2012 NBA Mock Draft: Austin Rivers and More Underrated Stars

One of the best things about sports drafts is finding the hidden gems and the underrated players. In the NBA draft, players can slip for several reasons, but when the right player finds the right opportunity special things can happen.

A recent example is the Chicago Bulls' Taj Gibson. Gibson was taken 26th overall in the 2009 draft because he was 23 years old and he didn't have a dynamic collegiate career.

If there was a re-draft of the 2009 class, there is no way 25 NBA teams would let Gibson's toughness and defensive prowess pass them by.

There are bound to be players with similar stories to tell three years after the 2012 draft, but who will they be?

I've identified a group of players that I believe are underrated in a first round mock draft.

(Spotlighted players and teams will be italicized)

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

I love Davis' rebounding and defensive talents, but I'm not sure he'll turn into a major contributor on the offensive end. It's a solid pick for the Bobcats, but not the ideal No. 1 selection in my opinion.

2. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Everyone knows how talented Andre Drummond is, and because of that, some are down on him after a decent, but unspectacular freshman season. Let me remind you, Drummond is only 18 years old; it's not as if he's a senior coming out after four less than stellar seasons at UConn.

Considering his age, size and experience level, this stat line is nothing to sneeze at: 10 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

Comparing his season to Davis' is not fair because of the team situation. Kentucky was a virtual all-star team, and it's not to say Davis wasn't spectacular, but surrounded by that level of talent it was easier for him to fall into a role.

Drummond struggled to make the transition from high school to college early, but he came on late.

Physically, he is without equal in this draft. At 6'10", 270 pounds, with Shawn Kemp-like athleticism, his ceiling is the highest of any player. If he isn't taken No. 1 overall every team that passed on him will be sorry.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

MKG has a versatile game with great intangibles. He would be an ideal wing player and leader for the rebuilding Cavaliers.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Robinson is perhaps the most impressively built player in the draft. He has the physique of a NFL TE, and a great work ethic. He would be a wise selection for the Hornets here.

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes will be a solid secondary scoring option in the NBA. The Kings could use someone like him on the wing as a shooter and defender.

6. Portland Trailblazers (from Brooklyn): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida  

Beal is a good but not great SG prospect. I have concerns about his ability to get his own shot in the NBA. That said, the Blazers need to find a 2-guard, but I think Jeremy Lamb would be a better selection—even if that means trading down.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, SF/PF, Baylor

PJ3 has heard all of the criticism, but critics ignore the fact that he hasn't played in a system that fits him best yet. He is not a No. 1 option despite his immense talent, but he can be a vital second fiddle on a great team.

That is a very underrated role.

PJ3 has tremendous versatility, and he is humble. While the latter may not be a trait you covet when looking for a No. 1 scoring option, it is attractive if you already have a No. 1 guy and you're looking for a player that complements him.

That is the type of player PJ3 is; hopefully he'll land in a spot that allows him to play that role. I'm not sure he'll get that in Golden State—unless Stephen Curry can stay healthy. On paper a Curry, PJ3 and Andrew Bogut-led team is intriguing, but I'm not sure about the personality mix.

8. Toronto Raptors: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Marshall is my favorite pure point guard in the draft. He is easily the best passer amongst all prospects, and his skill set would be great for Toronto's budding young nucleus.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb's situation has some similarities to Perry Jones III's. He exploded on the scene after a stellar freshman season in which the Huskies won the national championship in 2011. It seems his stock has fallen a bit after his sophomore year.

He averaged 17 points per game and improved in almost every statistical category, but the team struggled, and Lamb has taken some of the heat for it.

Like PJ3, Lamb is not a No. 1 option. He is a very valuable complementary player, and that was the role he played while Kemba Walker was still in Storrs.

Last year, with Kemba Walker gone, much of that leadership fell on his shoulders, and that isn't in his wheelhouse.

Lamb could be an excellent addition to the Pistons backcourt as he would be an instant upgrade over Ben Gordon. Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe are the future of that young team.

Lamb would be able to play a more comfortable role as a shooter/slasher on offense and a solid defender.

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

When it's all said and done Rivers may be the best SG in this draft. His game is suited for the NBA because he excels in isolation situations and off-the-dribble moves.

Some may doubt him for various reasons, but the bottom line is the kid puts the ball in the hole. At the end of the day, that is one of the rarest skill sets in the game.

Teams covet players that can break down a defense, or bail his team out of tough situations by creating his own shot, or at least getting to the foul line. That is the type of player Rivers is; the Hornets would be the winners on draft day if they come away with Robinson and Rivers.

11. Portland Trailblazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Zeller is a true center with good athleticism and a solid motor. He isn't a potential superstar, but playing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge could give the Blazers one of the better young PF-C combinations in the Western Conference.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina

Henson is a solid shot-blocker, and he's developing a nice mid-range jump shot. His effort and defensive prowess would fit in well with the Bucks.

13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Lillard is an explosive scorer; he averaged over 24 points per game as a senior at Weber State. He can play either guard position, but if the Suns take him, he could be Steve Nash's replacement, if the future Hall of Famer leaves in free agency.

14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Moultrie actually reminds me of Taj Gibson; he is long, athletic, and he plays with a great motor. The Rockets need an inside presence and Moultrie would be a good fit.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Sullinger is a solid scorer on the post, but he has limitations because of he's not a gifted athlete. The Sixers could still use his ability to score on the post though.

16. Houston Rockets (from New York): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Waiters could be better in the NBA than he was in college. His game is made for one-on-one situations, but he must improve his jump shot. If he does that, he could make Kevin Martin expendable.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SF, Washington

Ross may be the best run-and-jump athlete in the draft. The Mavs desperately need an injection of youth and athleticism, that makes Ross a good fit here.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Jones is a perimeter player in a PF's body. That can be an asset on the right team, and I think the T'Wolves are that kind of team. Jones would be a great option on the wing for Minnesota.

19. Orlando Magic: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Melo is a solid low-post defender and rebounder. The Magic need a center in the worst way. They need a player to either back-up Dwight Howard, or to replace him if he's moved.

20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller is very talented, but I think he needed another year in school. He is too skilled to let him pass this point, but patience will be necessary while he matures.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson is a good low-post scorer, rebounder and has great fundamentals. He seems like a great fit in Boston, especially if Kevin Garnett doesn't re-sign.

22. Boston Celtics: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Jenkins is one of the best pure shooters in the draft. The Celtics could find yet another replacement for a member of the Big Three, if Ray Allen isn't retained.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

I love Taylor's game. He is very athletic, fearless and physically strong. He has a scorer's mentality and he increased his scoring average every year at Vanderbilt.

He made himself a 42 percent three-point shooter, and that is impressive because the outside shot was not a weapon when he arrived on campus.

Some may be a bit down on him because he turns 23 later this month, but teams will be sorry if they don't take a look at him. Taylor's upside on defense is tremendous because of his arm length and athleticism. He can defend at least two positions, and he can finish at the rim as well as anyone.

He may be the biggest sleeper in this draft.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Los Angeles Lakers): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard is a legit seven-footer, but I think he also needed another year in school. The Cavs could make a better selection here by choosing Doron Lamb, but size often wins out.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington

Wroten is a very good athlete with great size at 6'5". The Grizzlies may have a void to fill if O.J. Mayo doesn't re-sign, and Wroten would be a solid replacement.

26. Indiana Pacers: Moe Harkless, SF/PF, St. John's

Harkless is a strong, inside-outside scoring threat. I believe the Pacers would be wise to take him, if he's available. He could make Danny Granger expendable at SF.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli is a big body, and he doesn't mind playing physical and challenging shots. That is exactly what the Heat need, and this would be a great selection for Miami.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky 

Teague is very quick, but he still has a ways to go in learning how to run a team. The Thunder need depth at the point guard, and Teague is too talented for them to pass on.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Lamb is the premier shooter in the draft in my opinion. He connected on 47 percent of his three-point shots at Kentucky, and that ability to score should be attractive to Chicago. The Bulls still need a solid SG.

30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Draymond Green, PF/SF, Michigan State

Green is one of the most versatile players in the draft. He is a tweener, but his intangibles make him an attractive prospect. The Warriors would be wise to add Green for depth and character.

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports Video Games

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay