2012 NBA Mock Draft: First-Round Picks Destined to Become Superstars
Drafting a legitimate NBA superstar is the goal of every GM. Finding a future star is a dream come true for any scout.
Here are a few players that have a great chance to make GMs and scouts extremely happy in the near future.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Anthony Davis is a force at Kentucky and there is no question he’s going to be a stud in the NBA. He’s got too much talent and ability to have it not translate to the next level.
Davis is simply schooling his opponents at the collegiate level and it’s almost not even fair. Expect him to go No. 1 overall and become a household name.
2. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn
The big man’s inconsistency could hold him back from ever reaching his full potential.
3. New Orleans Hornets: Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC
Barnes is going to be the next elite NBA scorer.
Franchises are always looking for a swingman who can score at will to build their roster around and market to their fans.
Whoever gets Barnes will have that guy.
4. New Jersey Nets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Robinson has really come on this season as an interior force who can straight up bang in the post.
5. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Lamb is a solid guard who should carve out a nice NBA career based on his all-around abilities.
6. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Kidd-Gilchrist is going to be a defensive force in the NBA, no doubt about it.
Even if his offense takes a few years to develop at the next level, he’s going to be seeing plenty of floor time as a defensive stopper and can guard anyone, anytime, anywhere.
When he finally puts it all together, MKG is going to be an MVP candidate.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Sullinger is the most NBA ready of any player in this draft and solid overall skill set.
8. Utah Jazz (via Golden State): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Beal is a lights-out shooter with a body that can withstand the rigors of an NBA season.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor
PJIII’s upside is worth the risk, especially for a team like Cleveland.
10. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC
If Steve Nash is smart, he’ll sign elsewhere this offseason. If the Suns are smart, they’ll draft the best passer in the class to replace him.
11. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Moultrie is a surprise sensation that has been destroying the SEC in the paint.
12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota): John Henson, PF/C, UNC
Henson has limited upside, but the Hornets will need a big after Kaman departs.
13. Utah Jazz: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Teague represents the biggest chance to upgrade a position of need for Utah.
14. Denver Nuggets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
At the worst, Leonard is solid size and a valuable bench player for whoever takes him.
15. Houston Rockets (via New York): Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC
Zeller could represent the center Houston has been looking for since Yao Ming retired.
16. Boston Celtics: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Rivers may likely stay another year at Duke, but if he comes out, he won’t fall past his father’s squad.
17. Portland Trail Blazers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
The Blazers need to upgrade their backcourt and Ross is the best available guard.
18. New Jersey Nets (via Houston): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Jones is a beast and getting a player skilled enough to go in the lottery of any other draft at No. 18 is great.
19. Memphis Grizzlies: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
It’s tough to find a scoring guard who can come off the bench and contribute, which makes Lamb an asset for whoever gets their hands on him this late.
20. Los Angeles Lakers: Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse
Waiters is a solid pick here for a PG-desperate squad.
21. Indiana Pacers: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo is the backup to Roy Hibbert that Indiana needs for future postseason runs.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Patric Young, PF, Florida
Young is a solid bench player to fill in for Al Horford in case of another injury.
23. Orland Magic: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Miller is a homeless man’s Kevin Durant. He’ll be able to score in the NBA.
24. Philadelphia 76ers: William Buford, SG, Ohio State
Buford is never going to be a star, but will certainly be a role player in the league.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Dallas): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Lillard may go much earlier than this and has the potential to be an elite NBA point guard if he continues his solid play.
26. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Jeff Withey, C, Kansas
Withey will help shore up a weak Celtics’ frontcourt.
27. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia
Jones will help play PF when Tim Duncan retires.
28. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is a capable scorer who might go earlier depending on how his tournament goes.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, F, Michigan State
Green is a fan favorite that can play both forward positions.
30. Miami Heat: Tomas Satoransky, G, Czech Republic
Satoransky is a high-upside player to stash in Europe.
