2012 NBA Mock Draft: Version 1.0

With March Madness coming to an end, NBA scouts and general managers are fully focused on what could go down as one of the deepest draft classes of all-time. Between the surplus of big men, excess guards and superfluous amount of wings, many stars will be born.

Unfortunately, many players who would go relatively early in a previous draft might not be drafted at all.

To relay an idea as to whom you can expect to go in the first round, I've put together a preview of every team's pick. A mock draft, if you will.

Each player is placed to their respective team based off of availability, value and, most importantly, fit. Take a look at what your favorite team is poised to do...

Staying in School: Doug McDermott, Creighton; Myck Kabongo, Texas; Patric Young, Florida

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

Player Traits: PF - 6'10" - 220 pounds - 7'4" wingspan

It doesn't matter who lands this pick, Anthony Davis is going first overall.

He leads the nation in blocks, dominates in the paint, can play out on the perimeter and even knows how to handle the ball. After all, he was a 6'3" guard heading into his junior year of high school.

While the Bobcats need help at any and every position, there is no better player to bring life to a dormant franchise than Anthony Davis. His highlight reel blocks, put-back dunks and developing mid-range game will bring fans out, if nothing else.

If the basketball gods are kind enough, it may even garner some free agent interest...

Season Averages: 35.71 PER, 14.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 4.6 bpg, 1.3 spg

2. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators

Player Traits: SG - 6'5" - 195 pounds - 6'8" wingspan

I understand why NBA fans would expect MKG to go here. He's a can't-miss prospect who does virtually everything on the court and receives high-praise off it. The fact is, the Wizards just took Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton in the 2011 NBA Draft. They'll be looking elsewhere.

With that being known, Florida's sharpshooter Bradley Beal becomes the obvious selection. His draft stock has soared up GM's big boards, due in part to his strange resemblance of a young Ray Allen. He can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court, moves well without the basketball and can create scoring opportunities for himself off of the dribble.

What has really pushed Beal into the top five, however, is his tremendous rebounding ability. In the NCAA Tournament alone, Beal averaged greater than seven rebounds per game. On the season, he nearly reached that mark, going for 6.7 per contest.

Pairing Beal with John Wall would create one of the most versatile back courts in the NBA, and more importantly, give the Wizards a shooter who doesn't need ten attempts to make one three-pointer.

Season Averages: 21.17 PER, 14.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.8 bpg

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

Player Traits: PF - 6'9" - 237 pounds - 7'1" wingspan

You could, again, argue Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but I dare you to find a better fit for this team and this city.

Thomas Robinson's tragedy-turned-triumph story is exactly what the Katrina-ridden New Orleans Hornets are in need of. He's a powerful leader, a dominant force on the low-post and can score from just about anywhere on the floor.

Thomas Robinson is the quintessential New Orleans Hornet building block.

Robinson put everyone on notice when he outplayed fellow prospect Jared Sullinger, leading the Kansas Jayhawks on an improbable comeback and eventual National Championship berth. The National Player of the Year candidate displayed a wide-array of low-post moves, an ability to shoot from the perimeter and a fearless pursuit of rebounds and any other loose ball.

While New Orleans will likely be down in the dumps for a few more years, it's hard to find a more Drew Brees-like character for the Hornets' locker room.

Season Averages: 28.53 PER, 17.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.9 bpg

4. Toronto Raptors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

Player Traits: SF - 6'7" - 210 pounds - 6'11" wingspan

Prior to watching Michael Kidd-Gilchrist play in the NCAA Tournament, I was a non-believer. I felt he could only thrive in transition, wasn't a strong enough jump shooter and could be one-dimensional in the half-court.

I proudly admit I was proven wrong.

MKG's jumper still needs a lot of work, but this kid is an absolute force off of the dribble. He can get to the basket against any form of defense, finishes well-above the rim and crashes the boards like a big man. Most importantly, he is bringing back one of the lost arts in basketball: utilizing the glass.

While I'd rather see Harrison Barnes go to the Raptors, as they need more of a shooter than an athlete to complement DeMar DeRozan, MKG is someone the Raptors just can't pass on. He's a potentially elite NBA player and will be viewed in retrospect as one of the best players of this draft class.

Season Averages: 21.94 PER, 11.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

Player Traits: SF - 6'8" - 210 pounds - 6'11" wingspan

The Cleveland Cavaliers have spent their post-LeBron drafts taking intelligent players with athletic ability. Harrison Barnes fits that bill perfectly, which is why the Cavaliers' newly-found draft spot will drive them up the wall with happiness.

Barnes is currently under heavy criticism for his weak NCAA Tournament performances, but if you look at the big picture, he's an outstanding player. He can shoot, defend, attack the basket and, most importantly, has the ever-elusive killer instinct. Pair that with his sky-high basketball IQ and he becomes a no-brainer for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While I'm a big fan of Alonzo Gee, it's hard to imagine the Cavaliers passing up on an opportunity like this. The potential pairing of two of the game's most intelligent and well-rounded young players in the game today would be impossible to pass up on, and likely would have been their strategy in last year's draft had Barnes gone pro.

Center is certainly an option, as well, but I see them waiting for a lower-risk pick.

Season Averages: 22.70 PER, 17.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg

6. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies

Player Traits: PF/C - 6'11" - 275 pounds - 7'5" wingspan

With DeMarcus Cousins supposedly a better fit for the 4 (which I question, Keith Smart!), it would behoove the Kings to add a center go alongside him. It would also create one of the most physical and bruising front courts in the NBA.

Just please, don't draft another guard.

Drummond isn't a star potential player like everyone expects him to be, but he's one of the most intelligent big men in college basketball. He knows how to use his body, gets great position on his rebounds and always seems to be in the right place for an easy two points. The question about Drummond is his motor, something that has never held the Kings back come draft night.

If not Drummond, the Kings could look to Kentucky's Terrence Jones.

Season Averages: 22.15 PER, 10.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg

7. Portland Trail Blazers (via NJN): Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Player Traits: PG - 6'2" - 185 pounds

I originally had the Trail Blazers selecting Drummond with the fourth pick, but clearly, they're not in that position of luxury anymore. Instead, the Blazers will take a pick at their second greatest position of need: point guard.

Damian Lillard would likely be available a few spots down, but when you consider the Trail Blazers' desperate need for an upgrade, it's hard to imagine he'll make it past this spot. Raymond Felton has been terrible, Jonny Flynn is entering free agency and Jamal Crawford just isn't a long-term option at the point. Lillard does what all three of those players are capable of, as well as, you know...facilitating.

Lillard has Monta Ellis-like scoring ability, putting up big points in small periods of time. The difference between he and Ellis, however, is that he's a pass-first player. Considering the weakness of the talent around him, it's pretty impressive that he was able to establish such a reputation.

I'd like to see Portland lean towards Kendall Marshall, but this is the likely pick.

Season Averages: 33.58 PER, 24.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.5 spg

8. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Player Traits: PF - 6'9" - 280 pounds - 7'2" wingspan

Jared Sullinger's terrible shooting performance against Kansas may have turned some fans off, but his dominance on the glass was just as impressive to many scouts.

For the Detroit Pistons, there really isn't a better option at this point. Sullinger is a bruising force in the paint, is as good as anyone at fighting for position and rebounds as well as any other player in this draft class. Alongside Greg Monroe, the Pistons would form one of the most promising front courts in the NBA.

While he struggled against Kansas, Sullinger is actually one of the most consistent scorers at his position. He utilizes his massive frame to perfection, trapping opponents in his post-up and utilizing a beautiful baby hook to pick up the 2. While he doesn't play above the rim, he's shown for two years now that he doesn't need to in order to be successful.

Season Averages: 30.39 PER, 17.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.1 bpg

9. Utah Jazz (via GSW): Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels

Player Traits: PG - 6'4" - 188 pounds

With Damian Lillard off the board, the Jazz's priority doesn't change: they need a point guard. Fortunately for Utah fans, the best facilitator in this draft class is still available: Kendall Marshall.

Marshall put on a show all season long, making pinpoint passes and constantly setting up teammates for easy buckets. What may have been his most telling performances, however, were the two NCAA Tournament games that he missed with a fractured wrist.

A supposedly elite North Carolina team seemed lost against Ohio and Kansas without their star point guard. Superstar Harrison Barnes couldn't find his game until it was too late, Tyler Zeller struggled to score as efficiently and John Henson wasn't nearly as efficient off of the pick-and-roll.

If the Jazz are looking for a point guard, look to the guy who kept the pieces together at an elite program: Kendall Marshall.

Season Averages: 16.50 PER, 8.1 ppg, 9.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 3.48 A/TO ratio

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

Player Traits: 6'11" - 210 pounds - 6'8" wingspan

With Portland's second Top-10 pick, it becomes a "best player available" situation. While some might debate this, the best player available at a position of need (cheating, I know) is Indiana's Cody Zeller.

After the Greg Oden experiment officially ended in 2012, the Blazers' need for a center became magnified. They currently go with a combination of Joel Przybilla, Kurt Thomas and Hasheem Thabeet, a trio that strikes fear into...well, no one.

In adding Zeller, the Trail Blazers would have a truly dynamic duo in the front court. Zeller is a capable scorer around the basket, likes to bang, despite being a little on the frail side, and has a non-stop motor. This is the type of attention-grabbing player that could make LaMarcus Aldridge's job a whole lot easier.

Season Averages: 31.19 PER, 15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.4 spg, 1.2 bpg

11. Milwaukee Bucks: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

Player Traits: SF/PF - 6'8" - 244 pounds - 7'3" wingspan

The Milwaukee Bucks seem to be straying further and further away from defense with every trade and lineup change that they make. With the selection of Terrence Jones, they'll add one of the most well-rounded players in this draft. In my eyes, they'll also be adding the best player on the Kentucky Wildcats.

His top pick talent has been marred by his attitude, but let's let his play do the talking. He can score from the low-post and the perimeter, defend both forward positions, block shots, drive the lane and facilitate as well as most point guards in this class. While many scouts have him listed as a power forward, he's actually one of the best 3's you'll ever see.

In Milwaukee, he'd continue to add to a perimeter that already consists of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. While Cody Zeller was the ideal pick to replace Andrew Bogut, Jones' selection would add a combination of explosive offense and lockdown defense that just cannot be passed up on.

Season Averages: 24.83 PER, 12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.8 bpg, 1.3 spg

12. New Orleans Hornets: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Player Traits: PG - 6'5" - 205 pounds

The Hornets have now missed out on Damian Lillard and Kendall Marshall, making this selection a necessary reach: bring in Chris Paul's replacement.

Tony Wroten Jr. has the talent to go this early, but because Washington wrongfully missed the NCAA Tournament, he's projected to go lower. With New Orleans' need for a point guard, though, Wroten becomes the obvious pick and for obvious reasons.

Wroten Jr. is a flashy player, but that does not come without a well-honed skill set. He can pass as well as anyone, sees the full court in transition and the open court and was a reliable front-court teammate away from truly dominant play. Pairing him with Thomas Robinson and, possibly, Eric Gordon could be exactly the type of teammates Wroten needs to take his game to the next level.

Season Averages: 21.07 PER, 16.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.9 spg

13. Phoenix Suns: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

Player Traits: PF - 6'11" - 235 pounds - 7'2" wingspan

Most scouts are saying that PJ3 will go before the lottery ends. Because of that, the underwhelming yet excitingly versatile big man will go where all tweeners seem to go: Phoenix.

Perry Jones III would actually make for quite the dynamic duo with fellow 4 Markieff Morris. Both are capable of knocking down an open jumper, as well as taking it into the low post. They are both talented ball handlers, can pass well and crash the boards. The issue with PJ3 is that, mentally, he doesn't let himself go enough to do so.

Nevertheless, PJ3 would do well in the pick-and-roll system the Phoenix Suns love to run. He has the versatility to take it to the hole or knock down the open shot on a pick-and-pop. If he's going to thrive anywhere, it may just be Phoenix.

Season Averages: 14.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 spg

14. Utah Jazz: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies

Player Traits: SG - 6'5" - 185 pounds - 7'0" wingspan

Lamb was once a projected Top-10 draft choice. It appears scouts have seen what I've said all along: the kid disappears when the game matters most.

He's phenomenal with the ball in his hands, pairing his dazzling dribbling ability with an ability to attack the rim with reckless abandon. He's also has a beautiful jump shot, something that scouts had been admiring since day one. The issue is, he doesn't move without the ball in his hands and waits for the play to develop around him.

This makes a defender's job a whole lot easier and creates a 4-on-5 situation.

Nevertheless, Utah could use a knockdown shooter which is what Lamb would provide them with. He can stroke it from distance or hit the mid-range shots that Alec Burks and the rest of the Jazz currently struggle with. This is a good fit as long as the Jazz don't mind idle play.

Season Averages: 22.05 PER, 17.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg

15. Houston Rockets (via NYK): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

Player Traits: C - 7'0" - 250 pounds - 7'1" wingspan

Considering Samuel Dalembert is their best option at the 5, it's hard to argue against the Rockets taking a center with their first pick.

Zeller has the mobility and motor that the Rockets have always wanted out of their big men. Combined with his ability to finish at the rim, he's the quintessential Kevin McHale big man.

The only issue with Zeller is that he desperately needs to bulk up.

In the Rockets' system, Zeller would make for a nice front court of the future with current rookie Marcus Morris. Then again, Morris has been on the dog house for the duration of the season, so the likelihood of that could be lower than we'd expect.

Season Averages: 30.33 PER, 16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg

16. Denver Nuggets: James Michael McAdoo, North Carolina Tar Heels

Player Traits: F - 6'9" - 223 pounds - 7'1" wingspan

There is only one word to describe the Denver Nuggets' front court: stacked.

With body after body lining up to play the 5, it's hard to imagine the Nuggets adding another big man. With Al Harrington at the 4 and an undersized Kenneth Faried as his backup, however, McAdoo becomes a much more attractive option.

McAdoo is athletic, strong defensively and can create big plays out of simple mistakes by an opponent. He's a great offensive compliment to Faried and if the Denver Nuggets take a chance on him, it could pay dividends.

Just watch out for one thing: the kid has hardly played at UNC.

Season Averages: 14.77 PER, 15.6 MPG, 6.3 ppg, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 SPG

17. New Jersey Nets (via Hou.): Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

Player Traits: PG/SG - 6'4" - 199 pounds - 6'8" wingspan

The Nets will want a high-profile name as they head to Brooklyn. At this point in the draft, there's no bigger name than Duke's Austin Rivers.

Rivers has been heavily criticized since declaring his eligibility for the 2012 NBA Draft, but that doesn't mean he's not a viable option. He can score the basketball as well as any, has a street-ball crossover and hits the type of layups that make you say, "Wow." You know, a Brooklyn-type player.

While I could spend this entire slide criticizing him, I'll try to find the good. He has a killer instinct that can get him into trouble, but can also lead to big points. His size and athletic ability make him a good enough fit for the point, which is what the Nets need with Deron Williams' pending departure.

Not a pick I like, but hard to imagine as a pick the Nets would pass on.

Season Averages: 16.85 PER, 15.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg

18. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Player Traits: PF - 6'11" - 220 pounds - 7'4" wingspan

Even if Elton Brand opts to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers, it's hard to imagine the injury-prone 33-year-old will remain the option for long. While his production has been of high quality, it's likely that the Sixers will move to a younger alternative within the next two seasons.

While Craig Brackins and Lavoy Allen have shown promise, both lack what the other possess. Allen, for instance, lacks the size Brackins has. Brackins lacks the energy and efficiency of Allen.

Welcome to Philly, John Henson.

Henson has size, efficiency, high-quality character and a tendency to play as a disruptive force on both ends of the floor. He can rebound, block shots and score, making him the well-rounded optioPhiladelphia needs. The main concern is that he's soft, something Allen will counter nicely with his physical play.

Season Averages: 25.41 PER, 13.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.9 bpg

19. Memphis Grizzlies: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

Player Traits: SG - 6'4" - 215 pounds

With O.J. Mayo poised to test free agency, it's hard to imagine this draft will go by without the Memphis Grizzlies finding his replacement. Fortunately for Memphis, Dion Waiters has officially declared for the 2012 NBA Draft.

Waiters is a player who, physically, possesses the same tools as Mayo. While Mayo is the better shooter, Waiters is an explosive player who can make an opponent's half-court possession into his own score in transition. Out of nowhere.

Waiters is fearless on both ends of the floor, which can get him in trouble as he's overzealous on the defensive end. With tutelage from Tony Allen, however, that should change.

Season Averages: 26.29 PER, 12.6 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.3 rpg, 1.8 spg

20. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

Player Traits: C - 7'0" - 240 pounds - 7'3" wingspan

The Dallas Mavericks keep this pick by the slimmest of margins, barely falling within the confines of the Top-20 protected status of their outstanding trade with Houston. That's great news for the Mavericks, as they're going to watch Jason Kidd and Jason Terry both hit free agency.

While Deron Williams is the likely candidate to replace Kidd, it's hard to imagine they won't look to the draft to replace Terry. Keep on searching, though, because they have a much more pressing need: the 5.

In adding Meyers Leonard, the Mavericks would be able to spread the floor in a way that Brendan Haywood just can't help them do. Furthermore, Leonard is a menace on the offensive glass, something that the oft-shooting Mavericks need as they aim to create second-chance opportunities.

Season Averages: 24.02 PER, 13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.9 bpg

21. Boston Celtics: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Player Traits: SG - 6'6" - 190 pounds

Terrence Ross is the best possible fit for the Boston Celtics. While center is a dire need, they would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to take the player, who I feel, has the highest upside of any 2 in this draft class.

Ross is a 6'6" athlete who can shoot the ball, penetrate off of the dribble and defend as well as anyone on the perimeter. He's also a very good rebounder who can aid the Celtics on the glass, an area where they'll certainly need help with Kevin Garnett's potential departure.

Alongside Rajon Rondo, it's hard to imagine Ross won't have instant success. His ability to shoot, alone, will put him in double-digit scoring each night. His ability to score in transition will be a revelation to Boston fans who have seen Rondo alone in that area since he arrived in Beantown.

Even if Ray Allen re-signs, Ross is a can't-miss for the Celtics.

Season Averages: 20.86 PER, 16.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.9 bpg

22. Atlanta Hawks: Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

Player Traits: SF - 6'9" - 210 pounds - 7'4" wingspan

The Atlanta Hawks luck out here as a lottery talent drops into their laps based on positional value and an underwhelming NCAA Tournament.

What Miller lacks in strength, which he's likely to add, he makes up for in length and athletic ability. Due to those factors, he's an excellent rebounder, imposing defender and better shot blocker than his statistics would insinuate. This also enables him to play multiple positions.

Sounds like a quintessential Atlanta Hawk.

Season Averages: 19.85 PER, 24.4 mpg, 10.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.6 bpg

23. Indiana Pacers: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt Commodores

Player Traits: SF - 6'7" - 225 pounds

Jeffery Taylor is a lock-down defender, freak athlete and transition terror. With Danny Granger feeling the weight of every victory more and more, this is the type of player the Pacers need to back him up.

Entering the season, the biggest concern about Taylor's game was his inability to shoot the basketball. Over the span of the year, he's made that weakness into a budding strength. Paired with a quick first step, open court speed and an ability to finish above the rim, Taylor is now an offensive menace when given the opportunity.

Now that you know that, try to get by him when he's defending you.

Spoiler Alert: You won't be able to.

Season Averages: 24.21 PER, 16.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 spg

24. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones

Player Traits: SF - 6'8" - 240 pounds

Royce White is as well-rounded as any player in this draft, displaying lottery pick talent but a disappointing attitude. His off-the-court issues are what hold him back most, but if you just watch him play, it's hard not to be enamored with his game.

He's an excellent ball handler, facilitator and rebounder, and he's also developing his jump shot. He has an NBA body, can dominate in the paint and loves to get his teammates involved. If Paul Pierce can teach him to shoot, he'll be a true force to be reckoned with.

Season Averages: 22.05 PER, 13.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.9 bpg

25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): John Jenkins, Vanderbilt Commodores

Player Traits: SG - 6'4" - 215 pounds

John Jenkins might be available when the Cavaliers pick in the second round. The fact is, they have no bigger position of need and cannot leave that to chance.

Jenkins is the best shooter left on the board and, including Bradley Beal, may be the best shooter in this draft. While he lacks ideal athletic ability and star value, the Cavaliers need an upgrade at the 2; they currently start a 36-year-old who has never averaged greater than 10 points per game since joining the Cavaliers.

Alongside Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes, Jenkins would be able to thrive in the way that Vanderbilt fans are so used to seeing. He can hit a shot from anywhere on the floor, is an above-average defender and is excellent at utilizing a talented 3 alongside him. Perfect fit.

Season Averages: 25.43 PER, 19.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.8 spg

26. Orlando Magic: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Player Traits: PF - 6'11" - 225 pounds - 7'1" wingspan

It's no secret that the Orlando Magic need to add a young player that can score the basketball. While re-signing Ryan Anderson would likely help, the Magic would be foolish to think Anderson is the answer at power forward.

Instead, the Magic should take a chance on an athletic, physical big man like Moultrie whose presence alone will command attention from his defender. Rather than drawing a zone to defend Ryan Anderson on the perimeter, teams must now refrain from double-teaming Dwight Howard with an equally as dominant athlete alongside him.

Moultrie has been admired by scouts for quite some time, with their main concerns being his slow development. After a productive season and an official declaration of intent, though, the Magic should have him at the top of their list.

Season Averages: 24.97 PER, 16.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.8 bpg, 0.8 spg

27. Golden State Warriors (via SAS): Moe Harkless, St. Johns Red Storm

Player Traits: G/F - 6'8" - 190 pounds

As much as I love Dorrell Wright, it's quite clear that he's not the answer for Golden State. In response to such disappointment, the Warriors will jump at the opportunity to add Moe Harkless and create a potentially great perimeter.

Harkless came out too early, in my eyes, but it's hard to imagine a better situation for him than Golden State. He's a dominant athlete who can attack the basket off of the dribble, something Wright is unable to do. While his shot must improve, having Klay Thompson alongside him should ease the trouble.

Harkless is also an excellent defender, something the Warriors could certainly use. He uses an unreal leaping ability to block, excellent timing to disrupt passing lanes and a fearless pursuit of loose balls to come up with points in transition.

Harkless is also an excellent defender, something David Lee and Andrew Bogut would both benefit from having, with Ekpe Udoh's departure.

Season Averages: 21.06 PER, 15.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.4 bpg

28. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange

Player Traits: C - 7'0" - 274 pounds - 7'3" wingspan

Here it is, Fab Melo fans; your unjustified moment of glory.

Fab Melo shouldn't go in the First Round, but the Miami Heat have far too much to lose. Joel Anthony is their best option right now at the center position. Furthermore, Eddy Curry may just be their best reserve.

They need an upgrade.

Fab Melo is the most high-profile name at this point, although Festus Ezeli would be the better option. Nevertheless, the Heat would add depth to the 5 with this draft choice.

Melo is a stout defender with a massive frame, something he utilizes to his advantage in holding down the paint. He's also an excellent shot blocker who would take a huge weight off of Chris Bosh's shoulders.

Season Averages: 20.40 PER, 7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 bpg

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Mason Plumlee, Duke Blue Devils

Player Traits: PF - 6'10" - 230 pounds - 6'11" wingspan

Mason Plumlee was marvelous against Lehigh, shooting a perfect nine-of-nine from the floor for 19 points and 12 rebounds. While the Blue Devils came up short, thus enabling multiple players at Plumlee's position to leapfrog him on most Big Boards, Plumlee's efforts have not gone unnoticed.

In Oklahoma City, Plumlee would offer the Thunder a knowledgeable big body in the front court. Plumlee can defend, crash the boards and even has a mid-range game worth paying attention to. As soon as he adds a reliable post-up game, he'll be a capable replacement to Nick Collison.

Season Averages: 22.80 PER, 11.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 bpg, 0.8 spg

30. Chicago Bulls: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Player Traits: PF - 6'9" - 225 pounds - 7'3" wingspan

While Carlos Boozer has improved his level of play, the Bulls would be fooling themselves if they think they are set at the position.

Taj Gibson has been marvelous and his minutes would be unaffected due to his ability to play multiple positions. What would change in Chicago by adding Andrew Nicholson would be the level of consistency. By that, of course, I mean no drop-off in effort from the Bulls to Boozer.

Nicholson is the type of player who will dive on the floor for loose balls, throw caution to the wind in an attempt to pick up two points and bang with any player on the defensive end. In other words, he's a power forward version of Joakim Noah.

Season Averages: 31.63 PER, 18.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 2.0 bpg