Teams looking for size will have plenty of quality youngsters to choose from this summer. Jahlil Okafor of Duke is widely considered the top player available in this years draft, but recent rumors have the NY Knicks possibly trading their top pick, opening the door for several teams to grab the seven-footer, especially if the price is right.
Minnesota could also use a big man in the paint and the latest mock from Steven Cook of Bleacher Report has the Timberwolves picking Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky with the second overall selection. While not the offensive threat that Okafor brings to the game, Towns is terrific on the glass and an excellent shot blocker, something any team could use to improve their win total.
The best back court player available is not in college, but rather playing in China. Emmanuel Mudiay decided to pass on the college game and take his skills over seas in hopes of gaining experience against more experienced talent. Mudiay has impressed scouts this past year and has the talent to play either guard position. Philadelphia should be in-line to take the talented youngster and with the size the 76ers added over the last two years, 2015-16 could look much better for the team and its fans.
One team that needs a good off-season is the LA Lakers as the once proud franchise looks to rebound from two disastrous years of injuries and poor decisions by the front office. With a likely pick in the top-5, the ‘Purple and Gold’ are projected to take Ohio State shooting guard D’Angelo Russell in the first round. Russell could become the replacement for Kobe Bryant and gain experience and learn from one of the games great players before taking over the starting job in the near future.
