2015 NBA Draft: Who Teams Should Have Picked Based on Analytics

Picks 4 to 6

4. New York Knicks - Emmanuel Mudiay, PG

To the chagrin of New York Knick fans everywhere, the Knicks went with European prospect Kristaps Porzingis. Sorry to pour salt, Knicks fans, but Mudiay was the right pick. The Knicks are badly in need of a point guard. Alexey Shved didn't perform too badly in a little over 18 minutes per game (1.1 nERD), but Shane Larkin and Langston Galloway played more than 24 and 32 minutes, respectively, while they combined for a nERD of -7.8 and a RPM of -5.25. Galloway could play the two-guard, but the Knicks could use a point guard with size to replace Larkin at the true point position.

5. Orlando Magic - Mario Hezonja, SG/SF

The Magic got this one right. Hezonja could play some small forward with Orlando, but with his size he fits nicely for the Magic at the two. Despite having Victor Oladipo and all he brings to the table, the Magic have a glaring weakness there -- and the numbers clearly support this. Oladipo posted a RPM of -0.31 but finished with a nERD of -4.4, second worst on his team. The Magic could use Hezonja's versatile game to contribute consistently offensively even if there's still hope for Oladipo to break out on that side of the ball.

6. Sacramento Kings - Myles Turner, PF

This could change if the Kings do decide to move big man Boogie Cousins. However, it comes as a surprise that they selected Willie Cauley-Stein if they don't. Boogie is a star center in this league, and even with Cauley-Stein's defensive versatility, the Kentucky product is a center too. What the Kings really needed was a legitimate power forward threat like Myles Turner. The Kings' Jason Thompson and Derrick Williams struggled this year, combining for a nERD of -4.8 and a RPM of -7.28. They needed a versatile frontcourt player to help rather than hurt Boogie.