2012 NBA Mock Draft: Can't-Miss Prospects Sure to Have Long Careers

The 2012 NBA draft looks like it will contain one of the deepest and most promising crop of players heading into the league in years.

However, some of these young men just seem destined to become stars and hang around the pros for years, while others are extremely hit-or-miss selections.

Check out the players who are without a doubt going to be a factor in the NBA from the time their name is called this June until they retire.

1. Charlotte Bobcats (4-27): Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Davis has so much potential, it’s practically insane.

He’s 18 years old, 6’10”, 220-pounds of pure upside.

The Kentucky product would break every blocks record in NCAA history if he stuck around, but odds are he is going to enter the 2012 draft and go No. 1 overall.

Once he develops a post game and adds more muscle, he will be unstoppable in the NBA.

2. Washington Wizards (7-24): Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Drummond has the size to compete in the NBA, but his inconsistency against college competition is alarming.

3. New Orleans Hornets (7-23): Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

Harrison Barnes is a born scorer who can put the ball through the basket from anywhere on the floor.

He’s got the prototypical length and athleticism to play the SF position in the pros, and he even has a knack for playing defense.

This kid will become a franchise player for whichever lucky team gets their hands on him.

4. New Jersey Nets (9-24): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb is a solid two guard who does everything required from the position.

5. Toronto Raptors (9-23): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Interior force who isn’t afraid of anyone on the offensive or defensive end.

6. Sacramento Kings (10-21): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist is going to have a fruitful NBA career, even if his offense doesn’t translate over to the next level.

He’s simply the best defender this draft has to offer, and he could make a living off shutting down the best perimeter player on the opposing team.

His upside is also through the roof, and if he puts it together offensively, he will be a true star.

7. Detroit Pistons (11-22): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

No one else in this draft has the surefire talent that Sullinger possesses coming into the league, and he will be contributing immediately.

The 6’9”, 240-pound sophomore is a bit undersized and lacks explosion, but he’s fundamentally solid and plays with his head.

He’s a top candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award and promises to have a home in the NBA for a long time.

8. Utah Jazz (via Golden State 11-17): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Just an excellent shooter who has the build to take on any defender.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-17): Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

The Cavaliers can afford to take a chance on someone with Jones’ promise, as they rebuild over the next few years.

10. Phoenix Suns (13-19): Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

This is the best passer in the draft, and Phoenix needs to replace Steve Nash.

11. Milwaukee Bucks (13-18): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie has been shooting up draft boards since he began dominating the SEC in rebounding this year.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota 16-16): John Henson, PF/C, UNC

Hornets need to take a shot on developing a big if Chris Kaman is traded or walks away this offseason.

13. Utah Jazz (15-15): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Utah is set at almost every position but point guard for the future, and Teague is the best available.

14. Denver Nuggets (17-15): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard may not be mentally ready, but Denver could trot him out if Nene gets injured and be just fine.

15. Houston Rockets (via New York 16-16): Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC

There is no upside to this pick, but Zeller is going to be a contributor on a professional basketball team.

16. Boston Celtics (15-15): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Austin Rivers may not come out this year, but whenever he chooses to, he’s going to be entrenched with whatever lucky team grabs him for years to come.

Boston would be stupid to pass on their coach’s son, if he declares, as they direly need a SG to fill Ray Allen’s shoes when he retires or leaves the squad.

Rivers has proven to have the heart of a winner, as evidenced by his buzzer beater against UNC, as well as an incredible skill set and basketball IQ.

17. Portland Trail Blazers (17-15): Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Portland has been plagued by poor guard play, and he’s the best available option to try and replace Brandon Roy.

18. New Jersey Nets (via Houston 18-14): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

New Jersey needs help everywhere as they prepare to move to Brooklyn, and Jones represents lottery talent at a bargain here.

19. Memphis Grizzlies (18-14): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Memphis could use a sixth man if O.J. Mayo isn’t retained, and Lamb immediately fills that position.

20. Los Angeles Lakers (18-13): Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

LA needs a point guard now that Steve Blake and Derek Fisher have shown how washed up they are after the lockout.

21. Indiana Pacers (19-12): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Indiana is stacked at most positions, but they need a solid center to play behind newly minted All-Star Roy Hibbert.

22. Atlanta Hawks (19-12): Patric Young, PF, Florida

Young can bang with the best down low, and Atlanta desperately needs insurance for Al Horford.

23. Orland Magic (20-12): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller has drawn comparisons to a poor man’s Kevin Durant, which definitely isn’t a bad thing for a team that needs a talented swingman.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (20-12): William Buford, SG, Ohio State

A consistent player that could be a contributor late in the draft for an upcoming team like Philly.

25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Dallas 20-12): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Lakers seriously need a new point guard.

26. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers 19-10): Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

Boston isn’t used to being a small team, and striking gold on a center to replace Kendrick Perkins (traded) and Jermaine O’Neal (bum) with is important.

27. San Antonio Spurs (22-9): Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

Tim Duncan isn’t going to last forever, and the Spurs could use depth at PF after he retires.

28. Chicago Bulls (25-8): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Jenkins can be developed to fill Rip Hamilton’s role in Chi-town.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-7): Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Green is a promising player that can play both forward positions for a young team.

30. Miami Heat (25-7): Tomas Satoransky, G, Czech Republic

Miami needs a point guard, and Satoransky has a ton of upside.