2015 NBA Draft: Analyzing the Top 5 centers

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In the days leading up to the NBA Draft, College Basketball Talk's Scott Phillips and Bulls Talk contributor Mark Strotman are analyzing the top 5 players at each position.

Today the pair look at centers.

Be sure to take a look back at their top 5 point guards analysistop 5 shooting guards analysistop 5 small forwards analysis and top 5 power forwards analysis too.

Scott Phillips

1. Karl Towns, Kentucky: On a loaded Kentucky team last season, Towns was the go-to scorer in late-game situations and he can also defend at the rim and rebound. With his ability to hit jumpers, Towns can also space the floor as a big man, which NBA teams covet.

2. Jahlil Okafor, Duke: One of the most polished post scorers in years, Okafor has great size for a post scorer and shot 66 percent from field. Also a good passer, Okafor will need to improve as a pick-and-roll defender and his shot-blocking ability if he wants to make a lasting impact.

3. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky: Standing over 7-feet, Cauley-Stein is a tremendous athlete who uses his quickness to defend multiple positions and get back to the rim to protect it. He's improved playing against future pros at Kentucky the last three seasons and he can catch lobs with the best of them.

4. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin: Some might put Kaminsky as a power forward, but he could also be used as a stretch five who is quicker than opposing centers. Kaminsky improved all four seasons at Wisconsin and shot 41 percent from 3 as a senior.

5. Myles Turner, Texas: The Longhorns center spent one year on campus and was productive while also measuring well at the NBA Draft combine. Does he move well laterally to be a good NBA defender?

Mark Strotman

1. Jahlil Okafor, Duke: I love Towns' upside, but when you have a player as offensively skilled as Okafor you simply can't pass on him. Both players will have phenomenal careers, but Okafor is out to prove the back-to-the-basket big isn't dead in the NBA.

2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky: In addition to his solid post game and defensive prowess, Towns is an active passer, quick in the passing lanes and a beast on the glass. He's going to be the foundation of the Timberwolves for the next decade.

3. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky: The best defensive player in the draft, Cauley-Stein is stellar in pick-and-roll situations, great at protecting the basket and finds missed shots for rebounds. He's the total defensive package. Tyson Chandler comparisons are valid.

4. Myles Turner, Texas: Range, athleticism and a great locker room presence. At just 19, Turner has all the makings of a starting NBA center. But he'll need to put it all together and do so in a more NBA-ready body.

5. Robert Upshaw, Washington: If, and it's a gigantic if, Upshaw can handle his off-the-court business he will be a defensive stopper for years to come. He's that talented a shot blocker. But again, it's a major, major "if."

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