Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Where Ex-Cats Should Be Drafted
By Brian Smith
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Now that the 2015 NBA Draft order is officially known, mock drafts can begin in earnest. And, the question on most every Kentucky Wildcats fan’s mind is, “Where will the ex-Cats end up?” According to some mock drafts, five former Kentucky players will be drafted in the first round, and six will be drafted overall (sorry Aaron, but you’re not getting much love these days in mock drafts).
But, while most everyone is focused on where the UK guys might be drafted, I think it’s worth exploring where they should be drafted. Put another way, pretend for a moment that draft order was irrelevant, that it wasn’t really that important where a player was selected in the draft. Where, then, should Willie Cauley-Stein or Trey Lyles be drafted?
Karl-Anthony Towns, #2 Los Angeles Lakers:
Yes, being drafted first overall is a worthy and lofty goal and yes, it would be nice as a Kentucky fan to be able to brag about a third number one pick since 2010. But, Minnesota isn’t the best fit for Towns; Los Angeles is. Pairing Towns with Randle gives the Lakers a solid front court around which to build. Kobe is most likely gone after this year freeing up a lot of cap space allowing the Lakers to go out and snag a couple of veteran free agents. Minnesota isn’t terrible and there is a lot of good, young talent with whom Towns could gel but LA is the better long term fit for Karl.
Trey Lyles, #9 Charlotte Hornets:
The Hornets desperately need an upgrade at the power forward position, especially on the offensive end. Lyles gives them a guy who can score points, rebound, and play defense.
Devin Booker, #12 Utah:
Utah shot 34 percent from behind the arc last season, 19th overall in the NBA. They only made a little more than 7 three pointers a game. The Jazz ranked 26th overall in scoring, averaging 95.1 points per game. Booker’s offense is desperately needed. And a lineup of Burke, Exum, Booker, and Favors isn’t terrible.
Willie Cauley-Stein, #13 Phoenix Suns:
Most analysts seem to think WCS will end up being drafted by Sacramento (#6) or perhaps Indiana (#11) but Phoenix is the team best for him. He would have the opportunity to anchor the interior alongside either Alex Len or Markieff Morris. The athletic WCS gives Phoenix the ability to run up and down the court with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight controlling the pace.
Dakari Johnson, Sacramento Kings:
Although I think the Kings are a mess of an organization (and therefore, no one is a good fit) Dakari could succeed there, especially if the Kings keep Boogie around. Cousins could slide over to the power forward position, where I think he’s better suited, and allow Dakari to move into the 5. Or, Dakari could provide depth to the Kings and come in when Cousins needs a rest. The only problem? The Kings don’t have a second round pick.
Andrew Harrison, Washington Wizards:
Andrew is an instant upgrade at the backup point guard position for the Wizards and would have the chance to learn the game from one of the best young point guards in the league. Washington has the 49th pick; let’s hope they take Andrew with it.
Aaron Harrison, Houston Rockets:
Another opportunity for a Harrison Twin to learn the game behind one of the league’s standouts. This time, Aaron has the chance to learn the game behind James Harden. And Houston doesn’t need a star on its roster, they need complimentary pieces. Aaron gives them that.