Last night moved fast & furious and when it was done we had our 2015 NBA draft class along with a few surprise trades as well. No worries however, we got you covered with all the important news you need to know.
@IamJoeSports
The Timberwolves started things off, picking Karl Anthony Towns out of Kentucky with the first overall selection. The Lakers picked D’angelo Russell with the second pick which really set things off for the rest of the draft and caused a little chaos. He could be the next generation star for the Lakers after Kobe leaves so it was definitely surprising but a great pick. The fact they picked a guard when they need help down low could also be a sign they are confident they will land DeMarcus Cousins from the Kings. After that the 76ers took Jahlil Okafor from Duke, which by then, many Knicks fans were hoping he would fall to number four. As you already know, the Knicks took a gamble and drafted Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia. The crowd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn voiced their disapproval, but there is a chance he becomes great. Rounding out the top five picks, the Orlando Magic selected another European player, Mario Hezonja.
To finish off the top ten, the Kings picked Willie Cauley-Stein from Kentucky at number six. Emanuel Mudiay went number seven to the Denver Nuggets, which caused Ty Lawson to expect to be traded. The Detroit Pistons took Stanley Johnson out of Arizona with the eighth pick. The Charlotte Hornets picked the first upper classman in the draft, taking Frank Kaminsky from Wisconsin and the Miami Heat selected Justise Winslow from Duke, which now gives the Heat two players who have unnecessary spelling of their first names.
To see the entire list of the first round picks make sure you check out the gallery when you’re done reading.
There were a few trades throughout the night as well. The Brooklyn Nets traded Mason Plumlee and second round pick Pat Connaughton to the Portland Trailblazers for their pick, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and veteran point guard Steve Blake.
The Wizards took somewhat of a gamble and traded for the number 15 pick Kelly Oubre out of Kansas, while the Timberwolves traded with the Cavs for the 24th overall pick, Tyus Jones out of Duke.
The biggest trade of the night however involved the Knicks as they sent Tim Hardaway Jr to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the 19th pick in the draft, Jerian Grant from Notre Dame. Expect Grant to immediately start at point guard and help get Melo some better shots because Grant can get his own shot as well as set up teammates.
I’m sure we will notice when free agency gets going next week that some of these picks were made with trading or signing other players in mind once the market is open. Overall it was a pretty good draft and I’m also sure more news about it will come out today but after reading this post you guys at least have the basics. Don’t forget to check the gallery to see the results from the entire first round.
