2015 NBA Mock Draft: Jahlil Okafor or D’Angelo Russell?
By Jacob Rude
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Seat marker for Kentucky Wildcats freshman Karl-Anthony Towns before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The week of the NBA Draft is here. It still fells like a dream that the Lakers not only kept their pick, but moved up. Four months ago, we were arguing about whether we should tank a game against the 76ers, and now we sit debating between D’Angelo Russell and Jahlil Okafor, or even Kristaps Porzingies(?!?!).
Being able to keep things in perspective is important, and a reason why I won’t be upset who the Lakers draft on Thursday. The real victory was keeping the pick. Everything is will, and should, feel like icing on the cake.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at my last Lake Show Life 2015 NBA Mock Draft.
86. The ‘Wolves finally got KAT in for a workout and I think that will seal the deal. Flip Saunders may love Jahlil Okafor, but he will likely be in the minority. It is worth noting, though, that Saunders will have the final say.. Center. Kentucky. Karl-Anthony Towns. 1. player
2. player. 20. There are a handful of options to go with this pick, but the common sense one is Jahlil Okafor. I think, right now, the Lakers are looking at something like 65% Okafor, 30% D’Angelo Russell, 5% Emmanuel Mudiay/Porzingis. The gap between Okafor and Russell might be closer, but I still think they’re leaning heavily toward Okafor. They’re a franchise that is built on big men.. Center. Duke. Jahlil Okafor
D'Angelo Russell. 3. player. 93. The draft is likely going to play out without much excitement through the first three picks. Porzingis has flown up the draft boards, but with the Lakers having Randle and the 76ers have Nerlens Noel, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid, it’d be surprising if he went before the third pick. Russell gives the 76ers the point guard they’ve been looking for since their rebuild.. Point Guard. Ohio State
27. Who knows at this point. I just really don’t believe they’d take Frank Kaminsky this high.. Point Guard. China. Emmaunuel Mudiay. 4. player
5. player. 38. The Nikola Vucevic Era in Orlando seems to be on life support. While Porzingis isn’t a like-for-like replacement, he’s a big who can help replace Vucevic if this is indeed his final season(s). Even if it isn’t, Porzingis would mesh well with Vucevic and could develop into a big-time stud. He opens up driving lanes for Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton and provides much-needed outside scoring.. Forward. Latvia. Kristaps Porzingis
Next: #6-#10