder if they haven't lost Aldridge, yet, as they got the player they wanted in the draft. To trade him would be "not rebuilding", but re-tooling for another run in the playoffs.

And, this is it.

[Gallen5862]

Adrian WojnarowskiVerified account
‏@WojYahooNBA
Brooklyn has acquired Charlotte's 39th pick, Juan Vaulet, for two future second-round picks, league source tells Yahoo.

[Kingspoint]

A little more on the Hollis-Jefferson/Plumlee trade...

"We really like Rondae. He's a terrific young player," Olshey said. "But we just felt like, based on some of the moves we have to make [and] some of the uncertainly regarding some of our unrestricted free agents, the opportunity to get a dynamic young center that's a little bit more accomplished, that we know we can put on the floor this fall, that can help you win games but still has a tremendous upside because of his age and his athleticism, it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up."

[Gallen5862]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2507717-celtics-reportedly-offered-hornets-6-picks-to-move-up-in-2015-nba-draft

The Boston Celtics found themselves in a flurry of trade negotiations Thursday night with hope they could land Duke forward Justise Winslow. The situation reportedly became so intense that they had six draft picks on the table at the same time but still couldn't get a deal done.

Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com reports the Celtics offered six selections, including four first-round picks, to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal for the No. 9 pick. The Hornets refused and selected Wisconsin star Frank Kaminsky, and then the Miami Heat took Winslow.