2012 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons and Teams in Need of Massive Overhaul

The 2012 NBA draft is perfect for teams that direly need to bring in a franchise player to build around for years to come.

Since so many kids decided to skip the 2011 draft, this class promises to be one of the most deep and loaded in the history of the event.

Let’s take a look at a few teams that can change their fortunes by selecting a surefire star in the first round.

No. 1: Charlotte Bobcats—Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Charlotte is struggling this year even though they drafted twice in last year’s lottery.

Kemba Walker has the potential to be the star of this team one day, but it’s looking more likely his role will be as an offensive jump-starter off the bench.

Bismack Biyombo is too niche of a player to make a true impact on the team, and his defense and blocks are nice but nothing to build around.

Enter Anthony Davis.

This kid has been piling in points, collecting rebounds and swatting shots like no other at Kentucky. He’s guaranteed to be a productive NBA player, and the Bobcats could do no wrong by taking him.

No. 2: Detroit Pistons—Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The Pistons are trying to become relevant again and have shipped off almost all of their players from their 2001-2009 postseason runs.

They need a marquee superstar to build around, and UNC’s Harrison Barnes may just be the guy.

He’s a 6’8” swing-man who has been averaging 17.3 points in his sophomore season on a great team.

It’s obvious he has potential to become a future All-Star in the NBA, and the Pistons certainly need a young, effective scorer on the wing.

No. 3: Washington Wizards—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Drummond is a physically ready prospect that looks to be one of best big men in the draft class.

No. 4: New Orleans Hornets—Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

The Kentucky product is going to be a defensive force at the next level and can score at a high level as well.

No. 5: Sacramento Kings—Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

No one has boosted his stock more this season than Robinson, who is having an excellent junior year.

No. 6: Toronto Raptors—Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

Jones needs to show more improvement toward the end of the season to justify this selection, but his upside is off the charts.

No. 7: New Jersey Nets—Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

The Nets face a tough dilemma when the offseason rolls around this year. They need to keep Deron Williams and try to bring a second, established superstar in to become relevant upon their move to Brooklyn.

If they have to trade this pick, they should, but if they can keep it, Sullinger is a perfect pick.

He’s the most NBA-ready of anyone in this class and will be able to immediately slide in and start banging down low and contributing buckets.

Brook Lopez, Sullinger and D-Will would not be a bad core to build around.

No. 8: Utah Jazz—Brad Beal, SG, Florida

Beal is a sweet-shooting 2-guard who will help Utah’s offense immensely.

No. 9: Phoenix Suns—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Steve Nash is more than likely on his way out, so they should be looking at the best point guard prospect in the class, Marquis Teague.

No. 10: Houston Rockets—Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb will not slide past 10, as the Rockets love to draft value over need.

No. 11: Cleveland Cavaliers—Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

The Cavaliers complete their backcourt by pairing Ross with Kyrie Irving.

No. 12: New Orleans Hornets—Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard has a lot of upside and is somewhat of a project, which makes him perfect for the Hornets. They will be rebuilding for the next few years and can afford to wait.

No. 13: Memphis Grizzlies—Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

This pick has a lot to do with the future of O.J. Mayo. If they decide to trade him or plan on letting him go, Lamb is a more than adequate replacement.

No. 14: Houston Rockets—Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Another pick of value over need by Houston. Jones and Lamb are two big-name players that would eventually star in a city starved for one.

No. 15: Milwaukee Bucks—Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

Waiters can play both guard positions and could start at SG or backup Brandon Jennings.

No. 16: Boston Celtics—Austin Rivers, G, Duke

The Celtics would be selecting the coach’s son here, which could turn out awesome or become a disaster, depending on how he plays.

No. 17: Orlando Magic—Tyler Zeller, PF/C, North Carolina

Dwight Howard is more than likely leaving, so Zeller helps fill the big-man void he will leave.

No. 18: Portland Trail Blazers—Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

A poor man’s Kevin Durant would certainly help round out the Blazers, who are on the cusp of seriously contending.

No. 19: Los Angeles Lakers—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

There is simply no way Derek Fisher can keep playing and starting in LA. They need to find a new point guard, and Wroten has the chance to take the reins.

No. 20: Minnesota Timberwolves—Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse

Minnesota is stacked with young talent, and Joseph gives them an athletic wing to bring off the bench and possibly eventually start over Michael Beasley.

No. 21: San Antonio Spurs—Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi St

This pick is chock-full of value, and the SEC’s leading rebounder could be a natural replacement for Tim Duncan.

No. 22: Los Angeles Lakers—Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Los Angeles really needs a PG. It wouldn’t be insane for them to take two and hope one pans out.

No. 23: Denver Nuggets—Patric Young, PF, Florida

Young adds more size and strength to a young team on the up-and-up.

No. 24: Boston Celtics—James McAdoo, PF, North Carolina

McAdoo has been disappointing in his first season, but his NBA pedigree and potential make him first-round worthy.

No. 25: Indiana Pacers—Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke

When you have a deep team like the Pacers, it never hurts to add prospects that bolster the bench and add size. At the very worst, he’s a few more fouls per game.

No. 26: Atlanta Hawks—Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas

If Kabongo decides to come out this season, he has a ton of upside and could eventually be the starter for the Hawks in a few seasons.

No. 27: Philadelphia 76ers—Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas

Mitchell might end up going much higher once scouts see more of this kid, who is lighting it up for the Mean Green in the Sun Belt Conference.

No. 28: Miami Heat—Damian Lillard, PG, Weber St

Miami needs to get a point guard or center, and Lillard is the best available at either position with this pick.

No. 29: Chicago Bulls—Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Chicago is a complete and deep team, so adding a project like Taylor makes sense.

No. 30: Oklahoma City Thunder—Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Green can play both forward positions and could contribute early for this young team.