1. Minnesota Timberwolves
2014-2015 record: 16-66, fifth place in Northwest Division
Other picks: 31, 36
The Timberwolves were the worst team in the NBA last season and have been blessed with the first overall pick in a loaded 2015 Draft. As the date approaches, Kentucky power forward Karl Anthony-Towns has been the likely favorite to be picked first. The Timberwolves are littered with young talent and drafting a big would help their rebounding woes from a season ago.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
2014-2015 record: 21-61, fifth place in Pacific Division
Other picks: 27, 34
Looking ahead to Kobe Bryant's last season as a Laker, the Buss family has a great chance to get a key piece to facilitate the rebuilding process. The Lakers have needs all over the court, starting at point guard. Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell is one of the top players in this year's draft. However, from a rebuilding perspective, the Lakers would be wise to select Duke power forward Jahlil Okafor if he is not selected by the Timberwolves. Okafor is an NBA-ready 19 year-old with powerful size that fits the Lakers' needs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
2014-2015 record: 18-64, fourth place in Atlantic Division
Other picks: 35, 37, 47, 58, 60
The 76ers made several questionable trades this season and are in a tough spot as they attempt to rebuild. Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid have been no help and, for the second consecutive year, the 76ers will start their draft with the third overall pick. They have a plethora of needs and six total draft picks to satisfy those needs. They will take the best available, which will likely be either Jahlil Okafor or D'Angelo Russell.
4. New York Knicks
2014-2015 record: 17-65, fifth place in Atlantic Division
Other picks: none
The Knicks cleaned house last season and left Carmelo Anthony with virtually nothing. They have multiple young talents at the guard position, but do not have many players under contract for next season. The only big men left on the roster are now free agents and the Knicks will look to start there in the draft. Trading down is a possibility that Phil Jackson may seriously contemplate, considering they only have one pick in the draft. Kristaps Porzingis is a seven-foot Spanish power forward who could likely be taken off the board with the Knicks' fourth overall selection.
5. Orlando Magic
2014-2015 record: 25-57, fifth place in Southeast Division
Other picks: 51
The Magic are another rebuilding team with several emerging young talents. They have a great opportunity to strengthen their roster with the fifth overall pick. The forward position is the where the Magic need the most help and Duke small forward Justice Winslow could be a great fit. Winslow has the size that would compliment Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. He is also a great two-way player and would strengthen the team's defense.
6. Sacramento Kings
2014-2015 record: 29-53, fourth place in Pacific Division
Other picks: none
Rumors have swirled around the Kings' DeMarcus Cousins as a potential draft-day trade target. The Kings have just one pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and are certainly considering obtaining additional picks. Moving down is a possibility, although could prospects will present themselves when the sixth pick is on the clock. Emmanuel Mudiay, a 6'5" point guard who played in China, is a strong two-way player who can distribute the ball effectively. The Kings have several young guards, but would benefit from obtaining a strong facilitator. Drafting a big man such as Willie Cauley-Stein is also a viable option. The Kings are likely eying free agent Rajon Rondo, who has a friendly history with Cousins.
7. Denver Nuggets
2014-2015 record: 30-52, fourth place in Northwest Division
Other picks: 57
After a shaky season ended with the firing of head coach Brian Shaw, the Nuggets are left with several talented players. Point guard Ty Lawson is one of them and is one of many guards who could be traded on draft day. Wilson Chandler and Kenneth Faried are also expendable and could potentially be packaged with the seventh overall pick if the Nuggets are not happy with the players remaining on the board. However, the will likely be targeting Spanish guard Mario Hezonja, a 6'8" 20 year-old who has the size to be flexible to move to several positions.
8. Detroit Pistons
2014-2015 record: 32-50, fifth place in Central Division
Other picks: 38
The Pistons have several free agents to consider in Greg Monroe and Reggie Jackson that may impact their selection. They would be wise to re-sign Jackson to maintain a strong backcourt and will be looking at Willie Cauley-Stein with the eighth overall pick. The seven-foot center from Kentucky would make it easy to part ways with Monroe, while maintaining a two-headed monster in the post with Andre Drummond. Another viable option is selection Arizona small forward Stanley Johnson, who would primarily be an offensive addition that would improve the Pistons' shooting.
9. Charlotte Hornets
2014-2015 record: 33-49, fourth place in Southeast Division
Other picks: 39
The Hornets pulled off a slick trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and were able to dump a troublesome Lance Stephenson for a slightly less agitating Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes. More good news traveled quickly to Charlotte as both Gerald Henderson and Al Jefferson exercised their player options and declined to explore free agency. The Hornets were one of the worst offensive teams in the league last season and will almost certainly look to draft a shooter. Stanley Johnson could be their man and will likely be the best shooter remaining when the Hornets are on the clock at number nine.
10. Miami Heat
2014-2015 record: 37-45, third place in Southeast Division
Other picks: 40
The primary concern for the Heat this offseason is re-signing free agents Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, and Luol Deng, each of whom have player options. Rumors have begun to circle around Wade linking up with Kobe Bryant on the Lakers, but the Heat can be expected to match any offer the Lakers put on the table. If the Pat Riley is able to secure all three of those free agents, the Heat will have a solid lineup assuming Chris Bosh returns to full health. Meanwhile, Texas power forward Myles Turner could be the best option with the tenth overall pick in the draft. A talented young two-way player, Turner could be a scary additional alongside Hassan Whiteside.
11. Indiana Pacers
2014-2015 record: 38-44, fourth place in Central Division
Other picks: 43
The Pacers have some big-name free agents that could noticeably shake up their roster should they leave. In terms of the draft, small forward Trey Lyles or shooting guard Devin Booker would be good fits. Lyles's 6'10" stature and strong shooting ability would give the Pacers an offensive boost. They could also select Wisconsin big man Frank Kaminsky, who appears to have fallen out of the top ten.
12. Utah Jazz
2014-2015 record: 38-44, third place in Northwest Division
Other picks: 42, 54
A young team that has benefited from a number of lottery picks over the past couple of years, the Jazz. They have developing young players all over the court, but will likely be looking at a forward to compliment Rudy Gobert. NCAA Player of the Year Frank Kaminsky would be a great fit. He would improve the Jazz offense and is a big man with a unique passing ability that would take the edge off of the guards.
13. Phoenix Suns
2014-2015 record: 39-43, third place in Pacific Division
Other picks: 44
After several moves at the trade deadline shook up the Suns' roster and moved them out of playoff contention, the Suns will be looking to increase their size via the draft. Kaminsky would be an excellent fit but, should he be taken prior to the thirteenth pick, the Suns may look at Trey Lyles or Louisville power forward Montrezl Harrell to obtain scoring at and adequate size.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
2014-2015 record: 45-37, second place in Northwest Division
Other picks: 48
A team that has been one of the most successful in the draft over the past decade, the Thunder are another team to keep a close eye on as they may look to make a trade. Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones are two players that could be on the trading block moving forward. Sam Presti will be looking to improve the team's bench as well as potentially finding a complementary guard to play alongside Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup. Kentucky guard Devin Booker may be the right fit if he is not selected prior to the fourteenth pick. Otherwise, the Thunder could potentially make a trade that would move them down in the draft.
15. Atlanta Hawks
2014-2015 record: 60-22, first place in Southeast Division
Lost in Eastern Conference Finals
Other picks: 50, 59
Free agents Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll will be top priorities for the Hawks as they attempt to replicate their incredible season. In the draft, they will look at players that could develop on the bench under the guise of a strong starting lineup. Murray State point guard Cameron Payne and Wisconsin small forward Sam Dekker are two viable options. Payne would benefit from backing up starting point guard Jeff Teague, while Dekker could potentially take on the role of Kyle Korver, who's shooting struggled in the postseason after an incredible regular season performance.
16. Boston Celtics
2014-2015 record: 40-42, second place in Atlantic Division
Lost in Eastern Conference First Round
Other picks: 28, 33, 45
After squeaking into the playoffs, the Celtics have an expendable arsenal of players and picks and are one of the most primed teams to make a move in the draft. Danny Ainge's focus will be improving rebounding and defensive in the frontcourt. The likes of Kelly Olynyk and Cody Zeller are inadequate options as primary rim protectors and may be two of many players on the trading block by Thursday's draft. Willie Cauley-Stein is projected to be selected in the latter half of the top ten and the Celtics may target the Detroit Pistons, who are eighth on the board, as a potential trade destination. Cauley-Stein is big and strong and would be a great addition to the Celtics' frontcourt. If the C's maintain the sixteenth pick, Sam Dekker or Arizona small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson may be the best options.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
2014-2015 record: 41-41, third place in Central Division
Lost in Eastern Conference First Round
Other picks: 46
With Jabari Parker expected to return from a torn ACL, the Bucks will look to add to the play-making ability of their offense. Drafting an effective shooter would be wise and players such as Sam Dekker, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Montrezl Harrell are all adequate picks. The Bucks would probably get the most out of Hollis-Jefferson or Harrell, who are defensively strong and would help crash the boards.
18. Houston Rockets
2014-2015 record: 56-25, first place in Southwest Division
Lost in Western Conference Finals
Other picks: 32
Several free agents could sway the Rockets' viewpoint during the NBA Draft. One such player is Patrick Beverley, who was injured during the postseason. Jason Terry, also a free agent, was bumped into the starting lineup as Beverley's replacement. Terry may not be a great option to back up Beverley if both are re-signed, so the Rockets could easily look at point guards to select with the eighteenth pick. Notre Dame point guard Jerian Grant is 6'5" and has improved on the offensive side of the ball. He would be a great selection and would improve an already-deep Rockets bench.
19. Washington Wizards
2014-2015 record: 46-36, second place in Southeast Division
Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Other picks: 49
The Wizards need to improve on their size and get more effective production out of their big men. Nene and Marcin Gortat have not sustained production and could potentially land themselves on the trade block. However, the Wizards will be able to improve the frontcourt in the draft and could be fortunate enough to wind up with Montrezl Harrell. The Wiz Kids could also look to UCLA forward Kevon Looney, who is an excellent rebounder and has the flexibility to play both forward positions, would be a great fit.
20. Toronto Raptors
2014-2015 record: 49-33, first place in Atlantic Division
Lost in Eastern Conference First Round
Other picks: none
The Raptors were completely ineffective in nearly all facets as they were swept by the Wizards in the first round of the playoffs. Their backcourt is solid, especially if they are able to re-sign Louis Williams. It is the frontcourt that needs work, which is where UCLA forward Kevon Looney may come into the picture. The aforementioned Looney has the flexibility to play different roles, which the Raptors would benefit greatly from. Drafting the 6'9" 19 year-old would also give the team some cap space if they chose to part ways with several free agent forwards.
21. Dallas Mavericks
2014-2015 record: 50-32, second place in Southwest Division
Lost in Western Conference First Round
Other picks: 52
The Mavericks only have four players under contract for next season and will have some serious offseason moves to consider. Namely, Mark Cuban will need to look into re-signing at least one of his free agent guards. It is nearly guaranteed that Rajon Rondo will not be the guy and there will likely be several guards on the back-end of the draft who would fit with Dallas. Jerian Grant may be on the board, while Duke point guard Tyus Jones could be a steal at 21. Jones is a gifted point guard and looks to his teammates to do the scoring. The Mavericks would be very happy if they are able to select Jones and ease the free agent process.
22. Chicago Bulls
2014-2015 record: 50-32, second place in Central Division
Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Other picks: none
The priority for the Bulls this offseason is re-signing Jimmy Butler. The 25 year-old shooting guard was a crucial part of the Bulls' lineup and gave Derrick Rose much-needed rest. Whether or not Butler returns, the Bulls will look at evaluating the guard position and moving forward accordingly in the draft. Utah point guard Delon Wright is 6'5" and can facilitate offense, while staying strong on the defensive end. Wright would be a great backup for Rose, whose health is always questionable.
23. Portland Trail Blazers
2014-2015 record: 51-31, first place in Northwest Division
Lost in Western Conference First Round
Other picks: none
Re-signing LaMarcus Aldridge is a top priority, but also a question mark for the Blazers. With that very much uncertain, drafting effective scorers will be their goal in the draft. Virginia's Justin Anderson shot over 45 percent from three-point range last season and, at 6'6", is able to play the wing as a shooting guard or small forward. Arkansas's Bobby Portis is another option and a player who has a similar style of play to Aldridge. The 6'11" power forward has range to his shot as well as strong instincts that make him a solid passer.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
2014-2015 record: 53-29, first place in Central Division
Lost in NBA Finals
Other picks: 53
An impressive run with a short staff makes for an unpredictable offseason for the Cavs. Only four players are under contract for the 2015-2016 season, but David Griffin has the flexibility to bring back most of the players who are free agents. For the first time in several years, Griffin's Cavaliers do not have a lottery pick in the draft. At the tail end of the first round, he will look to round up a productive bench player to contribute what Shawn Marion and Mike Miller couldn't last season. Bobby Portis seems like a good fit at power forward.
25. Memphis Grizzlies
2014-2015 record: 55-27, second in Southwest Division
Lost in Western Conference Semifinals
Other picks: none
The Grizzlies had a well-rounded lineup to thank for their success this season. However, several key players are aging and they would benefit from adding productive youth to their roster. Georgia State shooting guard R.J. Hunter is a good fit and would be an important piece off the bench when Mike Conley and Tony Allen need rest. Justin Anderson is also a good option at small forward.
26. San Antonio Spurs
2014-2015 record: 55-27, third place in Southwest Division
Lost in Western Conference First Round
Other picks: 55
Free agency is the primary concern for the Spurs as they await the decisions of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are also free agents. The Spurs will target UNLV power forward Christian Wood, whose style of play has been compared to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wood would do well to develop under Duncan, Boris Diaw, and Tiago Splitter, and has a different kind of playmaking skill to bring to the table.
27. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers' second pick in the first round depends largely upon who they select with the second overall pick. If Jahlil Okafor is their guy, they will likely turn to a guard such as UNLV's Rashad Vaughn. If it is D'Angelo Russell who goes second overall, the Lakers may look to LSU power forward Jarell Martin or Kansas power forward Cliff Alexander.
28. Boston Celtics
The Celtics may look at the same players as the Lakers if they hold on to the 28th overall pick. Martin and Alexander would be good additions to a weak frontcourt.
29. Brooklyn Nets
2014-2015 record: 38-44, third place in Atlantic Division
Lost in Eastern Conference First Round
Other picks: 41
After having no picks in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Nets only have two picks in this year's draft, both a result of the trades made between Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, and Joe Johnson were all on the trade block during the regular season. Lopez is now a free agent with a player option, but don't rule out the Nets shopping Williams and/or Johnson. While both players have received heavy criticism for underperforming over the past couple of seasons, they still have the talent that could land the Nets with a high draft pick, should they seek to move up in the order. A team like the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks, who each have a top-five pick, may consider a trade that could potentially improve their guard positions.
30. Golden State Warriors
2014-2015 record: 67-15, first place in Pacific Division
Won NBA Finals
Other picks: none
The Warriors have a fantastic team that could remain for years to come. The NBA Draft is not a major concern for the 2015 NBA Champions, as they don't have many key pieces who are free agents. The Warriors will look to get younger through the draft and Louisville point guard Terry Rozier could be just the fit. Rozier is an athletic scorer and would slide right in as a backup to 2015 MVP Stephen Curry.