Looking back at the 2015 NBA Draft from my perspective as someone who’s analyzed basketball for over a decade, it’s fascinating how a class once labeled as "top-heavy" has produced such a wildly uneven mix of superstars, solid starters, and outright busts. I remember watching draft night thinking Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell were locks for stardom, but I never imagined we’d see a second-round pick like Montrezl Harrell carving out such a meaningful career. When I evaluate drafts, I look beyond scoring averages—intangibles like defensive impact often separate the good from the great. Take blocks per game, for instance. While we often focus on scorers, rim protection can define a team’s identity. In that context, a stat like 0.51 blocks per set, which I’ve seen in volleyball analysis, reminds me how defensive specialists in basketball—players who may not fill the stat sheet but alter shots consistently—can be just as valuable as volume scorers.

The top of that draft was stacked with talent, but only a few have reached true superstar status. Karl-Anthony Towns went first overall, and honestly, he’s lived up to the hype in many ways. Averaging around 24 points and 11 rebounds in his prime, he’s a two-time All-Star and one of the most skilled big men offensively. But here’s where my bias shows: I’ve always felt his defense held him back from the Duncan or Garnett tier. Compare that to Kristaps Porziņģis, picked fourth, who’s been a revelation when healthy—his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim is rare. I recall watching him swat shots in his rookie year and thinking, "This guy changes geometry on both ends." Then there’s Devin Booker, the 13th pick. Man, what a steal. He’s blossomed into a perennial All-Star, dropping 70 points in a game and leading the Suns to the Finals. In my view, he’s the second-best player from this draft, behind only Towns in overall impact, but his clutch gene gives him an edge in big moments.

Diving deeper, the mid-first round had its gems and misses. Myles Turner, selected 11th, isn’t a superstar, but he’s been a defensive anchor for the Pacers. I love his game—he led the league in blocks a couple of times, and his timing is impeccable. It’s players like him who make me appreciate the unsung heroes; they might not average 25 points, but they control the paint in ways stats don’t always capture. On the flip side, Emmanuel Mudiay at seventh overall never panned out, which I predicted early on based on his inefficient shooting. But let’s talk about the real surprises: Nikola Jokić wasn’t even in this draft—wait, no, I’m mixing years. Jokić was 2014, my mistake. In 2015, the Nuggets snagged Nikola Jokić in the second round, and wow, what a blunder by every team that passed on him. He’s now a two-time MVP, and in my opinion, the best passer regardless of position. His story is a testament to how flawed draft evaluations can be; I’ve spoken to scouts who admit they overlooked his IQ because of his athleticism.

Shifting to the later picks, it’s where the draft’s depth really shines. Josh Richardson at 40th has been a solid 3-and-D wing, and Larry Nance Jr. at 27th brought energy and versatility. But the guy who stands out to me is Montrezl Harrell, picked 32nd. He’s not a superstar, but he won Sixth Man of the Year and brought a relentless motor. I’ve always admired players like him—they maximize their roles without needing the spotlight. In terms of data, if I were to borrow from that volleyball reference, his per-minute production in rebounds and blocks (though not quite 0.51 per set, more like 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes in his peak) shows how role players can tilt games. That’s something I stress in my analyses: superstars get the headlines, but a deep bench built from drafts like this wins championships.

As I reflect, the 2015 class taught me that superstar status isn’t just about stats; it’s about impact and longevity. Towns, Booker, and Porziņģis are the clear superstars, with Jokić (if we count him in spirit) being the outlier. But what makes this draft special is the depth—guys like Turner and Harrell who’ve carved out decade-long careers. From a team-building perspective, it underscores the importance of scouting beyond the obvious. I’ve seen franchises fail by overvaluing athleticism and undervaluing IQ, and this draft is a case study in that. In the end, while only a handful became household names, the 2015 draft shaped the NBA in ways we’re still appreciating today, and as a fan, I’ll always argue it’s one of the most underrated classes of the 2010s.