NBA mock draft: Pacers search for big man of the future

With the deadline for early entrants to declare for the 2015 NBA draft less than a week away, USA TODAY Sports' Derek Bodner revises his two-round mock draft.

(Note: team needs are not taken into account until after the NBA lottery.)

1. Minnesota -- C Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky (Fr.)

Towns' potential to dominate on both ends of the court makes him not only a safer bet than Duke's Jahlil Okafor, but also one that could have more upside as well.

2. New York -- C Jahlil Okafor, Duke (Fr.)

Okafor possesses a combination of incredible post scoring, intelligent passing, and dominant offensive rebounding that is as good as any prospect that has come out in decades, but his impact on the defensive end has been disappointing.

3. Philadelphia -- G D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State (Fr.)

Russell was one of the more pleasant surprises in the country, as the sweet shooting freshman lefty was downright dominant at times. With the skills to play either guard position, Russell can fit into just about any offensive system.

4. L.A. Lakers -- PG Emmanuel Mudiay, International

Mudiay's quickness, strength, and passing ability make it a good bet that he'll be a top-5 pick come June. There's some concern around the league about his outside shot, but the rest of the package is very intriguing.

5. Orlando -- SF Justise Winslow, Duke (Fr.)

Winslow, one of the top recruits in the country, really began to turn it on in February, culminating in an incredible NCAA tournament run. He's a great defender, with a good set shot, and the ability to score off the dribble.

6. Sacramento -- SF Mario Hezonja, Croatia

The 6-8 Croatian wing playing in the tough ACB in Spain, is an incredible athlete and one of the more talented perimeter players in this class. Despite inconsistent minutes, Hezonja shot 40.6% from three-point range.

7. Denver -- SF Stanley Johnson, Arizona (Fr.)

Stanley Johnon's strength, athleticism, and defensive versatility were key ingredients in Arizona's incredible defense, and the 37.1% he shot from three-point range should help his transition.

8. Detroit -- C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky (Jr.)

Cauley-Stein's athleticism, shot blocking, and incredible team defense have many fans in NBA circles. While his offense is still raw and opportunistic, the modest improvements he has made has helped his stock.

9. Charlotte -- C Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia

Porzingis, a 7-1 Latvian playing in the tough ACB in Spain, has a very good outside shot, a trait in demand as NBA teams look to space the floor. His lack of strength, toughness, and rebounding are his biggest question marks.

10. Miami -- SG Kelly Oubre, Kansas (Fr.)

Oubre, another highly touted freshman, is one of the best athletes in the draft. He's currently held back by his unrefined ball handling skills, but if he improves upon that, the sky is the limit.

11. Indiana -- C Myles Turner, Texas (Fr.)

Turner is a strong rebounder and an elite level shot blocker. He fell in love with the perimeter shot at Texas, and the results were very inconsistent. If he can expand his offensive game, his defensive ability will get him minutes.

12. Utah -- C Jakob Poetl, Utah (Fr.)

Poeltl's tournament play with Utah, especially his defense against Duke's Jahlil Okafor, showcased why he's rising up draft boards: Big men who can defend, both weakside as a shot blocker and also on their man, and also rebound, are in high demand.

13. Phoenix -- PF Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin (Sr.)

Kaminsky had an excellent NCAA tournament, culminating in dominant games against two front courts, Kentucky and Duke, who are filled with future NBA big men.

14. Oklahoma City -- PG Kris Dunn, Providence (So.)

Dunn returned from shoulder injuries to average 15.6 points and 7.5 assists for Providence. With good size and excellent athleticism, Dunn has a lot of potential, if he can reign in the 4.2 turnovers per game he committed.

15. Atlanta -- SG Devin Booker, Kentucky (Fr.)

Booker struggled with consistency down the stretch, but his combination of excellent perimeter shooting, size and defensive ability should translate well to the NBA game.

16. Boston -- PF Trey Lyles, Kentucky (Fr.)

Playing much of his season out of position, there's quite a bit of interest in how much room Lyles has to grow once he gets into his more natural role as a face-up power forward.

17. Milwaukee -- PF Kevon Looney, UCLA (Fr.)

A good defender with a ton of physical tools, Looney could rise up draft boards if decision-makers feel confident in his offensive game expanding down the line.

18. Houston -- SG Jerian Grant, Notre Dame (Sr.)

A combo guard who can defend either guard position, Grant's decision making and leadership were key ingredients in Notre Dame's incredible season. His perimeter shooting is still inconsistent, but there's a lot to like.

19. Washington -- PF Bobby Portis, Arkansas (So.)

Portis is a power forward who has a developing jump shot, a good face-up game, and strong rebounding on both ends of the court.

20. Toronto -- PG Tyus Jones, Duke (Fr.)

Jones' heady play and good all-around game were keys ingredients in Duke's NCAA tournament championship run. A bit undersized, defense will be his biggest concern at the next level.

21. Dallas -- SF Sam Dekker, Wisconsin (Jr.)

Dekker has good size, athleticism, and a diverse offensive game. If he were able to convince decision makers that he could gain consistency in his outside shot, he could rise up draft boards.

22. Chicago -- PF Christian Wood, UNLV (So.)

Wood made good progress during his second season at UNLV, and, with more continued progress, it's easy to see the potential this long, athletic power forward has.

23. Portland -- PG Cameron Payne, Murray State (So.)

Payne improved quite a bit during his sophomore season, as he did a better job of controlling the game, played more in control, and he was more consistent with his perimeter shot.

24. Cleveland -- SG Delon Wright, Utah (Sr.)

Few point guards have the combination of size, athleticism, and defense that Utah's Delon Wright possesses. Because of that, Wright is a potential 1st round pick despite inconsistent outside shooting that remains a concern.

25. Memphis -- PF Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (Jr.)

At this point, you know what you get with Harrell: tough defense, rebounding, and consistent effort. At this stage of the draft, that's not a bad thing

26. San Antonio -- SG Caris LeVert, Michigan (Jr.)

While Michigan's Caris LeVert may never grow into a top scoring option, his good all-around game should make him valuable for a team down the line.

27. L.A. Lakers -- SG R.J. Hunter, Georgia State (Jr.)

A smart, heady wing player with skill scoring the basketball, Hunter needs to prove he can be a consistent shooter to really help his draft stock.

28. Boston -- SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona (So.)

Hollis-Jefferson is a great defender, a tremendous athlete, and a high-energy guy. The big question with him is whether his shooting and perimeter game can catch up, which would allow him to play the wing at the next level.

29. Brooklyn -- SG Justin Anderson, Virginia (Jr.)

A steady defender and a much improved outside shooter, Anderson should find a way to contribute as a three-and-D guy in the NBA.

30. Golden State -- PF Cliff Alexander, Kansas (Fr.)

Alexander last played on February 23, missing the remainder of the season as the NCAA investigated his eligibility. The strong, athletic big man was a disappointment in college, but still has a lot of upside.