2012 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Final Four Edition
With the Final Four in the books and only one game remaining in the 2011-12 NCAA college basketball season, more and more guys have been making their intentions known and have been declaring for the 2012 NBA draft.
Since there is only one game left on the docket, let's take a look at our latest mock draft and see who's moved up and down after their tournament performances.
Let's not waste any time, as the Charlotte Bobcats are on the clock.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
The Naismith Player of the Year stays No. 1 on the big board after an impressive tournament run, including an 18-point, 14-rebound and five-block effort to help propel the Wildcats over Louisville and into tonight's tournament final.
All Davis has done throughout March Madness is average 15.2 PPG, 11.6 RPG and 4.6 BPG. He's worthy of being the top pick in the draft.
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
Kidd-Gilchrist gives the Wizards another tremendous athlete to pair with another former Wildcat in point guard John Wall. He's a do-it-all type of player who can be outstanding at both ends of the floor.
Washington needs to improve in many areas, and Kidd-Gilchrist can go a long way in helping them right off the bat.
3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
All Robinson has done is put the Jayhawks on his back and carry them to the national championship game.
He used to be considered just a lob player and a dunker on offense, but Robinson's shown a complete offensive package in a season in which he's averaged 17.9 PPG and 11.8 RPG.
He's athletic, physical and brings energy and production at both ends of the floor. Robinson is a winner, and he's NBA ready.
4. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
Barnes could slide, given his less-than-spectacular tournament performance, but given Toronto's desperate need for a productive small forward, it can't really pass on Barnes here.
He's got the ability to become a legitimate No. 1 scoring option, and given the Raptors' desperate need for production on the wing, Barnes is a gift to them at No. 4.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida
Beal's stock has been on the rise, and given the Cavs' desperate need for a productive shooting guard, this seem like a perfect fit.
Beal not only can score, but he's the best rebounding guard in the draft as well. Paired with Kyrie Irving, Cleveland could have a dangerous backcourt for years to come.
6. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, Connecticut
Drummond may have the most upside of any player in the draft, but he also comes with a lot of risk.
He already has an NBA body and has the ability to be a terror in the post, with a solid back-to-the-basket game and the athletic ability to play above the rim as well.
He should become an effective scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker in the NBA, filling huge needs in Sacramento.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Cody Zeller, Indiana
Zeller fills a need in Portland, as the Trail Blazers must get a productive big man in this draft. He has a nice game at such a young age, and if he declares, he could slide in nicely next to LaMarcus Aldridge.
He's a smart player and can deliver offensively on the block, but he also has a solid mid-range game already.
Zeller runs the floor well and competes. He's a solid pick here.
8. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina
What the Pistons need is an athletic big man who can contribute on both ends of the floor, as this team is short on athleticism.
Henson is a tremendous athlete who can run the floor well and has a decent offensive game.
Defensively, though, he can make an impact. He's a very good rebounder and has great court coverage as a shot-blocker.
9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Damian Lillard, Weber State
The Jazz are in need of a point guard, so getting the top one on the board at No. 9 could turn into a blessing. This isn't a great draft for point guards, so Utah has to go with Lillard here.
He's a dominant scorer, but he looks to set up teammates first. Lillard can handle the ball, rebound effectively and play defense as well.
He's a solid guard who can make an impact right away.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
Moultrie gives the Bucks something they haven't had in a very long time: a very athletic big man.
He runs the floor like a guard but has the length and the strength to play the 4 or the 5. He's got good leaping skills, which will make him a good rebounder.
Offensively, he can score on the block, and he can take his game all the way out behind the arc.
11. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Perry Jones III, Baylor
Someone has to take a chance on Jones III, and why not the rebuilding Hornets?
Jones III has all the skills to become a top-five pick, but he hasn't necessarily showed off those skills on a consistent basis.
He runs like a deer and can jump through the gym. If he can bring it all out on a nightly basis, the Hornets could have the steal of the draft.
12. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
The Blazers landed their big man with their first pick, but it's hard to pass on Lamb's talent with their second.
He's a gifted scorer who can score at all three levels, and Lamb is a capable defensive guard as well.
The Blazers need a go-to guy in the backcourt, and Lamb has the ability to become a No. 1 scoring option.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
With all of the recent talk about Steve Nash possibly leaving as a free agent, the Suns would be wise to nab their point guard of the future in Marshall.
If Nash does return, it's an opportunity for Marshall to be groomed by the best.
Marshall has to work on his scoring and his defense, but as a point guard, he's an effortless passer with a high basketball IQ. Marshall sees the floor as good as any point guard in some time and makes everyone on the floor better when he's in the game.
14. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers, Duke
The Jazz have fallen back into the lottery, meaning they get this pick instead of giving it to Minnesota. If it stays that way, they not only nab their point guard of the future in Lillard, but the shooter they need in Rivers as well.
He's a natural scorer with a good shot and a quick first step. He's a creative finisher around the rim and stands to be a good NBA guard.
15. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
I'm not that high on Sullinger, and I'm not the only one. He may not drop this far, but given the prior teams' need for backcourt help, it's possible.
He's a good fit for Houston.
He's got a solid offensive game and a nice touch around the rim, but he's not a great athlete, and I'm still not sold that he can perform on a consistent basis against bigger and stronger defenders. He's going to see a lot of that in the NBA.
16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston Rockets): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Jones is a do-it-all type of guy who would be a great fit in Brooklyn.
He can score from the inside or outside and is a tremendous athlete who can both score and rebound in traffic. He can fill a lot of roles, and the rebuilding Nets could use a guy like him.
17. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
The Nuggets can't go wrong with an athletic big man that can run the floor well.
Zeller has great leaping ability and a solid offensive game. The fast-paced attack of the Nuggets won't hurt him, as Zeller's used to running.
He not only adds depth, but a guy that can step in and do the job at both ends of the floor.
18. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, Washington
Ross not only gives the Sixers the shooter they need, but a guard that can get to the rim and attack off the bounce as well.
He's the complete package that can not only score, but do the job rebounding and on the defensive end as well, which will appeal to head coach Doug Collins.
19: Memphis Grizzlies: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
The Grizzlies can get a player here in Waiters. He's a solid combo-guard who brings energy and a ton of scoring.
He can fit in nicely with the Grizzlies' solid young core and can instantly add depth and make Memphis more talented.
20. Houston Rockets (via Dallas Mavericks): Tony Wroten, Washington
Wroten gives the Rockets the backcourt depth they need, and he's very talented. He stuffs the stat sheet similar to a Rajon Rondo-type guard.
He can get to the rim and can score from the perimeter as well, but he's also a good rebounder, passer and defensive guard.
When we look back at this draft five years later, it's quite possible Wroten will be the best guard in it.
21. Atlanta Hawks: Royce White, Iowa State
The Hawks can go 2-guard or small forward here, and White can instantly give them solid production from the 3. He's as gifted as a guard but has the size and the strength to play the 3 or 4.
White is very talented at getting to the rim, and his motor is always running. At No. 21, White is a very good pick for the Hawks.
22. Boston Celtics: Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Leonard slips a little bit in today's mock, and that's great news for the Celtics, who are in dire need of a productive, young big man.
He's a true seven-footer who's strong enough to bang on the block, but athletic enough to put the ball on the floor and drive by slower defenders.
His offensive game is evolving, so he's still got some developing to do, but the Celtics could get a steal here.
23. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
I love Jenkins going to Boston, and with their second pick, I keep on giving him to the Celtics. He's the perfect replacement for Ray Allen.
Jenkins is a deadly shooter with unlimited range and a lightning-quick release. He can step in right away and be productive.
24. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
Nicholson has the potential to become an NBA stud. The guy can score and rebound and has good size and length.
Indiana doesn't have a need, but Nicholson could serve as a solid depth piece initially—but down the road, it could be hard to keep him out of the lineup.
25. Orlando Magic: Moe Harkless, St. Johns
Harkless is a great talent to nab this late in the draft. He's got the ability to become an explosive scorer and rebounder and is a very good defender.
The Magic need just about everything, and they can't go wrong taking the best player on the board.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffrey Taylor, Vanderbilt
Cleveland needs athletes, and Taylor is a great one. He's a guy that can get to the rim at will, and he's improved his jump shot enough that it's become a weapon.
He's also a good defender and has the ability to become a stopper on the perimeter.
27. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Draymond Green, Michigan State
Green gives the Warriors exactly what they need, production from the small forward position. He's not great at any one thing, but he's very good at everything and will produce at both ends of the floor for Warriors head coach Mark Jackson.
28. Miami Heat: William Buford, Ohio State
We got Buford back in the first round for the first time in a long time, and while it may be a bit too high for him, his stock rises a bit after a productive tournament run.
He will give Miami another shooter from the perimeter, and a guy that's a pretty solid and athletic guard overall.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Fab Melo, Syracuse
The Thunder don't need much, so they can afford to take a project like Melo and develop him.
Melo will be a good shot-blocker and rebounder right off the bat, and Oklahoma City has the time to work on his improving offensive game.
30. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Lamb is a great fit in Chicago, who could use some additional scoring, and he could step right in and become the 2-guard of the future if Richard Hamilton can't stay healthy.
Lamb has a scorer's mentality and can be near assassin-like when he's got it going. Derrick Rose could like him a lot, as he could take some of the pressure off Rose at the offensive end of the floor.
Next Five: Tony Mitchell, North Texas; Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt; Kris Joseph, Syracuse; Quincy Miller, Baylor; Kevin Jones, West Virginia





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