What Happened to the Top 10 Picks of the 2015 NBA Draft?

The top 10 picks of 2015 NBA Draft was a mix of stars and disappointments. While some players achieved great success, others failed to meet the expectations.

Rajat Srivastava
October 20, 2025
5 min read

What Happened to the Top 10 Picks of the 2015 NBA Draft? — Imagn Images

The 2015 NBA Draft proved to be highly diverse in terms of how the players developed. Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis emerged as stars for their teams, while D’Angelo Russell became a impactful scorer and playmaker. But several signings, including Jahlil Okafor, Mario Hezonja and Emmanuel Mudiay, failed to live up to the hype. Many others became squad players rather than franchise cornerstones. This class of draft is remembered for its boom or bust picks with the player either being an elite talent or a disappointing bust.

10. Justise Winslow - Miami Heat

Winslow was considered a steal at 10 for his defensive abilities and playmaking skills. He even showed flashes of this talent with Miami. But injuries and inconsistency hampered his career growth. Winslow is mostly remembered for being a “what could’ve been” player who was talented, but was never able to stay healthy enough to fully deliver on his potential.

9. Frank Kaminsky - Charlotte Hornets

Kaminsky was picked up for his shooting as a big man and had some good seasons in NBA. However, his defensive ability and inconsistency limited his impact. He has mostly played as a rotation player and never living up to the expectations of top-10 signing. His career has been above average, but his selection ahead of players like Devin Booker is truly surprising, especially for the fans of Hornets.

8. Stanley Johnson - Detroit Pistons

Johnson entered the league as a strong, defensively solid winger with promise to become a two-way player. However, his offensive issues held him back, and he never became more than a role player. He is often tagged a journeyman who had defensive value but never live up to his draft status. A solid squad player, but far from the star Detroit wanted him to be for their team.

7. Emmanuel Mudiay - Denver Nuggets

Mudiay was drafted as a big, athletic guard with playmaking skills but he struggled with shooting and decision making. He bounced between teams from Denver, New York and Utah before exiting the NBA. Mudiay is another example of unrealized potential and as a player who couldn’t adjust his game to adapt to the demands of the NBA.

6. Willie Cauley-Stein - Sacramento Kings

Drafted for his large size and defensive capability, Willy showed flashes of his talent as an athletic rim protector but never developed much offensively. After spending years with Sacramento and later Dallas, his performance declined and he has been left out of the NBA. His career was solid but rather underwhelming for one of the top picks of the draft.

5. Mario Hezonja - Orlando Magic

Hezonja came into NBA with a lot of hype as a brilliant scorer and shooter from Europe but never lived up to the expectations. Issues with efficiency, defense, and consistency kept him from surviving in the NBA for long. He has already left the league and is known more for a few flashy moments than sustained success. His career is a reminder that promise doesn’t always translate into a great NBA career.

4. Kristaps Porzingis - New York Knicks

Porzingis had an embarrassing start as he was booed on draft night. But he quickly became a fan favorite with his unique shooting skills and shot blocking. Injuries impacted parts of his career, but he performed well in the league. After time in New York, Dallas and Washington, he joined Boston and helped them to do well. Porzingis has been a one of the best supporting player when his physical health allows him.

3. Jahlil Okafor - Philadelphia 76ers

Okafor was signed as a player known for scoring big, but he didn’t adapt his game to the modern NBA’s pace and demands. After a good rookie year, his lack of defense pushed him out of Philadelphia and eventually out of the league. Jahlil is has been a major draft bust, whose traditional skillset were not good enough for the NBA.

2. D’Angelo Russell - Los Angeles Lakers

Russell entered the league as a flashy guard with great passing skills and scoring touch. He was inconsistent early in his career, finding his peak with Brooklyn, where he became an All-Star. He spent time with Golden State and Minnesota showing his solid play. Russell continues to be a good scorer and playmaker, but has been more of a supporting player than a franchise superstar.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves

Towns lived up to the potential of the top pick as a skilled player with outstanding shooting and scoring ability. He became Rookie of the Year and was part of multiple All-Star teams. While his offensive play is exceptional, his defense and playoff success haven’t been up to the mark. Towns is still considered as one of the best offensive centers in the league, but there doubts about his ability to lead a championship winning team.