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The 2015 NBA Draft has the talent and upside that gives it the potential to go down as arguably the best collection of talent to enter the league at one time. Of course, things don't always go as planned.

Stars: D'Angelo Russell, Emmanuel Mudiay

After the duo of centers that will likely be drafted with the first two picks June 25, Russell and Mudiay are the next two best players in the draft.


As far as skills go, Russell is the top player in this year's class of point guard. He is proficient at not only getting his own shot but also running an offense and setting up chances for his teammates. Apparently, Russell's teammates were caught unawares at times during the season at Ohio State when he passed to them when they didn't expect. He can shoot, pass and dribble--the complete package as far as point guards go. 

Mudiay could end up as the most intriguing choice of the entire draft. He decided to forgo his commitment to Larry Brown at SMU and played overseas in China which, save for an injury, went well by accounts. His body is one of the most NBA-ready at 6-foot-5 and his athleticism is unparalleled in the class. He attacks the basket and finishes well as a guard who will be stronger than most players at his position. For Mudiay to reach his potential, he needs to complete his game with some refinements--especially with his jumpshots.

Sleepers: Tyus Jones, Terry Rozier

It's tough to call a player who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament as he helped lead Duke to the national championship, but that's the case with Jones.

Many project him as a post-lottery pick although he could end up as one of the best players to come out of the draft. Jones has arguably the best pure point guard abilities in the draft class, but he also shoots well, plays excellent in pick-and-roll sets and elevates his game when most necessary. The biggest knock on him is some see him as not tall or fast enough to succeed in the league.

Rozier is an even bigger sleeper, with some expecting him to not even be chosen in the first round. Rozier was never likely to have stock as a lottery pick, but he still should turn out to a good pro. Rozier scores well with a good touch around the basket as well as a good shot out to 3-point range. As he completes his game, Rozier could develop into a solid starter for some team in the league. 

Biggest Mystery: Cameron Payne

Some say Payne has the potential to be the best point guard in this year's draft class. Not just a star, but better than surefire top-talents in Russell and Mudiay. Whether that's true or not, only time will tell as he plays his NBA career. 

At 6-foot-2 out of Murray State, Payne may follow in Damian Lillard's footsteps as another player from a mid-major to become a star at the helm of a team. Already, the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly promised Payne they will draft him if he's available to them at No. 14--which there's a pretty good chance he will be. Based on the way the Thunder have operated in the past in that respect, it would be surprising to see him go to Oklahoma City although it's interesting how his development would be balanced with Russell Westbrook's role on the team.

He's a left-handed player with a good shot and plays an intelligent, skilled overall game, but needs to put on some weight to prepare his body for the NBA.