2012 NBA Mock Draft: Teams That Need Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Most

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is heading to the NBA after his season with the Kentucky Wildcats is over, according to Chad Ford of ESPN.

Therefore, it's now time to see which NBA teams could most benefit from the star forward's talents.

Kidd-Gilchrist is an extremely athletic small forward at 6'7", with a 6'11" wingspan. He'd immediately make many NBA teams better, but which ones need him the most is where the discussion lies.

Here are the teams that need him most.

5. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are not as bad as their 18-32 record might indicate. After a dominant run in the middle of the last decade, this team is in the middle of a rebuilding period and focused on young talent. Kidd-Gilchrist would be a great addition.

Kidd-Gilchrist would provide defense and leadership to go along with the emerging talent of young center Greg Monroe and fellow Kentucky Wildcat Brandon McKnight. He'd be the Tayshaun Prince (another former Kentucky Wildcat) of the next decade, but better.

4. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors haven't been good since Chris Bosh left, but Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could be the dose of defense and leadership they need to get back on track.

The Raptors need a legit small forward, and Kidd-Gilchrist could easily fill that role. He won't be a great scorer at the next level, but that doesn't appear to be what Toronto needs.

3. Sacramento Kings

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist fills multiple needs for the Sacramento Kings. He's a small forward, which is a position that they need to fill. He has a good head on his shoulders, which is something that the Kings lack. What's more, he plays defense, which is yet another thing that the Kings could use a dose of.

The Kings have too many shooters and scorers on the outside. Kidd-Gilchrist can provide defense, toughness and leadership to a young squad in Sacramento that desperately needs it.

2. Charlotte Bobcats

It seems to have become a forgone conclusion that the Bobcats would take Anthony Davis—Kidd-Gilchrist's teammate—with the first overall pick, but what if they don't get it?

The Bobcats need talent at every position. Kidd-Gilchrist can provide that at the small forward position better than anyone else they have. Building on defense is important in the draft, and this guy can help Charlotte do that.

1. Washington Wizards

Despite how bad the Charlotte Bobcats are, the Washington Wizards need Michael Kidd-Gilchrist the most.

The Wizards are young and talented. John Wall is clearly the point guard of the future, and the addition of Nene makes the team better now. Kidd-Gilchrist can be a leader for this team, especially on defense where they really need one.

The fact that he's a solid person and player is also a plus for a Washington team that needs those types of players after shipping out the likes of JaVale McGee and Nick Young.

Many teams could use Kidd-Gilchrist, but the Washington Wizards could use him the most.