2012 NBA Mock Draft: Where Top Seniors Will Land
The NBA draft is not always kind to college seniors, but a few always find a home in the first round. It is simply a rarity for a legitimate top pick to stay in school for four years.
This year there are some big-name seniors playing out collegiate careers, but where will they land? Is there a lottery pick senior somewhere in America?
Myself and fellow writers Alex P. Kay and Jimmy Surmonte wanted to find out, so we sifted through this year's eligible players and came up with this mock.
1. Charlotte Bobcats (4-27): Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Wes: Best player for the league's worst team. Easy pick.
2. Washington Wizards (7-24): Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn
Jim: This 7' monster paired up with John Wall is simply too enticing.
3. New Orleans Hornets (7-23): Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC
Kay: The Hornets are starved for an elite scorer and Barnes has the potential to be a franchise player.
4. New Jersey Nets (9-24): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Wes: The Husky has so much talent and even brings a little flare to the court.
5. Toronto Raptors (9-23): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Jim: Adds more of an interior presence. Robinson is a true banger in every sense of the word.
6. Sacramento Kings (10-21): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Kay: He plays defense.
7. Detroit Pistons (11-22): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Wes: Most NBA-ready player on the board.
8. Utah Jazz (via Golden State 11-17): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Jim: Reminds me of Jesus Shuttlesworth with muscles.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-17): Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor
Kay: A rebuilding organization can take a chance on PJIII's elite potential.
10. Phoenix Suns (13-19): Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC
Wes: Future point guard of the franchise.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (13-18): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Jim: Interior toughness to put alongside Bogut.
12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota 16-16): John Henson, PF/C, UNC
Kay: Best size available and the Hornets are losing Chris Kaman at some point this year.
13. Utah Jazz (15-15): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Wes: This team has everything but a point guard.
14. Denver Nuggets (17-15): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Jim: True center with NBA-ready body.
15. Houston Rockets (via New York 16-16): Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC
Kay: The Rockets are still trying to replace Yao's size. Zeller doesn't have great upside and what you see is what you'll get, but the first senior to come off the board brings good size and experience to the court.
16. Boston Celtics (15-15): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Wes: Do I even have to explain myself here?
17. Portland Trail Blazers (17-15): Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
Jim: Best available with scoring chops.
18. New Jersey Nets (via Houston 18-14): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Kay: Steal of the draft.
19. Memphis Grizzlies (18-14): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
Wes: Likely fill that O.J. Mayo role.
20. Los Angeles Lakers (18-13): Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse
Jim: The Lakers are starved for guard play.
21. Indiana Pacers (19-12): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Kay: Solid backup for Hibbert.
22. Atlanta Hawks (19-12): Patric Young, PF, Florida
Wes: This dude is an animal and too good to pass on.
23. Orland Magic (20-12): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Jim: Miller is laden with upside and that can't hurt this late in the draft.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (20-12): William Buford, SG, Ohio State
Kay: Buford can stroke the 3 and play D. The Buckeyes senior has been a consistent scorer since his first year on campus and you can't miss on him.
His potential isn't great, but at this point in the draft he's the type of player you look for. He can come in immediately and defend as well as drain a jumper.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Dallas 20-12): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Wes: Again, the Lakers are starved for guard help.
26. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers 19-10): Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
Jim: The Celtics need to hit on their draft picks this year and seeing a 7-footer on the board this late is too much to pass on.
27. San Antonio Spurs (22-9): Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia
Kay: Typical Spurs pick. They want another low post presence and Jones is the product of a big-name program with big-time experience.
He can help this team immediately if needed and could potentially be factor in replacing Tim Duncan.
28. Chicago Bulls (25-8): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Wes: A proven scorer from a big program.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-7): Draymond Green, F, Michigan State
Jim: This is a Sam Presti pick. He can back up Durant and Ibaka with his versatility and do a number of things.
He can come in and add depth to an already young team.
30. Miami Heat (25-7): Tomas Satoransky, G, Czech Republic
Kay: The Heat can afford to take a chance here.
