2012 NBA Mock Draft: Harrison Barnes and Best First-Round Prospects
While the NFL draft is beginning to heat up, it’s never too early for hoop heads to start thinking about how their team can improve this summer…especially if you’re the Charlotte Bobcats or Washington Wizards.
The good news for teams already jockeying for draft position is that the upcoming class is absolutely loaded with potential All-Stars.
While some of the underclassmen will surely return to school, here is an early look at what could be a historical 2012 draft:
(Draft order based off current records, projected best pro’s in italics, traded picks have asterisk)
1. Charlotte Bobcats- Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Davis has exploded onto the scene and quickly emerged as a can’t-miss prospect because of his uncanny ability to block shots. He currently averages 4.9 a game, which is almost a full block better than the next highest in the nation. He is extremely disciplined, doesn’t leave his feet very often, which is pretty incredible considering he’s a freshman.
He can win Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA and, oh by the way, he shoots 65 percent from the field.
The upside is through the roof with this guy. While he may not be an All-Star right off the bat, the sky is the limit for Davis.
2. New Orleans Hornets- Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn
The Hornets need a big man that can shoulder the scoring load while not being a liability on the defensive end of the floor.
At 6’11’ 270 pounds, Drummond is a physical freak that can dominate the vast majority of centers with his wingspan and explosive jumping ability.
Problem is, his skills are currently very limited on offense.
3. Washington Wizards-Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
Barnes potentially could have been the top pick in last year’s draft, but wanted to go back for some unfinished business.
He is the best pure scorer in the draft and is capable of averaging 15-to-20 points a game this year. His 7’0’’ foot wingspan and outstanding body balance make him one-of-a-kind. He can attack the basket and use his strength to outmuscle the opponent, while also possessing three-point range.
What else could you ask for?
Oh yeah, he competes on defense and actually takes pride on that end of the floor, a rarity for a player with so much ability on the offensive end of the floor.
4. Detroit Pistons- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
The Pistons can use all the help they can get up front and Robinson is versatile enough to fill a variety of roles.
5. Toronto Raptors- Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Clutch scorer with a championship pedigree, maybe Lamb can show the lowly Raptors what it takes to be a winner.
6. New Jersey Nets- Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
The Nets are going to have a lot of moving parts in the coming months and who knows if Deron Williams or Dwight Howard will be around.
Regardless of what happens, drafting a 6’10’’ big man would certainly help.
*7. Sacramento Kings-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
An incredibly hard worker that is willing to do the dirty work…maybe he is the guy that can knock some sense in the undisciplined yet ultra-talented core of the Kings.
*8. Utah Jazz-Brad Beal, G, Florida
The Jazz are loaded upfront but need to shore up their backcourt. Devin Harris shouldn’t be a starter anymore and getting a versatile guy like Beal would be a huge upgrade.
9. Cleveland Cavs- Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
Ross is a natural athlete that has a quick first step and terrific body control when he leaves his feet. The Cavs are slowly coming together and a shooting guard with the scoring prowess of Ross is just what the doctor ordered.
10. Houston Rockets- Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Sullinger is incredibly polished on offensive end for a sophomore and has displayed the work ethic and hunger to continue to get better.
He is a throwback of sorts with his back to the basket style and physicality. He possesses incredible foot work and hands for a 6’10’’ post player.
He has the whole package and I think his 6’9’’ frame won’t be a problem when you have the high motor he does. A few inches of extra height can be cancelled out with hustle.
11. Phoenix Suns- Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
The Suns need to trade Steve Nash as a favor, and drafting the point guard of the future is a priority. Hunter is the best pure point available and is good enough to build your team around.
*12. New Orleans Hornets- Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
Jones has the chance to become the best player in this entire draft because of his explosiveness, versatility, speed and long strides.
His efficiency around the rim is special and the repertoire he possesses would make any team drool. Problem is, he is very raw and his work ethic leaves a lot to be desired.
13. Memphis Grizzles- John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Henson is a strong rebounding team that does an outstanding job of boxing out. His fundamentals in general are something special.
Problem is, his ceiling is a bit lower than most players’ in the first-round.
14. Portland Trail Blazers- Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
The Blazers need a shooting guard in the worst way and Lamb is the best available.
15. Milwaukee Bucks- Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
The terrible luck Andrew Bogut has had with injuries means the former No.1 overall pick can’t be trusted to play more than 40 games a season. Drafting another center who fits into the Bucks system is a logically move.
*16. Minnesota Timberwolves- Tony Wroten, SG, Washington
The T-Wolves have struck gold with Ricky Rubio, now they just need to find his running mate.
*17. Los Angeles Lakers- Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
The most obvious statement of the day: the Lakers need help in their backcourt.
18. Houston Rockets- Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Jones has spectacular versatility, which is something the Houston organization really takes into account when drafting.
19. Denver Nuggets- Tyler Zeller, PF, North Carolina
The Nuggets need a star player that can take the last shot, not another year of drafting in the second part of the first-round. Denver will be a strong candidate to trade their pick.
*20. Los Angeles Lakers- Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Sick of UK and UNC player’s yet? That’s how stacked the two teams are and I’m beginning to wonder if all 10 of the starters from their matchup in December will end up on NBA rosters.
21. Boston Celtics- Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo has been improving seemingly every game and his abilities on defense warrant a first-round pick.
Offensively he has terrific mechanics and footwork in the paint and he can consistently knock down a mid-range jumper. At 6’11’’ 255-pounds, he has already shed weight when asked to and has the work ethic to keep the weight off.
He may not be the greatest athlete of all-time, but Melo has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Expect is stock to soar in the coming months.
22. Orlando Magic- Patric Young, PF, Florida
Young is a strong scorer that has the ability to be a standout rebounder down the line. With a certain forward doing everything in his power to leave…might as well replace him with another one from the state of Florida.
*23. Boston Celtics- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse
Joseph is an explosive scorer that has a full arsenal of offensive skills. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, which means playing for a team lie Boston would whip him into shape rather quickly.
24. Atlanta Hawks-Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Another year of searching for a franchise point guard while watching Chris Paul continues to be one of the best in the league.
25. San Antonio Spurs- John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
The Spurs need more scoring and Jenkins is a pure shooter with unlimited range. His quick release and textbook shooting motion make him a very productive player from Day 1.
26. Indiana Pacers- Damian Lillard, PG, Weber St.
Lillard is currently the highest scoring player in all of college basketball and is a solid distributor. He is deadly off the pick-and-roll and is lethal from three-point range.
Point guard is currently the biggest need for a Pacers team capable of doing some real damage in the next few years. Call me crazy but this is a match made in heaven that potentially makes the Pacers title contenders.
27. Philadelphia 76ers- Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia
Jones is the perfect player to help transition out of the Elton Brand era. I’m sure Philly can’t wait.
*28. Miami Heat- Tomas Satoransky, PG, Czech Republic
The Heat have a glaring need at point guard and Satoransky has outstanding vision, is physically strong and has a pass first mentality.
On the Miami Heat, that’s a vital trait in a point guard.
29. Chicago Bulls- Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
The Bulls go best available here with Green still on the board.
30. Oklahoma State Thunder- Alex Young, PG, SG-IUPUI
The Thunder really don’t have any pressing needs, so getting a combo guard to provide energy off the bench will do the trick.
