NBA 2015 Draft Review: A Look Back at the Top Picks and Surprises

The 2015 NBA draft was one of the most anticipated and heavily scrutinized in recent memory. With a crop of talented big men and perimeter players.html">players, teams were eager to make their mark on the league''s future.

Karl-anthony.html">Anthony Towns, the dominant center from Kentucky, went first overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6''11" Towns had been considered a top prospect all season, and his impressive combination of size, skill, and athleticism.html">athleticism made him a prized commodity.

Jahlil Okafor, the athletic big man from Duke, was taken third by the Philadelphia 76ers, just behind D''Angelo Russell, the skilled shooting guard from Ohio State. The 6''10" Okafor had been projected to go in the top two, but a surprise slide allowed him to fall into the Sixers'' laps.

Myles Turner, the athletic big man from Texas, was taken eleventh by the Indiana Pacers, while Devin Booker, the prolific scoring guard from Kentucky, went thirtieth to the Phoenix Suns. Both players would go on to make an immediate impact in their respective careers.

Kristaps Porzingis, the lanky power forward from Latvia, was taken fourth overall by the New York Knicks, despite concerns about his knee and potential for injury. The 7''1" Porzingis had shown flashes of brilliance at times, but his inconsistent play led to questions about his long-term viability.

Looking back on the draft, it''s clear that some teams made savvy decisions, while others missed out on talented players. The Timberwolves'' selection of Towns was widely praised, as he would go on to become an All-Star and a cornerstone for their franchise. Meanwhile, the Sixers'' decision to pass on Towns in favor of Okafor has been debated, with some arguing that they should have taken the more versatile big man.

Regardless of how one views the draft, it''s clear that the 2015 class has produced a number of talented players who are making an impact in the league today. From Towns'' dominance in the paint to Porzingis'' flashes of brilliance on the perimeter, this group is sure to be remembered as one of the most talented and intriguing drafts in recent NBA history.