NBA Draft 2012: 5 Teams with the Assets to Trade Up for Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis likely solidified his stake as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft after his dominating all-around effort last night. His six points, six blocks, 16 rebounds and five assists in Kentucky's first championship win since 1998 could only be summed up in one word: Worthy.

He is absolutely worthy of anything a team will be willing to give up to capture his services for the 2012-2013 season and beyond. That begs the question: What would a team be willing to give up should there be an opportunity to trade up and nab him with that No. 1 selection?

The Charlotte Bobcats currently have the NBA's worst record, making them the favorite to land the first overall selection in the draft lottery. However, Bismack Biyombo is getting better as a defender and shot-blocker, and Charlotte might decide a huge rake of draft picks and cap flexibility might be better for the franchise than just taking Davis because he is available.

Yes, the risks are there in not taking the best player in the NCAA, but this is a risky business.

Here are five teams that could be in play for Davis when he named his called in New York this summer. (All scenarios based on the Charlotte Bobcats winning the NBA Draft lottery and claiming the first overall selection.)

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are in for some changes this summer. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are free agents. Jeff Green will hopefully be fully healed from his season-ending heart surgery and ready to play. Additionally, they have two first round picks to play with.

If Garnett takes more money than the Celtics offer to make a run at another title, who is Boston going to fill that void with? Ryan Hollins? Jermaine O'Neal, again? Doubtful replacements at best, and the Celtics only sure thing on the roster next year is going to be Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and Paul Pierce.

Although the speculation of a father-son duo of coach Doc Rivers and his son Austin is out there, wouldn't Danny Ainge rather have a face of the franchise for years to come?

Should the Bobcats listen, they'd have the ability to trade for both of Boston's first round picks this year, possibly an additional selection and the ability to dump a bad contract (DeSagana Diop, Matt Carroll). If Michael Jordan and Co. get that offer, I think it would be hard to pass up.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving is looking like one of the NBA's next great point guards after his rookie campaign. He also needs some help. While Tristan Thompson is no slouch, Anthony Davis is looking like one of the best at his position in the last decade.

Pairing Irving and Davis with a healthy Anderson Varejao might be one of the best trios that Cleveland could put out on the floor. Varejao hasn't regained the form he had when he was running the defense for LeBron, but there are many out there that feel he is one of the more underrated players at his position. 

Realistically, trading Thompson and packaging him with Cleveland's two first round picks this year would have to be tempting for the Bobcats to accept. The Cavs currently hold the eighth and 25th selections, so that could bring in two potential solutions to the multiple problems the Bobcats have had this season.

Cleveland also will have the cap space this summer to take on a bad contract, so trading Thompson for Davis seems like a realistic deal that might pass through the cell phones of Cleveland GM Chris Grant and Bobcats GM Rich Cho.

Houston Rockets

Houston has been in the market for their franchise center ever since Yao Ming announced his retirement. You could argue that they were looking for a replacement even before then, since Yao developed a reputation for winding up injured more often than not.

Since then, they've been on the cusp of aquiring Pau Gasol in the Chris Paul trade that was killed by the league office, figured to be in on Nene before he re-signed with the Denver Nuggets and have settled for aging centers Samuel Dalembert and Marcus Camby.

Dalembert and Camby can both be off the books next year. Houston also has two first round picks, contingent on Dallas finishing better than top 20 in the draft, and a top selection from the Knicks in the Tracy McGrady deal a few years back.

I don't know what else Houston could throw in to sweeten the deal with Charlotte, but two first round selections this year is a solid start. GMs around the league know the Rockets' Daryl Morey is dying to land a franchise center, so maybe they could squeeze a huge package from Houston in return for Davis' services.

New Orleans Hornets

If Eric Gordon isn't retained in restricted free agency, the only evidence left on Bourbon Street from the Chris Paul trade will be Al-Farouq Aminu and a Minnesota Timberwolves first round selection that has become far less valuable due to their strong play this year.

Anthony Davis just finished winning his first collegiate title in New Orleans last night. That's not a reason to draft him, but you can't tell me Hornets officials (or league officials, depending on your cynicism at the moment) weren't imagining him in their uniform for next season.

They'll have two top 15 picks, no matter what the outcome of this season is. That alone should stand to give Rich Cho and Michael Jordan pause, because you don't win less than 10 games, even in a 66 game season, and not realize there are more holes than one to address on your team.

Davis in the Big Easy would be a big help to coach Monty Williams. If they'd be willing to trade both of those first rounders, maybe a future second-round pick and take on a contract, they might get to watch Davis play every home game in NO next season.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers just traded Marcus Camby. How fitting would it be if they were able to get Anthony Davis, who many are comparing to Camby through body type and shot-blocking, as the next man to play alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.

Of the teams with the best chance to get Davis, I think this is one that has the best overall assets. They also traded away Gerald Wallace to the New Jersey Nets, and in a desperation move on the part of the Brooklyn-bound ball club, they gave away this year's top pick (top 3 protected).

A top five pick, combined with a pick from their own failures this season that could very well be in the top 10, makes for the recipe for a team to take their best shot at wooing Michael Jordan away from taking Davis with the first overall pick.

I don't think Portland would mind taking back a bad contract or even giving up an additional selection. They've waited for several offseasons and midseason trade deadlines to get the kind of star they want beside LA, and this could very well fit the bill.

Sure, trading away the rights to Davis could be a colossal mistake in MJ's legacy as an NBA owner. But, this game of the draft and acquiring players takes on a calculated risk each time a deal is made. If someone offers Charlotte the farm for this kid, it could be tough to pass on.