NBA draft – where dreams come true. Sixty young men find out if they have what it takes to make to the Association and fulfill their childhood dream. Who will witness their dream become reality? Our own basketball experts look into their crystal ball. This is it! The best of the best, the crème de la crème! These players have established themselves as a cut above the rest. While these Top-5 picks also carries risks (Kwame Brown, anyone?), they are the best players available by far.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns C (Kentucky, Fr.)

A no-brainer pick. He is just another pillar along with Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Ricky Rubio, and to some extent, Anthony Bennett. Rim protector and a force down low, he is a perfect fit for the fortunate Timberwolves who kept their coveted first overall pick. While Towns only hit two of the eight three-pointers he took this year, his offensive potential stems from the belief that his solid free-throw percentage (81.3%) and good mechanics can translate into legitimate floor stretching ability out to the three-point line. As the year progressed, Towns looked more and more comfortable in the post, being more aggressive and using an impressive hook-shot to score on opponents. Defense, however, is what will distinguish Towns from Okafor. He holds value as a rim protector, blocking 4.3 shots per 40 minutes at Kentucky, even though he often gets caught on pump-fakes and fouls too much (5.6 per 40 minutes). But he has good lateral quickness, which helps when defending pick and rolls, and the ability to step out and serviceably guard on the perimeter has become almost essential to star NBA big men. Ultimately, you take Towns first because of his potential as a defensive anchor and offensive floor-spacer.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Jahlil Okafor C (Duke, Fr.)

Jumping ahead of the Sixers and the Knicks, the Lakers can grab a center that will prolong the legacy of great centers that has defended Gold and Purple. Jahlil Okafor can score at will, even at the NBA level, with his post moves, as well as facing up. While he is not the best defender, Los Angeles would be silly not to take him to add to their great pantheon of low-post big men. With hands that are the size of baseball gloves, Okafor controls the ball in a way that has not ever been seen before by someone of his size and age. He has countermoves to his countermoves, able to break down a defender using angles and his strength, as well as excellent footwork. Defensively, Duke often had to hide him on pick and rolls, as his lack of lateral agility made him a liability picking up ball-handlers on a switch or recovering on the rollman. However, he controls the boards and, more importantly, is the prospect that is the most ready to play next season, something that the Lakers should value above all else.

3. Philadelphia Sixers – D’Angelo Russell PG/SG (Ohio State, Fr.)

The next James Harden? Russell perfectly fits in the Sixers as a combo guard with unlimited offensive potential. The need at backcourt is desperate as they have already established a solid frontcourt with Noel, Embiid, and Covington. While Mudiay have higher ceiling, Russell is a better shooter and much safer option. He has good size for the position at 6’5”, and while a bit skinny, he makes up for it with a tremendously high level of skill. His ability to create off the bounce and to knock down three-pointers at a high rate (41% from three) would add a dimension that the Sixers are sorely missing on their roster. What impresses the most about Russell is his ability to see plays before they happen and set up his teammates accordingly, as well as the confidence and leadership he carries at such a young age. He is probably the man that Sam Hinkie has been after all along this year, and may be the best player of this draft when it is all said and done.

4. New York Knicks – Emmanuel Mudiay PG/SG (International, 19)

Dropping down two spots, the Knicks can fill a glaring hole in PG with the mystery man, Mudiay. Ultra-athletic and exciting, the combo guard has an unlimited upside, along with a huge risk as well. However, his potential is too much to drop farther than Top-4. While they may trade down and go after Cauley-Stein or Winslow, Mudiay’s potential starpower should be enough to convince Derek Fisher to change his offense to play more to Mudiay’s strengths. His ability to operate in pick-and-roll, a key part in today’s NBA offensive scheme, along with his pass-first approach and the size is more than good enough to run an NBA offense. While the competition he played in is questionable, as the many players in the draft has already proved that they can play in high-level Division 1 basketball, Mudiay has simply too much potential to be dropped. Passing up somebody like Mudiay just because he does not fit the triangle is foolish.

5. Orlando Magic – Stanley Johnson SF/SG (Arizona, Fr.)

While many stab Winslow in as a lock to Magic, we disagree. Stanley Johnson and Justise Winslow are very similar players – both athletic and a great defender – but given the fact that the Magic backcourt cannot shoot to save their lives, Johnson makes more sense. While Winslow gained attention playing as a power forward for Duke during the tournament, Johnson was a legit small forward all year, and excelled at the position. He has a diesel frame (6’7”, 242 lbs) that he uses to body defenders on and off the ball, and unlike Winslow, displayed consistent mechanics when shooting, setting his feet and getting good arc on the ball. His midrange game is also miles ahead of Winslow’s, and while he struggles to finish at the rim, he handles the ball well in pick and rolls, and is comfortable creating for himself off the bounce, possessing a good floater and pull-up jumper. Johnson’s shooting and defensive ability make more sense for this Magic team that wants to win now.