2012 NBA Mock Draft: Terrence Jones and Stars Who Are Risky Picks

Even though this year's draft class is loaded with star potential, there are many NBA prospects who would be risky picks, especially based on where they are drafted.

Let's look at some players in this draft class that teams must be cautious with because there are some risks in taking them.

*Order Based on Projected Finish

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

The Bobcats cannot afford to let a franchise player like Anthony Davis slip past them. He's a force at both ends of the floor and has yet to scratch the surface of his potential.

2. Washington Wizards: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes' all-around ability will help address several weaknesses of the Washington Wizards, one being scoring.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Thomas Robinson will be a star in the NBA and a consistent double-double machine for many years in the pros.

4. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey): Andre Drummond, Connecticut

With Greg Oden no longer a part of the team's future, they must address their need for a top center. Andre Drummond has the potential to be a dominating NBA center.

Drummond is an immense talent, but he does not always show the consistent effort needed to be effective in big games.

With his size and skill, there's no reason why he cannot be a star NBA big man if he puts in the work required to improve his skills each year.

5. Toronto Raptors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky 

The Raptors would be lucky to find Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at pick No. 5, a player who has very few weaknesses and is very NBA-ready.

6. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger has a developed post-game and is a quality scorer. He has the strength needed to defend NBA big men and is also a hard worker. 

7. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina

John Henson's improving offensive game, length and remarkable shot blocking make him a perfect pick for the Detroit Pistons.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Jeremy Lamb is a talented scorer and a playmaking guard who would fit well with Rookie of the Year candidate Kyrie Irving.

9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State): Brad Beal, Florida

Brad Beal's ability to shoot well from the outside as well as handle the ball comfortably would give the Jazz some nice versatility at guard.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: James McAdoo, North Carolina

James McAdoo is a quality forward who rebounds well and plays solid defense. He would help fill the void created by Andrew Bogut's departure.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Weber State

The Blazers need a playmaking point guard who can run an offense effectively and not make too many turnovers. Damian Lillard is a fundamentally strong point guard who would really help Portland.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Tyler Zeller's ability to rebound and even shoot well from the outside makes him a nice replacement for Chris Kaman at center in New Orleans.

13. Utah Jazz: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Quincy Miller would give the Utah Jazz some more forward depth and a quality scorer who has yet to reach his potential.

14. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

The Phoenix Suns could lose star point guard Steve Nash in free agency this summer, which means finding his future replacement is priority No. 1 at the draft. Kendall Marshall from UNC is a pure point guard who is a very efficient passer.

15. Houston Rockets (via New York): Meyers Leonard, Illinois

With no legitimate center for the future, expect Houston to select Illinois big man Meyers Leonard at pick No. 15.

16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston): Perry Jones, Baylor

Perry Jones would give the Nets a very athletic power forward who can score at the rim or from beyond the three-point line.

The problem with Jones, however, is he's terribly inconsistent. He will look like a No. 1 overall pick one game but play like a second-rounder the next. He doesn't have a lot of size, and his low-post offensive game still isn't developed to where it needs to be.

With Jones, the Nets would be risking that he will reach his high potential and become more consistent. While it's a risk, it's certainly not a large one.

17. Boston Celtics: Austin Rivers, Duke

With a need for more athleticism, Duke guard Austin Rivers and his scoring ability would be a nice fit in Boston. His Dad is also the coach of the Celtics, which also helps.

18. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Ross, Washington

Terrence Ross' ability to shoot well from the outside and play solid perimeter defense would be a nice addition for the Denver Nuggets.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless, St. Johns

The St. Johns small forward has good size and a strong basketball intelligence. He also has a polished offensive game. He could be a future replacement for Josh Smith.

20. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Terrence Ross is a very athletic player who plays with a high motor, but his offensive game isn't very polished even though he has spent two years at Kentucky.

He's also not a very good defensive player and won't add too much rebounding skill either. With Doug Collins' masterful teaching ability with young players, the 76ers should not be too concerned over Jones' risk.

21. Houston Rockets (via Dallas): Jeffrey Taylor, Vanderbilt

Jeffrey Taylor's size and basketball intelligence make him one of the more NBA-ready players in this class. He's also a strong defender.

22. Indiana Pacers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Dion Waiters' ability to play both guard positions effectively would add some nice versatility to the Pacers lineup.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Tony Wroten would be a very reliable back-up point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, or even the starter if Mike Conley, Jr. fails to reach his potential.

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

The Celtics are desperate for more big men, as their front court depth going into next season will be pretty weak, which makes Bulldogs center Arnett Moultrie the best choice.  

25. Orlando Magic: C.J. Leslie, NC State

C.J. Leslie's strong offensive game and scoring ability would improve the bench depth of the Orlando Magic.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Tony Mitchell's ability to play well offensively at both forward positions and play strong interior defense would be a real boost to the Cavaliers.

27. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Draymond Green, Michigan State

Draymond Green is an experienced forward who has a solid all-around skill set. He's a very intelligent player and is also a hard worker. 

Green also isn't very athletic, which means there is certainly some risk involved with taking him since the NBA is a game built on athleticism right now.

He's also not a consistent shooter and doesn't handle the ball too well. After years of failing to make the playoffs in recent seasons, the Warriors cannot afford to miss on their first round selection.

28. Miami Heat: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Andrew Nicholson's ability to rebound well as a power forward would really help the Heat improve in that area because Miami has been beaten on the boards by elite teams this season.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

Festus Ezeli is a quality center who would add some rebounding quality and interior defense to the Bobcats.

30. Chicago Bulls: Kris Joseph, Syracuse

The Syracuse center has size and strength, which helps him be a fantastic one-on-one defender. He's also an experienced player because of his four years with the Orange.