NBA draft analysis – First-round picks

1. Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Kentucky: The Timberwolves get a good defender who can score from any spot on the floor.

2. Lakers – D’Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State: Russell is a great distributor and scorer who can play either guard position in the NBA.

3. 76ers – Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke: Okafor might be the most NBA-ready player in this draft. He is a great low-post scorer who needs to improve on defense.

4. Knicks – Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Spain: Porzingis has great size and athleticism as well as a good shooting touch from 3-point range.

5. Magic – Mario Hezonja, SG, Spain: Hezonja is a good athlete who can contribute right away on the offensive end of the floor for Orlando.

6. Kings – Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky: Cauley-Stein is an athletic rim protector who can provide the Kings with instant help on defense.

7. Nuggets – Emmanuel Mudiay, PG: Mudiay is a big, athletic guard who attacks the rim. He needs to improve his jump shot.

8. Pistons – Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona: Johnson is a gifted defender with great athleticism. He is continuing to develop his shot.

9. Hornets – Frank Kaminsky, C/PF, Wisconsin: Kaminsky lacks quickness, but his ability to score inside and outside will help Charlotte stretch the floor.

10. Heat – Justise Winslow, SF, Duke: Winslow is an athletic, versatile wing who plays good defense and has 3-point range.

11. Pacers – Myles Turner, C, Texas: At 6-foot-11, Turner can block shots and make jumpers. He is still raw and needs to grow into his body.

12. Jazz – Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky: Lyles’ size, versatility and offensive skillset give him upside. He can fill any role for Utah.

13. Suns – Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky: Booker might be the best shooter in the draft. He has decent size but lacks strength.

14. Thunder – Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State: Payne is a balanced point guard who averaged 20.2 points and six assists per game in the 2014-15 season.

15. a-Hawks (from Nets) Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas: With his athleticism, defensive potential and ability to make 3-pointers, Oubre has upside despite some inexperience.

16. Celtics – Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville: Rozier can score in the half court and uses his athleticism to attack in transition. He is an inconsistent shooter.

17. Bucks – Rashad Vaughn, SG, Nevada-Las Vegas: Vaughn is a standout scorer who can create his own shot. He needs to improve defensively.

18. Rockets (from Pelicans) – Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin: Dekker is a big, versatile scorer who needs to improve his consistency from 3-point range.

19. a-b-Wizards – Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame: Grant is a big point guard who can play either guard position in the NBA.

20. Raptors – Delon Wright, PG, Utah: Wright is a 6-foot-5 guard who uses his size to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

21. Mavericks – Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia: Anderson is a big, athletic forward who is a playmaker on both sides of the ball.

22. Bulls – Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas: Portis is an energetic player who uses his height and quickness to contribute on both offense and defense.

23. Trailblazers – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona: Hollis-Jefferson is one of the best athletes in the draft and a potential lock-down defender for Portland.

24. c-Cavaliers – Tyus Jones, PG, Duke: Jones is a pure point guard who is smart with the basketball. He lacks size and athleticism.

25. Grizzlies – Jarell Martin, PF, Louisiana State: Martin lacks a jumper but is aggressive in the paint and on the boards.

26. Spurs – Nikola Milutinov, C, Serbia: Milutinov is a skilled big man who lacks strength. San Antonio will likely stash him and give him time to develop.

27. Lakers (from Rockets) – Larry Nance Jr., PF, Wyoming: Nance’s father played 14 seasons for Phoenix and Cleveland. He is a good defender who could add range to his shooting.

28. Celtics (from Clippers) – R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State: Hunter is one of the best perimeter shooters in the draft, which fills a big need for Boston.

29. Nets (from Hawks) – Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse: McCullough tore his ACL 16 games into his freshman season. He’s a rangy shooter with a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

30. Warriors – Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA: Once regarded as a top-five pick, Looney is a good rebounder who could use time to develop the rest of his game.

This story was originally published June 25, 2015 at 11:18 PM with the headline "NBA draft analysis – First-round picks."