2012 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Picks Certain to Excel As Rookies

There are a couple different options for NBA teams when drafting in the lottery. They can choose between a more polished player who's ready to help right away or a potential superstar who needs some time to develop his skills.

In other words, not all prospects are created equal. With that in mind, here's a complete mock draft of the opening round, featuring lottery selections who will excel in their respective rookie seasons.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

No player in the country has been more dominant than Davis. It takes a special player to average nearly five blocks per game. Add in the fact he's already making big strides on the offensive end and Davis has NBA star written all over him.

The Bobcats need a face for their franchise, somebody who can attract free agents without having to grossly overpay them to play in Charlotte. Davis certainly has the potential to become that type of player, making him a perfect building block.

He'll be able to step into the starting lineup right away and it shouldn't take him long to adapt. He'll be defensive stud right away, and his offensive game shouldn't be too far behind.

2. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Even though Drummond will need some time to develop his post ability, he'll be a monster in a couple seasons.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes' value continues to increase during the NCAA Tournament.

4. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

The Wildcats continue to produce future NBA stars, even if they only hang around for one year.

5. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

Lamb took a gigantic step forward in his second season with the Huskies. He was given a lot more responsibility on the offensive end and was able to handle everything thrown his way. That makes him a perfect fit for Toronto, which doesn't have a go-to scorer.

The Raptors have a couple useful pieces in the like of Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon but still have a lot of work to do before becoming playoff contenders. Lamb would help the progress accelerate by playing a vital role immediately upon arriving.

By injecting some life into Toronto's offense, Lamb would have a good chance to challenge Davis for Rookie of the Year honors.

6. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Sullinger might have been drafted higher last season, but the extra season with the Buckeyes will help him in long run.

7. Detroit Pistons: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

If the Gators' tournament run continues for a couple more rounds, Beal's stock will keep rising.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

A guard combination of Rivers and Kyrie Irving would give Cleveland a much brighter future.

9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Utah doesn't really need another big man, but Moultrie has too much talent to pass up. He will give the Jazz trade options.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Henson has often been overlooked because of North Carolina's talented group of forwards, but he's got all the tools to become a tremendous post player in the NBA. He's averaging 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks and has progressed in each of his three seasons at UNC.

The Bucks now have a dynamic guard duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, so they should be focused on adding some talented big men during the summer. Henson fits that mold and would make them a playoff threat next season.

It's been a long process, but the Bucks' future is finally starting to look bright. Now they just need to make sure they don't let any of their young stars get away.

11. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Robinson will give the Rockets a younger option alongside Luis Scola.

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Portland's record doesn't show it, but the Blazers have plenty of young talent to build around. Leonard is another solid piece.

13. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

While Lillard won't be able to replace Chris Paul, he's better than the team's current options.

14. Phoenix Suns: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

Jones has the ability to guard multiple positions, and defense is certainly an area of need for the Suns.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Adding more backcourt depth will be essential for Minnesota during the offseason.

16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston Rockets): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Uncertain future of Deron Williams will lead the Nets to take a safety net in Marshall.

17. Boston Celtics: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Boston desperately needs to add youth along its front line. Zeller should help fill that void immediately.

18. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Ross will help the 76ers create more instant offense from the guard spots.

19. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

The Nuggets could use a true post player, but without one available they'll take the best player available.

20. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Shawn Marion's production is down and who knows what to expect from Lamar Odom. Jones will give Dallas stability.

21. Atlanta Hawks: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

After a strong showing in his first tournament game, Nicholson's stock is on the rise.

22. Indiana Pacers: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas

One of the league's best young teams would benefit from adding another versatile piece like Mitchell.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Problems at Syracuse shouldn't affect Melo's draft status too much. The Grizzlies need a force like him in the middle.

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Multiple first-round picks and aging veterans will lead to an interesting offseason in Boston.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Cleveland hasn't received much production from the small forward spot since LeBron James left. Taylor would change that.

26. Orlando Magic: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Dwight Howard is back in the fold for another year, so the Magic can afford to fill a different need in Round 1.

27. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

With Tim Duncan starting to slow down, the Spurs would be wise to draft some depth up front.

28. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat still need a true center like Ezeli to play next to Chris Bosh.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Wroten, SG, Washington

Wroten would take some of the pressure off Russell Westbrook, who tends to force it on the offensive end too much.

30. Chicago Bulls: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Green has often looked like a man amongst boys at the collegiate level. He'll make the Bulls' frontcourt more dangerous.