2012 NBA Mock Draft: Rockets Push for Dwight Howard, Impact Big Board

The Houston Rockets have just traded forward Chase Budinger to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 18th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

This will have major implications on the big board.

The Rockets now hold the 14th, 16th and 18th picks in the draft. They could do a number of things with those picks.

They could keep the picks and select three players.

They could use those picks to trade up into the lottery.

Or, they could use those picks to trade for Dwight Howard. 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Rockets have their eyes set on Howard:

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Houston has been undaunted by Howard's private insistence that he wants a trade to only the Brooklyn Nets or Dallas Mavericks, sources said. Houston is willing to make a deal for Howard, believing it can convince him to re-sign before he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2013. Rockets GM Daryl Morey has been determined to use the assets on his roster to secure a high-level league star.

Houston will work to flip those three picks (14, 16 and 18) into higher picks that could be used for an impact player out of Thursday's draft, or to further sweeten a deal for Howard or another league star, sources said.

"

The Rockets, in this scenario, will trade the 14th, 16th, and 18th picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for the sixth and the 40th picks in the 2012 NBA Draft.

The Rockets, then, will trade the sixth and 40th picks to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard.

The full trade, using ESPN's NBA Trade Machine, will look like this:

Orlando receives:

• sixth overall pick
• 40th overall pick
• Kevin Martin
• Luis Scola
• Patrick Patterson
• Marcus Morris
• Next year's first-round pick

Houston receives:

• Dwight Howard
• Earl Clark

Houston is happy because they receive Dwight Howard. Orlando is happy because not only do they get the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, they get a first rounder next year, as well as valuable players in Kevin Martin and Luis Scola.

Portland is happy because they now have the 11th, 14th, 16th and 18th picks in the draft. They can use those picks to easily get back into the high-end of the lottery or trade them for a veteran player.

The Rockets trade this morning sets up a Dwight Howard trade scenario, one that drastically alters the board. Here's how I now see the draft playing out.

Potential Howard Trade Scenario

The Rockets, in this scenario, will trade the 14th, 16th, and 18th picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for the sixth and the 40th picks in the 2012 NBA Draft.

The Rockets, then, will trade the sixth and 40th picks to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard.

The full trade, using ESPN's NBA Trade Machine, will look like this:

Orlando receives:

• sixth overall pick
• 40th overall pick
• Kevin Martin
• Luis Scola
• Patrick Patterson
• Marcus Morris
• Next year's first-round pick

Houston receives:

• Dwight Howard
• Earl Clark

Houston is happy because they receive Dwight Howard. Orlando is happy because not only do they get the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, they get a first rounder next year, as well as valuable players in Kevin Martin and Luis Scola.

Portland is happy because they now have the 11th, 14th, 16th and 18th picks in the draft. They can use those picks to easily get back into the high-end of the lottery or trade them for a veteran player.

The Rockets trade this morning sets up a Dwight Howard trade scenario, one that drastically alters the board. Here's how I now see the draft playing out.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Anthony Davis is the consensus best player in the draft and is all but guaranteed to be the first overall pick.

Davis is a terrific defender, who uses his long frame effectively. He's an incredible athlete, can run the floor well and handle and pass the ball.

On offense, he's not a finished product, but he is very effective on lobs and dunks. He's also a great rebounder.

Davis projects as a future defensive player of the year candidate and, quite simply, can change games with his defense. He will immediately turn the New Orleans Hornets into contenders.

He's a very safe pick and will turn into a superstar. 

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Thomas Robinson is an athletic, explosive power forward who will upgrade the Charlotte Bobcats.

He is a great rebounder and is active on both the offensive and defensive glass.

He's solid in the post and has a number of moves.

On defense, he's capable of defending on the low block, as well as getting out on the perimeter.

Robinson has an all-around skill set that should help the woeful Bobcats improve. Combining Robinson with Bismack Biyombo will create an athletic, explosive frontcourt that will make the 'Cats fun to watch. 

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Bradley Beal is an explosive shooting guard who will team with John Wall to create a great backcourt for the Washington Wizards.

Beal can get to the rim and is an improving shooter. He's a good playmaker and is great in transition.

On defense, Beal has all the tools to be a standout. He has good lateral quickness and already has good fundamentals.

He and John Wall will combine to form a great one-two punch in the backcourt. Wall can dish and Beal can score.

Adding Beal to an already solid nucleus of Wall, Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor and Nene should make the Wizards an exciting team to watch. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

With Kyrie Irving on board, the Cleveland Cavaliers have one major part settled.

Now they need another. Harrison Barnes will go a long way towards doing this.

Barnes is a terrific shooter and is pretty polished offensively. He's not one to create his own shot, but he'll happily receive the ball from Irving and put up a jumper.

Irving needs someone to help him out and Barnes will do just that. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

The Kings need a small forward and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the best one available.

Kidd-Gilchrist is tenacious on defense and will bring a ton of energy to that side. 

On offense, he's still a work in progress, but at 19, he has plenty of time to develop.

The Kings resorted to using point guard Tyreke Evans at small forward, so an upgrade is clearly needed. 

Kidd-Gilchrist will provide that and help keep Evans at the point where he belongs. 

6. Orlando Magic: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

The Magic received this pick in our hypothetical trade with Houston (via Portland).

Now that they've traded Howard, the Magic will need a replacement at center. Andre Drummond provides the best opportunity for that.

Drummond has concerns about his work ethic, but he has tremendous size and athletic ability.

He's an elite athlete and can run the floor very well.

The big concern with Drummond is whether he'll work hard enough. He did not exhibit that trait in college.

Still, it's hard to find a big man with his size and speed, and he has the potential to be a star.

With Howard gone, the Magic will need to swing for the fences and taking Drummond will be a good start.

7. Golden State Warriors: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

Golden State needs depth at the 3 and 4 and Terrence Jones can provide that.

Jones is a good passer who can rebound. He can play both power and small forwards. 

That versatility will be welcomed in Golden State. Jones, alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee and Andrew Bogut, would help constitute a nice starting five—one with explosive athletes.

Jones will also provide depth in the frontcourt, where the Warriors are lacking. 

8. Toronto Raptors: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Dion Waiters is an explosive scorer who will instantly improve the Toronto offense. 

Waiters came off the bench at Syracuse, but he's capable of starting. 

Waiters can play both the 1 and 2. He has a good jump shot, helping to offset DeMar DeRozan's poor shooting.

Waiters is also an effective defender.

He'll be a quality pick for the Raptors. 

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Detroit would like to pair another big man with Greg Monroe, and John Henson is a great fit. 

The 6'11" forward is terrific defensively and is the best defender not named Anthony Davis in this draft.

At only 216 pounds, Henson needs to bulk up. Once he does that, his defense will only improve.

On offense, Henson has some decent moves in the post, but he's still developing.

Henson and Monroe would create an awesome frontcourt for years to come. 

10. New Orleans Hornets: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

New Orleans needs a point guard to go along with Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis and Lillard is the best one available.

Lillard is a natural scorer with good range. He's an effective ball-handler.

He played against a lower level of competition while at Weber State, but he has the physical tools to make the jump to the NBA. 

Lillard, along with Davis, will make the Hornets instant contenders.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

The Trail Blazers need a point guard, as Raymond Felton, Jonny Flynn and Jamal Crawford are all set to hit free agency.

Kendall Marshall could fill that void. Marshall was second in the NCAA in assists per game at 9.8.

Marshall has great court vision and is also solid on defense.

Marshall can step in on day one and command the offense, as well as be an upgrade over Felton and Flynn.  

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

The Bucks traded Andrew Bogut, so now they select his replacement.

Zeller, the ACC Player of the Year, averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this past season.

He's a good athlete and a smart player and should be able to start right away.

At 7'1", 241 pounds, Zeller has the requisite body type to excel in the post. 

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

Jeremy Lamb is an explosive scorer who will fit nicely with Steve Nash. 

He's a good shooter and can score from anywhere on the floor. Lamb doesn't always play up to his abilities, but if he does, he will be an elite scorer.

At 19, he has time to mature.

14. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Portland receives this pick in our hypothetical trade with Houston.

With Jamal Crawford set for free agency, the Trail Blazers could use a shooting guard. Enter Austin Rivers.

Rivers is a good ball-handler and can make shots from anywhere on the court. 

He's a work in progress defensively; bulking up will help.

Rivers will combine with Marshall to create a young, exciting backcourt. 

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

Philadelphia could use some help down low and adding Sullinger is a good start.

Sullinger is a top-10 talent, who is sliding due to back issues.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN, Sullinger's back issues have caused some teams to take him off their board completely. According to Ford, some team doctors think his back issues will shorten his NBA career.

If he's healthy, Sullinger will be a steal at 15.

He's smooth in the post and is NBA-ready on offense.

On defense, he tries, but he's just not big enough to handle power forwards. 

If he can stay healthy, Sullinger will put up a lot points and be a valuable contributor early in his NBA career.

16. Portland Trail Blazers: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

Portland received this pick in our hypothetical trade. Now that they have four first-round picks, the Trail Blazers can afford to take a chance.

Perry Jones has a world of talent, but has not yet put it together. 

He can run the floor, handle the ball and is a terrific athlete. He's just not consistent yet and is dogged by poor effort.

Still, the talent is there, and there aren't many 6'11" players who move like Jones.

Jones has Kevin Durant-like talent, and at No. 16, it's a low-risk, high-reward move for the Blazers. 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Dallas needs to start preparing for life after Jason Kidd. Drafting Marquis Teague would be a good start.

Teague is super fast and is almost impossible to defend on the fast break.

He's a good passer and ball-handler and can get consistently into the lane. He's also a solid defender who uses his speed to his advantage.

Teague will start off as a backup behind Kidd and spark the Mavs with his speed off the bench. He can learn from one of the best point guards ever and take the reins sooner rather than later. 

18. Portland Trail Blazers: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

This is the final pick the Blazers received in our hypothetical trade with Houston.

Arnett Moultrie is a big, athletic power forward who would provide depth. He has good post moves and can also pass well.

He's a work in progress on defense but has the size and athletic ability to make an impact.

Moultrie will provide depth behind LaMarcus Aldridge and can also play some center. 

19. Orlando Magic: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Moe Harkless would be a nice fit for the Orlando Magic.

The Big East Freshman of the Year averaged 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals. 

His all-around game will remind some of former Magic player Trevor Ariza. He has the ability to become a lockdown defender on the wing.

As he develops, Harkless can become a dynamic scorer and defender who will help Orlando return to contention. 

20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Denver has no glaring needs, so they can afford to take the best player available. In this scenario, that player is Quincy MIller.

The 6'10" forward looks like Kevin Durant and has elite talent. He can get to the rim as well as shoot from the perimeter. 

Miller is not yet consistent, and he does not always play up to his talent. Until he becomes more consistent, he will not reach his potential.

Still, he can be a valuable contributor and provide depth at three positions for the Nuggets. 

21. Boston Celtics: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Meyers Leonard is a steal at this juncture for the Celtics, who desperately need a true center.

At 7'1", 250 pounds, Leonard has rare size and is incredibly athletic.

He's not a finished product, but he has the size to bang in the post right away.

The Celtics have struggled since trading Kendrick Perkins; adding a true center like Leonard will be a huge help. 

22. Boston Celtics: Royce White, PF, Iowa

Royce White would provide needed depth at power forward for the Celtics.

He's a point forward who can handle the ball as well as drive to the rim. He has good post moves, too.

He struggles against taller forwards, but White gives a good effort on defense.

Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass are slated to be free agents, so adding someone like White would be a smart move for the Celtics. 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Terrence Ross is an explosive shooting guard prospect. 

Ross averaged 16.4 points while shooting for 37.1 percent from three-point land.

He has great size and can guard two positions.

He'll give Atlanta flexibility if Josh Smith doesn't re-sign, as well as add depth behind Joe Johnson. 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Fab Melo is an intimidating defensive presence who would help the Cavs out a lot.

He's quick and agile and has the size and bulk to defend the post. Melo is a work in progress on offense, as he's only really a dunker at this point.

Still, Melo is a true center who would improve the Cavs defense greatly. 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

Memphis needs a backup point guard. Enter Tony Wroten.

Wroten can play point guard and shooting guard. He's very athletic and can get to the rim whenever he wants, and he has the size and athletic ability to be a great defender.

Wroten will improve the depth at point guard while contributing at the 2-guard position.

Indiana: Miles Plumlee, C, Duke

Miles Plumlee is a true center who will provide valuable insurance for Roy Hibbert, if he's re-signed.

Plumlee is raw offensively—though he is developing a jump shot—but he has great size and is a good rebounder. He's also incredibly athletic, boasting a 41" vertical jump (via SI.com).

Plumlee projects as a nice backup center who can bang in the post and bring down a lot of boards. 

27. Miami Heat: Will Barton, SG, Memphis

Will Barton is an explosive scorer who can backup both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

He averaged 18 points last season, along with eight rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals. He's a good shooter, can get to the rim and would add instant offense off the bench. He is also becoming a defensive stud. 

He has the ability to play both the 2 and the 3 and should provide depth behind James and Wade. Allowing them to rest more is crucial.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Oklahoma City would love depth behind Kevin Durant and Vanderbilt's Jeff Taylor could provide that.

The 6'7" senior averaged 16.1 points last season and shot 42.3 percent from three-point land. He will be a weapon from distance in the pros.

Taylor's a great athlete who projects as a great defender thanks to his tremendous lateral movement.

Taylor will add valuable depth behind Durant.

Adding a piece like Taylor can help the Thunder get over the top. 

29. Chicago Bulls: Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas

Derrick Rose tore his ACL in late April and is expected to be out from eight to 12 months.

Adding a point guard is crucial for the Bulls.

Tyshawn Taylor is the best floor general available. He has elite speed and can drive to the hoop.

He can also play shooting guard and is a good defender, who uses his 6'3" frame to his advantage.

He plays out of control sometimes and will have to rein that erratic play at the next level.

Still, he's the best point guard available, and it would be a stupid move for the Bulls to pass on him.

30. Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Draymond Green would provide more frontcourt depth for the Warriors.

Green is an excellent scorer with a good jump shot. He is an excellent passer and ball-handler, often playing point forward for Michigan State.

He's not the best on defense and he will struggle on that end in the pros. 

Still, Green can provide instant offense off the bench for the Warriors, as well as helping to facilitiate for other players.

He's a safe pick who will contribute for years.