NBA Draft 2012: Projected Non-Lottery Picks Who Will Make an Impact in 2012-13

Lottery picks possess the most potential in the NBA draft, but non-lottery picks can make some noise in the pros as well, even in Year One.

Six non-lottery picks in the 2011 draft made either the All-Rookie First or Second Team, including guys like Kenneth Faried and MarShon Brooks.

Even Isaiah Thomas, the final pick in the draft (60th overall), made the All-Rookie Second Team after starting 37 games for the Sacramento Kings this season.

Here are five prospects not expected to go in the top 14 who will shine in 2012-13.  

5. John Jenkins

The Chicago Bulls need a shooting guard since Rip Hamilton proved to be a disappointment.  

Never fear, John Jenkins is here.

Jenkins, the sharp-shooting Vanderbilt star, would look great at the two-spot for Chicago. He averaged nearly 20 points per game this past season and led the SEC in scoring two consecutive years.

He'll have a great rookie year no matter what team drafts him.    

4. Doron Lamb

Lamb was certainly overshadowed by Kentucky teammates Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this year.

He won't be the No. 1 overall pick like Davis nor a top-five pick like Kidd-Gilchrist, but he can still have an impact in 2012-13.  

Perhaps the best dangerous shooter in the draft, Lamb shot 46 percent from long-range and 82 percent from the foul line, as he helped the Wildcats win a national title in April.

Who knows, maybe he'll help an NBA club win a title as a rookie.

3. Fab Melo

Melo didn't get to showcase his skills in the NCAA Tournament this year, but he'll have the chance to show the world what he can do as an NBA rookie.

The 7'0" Brazilian center would be a perfect—really perfect—fit with the Miami Heat. He can finish around the rim and block shots, which is what Miami desperately needs.

Melo could have an excellent rookie year, helping superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy. 

2. Royce White

His fear of flying may be the main reason White won't be a lottery pick.

That's okay, though.

Several lottery teams will quickly regret passing up the Iowa State forward as he overcomes his fear and makes an immediate impact as a reserve.

The 6'8", 270-pound White can score, rebound, handle the ball and pass extremely well. Whatever team picks him up will be adding a solid point forward to its roster.

1. Dion Waiters

Waiters was phenomenal off the bench for Syracuse this past season, winning the Big East Sixth Man of the Year Award.

And don't be surprised to see him grab the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award as a rookie next season. 

Already drawing comparisons to Dwyane Wade, Waiters is going to contribute a great deal right off the bat.

If he ends up with the Memphis Grizzlies, he would make a nice replacement for O.J. Mayo, who might bolt town as a free agent this summer.