Karl-Anthony Towns is the best player in the 2015 NBA draft. Beyond the big man from Kentucky, though, a consensus on the order of top prospects in this year’s class has evaporated – and seems more fluid than ever as we get closer to June 25th.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers – choosing second and third, respectively – are giving serious thought to drafting Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Draft scuttle: Hearing Porzingis not only in play for Philly at No. 3 but now giving Lakers something to ponder at No. 2. Stock rising fast
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 13, 2015
This shouldn’t come as an outright shock to anyone following the pre-draft process. Scouts have soured on Jahlil Okafor as a surefire top-two pick, and D’Angelo Russell has never been able to hold a firm grasp on the status as the third-best prospect in the 2015 class.
Porzingis, meanwhile, has been steadily climbing the ranks for weeks. And after the seven-foot, remarkably nimble sharp-shooter wowed at a workout in Las Vegas yesterday, it seems his meteoric rise to the top of the draft is complete. All in attendance came away glowing at the 19-year-old’s skill and potential; one scout even supposedly prefers him to Towns.
Porzingis was VERY impressive in workout. A scout called him the best player in the draft "He's better than Karl Towns," said the scout.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 12, 2015
We’re not quite comfortable going that far. Towns is a unique combination of offensive and defensive ability from the interior, and will surely develop into an above-average player even if he doesn’t reach his potential as a foundational cornerstone.
But based on pure talent alone, Porzingis could really be Towns’ equal. At 7’0 with long arms, great feet, and an effortless jumper, there just aren’t many things he can’t do offensively. When was the last time you saw a player so long do make moves like these with such ease and grace?
*Head over to DraftExpress for a full video of Porzingis’ workout.
Here's more video from the Porzingis workout. He's incredible. Many GMs walked away saying he's a Top 2 talent pic.twitter.com/4BMDhzO0IW
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 13, 2015
But that clip makes Porzingis’ one major flaw as obvious as his many strengths: He’s approximately 220 pounds (and that seems generous) and doesn’t have the broad shoulders or thick limbs that suggest ample room for major growth. Tape from his time with Baloncesto Sevilla in Spain’s top professional league makes it obvious just how reluctant, or unable, he is to bang with big bodies in the paint, too.
If Porzingis can add 20 solid pounds, though, it might not matter. He has the quickness and shooting ability to play power forward extensively, and it’s not like there are many back-to-basket behemoths who would dominate him at center, either.
Like all prospects, Porzingis has his pros and cons – his just carry more boom or bust potential than anyone in this draft class. Does that make him a viable option for the Lakers and Sixers? Apparently so, but we’ll find out for sure soon enough.
[Via Marc Stein, Keith Pompey, Chad Ford]
