2012 NBA Mock Draft: Difference Makers for Playoff Bubble Teams

A few teams hovering around the playoff line will find nice pieces to help complete their team in this upcoming draft. 

Below is my latest full first round mock draft. In this mock, I highlight the players and teams that fit this mold. 

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Anthony Davis offers a dominant defensive game with a developing offensive game. He will be a force down low for years to come. 

2. Washington Wizards: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes' is too athletic and long with a deft shooting touch to last past the second pick. 

3. New Orleans Hornets: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Drummond is going to take a couple of years to develop, but big men with his athleticism never last beyond the third pick in an NBA draft. 

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

Kidd-Gilchrist, and his freakishly long arms, is a lockdown NBA defensive player in waiting. His offensive game needs polishing, but has potential. 

5. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

Lamb has a well developed offensive game, and will add nice scoring punch to the Raptors. 

6. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, SF, Kansas 

Robinson will add some nice length and scoring ability on the wing in Sacramento. 

7. Detroit Pistons: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal's stock is soaring. He has all the goods to be an effective scoring guard at the next level. 

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard is still very much a work in progress, but he is fluid and mobile, and the Cavs could definitely use a center to help Tristan Thompson develop at his more natural power forward position. 

9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Rivers struggled when trying to run the point, but he has the potential. This will be enough for the Jazz, who are desperate for a point guard upgrade. 

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State 

Sullinger's stock has plummeted this year as he struggles with his speed and injuries. However, he has the most polished post game in this class. He will be able to score on the next level. 

This would be a nice addition for the Bucks. He could team up with Ekpe Udoh to give them a solid front court. Udoh will bring the defense and Sullinger the offense. 

They will both team up with the Bucks now explosive backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. This will be enough to make the Bucks a perennial playoff team in the weak Eastern Conference. 

11. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Rockets have been desperate to land another piece for their frontcourt. They tried all season to land Pau Gasol from the Lakers.

After failing to land a big man with a trade, they will turn to the draft. Henson is a nice fit. He is a solid all-around player with a high ceiling. He is rapidly developing a post game, and would team well with Luis Scola on the Rockets' front line.

Henson will have to improve his strength to dominate at the NBA level, but he will be a nice piece coming off the bench and give the Rockets a dimension they currently lack.  

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Perry Jones, SF, Baylor

At 6'11, Jones has the height to play power forward. However, he has the athleticism to play small forward. He will be able to guard both positions, and will fit in well with Portland. 

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

The Hornets need to find a PG to replace Chris Paul. Lillard is a solid option. 

14. Phoenix Suns: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie is a developing power forward. He is adding bulk, and has a chance to develop into an excellent NBA player. 

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

The Timberwolves have to add some backcourt depth. Waiters is still a work in progress, but he has the frame and athleticism to make an impact right away.

He is excellent in the open court. This will help the Timberwolves speed up the play and get some easy buckets.  

It is not on the offensive end where he will make the biggest impact. Waiters is a very solid defensive player, and the Timberwolves are hurting for backcourt defense. 

His addition will add a ton of versatility to Minnesota's roster. 

16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston Rockets): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Zeller will team up nicely with Brook Lopez in the Nets frontcourt. 

17. Boston Celtics: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

With Ray Allen in the last year of his contract, the Celtics need to find his replacement. 

18. Philadelphia 76ers:  Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Marshall will team up with Jrue Holiday to solidify the 76ers PG position. 

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

Harkless fits right into the Nuggets mold. He will give them another athletic player that can defend. 

20. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

The aging Mavericks can use Jones athleticism and shooting. He will be a nice piece as they rebuild their roster.

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

Nicholson's stock is on the rise. The Hawks will jump all over the chance to draft him. 

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

Mitchell's defense and athleticism will fit in nicely with the young Pacers. 

23. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt 

Jenkins will give the Grizzlies added backcourt depth and make it easier for them to part with OJ Mayo. 

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Melo's excellent defense will fit right in with the Celtics. 

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

Taylor will give the Cavs the offensive punch they have been lacking at the SF position since LeBron left. 

26. Orlando Magic: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Magic must find some outside shooting help. Lamb will be a nice fit. 

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

Jones will be given a chance to be groomed as Tim Duncan's replacement. 

28. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat need to find a more permanent answer at center. Ezeli is a risky pick, but he has potential. 

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

The Thunder need to add a capable backup for Russell Westbrook. Wroten will fit nicely into their system. 

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

Green's all-around game is a perfect fit for the defensive-centered Bulls.