A Look Back at the Top Picks From the 2015 NBA Draft Class

Looking back at the 2015 NBA Draft always brings a smile to my face—not just because it produced some truly remarkable talents, but because it reminds me of how unpredictable scouting can be. I remember sitting with my colleagues that night, debating picks and projecting careers, and even we didn’t get everything right. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear this class left a lasting mark on the league. From Karl-Anthony Towns going first overall to late-round gems like Josh Richardson, the draft was stacked with players who would go on to shape the next era of basketball. And while we often focus on scoring and playmaking, I’ve always had a soft spot for defensive specialists—the ones who don’t always light up the stat sheet but change games in subtle, critical ways. It’s funny—when you look at certain players, like Myles Turner, his shot-blocking prowess reminds me of a stat I once came across in women’s volleyball, where a top performer averaged 0.51 blocks per set, ranking fifth in her league. That kind of defensive impact, whether on the hardwood or the court, speaks volumes about a player’s instincts and timing.

Of course, any discussion of the 2015 draft has to start with Karl-Anthony Towns. Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns quickly proved he was worth the top pick, blending size, skill, and a smooth outside shot that big men just didn’t have a decade ago. I’ve watched him evolve from a raw rookie into an All-NBA caliber player, and what stands out to me is his versatility—he can score in the post, stretch the floor, and even facilitate offense. But let’s be real: his defense has had its ups and downs. Early on, he struggled with positioning and foul trouble, something I noticed during his first couple of seasons. Still, he’s improved, and now he’s a cornerstone for the Wolves. Then there’s D’Angelo Russell, picked second by the Lakers. Russell’s journey has been a rollercoaster—flashes of brilliance in Brooklyn, an All-Star appearance, and now a key role on competitive teams. I’ve always admired his crafty ball-handling and court vision, though his defensive effort has sometimes left me scratching my head. It’s players like him who make you appreciate two-way stars even more.

Speaking of defense, Kristaps Porziņģis, taken fourth by the Knicks, was one of the most intriguing prospects I’ve ever evaluated. At 7'3", he moved like a guard, blocking shots and hitting threes with ease. I recall watching his rookie year and thinking he’d redefine the center position—and he has, despite injuries slowing him down at times. His shot-blocking, in particular, is elite; he averaged around 2.0 blocks per game in his prime, which is just insane. That brings me to Myles Turner, selected 11th by the Pacers. Turner might not have the offensive repertoire of Towns or Porziņģis, but defensively, he’s a monster. I’ve lost count of how many games I’ve seen where he’s altered opponents’ shots without even jumping. His block numbers are consistently among the league leaders, and it’s no surprise he’s led the NBA in blocks per game multiple times. It’s players like Turner who make me think about how underrated defensive stats can be. For instance, in volleyball, a player averaging 0.51 blocks per set and ranking fifth shows how impactful a single defensive skill can be—it’s not just about volume, but timing and intimidation. Turner embodies that in the NBA; he doesn’t just block shots, he deters drives and forces bad decisions.

Now, let’s not forget the steals of the draft. Devin Booker going 13th to the Suns was a masterstroke—I’ll admit, I thought he’d be a good scorer, but I never predicted he’d become a 70-point game legend and franchise player. His work ethic is off the charts, and I’ve enjoyed watching him grow into a leader. Then there’s Josh Richardson, picked 40th by the Heat, who carved out a solid career as a 3-and-D wing. Richardson’s defensive versatility—guarding multiple positions—is something I wish more young players would emulate. It’s these later picks that highlight how deep this class was. On the flip side, some picks didn’t pan out as expected. Jahlil Okafor, taken third, had a promising start but struggled to adapt to the modern NBA’s pace and spacing. I remember watching him dominate in college with his back-to-the-basket game, but in the pros, it just didn’t translate. It’s a reminder that draft success isn’t just about talent; fit and development matter hugely.

As I reflect on this draft class nearly a decade later, what strikes me is how it balanced star power with role players who’ve had long, productive careers. Towns, Porziņģis, and Booker are the headliners, but guys like Turner and Richardson have been invaluable to their teams. Defensively, this class gave us some real gems, and I can’t help but draw parallels to other sports—like that volleyball stat of 0.51 blocks per set ranking fifth. It shows that elite defense, whether in basketball or beyond, often flies under the radar but wins games. Personally, I think the 2015 draft will be remembered as one of the better ones in recent memory, not just for the stars but for the depth. If I had to re-draft today, I’d probably move Booker up a few spots, but overall, the teams did a pretty good job. In the end, it’s these drafts that keep us analysts humble and fans excited—you never know who’s going to surprise you next.