The Top 5 NBA Draft Sleepers of 2015

Let’s face it—the NBA Draft (tickets) is a total crapshoot. While can’t-miss prospects like John Wall, LeBron James and Tim Duncan come around every so often, for the most part, the teams that can find the diamonds in the rough are the ones that have success.

When they were drafted in the late lottery, no one expected Paul George or Kawhi Leonard to become superstars in the league. Nor could anybody say with any level of confidence that Manu Ginobili or Paul Millsap would become NBA All-Stars when they were drafted in the second round.

Nonetheless, every year there are sleeper picks in the NBA Draft. Guys that are passed over for one reason or another that become solid players in the league. Here are five prospects in the 2015 NBA Draft that could pull off a similar feat.

5.) Larry Nance Jr.

Larry Nance Jr. comes into the league with a great pedigree; Larry Sr. was one of the better big men in the Association for a long time during the 80s and 90s with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The junior Nance isn’t exactly coming from a prime hoops program in Wyoming, is undersized as a power forward and may never reach the All-Star status of his father. Nonetheless, his incredible skills and seven-foot wingspan could make him a quality player in the league for a long time.

4.) Delon Wright

As a four-year senior, the biggest knocks on Utah Utes point-man and Cousy Award winner Delon Wright are his age and his upside. With that being said, Wright’s size, athleticism and defensive instincts could make the guard a surprise standout in the NBA next season.

The younger brother of Portland Trail Blazers swingman Dorell Wright, Delon could become a match-up nightmare for opposing point guards with his six-foot-six frame and ball hawking prowess.

3.) Terry Rozier

Although Louisville guard Terry Rozier currently ranks No. 50 on the big board at DraftExpress, some impressive shooting performances at recent workouts could propel the former Cardinal into the first round. In his sophomore season for coach Rick Pitino, Rozier averaged 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, three assists and two steals per game.

His shooting percentages didn’t quite match up with the rest of his output, but if his workout touch can translate to an actual NBA game, Rozier could be a quality guard for a team willing to take a chance on him.

2.) J.P. Tokoto

North Carolina guard J.P. Tokoto is another player that seemed destined for second round status at best, but has seen his stock skyrocket following his hot shooting streak at the NBA Combine. Couple his newfound shooting potential with the athleticism he’s known for and you’ve got a big-time prospect.

His scoring numbers last season at UNC were meager at just over eight points per contest, but his all-around game make Tokoto an intriguing prospect as a professional. He also has the gumption to say he’s going to dunk on Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan when he gets into the league. You have to admire a player with that level of chutzpah.

1.) Willie Cauley-Stein

While it may seem strange to call a player expected to go in the top six of the draft a potential sleeper, Willie Cauley-Stein of Kentucky fits the bill because he could go down as the best player in the draft.

Pacers mastermind and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird even went so far as to tell the young man that he’s a $100 Million player. So while the basketball world gets all hot and bothered over Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns, Cauley-Stein could be the one to rise above the fray.

Cauley-Stein averaged 9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for Kentucky last season.