2012 NBA Mock Draft: Definitive 2-Round Predictions
Now that the college basketball season is over and the top prospects are making their intentions clear, it's time to take a look at how both rounds of the 2012 NBA draft are going to play out.
And remember, I have a crystal ball, so this really is what's going to happen.
As is always the case when I do mock drafts, I like to theme them in a certain way. In the past, I've looked at how players compare to guys currently in the Association and I've predicted how the entirety of their careers will turn out.
This time, I'm taking a much simpler approach and highlighting the No. 1 reason why each player is an intriguing draft prospect.
Read on and don't hesitate to leave your feedback in a civil manner.
Draft order is based on standings going into Sunday, April 22.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis
1 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: PF/C
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'10", 220 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists
Thanks to his ridiculous defensive prowess, Anthony Davis is good enough to not only win Rookie of the Year, but also seriously generate some buzz for the All-Star squad in his first season at the professional level.
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
2 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: SF
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'7", 232 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Pairing John Wall and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the Washington Wizards would be almost unfair to opposing teams trying to stop their transition offense. I'm still not sure if I've seen MKG fail to score when he gets a head of steam and goes to the rim.
3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson
3 of 60School: Kansas
Position: PF
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'10", 237 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists
For Thomas Robinson, a man-child at the power forward position, strength and athleticism are certainly overflowing from his 6'10" frame.
4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond
4 of 60School: Connecticut
Position: PF/C
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'10", 270 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists
Although he's much better on defense than offense at this point in his career, Andre Drummond's biggest advantage as a draft prospect is his overwhelming amount of potential.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal
5 of 60School: Florida
Position: SG
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'3", 207 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists
A great athlete in his own right, Bradley Beal is a terrific offensive player thanks to his ability to score in any way possible within the flow of the offense he winds up on.
6. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes
6 of 60School: North Carolina
Position: SF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'8", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists
If you don't think that Harrison Barnes has a silky-smooth jumper, then I'm not sure we've been watching the same player during his two years with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (From New Jersey Nets): John Henson
7 of 60School: North Carolina
Position: PF/C
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'11", 220 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Although John Henson has the ability to become a talented offensive player, his shot-blocking skills and presence on defense in the low post help make him stand out as a prospect.
8. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota Timberwolves): Jeremy Lamb
8 of 60School: Connecticut
Position: SG/SF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'5", 180 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Jeremy Lamb's best asset has to be his ability to create his own shot on pull-up jumpers.
9. Toronto Raptors: Jared Sullinger
9 of 60School: Ohio State
Position: PF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'9", 265 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Although there are questions about his conditioning and ability to score against length, Jared Sullinger's strength shines through whether he's posting up a defender or hustling on the boards.
10. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard
10 of 60School: Weber State
Position: PG/SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'3", 195 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists
One of the two best point guards in this draft class, Damian Lillard is the pick of the litter if you're okay with score-first point guards who can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.
11. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Zeller
11 of 60School: North Carolina
Position: PF/C
Year: Senior
Vitals: 7'0", 250 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Tyler Zeller's intelligence on the basketball court is easily his best attribute as the seven-footer manages to show off his post moves whenever he wants to and always seems to make the right decisions.
12. Houston Rockets: Perry Jones III
12 of 60School: Baylor
Position: PF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'11", 235 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Although his inconsistency is absolutely infuriating—especially for Baylor fans, I'm sure—Perry Jones III is an unbelievable athlete. And that's understating it by quite a bit.
13. Milwaukee Bucks: Terrence Jones
13 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: SF/PF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'9", 252 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Terrence Jones may be labeled as a tweener, but I'd give him the versatile tag instead. Much like Josh Smith, Jones has the athleticism and mentality to be a shut-down defender at multiple positions while still contributing on offense.
14. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall
14 of 60School: North Carolina
Position: PG
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'4", 195 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists
Passing. Duh.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Meyers Leonard
15 of 60School: Illinois
Position: C
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 7'1", 245 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists
If you're drafting Meyers Leonard, it's for the size and potential that his 7'1" frame drags along with it, not for any skills that he's still developing.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Utah Jazz): Terrence Ross
16 of 60School: Washington
Position: SG/SF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'6", 195 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Terrence Ross is one of those rare players who can both jump out of a gym and shoot the lights out of it.
17. Houston Rockets (From New York Knicks): Moe Harkless
17 of 60School: St. John's
Position: SG/SF
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'8", 208 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists
It's all about athleticism and defense here. Moe Harkless has some of the quickest hands in the business and should be an immediate threat to steal the ball at the NBA level.
18. Dallas Mavericks: Austin Rivers
18 of 60School: Duke
Position: PG/SG
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'4", 200 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists
If you watched any Duke basketball this season, you probably saw how Austin Rivers was the only player capable of creating his own shots on a consistent basis. The son of Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, this combo guard has a ridiculously quick first step.
19. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten
19 of 60School: Washington
Position: PG/SG
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'5", 205 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists
A 6'5" player who can line up at point guard and pass like one, Tony Wroten is a great all-around player who's a jump shot away from stardom.
20. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague
20 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: PG
Year: Freshman
Vitals: 6'2", 189 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Marquis Teague could develop into a two-way player, but he's more of a defensive stalwart with the occasional ability to translate his athleticism into instant offense at this point in his career.
21. Atlanta Hawks: Jeffery Taylor
21 of 60School: Vanderbilt
Position: SF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'7", 225 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Jeffery Taylor's best attribute is easily his almost unmatched athleticism.
22. Memphis Grizzlies: Dion Waiters
22 of 60School: Syracuse
Position: PG/SG
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'4", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Dion Waiters has the tools necessary to be a great defender, but his ability to slash into the lane and get to the rim stands out more than anything else.
23. Boston Celtics: Evan Fournier
23 of 60Team: Poitiers
Position: SG/SF
Age: 19
Vitals: 6'7", 206 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists (In Pro A France)
If you watch Evan Fournier play, and I'm guessing that not too many have, the first thing you'll notice is that he plays with tremendous smoothness and his offensive contributions never seem to disrupt the flow of the offense.
24. Boston Celtics (From Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White
24 of 60School: Iowa State
Position: No Idea (But really SF/PF)
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'8", 270 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists
Royce White possesses a unique combination of size and skill that allow him to do anything and everything on the basketball court.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Los Angeles Lakers): Arnett Moultrie
25 of 60School: Mississippi State
Position: PF/C
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'11", 230 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Athleticism and size are the name of the game here and the two reasons that NBA general managers could be tempted into drafting the volatile big man as many as 15 picks sooner than No. 25.
26. Indiana Pacers: Festus Ezeli
26 of 60School: Vanderbilt
Position: C
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'11", 255 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists
Festus Ezeli may never be a star, but his hard-working ways and efficiency on both ends of the court give him a high floor and a perfect fit with the Indiana Pacers.
27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo
27 of 60School: Syracuse
Position: C
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 7'0", 255 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists
Although there are always questions about how well Syracuse's zone defense prepares players for the NBA, Fab Melo is a gifted defender who has the ability to become one of the best at his position on that side of the ball from day one.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green
28 of 60School: Michigan State
Position: SF/PF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'7", 230 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Draymond Green's versatility and heart make him the prototypical glue guy, which is really the only thing that the Oklahoma City Thunder are missing at this stage in the development of their championship-level team.
29. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio Spurs): Darius Miller
29 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: SF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'8", 225 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists
A background scorer with tremendous size, Darius Miller just needs an opportunity to prove that he can become a go-to guy on offense with his deadly three-point shot and ability to elevate over most defenders.
30. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb
30 of 60School: Kentucky
Position: SG
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'4", 210 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Another smooth scorer who can play defense well enough to avoid the "one-way player" label, Doron Lamb is exactly the player that the Chicago Bulls need to complete their potent roster.
31. Charlotte Bobcats: Tomas Satoransky
31 of 60Team: Qalat Cajasol
Position: PG/SG
Age: 20
Vitals: 6'7", 210 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 4.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists (In ACB)
See how Tomas Satoransky is listed at 6'7" and can line up at point guard? That's why you want him right there.
32. Washington Wizards: John Jenkins
32 of 60School: Vanderbilt
Position: SG
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'4", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Even though John Jenkins' shooting ability is off the charts, I'm still most impressed by his ability to free himself from defenders by working through screens without the ball.
33. Cleveland Cavaliers (From New Orleans Hornets): Andrew Nicholson
33 of 60School: St. Bonaventure
Position: PF/C
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'9", 240 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Andrew Nicholson is unique as a big man because he can play out on the perimeter and shoot mid-range jumpers while dribbling his way past less mobile defenders.
34. Sacramento Kings: Tyshawn Taylor
34 of 60School: Kansas
Position: PG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'3", 185 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Although he's a bit too turnover prone, Tyshawn Taylor is almost impossible to stay in front of thanks to his yo-yo handles and quick first step.
35. Cleveland Cavaliers: Will Barton
35 of 60School: Memphis
Position: SG/SF
Year: Sophomore
Vitals: 6'6", 175 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists
If you're looking for a swingman who can out-jump everyone else on your team at this point in the draft, then Will Barton is your man.
36. Denver Nuggets (From Golden State Warriors): Furkan Aldemir
36 of 60Team: Galatasaray
Position: PF
Age: 20
Vitals: 6'9", 220 pounds
2011-2012 Per-Game Stats: 7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists (in Turkish League)
Thanks to his size and toughness, Furkan Aldemir is one of the most tenacious rebounders that you'll find in this draft class.
37. Golden State Warriors (From New Jersey Nets): Kevin Jones
37 of 60School: West Virginia
Position: PF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'7", 260 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists
It's something that the Golden State Warriors lack right now. Toughness is what Kevin Jones, a somewhat undersized power forward, brings to the table at No. 37.
38. Houston Rockets (From Minnesota Timberwolves): Kevin Murphy
38 of 60School: Tennessee Tech
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'6", 185 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Kevin Murphy just has a great all-around offensive game, highlighted by his lights-out shooting from downtown.
39. Toronto Raptors: Orlando Johnson
39 of 60School: UC Santa Barbara
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'5", 205 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists
While his ability to create his own shot consistently is still improving, Orlando Johnson is an absolutely deadly spot-up shooter who would benefit tremendously from playing with a point guard like Jose Calderon.
40. Portland Trail Blazers: Jared Cunningham
40 of 60School: Oregon State
Position: SG
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'4", 194 pounds
2011-2012 Per-Game Stats: 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Even though he's skinny and generously listed at 6'4", Jared Cunningham might actually spend as much time above the rim as he does on the ground.
41. Detroit Pistons: Jae Crowder
41 of 60School: Marquette
Position: SF/PF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'6", 235 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists
This tweener is a strong and smart player who works well off the ball and recognizes that he's not as great an athlete as many of the players he'll be going up against.
42. Detroit Pistons (From Houston Rockets): Darius Johnson-Odom
42 of 60School: Marquette
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'2", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists
An undersized player who is working on his ability to shoot while coming off screens, Darius Johnson-Odom can light up the scoreboard if you give him even an inch of space while he's behind the three-point line.
43. Milwaukee Bucks: Marcus Denmon
43 of 60School: Missouri
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'3", 185 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Everything that I just said about Darius Johnson-Odom is also true about Marcus Denmon.
44. Atlanta Hawks (From Phoenix Suns): Scott Machado
44 of 60School: Iona
Position: PG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'1", 180 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.9 assists
Scott Machado effectively ran one of the nation's best and fastest offenses, thanks to his nearly unmatched court vision that persists even if he's using his above-average skills when calling his own number. If you're open, he's going to find you.
45. Philadelphia 76ers: Drew Gordon
45 of 60School: New Mexico
Position: PF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'9", 245 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Although crashing the offensive glass and boxing out players on defense involve unique skills, Drew Gordon has enough of each to become a great rebounder on both ends of the court.
46. Utah Jazz: Alex Young
46 of 60School: IUPUI
Position: SG/SF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'6", 212 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists
With great size and the ability to rise up quickly when driving, Alex Young is an aggressive offensive player who can score from anywhere on the court.
47. New York Knicks: William Buford
47 of 60School: Ohio State
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'6", 220 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists
Even though his draft stock went through a bit of a free-fall, William Buford remains a great all-around prospect even if there's not one aspect of his game that truly stands out.
48. Washington Wizards (From Dallas Mavericks): Kris Joseph
48 of 60School: Syracuse
Position: SF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'7", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Kris Joseph's versatility on the court and smooth athleticism are the main things that allow him to remain productive despite lacking an average jump shot.
49. Portland Trail Blazers (From Denver Nuggets): Tu Holloway
49 of 60School: Xavier
Position: PG/SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'0", 190 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists
Whether he's spotting up, creating his own shot or knocking down free throw after free throw, Tu Holloway was born to score the basketball.
50. Orlando Magic: Maalik Wayns
50 of 60School: Villanova
Position: Point Guard
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'2", 185 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists
He isn't the biggest player, but Maalik Wayns can finish in traffic because of the creativity that is so ever-present in his offensive game.
51. Atlanta Hawks: Kyle O'Quinn
51 of 60Team: Norfolk State
Position: PF/C
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'10", 240 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Kyle O'Quinn burst onto the draft scene after Norfolk State's historic March Madness defeat over Missouri, but he's going to stick around thanks to his 7'5" wingspan and combination of strength and timing on the defensive end.
52. Philadelphia 76ers (From Memphis Grizzlies): Herb Pope
52 of 60School: Seton Hall
Position: Senior
Year: PF/C
Vitals: 6'8", 236 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Herb Pope has been able to overcome his off-court issues thanks to his ability to dazzle opponents with a dizzying array of post moves and then collect his own misses with his prowess on the offensive glass.
53. Boston Celtics: Mike Scott
53 of 60School: Virginia
Position: PF
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'8", 237 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Mike Scott will settle in as a solid role player on the Boston Celtics because of his efficiency on offense and unrelenting effort in the post on defense.
54. Los Angeles Clippers: J'Covan Brown
54 of 60School: Texas
Position: PG/SG
Year: Junior
Vitals: 6'1", 197 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists
I'm convinced that the only thing J'Covan Brown knows how to do on the basketball court is shoot and then shoot again.
55. Dallas Mavericks (From Los Angeles Lakers): JaMychal Green
55 of 60School: Alabama
Year: Senior
Position: PF
Vitals: 6'8", 240 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists
JaMychal Green's athleticism hasn't been enough to make him into a solid offensive player yet, but he is one hell of a defender.
56. Indiana Pacers: Dee Bost
56 of 60School: Mississippi State
Position: PG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'2", 176 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists
Even though he only generated 5.3 assists per game for a dysfunctional Mississippi State squad, Dee Bost's court vision is what separates him from the rest of the fringe draft prospects at his position.
57. New Jersey Nets (From Miami Heat): Kim English
57 of 60School: Missouri
Position: SG
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'6", 200 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Kim English may not be athletic enough to create his own shot, but you can't forget about where he is on the court because he'll find the opening from downtown and make you pay.
58. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Oklahoma City Thunder): Eric Griffin
58 of 60School: Campbell
Position: Power forward
Year: Senior
Vitals: 6'8", 190 pounds
2011-2012 Per-Game Stats: 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Eric Griffin may be the single most unknown player I've got as going in these two rounds, but his incredible athleticism and constant desire to improve will get him drafted.
59. San Antonio Spurs: Robert Sacre
59 of 60School: Gonzaga
Position: C
Year: Senior
Vitals: 7'0", 260 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists
The 7'0" that you see in the vitals section a few lines up is the biggest reason why Robert Sacre will get drafted, no pun intended.
60. Los Angeles Lakers (From Chicago Bulls): Robbie Hummel
60 of 60School: Purdue
Year: Senior
Position: PF
Vitals: 6'8", 215 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists
This may not happen, but I'm going to continue to put Robbie Hummel at No. 60 in my mock drafts until we have a firmer picture of who Mr. Irrelevant may be. After his tremendous college career, full of class and hard work, Hummel deserves inclusion.






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