Everyone knows that the top two picks this year will most likely be Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns (in no particular order). So with the first two picks settled, who will most likely be the third overall pick?
Critics believe that this may likely go to a 19 year old 7-footer named Kristaps Porzingis. He comes from Liepaja, Latvia and currently plays for Baloncesto Sevilla at the Liga ACB. If not for his withdrawal in the 2014 NBA Draft, Porzingis could be most probably playing in the NBA right now.
This time however, it seems that he has made up his mind and could potentially be the 3rd overall pick, barring any last minute withdrawals similar to last year. He is being tagged as the next Dirk Nowitzki, something that may be tied up with his sweet shooting touch which is rare for a player of his height.
With that said, the forecast of seeing Porzingis being a third pick is really more of a conservative insight. There are some who believe he could be gone as early as the second pick, depending of course on the teams in the draft order and if they would be willing to gamble and pass up on Okafor and Towns.
Going back to Porzingis, any team in need of a big man with a smooth stroke should do well with him. But what he boasts in offense could need work on the defensive end.
Despite being a 7-footer, there is question surrounding his ability to defend and rebound, something that may need work for any team who may draft him.
Denver is said to be interested in Porzingis though it seems unclear how he could fit in a system which already includes Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic, ironically international big men as well.
Regardless, there are other teams who could make a go for the Latvian national or perhaps used as trade bait for other free agents that will be available come the free agent period.
