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Hindsight is 20/20: Redoing the 2015 NBA Draft

By Cody Williams

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) points after he makes a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) points after he makes a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New York Knicks: Myles Turner, PF/C

Original Pick: Kristaps Porzingis, PF

Though they may be forced to trade him given the current predicament that they put themselves in, there’s no way that the New York Knicks would take anyone other than Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft. But since he’s already off of the board with the No. 2 pick in this draft redo, the Knicks have to look elsewhere. That’s where they’ll find Indiana Pacer big man Myles Turner, who seems dead set on becoming a star in this league.

Indiana landed Turner with the 11th overall pick and no one seemed to know what to make of the pick. Turner was lackluster while in college for the Texas Longhorns. However, looking at his frame, game and potential, it was hard to fault the Pacers for taking him at that spot. Thus far in his career, he’s done nothing but reward them for their leap of faith in selecting him.

Turner was used inconsistently and sparingly as a rookie. However, he was a key piece for Indiana this past season and shined in the role as a starter in the frontcourt. Starting all 81 games that he played, Turner averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, one steal and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes in his sophomore season. Meanwhile, he also posted a nice true shooting percentage of 58.5 after improving his efficiency from deep.

When you see Turner, you see the modern day big man with the ability to play inside and out and to affect the game on both ends. He’s still raw in some areas and will need to become more consistent. At just 21-years old (birthday in March), though, Turner has plenty of time to become more complete and develop an already impressive foundation.

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