2015 NBA Mock Draft: The Kings Do The Smart Things
By Ti Windisch
21. Dallas Mavericks
Feb 18, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Although right now the legendary Dirk Nowitzki holds down the power forward slot in Dallas, you’ve got to imagine he doesn’t have much more than a few seasons left in the tank. Kevon Looney would get to learn from one of the best, and wouldn’t be forced to start until he had gained some valuable experience first, which can work wonders for less polished prospects.. Power Forward. UCLA. Kevon Looney. 21. player. 79
22. Chicago Bulls
Mar 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts to a play during the second half against the Belmont Bruins in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Small Forward. Virginia. Justin Anderson. 22. player. 24. The Bulls will be set at shooting guard if they retain Jimmy Butler, and of course they have Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol at point guard and power forward. That leaves spots at small forward and center, depending on Joakim Noah’s health. I think the Bulls snag another wing here in Justin Anderson, a great defender and more complete player than Mike Dunleavy Jr.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) handles the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) during the second half in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
Jan 24, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Jonathan Holmes (10) reacts against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
player. 156. The Cavaliers showed their lack of depth in the NBA Finals, and having Jonathan Holmes as a serviceable backup to LeBron James would be a great addition. LeBron getting more rest is crucial to Cleveland winning a title–even the best player in the world needs a break once in a while.. Small Forward. Texas. Jonathan Holmes. 24
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Power Forward. UNLV. Christian Wood. 25. player. 211. The Grizzlies’ two centers are both unrestricted free agents this offseason, meaning they could easily lose one or both of them. The 6’11” Christian Wood would be a good replacement for backup center Kosta Koufos, although I’m not sure if Marc Gasol could ever really be replaced if he decided to leave Memphis.
Next: Picks 26-30