NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks select Duke star

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) shoots against Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) in the first half of the 2015 NCAA Men

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

The first pick in the NBA Draft should be a rather easy one to make for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kentucky forward Karl-Anthony Towns looks to be the best player in the draft, and he will be a big upgrade for the Timberwolves. Last season, the Timberwolves traded their power forward Kevin Love to the Cavaliers for the first-pick last year in Andrew Wiggins, who had a great rookie season. With Wiggins and Towns, the Timberwolves will have a great young core, and will not be drafting first for a long time. Towns doesn’t have a lot to improve on, as only adding a little bit more muscle would serve him well.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a tough past couple of seasons as injuries have mounted for Kobe Bryant. Last season, the Lakers drafted forward Julius Randle, but sadly his rookie season ended almost as quickly as it started with a leg injury. With the second pick in the draft, the Lakers will have two very good options with Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell. In Lakers history, they generally have had their most success with a great center, and they will follow that blueprint when they draft Okafor.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Arguably the one place that no player wants play is Philadelphia. Sadly, the 76ers have the third overall pick and will be draft D’Angelo Russell. Last season at Ohio St., Russell was fantastic as a freshman, and he is the best guard prospect in the NBA Draft. The 76ers traded away Michael Carter-Williams last season, leaving them a need for a guard in the NBA Draft. Russell probably doesn’t want to go to the 76ers, but that is where he will land.

4. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks may very well trade this pick if Russell is taken in the first three picks. If the Knicks do decide to use the fourth pick, they will select Duke star Justice Winslow. At Duke, Winslow was an important part of them winning the National Championship, as at times he looked like the best player on the team. Winslow is a good two-way player, and would be able to help the Knicks on both ends of the court. The Knicks have struggled on the defensive end of the court in recent years, which is certainly the best part of Winslow’s game. Winslow may never be a superstar in the NBA, but he projects to be a safe pick.

5. Orlando Magic

Kristaps Porzingis believes that he is the best player in the NBA Draft, and if he’s right the Orlando Magic will be getting a steal with the fifth pick. The Magic have a good young core with Victor Oladipo and Nikola Vucevic, but adding more more talented player to their team could help propel them into the playoffs. Porzingis would pair nicely with with Vucevic, as he is a good shooter which would provide excellent floor spacing for the Magic. There is a lot to like about Porzingis’ game, and he very well may be one of the best players in the NBA Draft.

Next: Picks 6-10