The 2015 NBA Draft was touted to be one of the best in recent memory. It was a far-cry from what the 2014 draft was and what the 2016 draft is expected to be.
The top two overall picks, Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, squared off in their NBA debut when the Minnesota Timberwolves took on the Los Angeles Lakers. It was the first time in the modern draft era that the top two picks played in a season opener.
Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja, Miami Heat wingman Justise Winslow and Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay all hit three’s to start their NBA careers, and Winslow’s second NBA bucket was nothing short of fantastic.
Third overall pick from the Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor and fourth overall pick on the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis, showed their ability to get to the rim when they finished with easy layups at the bucket.
Overall, it was a successful night for rookies making their debuts in the NBA. Okafor and Towns shined while Mudiay and Russell struggled at times but that’s to be expected. They’re rookies and we’ll definitely be seeing a lot more good and bad from them in the future.
