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

Picks 7 to 10

7. Denver Nuggets - Devin Booker, SG

Even though it means Ty Lawson could be on his way out the door, the Nuggets didn't do too bad of a job picking Mudiay when he fell to them at seven. But, the Nuggets need a shooting guard to contribute in a positive way. Of the Nuggets' three shooting guards who played at least 13 minutes per game, none posted a nERD better than -1.5 or a RPM better than -1.29. In fact, in 21.7 minutes Randy Foye put up a nERD of -2.5 and a RPM of -4.42.

8. Detroit Pistons - Justise Winslow, SF

The Detroit Pistons knew their weakness and what they needed -- maybe they just picked the wrong guy. I can't argue with Stanley Johnson, but the vast majority expected Winslow to go before Johnson, and the two essentially swapped spots with Winslow going 10th overall to the Heat. Detroit did do a great job of pinpointing their weakness and picking accordingly. The aging Caron Butler and Tayshaun Prince combined for nERD of -2.0, but saw themselves earn a RPM of -6.32. A job well done Pistons.

9. Charlotte Hornets - Frank Kaminsky, C

I can't argue with the Hornets' pick of Frank "The Tank" at ninth overall. The Hornets are dying for offense and, according to the numbers, center is a position of weakness for the Hornets. Al Jefferson has struggled with injuries and, while backup Bismack Biyombo earned a nERD of 3.1, he doesn't pose much of an offensive threat. Kaminsky would really provide a boost off the bench in that area.

10. Miami Heat - Stanley Johnson, SF

There are a lot of ifs and buts right now for the Miami Heat. Their weakness could be elsewhere in a week or two -- but with news that the Heat want to keep Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng could decline his player option and leave the Heat void at the small forward position. Like I previously mentioned, Justise Winslow fell to them so he works all the same as Stanley Johnson for their prospective needs, even if Deng picks up his option.