Commissioner Adam Silver will be the centre of attention in Brooklyn on Thursday night when he gets the 2015 NBA Draft underway.
NBA hopefuls have been working out for teams in recent weeks in the hope that they can do enough to earn a spot in the league, while teams have been scouting for months to ensure they make the right choice.
Below, Sports Mole attempts to predict the outcome of the first round of this year's Draft.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves - Karl-Anthony Towns (PF/C, Kentucky)
A few months back the discussion about whose name would be called out first in this year's Draft was a heated one, but it now appears very unlikely that anyone but Towns will be selected by the Timberwolves. Towns is an excellent rim protector, which is a skill Minnesota are desperate to acquire. The Timberwolves are reported to have informed Towns he will be the number one pick.
2. Los Angeles Lakers - Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke)
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Okafor won so many fans with his game on the way to helping Duke win a national title, but there is certainly a question mark about whether he is physically ready for the NBA. With so much upside, you would hope those issues are resolved in the future, and the Lakers should resist the temptation to select a guard. However, Okafor could also be used in a potential trade move for Sacramento's All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.
3. Philadelphia 76ers - D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG, Ohio State)
Recent speculation has suggested that Kristaps Porzingis is getting more and more attention from teams with high picks, but it would be foolish for the Sixers to miss out on a talent like D'Angelo Russell, who impressed in a recent workout with the side. General manager Sam Hinkie is still looking to the future with this young side and the obvious choice would be to take a versatile point guard after trading away Michael Carter-Williams in February.
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4. New York Knicks - Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Sevilla)
This prediction would have surprised many just a couple of months ago, but the Porzingis stock is rising very quickly among NBA scouts. Every move the Knicks make this summer will be made with president Phil Jackson's triangle offense in mind. Porzingis looks the ideal fit for that gameplan if he manages to find his feet quickly in the league, and the Knicks should look no further than the Latvian if Russell is already off the board.
5. Orlando Magic - Justise Winslow (SF, Duke)
Willie Cauley-Stein would appear to be the perfect fit for an Orlando team which played poorly on defense throughout the season, but they also need more offensive options if this group is to grow under new coach Scott Skiles. Enter Justise Winslow. The Duke small forward is an excellent wing defender, but he would add urgency to the Magic offense, too.
6. Sacramento Kings - Mario Hezonja (SG/SF Barcelona)
In today's NBA, teams need players who can shoot the ball from a variety of different areas and, arguably, there isn't a better shot in this year's Draft than the one that belongs to Mario Hezonja. At 6'8" the Croatian certainly has the size to be used as a small forward, too, and his versatility would offer so many different options to George Karl.
7. Denver Nuggets - Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, Guangdong)
Emmanuel Mudiay took the unusual step of skipping college to play overseas after graduating from high school, and he has excelled in China with the Guangdong Southern Tigers. Of course, the 19-year-old will face much tougher tests back in America, but his length on defense and offensive potential make him an exciting prospect. Denver are likely to draft talent, rather than a specific position, and with trade rumours suggesting that Ty Lawson could be on his way out, the Nuggets would jump at the chance to select Mudiay, who was originally tipped to be a top-four pick.
8. Detroit Pistons - Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona)
Detroit's recent move to acquire power forward Ersan Ilyasova has been well received by most insiders within the NBA, but there are still a few gaps to fill on a roster which is likely to look very different come opening night. Stanley Johnson averaged 19.4 points per 40 minutes and shot 37.1% from three-point range as a freshman with Arizona, but it's his ability to guard against different threats which should see him selected ahead of some talented rivals.
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky)
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If Willie Cauley-Stein drops this far down the board, it's hard to imagine a scenario where the Bobcats decide against drafting the 21-year-old, who was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in his final season with the Wildcats. As the award suggests, Cauley-Stein has so much to offer from a defensive viewpoint and he has all the tools required to be a star in the league.
10. Miami Heat - Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky)
There appears to be so much uncertainty surrounding the Miami Heat this summer, and with the futures of Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic and Luol Deng all unclear, it's difficult to work out what the franchise needs most from the Draft. In a season which was dominated by the Golden State Warriors and their ability to shoot with success from three-point range, the Heat were unable to do so with similar results. Devin Booker is excellent from the perimeter and he can also create his own shots off the dribble. If Wade decides to stay in South Florida, Booker, the youngest player in the Draft, could have the perfect mentor.
11. Indiana Pacers - Myles Turner (C, Texas)
Frank Kaminsky's ability to make an impact on offense certainly makes him an option for the Pacers at 11, but Myles Turner is slightly better on defense and he can space the floor for a team which will expect to improve once again with Paul George back to 100%.
12. Utah Jazz - Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin)
Kamisnky was named the College Player of the Year after helping Wisconsin reach the final of the NCAA Tournament, and he is arguably more ready for the NBA than any other player in this year's class. Whether that means the 22-year-old will struggle to continue improving in the league is a question which looks impossible to answer, but with so much to like about his offensive game, the Utah Jazz would be delighted to take him with the 12th pick.
13. Phoenix Suns - Sam Dekker (SF, Wisconsin)
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In truth, the Suns could do with another presence in the frontcourt heading into the new season but they certainly could look to address that need in free agency or with a trade. Dekker has been much higher in mock Drafts this year, and Phoenix would be pretty happy to see him drop to 13th. The small forward looks physically ready for the NBA already after an impressive spell with Wisconsin, and his ability to play different roles on the wing will make him an attractive option for the Suns.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cameron Payne (PG, Murray State)
With a fully fit Kevin Durant returning to the court with Russell Westbrook next season, the Thunder will be expected to challenge in the West once again, but back-up for the latter is certainly a concern. Cameron Payne hasn't worked out for the Suns, which has come as a surprise to many insiders, but their loss could be the Thunder's gain. The point guard is an excellent passer and he boasts impressive range with his shot, too. He could be the man to offer backcourt support from the bench in Oklahoma.
15. Atlanta Hawks from Brooklyn Nets - Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky)
The Hawks should avoid taking too much of a risk and select Trey Lyles with the 15th pick on Thursday night. Lyles looks a safe bet to be a future starter in the league with his physical attributes and the intelligence he showed in Kentucky's fine run this year. All-Star Paul Millsap's impending free agency should also play a role in this decision.
16. Boston Celtics - Bobby Portis (PF, Arkansas)
Boston need to add depth in the frontcourt this summer, and Bobby Portis is certainly an intriguing option for a team which could lose Brandon Bass and Jonas Jerebko in the near future. Portis has great energy for a big man and he looks ready-made to slot into a rotation.
17. Milwaukee Bucks - R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State)
The Bucks are another side in need of depth in the power forward and center positions, but they are unlikely to take too much of a risk at this stage of the Draft. RJ Hunter would immediately improve the team from three-point range and he would also add another playmaker to the roster.
18. Houston Rockets from New Orleans Pelicans - Tyus Jones (PG, Duke)
The Rockets have reportedly been eyeing Tyus Jones for a number of months, and it's not hard to see why the 19-year-old point guard is winning fans. Houston need a pass-first playmaker who is capable of working well off the ball on a side which relies on the talents of James Harden. Point guards Patrick Beverley and Jason Terry are both set to enter free agency and Jones would fill a big hole on the roster.
19. Washington Wizards - Kelly Oubre Jr (SF, Kansas)
Kelly Oubre was projected to be a much higher pick in the Draft, but reviews of his private workouts have been mixed and he could be the one who slides further down the board this year. However, the Kansas forward still offers a lot to prospective employers with his potential to guard multiple positions and all-round defensive game. The improving Wizards would benefit from adding another option on the wing.
20. Toronto Raptors - Jerian Grant (PG, Notre Dame)
Jerian Grant looks to have the potential to become an impact player in the league and his scoring ability should excite the Raptors, who could lose Lou Williams to free agency in the summer. Grant's length suggests that he could improve on defense and he would ease the pressure on Kyle Lowry, who struggled in the playoffs.
21. Dallas Mavericks - Delon Wright (PG, Utah)
Dallas certainly have problems at point guard with Rajon Rondo heading out the exit door and only veterans JJ Barea and Raymond Felton remaining. Wright may not be the future of the franchise at that position, but he's a good playmaker who looks to have the game which would improve quickly in the league.
22. Chicago Bulls - Rashad Vaughn (SG, UNLV)
Rashad Vaughn enters the Draft as the second youngest player of this class, but there's a lot to like about the shooting guard from UNLV. The 18-year-old's shot selection is certainly an issue, but he should attract interest with his scoring ability and the Bulls may look at him as a possible impact player off the bench.
23. Portland Trail Blazers - Kevon Looney (PF, UCLA)
Kevon Looney was once considered a possible lottery pick, but he has slipped down the board in recent months. Portland may be left without a power forward with LaMarcus Aldridge entering free agency and Looney would give them a fine offensive rebounder who boasts decent range for his size.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)
The Cavaliers may have been looking to add a shooter a couple of weeks back, but with Kevin Love considering leaving as a free agent, improving the frontcourt would certainly be the wise option for the beaten finalists. Montrezl Harrell could provide good support for Tristan Thompson and his finishing close to the rim catches the eye at this point in the Draft.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Jarrell Martin (SF/PF, LSU)
Recent reports have suggested that Jarrell Martin received a promise that he would be drafted in the first round, which persuaded him to stop working out for NBA teams. Jeff Green has taken up his player option with the Grizzlies and Martin should relish the opportunity to play a supporting role.
26. San Antonio Spurs - Justin Anderson (SF, Virginia)
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As usual at this time of the year, no-one seems to be too sure about what the Spurs want from the Draft. Justin Anderson proved with Virginia that he could guard multiple positions and his 45% from three-point range means he has the potential to be a role player in the NBA.
27. Los Angeles Lakers from Houston Rockets - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF, Arizona)
It's no secret that the Lakers are weak defensively, but the front office look determined to change the identity of the team this summer. In truth, this pick could be used in a potential trade for Cousins, but if they are lucky enough to have the option of picking Rondae Hollis-Jefferson it looks like a no-brainer. Hollis-Jefferson is an excellent defender on the perimeter and he could also guard power forwards if the Lakers went with a small-ball approach.
28. Boston Celtics from Los Angeles Clippers - Jonathan Holmes (SF/PF Texas)
Boston sound determined to make the most of their two first-round picks, which means whoever is drafted at 28 could eventually be traded away. Jonathan Holmes is the definition of the modern player. A power forward who can pass, guard multiple positions and shoot the three. Those skills should see him sneak into the first round.
29. Brooklyn Nets from Atlanta Hawks - Rakeem Christmas (PF/C, Syracuse)
For a player who is not a certain first-round selection, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding Rakeem Christmas, who enjoyed a superb final year with Syracuse with averages of 18 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. At 23, the argument is that there isn't much you can change about Christmas, but his performance at the NBA combine suggests that he could be ready to play a role from the bench.
30. Golden State Warriors - Terry Rozier (PG, Louisville)
After storming to the title in superb fashion and with most of their players returning next season, it's difficult to decide what the Warriors need from the 30th pick in the Draft. Steve Kerr often used three guards and with Leandro Barbosa on the way out of Oakland, Terry Rozier could attract their interest. The 21-year-old has impressed many insiders with his defense against a couple of positions and his pace in transition would help the Warriors when Steph Curry is off the floor.
Callum Mulvihill
