15. Atlanta Hawks: Norman Powell, SG
Original Pick: Kelly Oubre Jr., SG
Before the Milwaukee Bucks were in the business of looking like a potential team-to-watch for the future, they were apparently more in-tune with the idea of trading for veterans that would have a minimal impact on their immediate and future success. Thus, it was in their plans to trade the 46th overall pick in 2015 and a 2017 first-round pick to the Toronto Raptors for Greivis Vasquez. Even if the Raps botch the first-rounder this year, they’ve already won the trade.
That 46th pick wound up being Norman Powell and he’s been a blessing in Toronto. Powell spent much of his rookie season going back and forth between the D-League and the Raptors, playing in 49 games total and looking quite good whenever he did. However, he became an integral role player for Toronto this past season and again impressed as a second-round pick. As you can tell by the fact that he goes 15th in this redo of the draft, he was worth well more than that Round 2 selection.
Even though Powell’s 3-point percentage dipped from his rookie to sophomore season with the Raptors, his overall game was much more impressive. He finished the year posting 16.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes. What’s more, he earned 1.4 offensive and defensive win shares on the year, good for a solid total of 3.8.
Like many players from the class, Powell isn’t necessarily spectacular. However, he is a player that fits a role on the wing for almost any team. He can shoot the ball well, but also plays within himself and rarely makes mistakes. If he can continue develop as he’s just 24 years old, he’ll be arguably the biggest steal of the 2015 draft.