2012 NBA Mock Draft: Sweet 16 Prospects We'll See in the First Round

Remember the days when the top of the draft was dominated by high school kids and foreign players, leaving the average fan to wonder who exactly teams were drafting since most fans had never seen any of them play?

Well, this year's draft is the antithesis to that.

Obviously there aren't any straight-from-high-school players since that is no longer allowed, but the foreign pool is really shallow this year as well. And all the average fan has to do is watch some college basketball this weekend—the Sweet 16 is absolutely loaded with future pro prospects.

Let's get to know a few of those guys.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

This one is a no-brainer. Davis is crazy athletic, is a force on the defensive end as an elite shot-blocker and excellent rebounder, and has still-untapped offensive potential.

Davis will make an immediate impact defensively and is a future All-Star. If the Bobcats indeed end up with this pick, this could be a moment that shifts the future of this franchise.

2. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Potential or production? That is the question the Wizards will face when they select here.

Here's the thing about Robinson—he enters the NBA with a well-rounded, polished game. He'll give the Wizards a huge effort every night, on a team that needs character guys.

They could also go with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist here, but I think you'll see Robinson as the second guy off the board when all is said and done.

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

The Hornets could use a stud in the paint. Drummond has a ton of upside. This is an easy pick for the Hornets.

4. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Were it not for LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum already locked in at the two forward spots, this pick could have gone in a different direction. Instead, they fill a huge need at shooting guard.

5. Toronto Raptors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

It's possible that MKG won't enter this year's draft, as the word has been he wants to return to school for another year.

But if he does enter, he won't get past the Raptors if they are sitting at this pick. MKG is a team player who plays excellent defense, gets teammates involved and will never give anything less than a great effort.

6. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

Jones is a tough guy to peg. His size, athleticism and potential make him a possible top-three pick. But there are also major questions about his consistency and motor.

For the Pistons, its a gamble they need to take, as the team has a major need for an upgrade at the power forward position. This could actually be a steal for the team if Jones lives up to his potential, and he and Greg Monroe could form a truly dynamic frontcourt for the next 10 years.

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

With DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, the Kings don't need another pure scorer.

In Sullinger, they get a player who can score, but is also a solid defender and very good rebounder. Paired with Cousins on the block, Sullinger could do some damage in Sacramento.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

If Barnes dropped to the Cavs, the team will be absolutely giddy. The team has a legitimate need on the wing, and Barnes is the best scoring wing in this year's draft.

Things would be looking up in a big way in Cleveland if the Cavs end up with Mr. Barnes.

9. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Jazz need a point guard. Lillard is the most talented option in the draft.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Cody Zeller, C, Indiana

Andrew Bogut who?

It's possible that Zeller will return to Indiana, but if he does declare for the draft, he would be the perfect selection for the Bucks.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Back-to-back Zeller picks! How exciting!

Having filled a need at shooting guard, the team will turn its attention to Zeller. The center from North Carolina may have limited upside, but he'll come in NBA-ready, give an excellent effort and be a solid contributor immediately for the team at a position of need.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

The best pure passer in the draft by a long shot (and one of the best passers to hit the league in years), Marshall will fill the void left by Chris Paul's departure.

He won't ever score like Paul and he isn't a spectacular athlete, but he'll make his teammates better. After taking Drummond, the Hornets play it a bit safer here and land a player who will make everyone else on the team better.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

The Suns decide to take the best player remaining on the board. Lamb has huge potential and is great value with this pick.

14. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

The Jazz continue to improve its backcourt with this selection. Rivers will likely be a two-guard in the NBA, and he'll fill it up for the Jazz almost immediately.

15. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

The Rockets add to the frontcourt with the long and athletic power forward from Mississippi State.

16. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets): Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington

Because let's be honest—Deron Williams will be long-gone after this season.

17. Boston Celtics: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Because let's be honest—Kevin Garnett might not be back next year, and this team needs studs in the frontcourt one way or another.

Henson is a very good player and will be a rock defensively for Boston.

18. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

Jones has immense talent but doesn't always display it. Sure, the Nuggets already have a big man that fits that description in JaVale McGee, but I think they would be wise to take a chance on Jones.

If McGee and Jones can give a consistent, mature effort for Denver, they could be a very pair of bigs for the team.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

With all of the point guards worthy of a pick at this spot off the board, the Hawks add some Al Horford insurance at the center position with Leonard.

20. Philadelphia 76ers: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

At some point, Elton Brand's knees are going to simply disintegrate. The Sixers will be glad to have Nicholson around when that happens. 

21. Houston Rockets (via Dallas Mavericks): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

The Rockets go with the best player left on the board, and that is the high upside and big talent of Miller.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Patric Young, C, Florida

If he doesn't return to Florida, Young will add athleticism and toughness to the paint, something the Grizzlies could use.

23. Indiana Pacers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Ross can straight light the lamp, and he'll do so for Indiana almost immediately.

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): C.J. Leslie, PF, NC State

Leslie has the athletic ability to play the three and the size to play the four.

With much uncertainty in Boston next year across the board, the team will wisely snatch up a player that offers them both versatility and a ton of upside.

25. Orlando Magic: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor's size and improved shot make him a nice addition to the wing for Orlando.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Well, the Cavs will certainly improve on the wing with this draft after adding Barnes and Harkless.

27. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

The Warriors replace Monta Ellis with the tough and athletic guard from 'Cuse.

28. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Green is the sort of hard-working 'tweener that wouldn't fit on every team, but will be an instant and surprising contributor for an already-stacked team like the Heat.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Another shooter from outside may be a luxury, but the Thunder are stacked enough to add luxuries at this point.

30. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Lamb has the potential to be the sort of excellent scorer the team would love to add. What do the Bulls have to lose here anyway?

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