2012 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Picks Destined for Greatness
The NBA Draft is a ways off, but we already have a handle on the major players that will feature heavily in the lottery.
This is a star-driven draft, and that means nothing but good things for fans, who can sit back and daydream about what the future holds.
Here is the draft with a heavy emphasis on the superstar who is ready to make an immediate impact on day one in the NBA.
Take note that the standings are only a rough estimate of what we might have in a few weeks, and they will change even more once the lottery is set.
What we can properly assume is that some of the best talent in years is about to hit the Association, and we will all benefit from their high-flying antics.
Standings are fluid. Order based on mix of current standings and projected finish.
1. Charlotte Bobcats – Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Here is our first guaranteed great player, and one the Bobcats sorely need. Davis comes in with the most complete game of any big man in the draft.
He is long and committed to defense. The scoring will come in time, but there is no questioning who owns the top slot in the draft at this time.
2. Washington Wizards – Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
He is a maniac in the best sense of the word. He plays with a passion in every minute of every game, and that is a blessing considering how talented he is.
3. New Orleans Hornets – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
The Hornets wouldn't be able to pass on a talent like Kidd-Gilchrist no matter who is on the roster. He came into the tournament as a great player and left a star. This is a Top 5 talent.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
I am beyond intrigued by Beal, who is a natural scorer and can finish at the rim with amazing consistency. The Cavaliers would actually be fun to watch with Kyrie Irving and Beal running the floor.
5. Toronto Raptors – Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Jared Sullinger is the most well-rounded player in the lottery. He may face questions on his athleticism and size, but he comes in ready to play.
If we had to pick a couple of players that could start and deliver solid numbers on day one, Jared Sullinger would be among them.
I love his paint presence, but I really think he will shine in the perimeter.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (Via NJ) – Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Jeremy Lamb isn't afraid to take over a game and put it all on his shoulders. He has no fear and that makes him a candidate to do big things at the next level.
7. Sacramento Kings – Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC
With Marcus Thornton emerging as a solid scorer in Sacramento, the Kings could take the best available player, and there is no question that this would have to be Harrison Barnes, a potential All-Star at the next level.
Barnes is a great defender, which will be a plus at the start of the season, but he has shown flashes of brilliance on the offensive end.
Once he can work on that in the pros, he could burst into a real gem for whichever team is lucky enough to nab him.
8. Detroit Pistons – Tyler Zeller, C, UNC
He will be more of a rotational player at first, but may be a steal if he can work a consistent offensive attack into his repertoire.
9. Utah Jazz (via GS from NJ) – Andre Drummond, C, UConn
I like Drummond for his size and ability, he is just rough around the edges. A team like the Jazz could work him in slowly and really put some polish to his game.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via LAC from MIN) – Damian Lillard, PG, Weber St.
I have been struggling between who goes first between Lillard and Kendall Marshall. I go with the proven scorer who can work the intangibles into his game with time.
11. Portland Trail Blazers – Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Moultrie is a big man who will lend backcourt depth to a franchise that is always in need of it.
12. Utah Jazz – Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC
This brings us to Marshall, who is not any worse off than Lillard, and may be the better pro player in the end. Only time will tell.
What we do know is that he was a necessary cog to the Tar Heels' offense and can see the floor better than anyone in the draft.
13. Milwaukee Bucks – Perry Jones III, F, Baylor
Jones has all the potential to be the sleeper in this lottery, but he needs a team ready to harness some of his tenacity, which went missing in spurts this season.
He can get lost on offense and return spotty defense, but when he is engaged there is hardly a better big man.
14. Phoenix Suns – Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Questions remain on his shot, which can meander into the realm of inconsistent mess.
However, there is enough talent here to rest easy that he will be making a huge splash at some point in the NBA.
15. Houston Rockets (via NYK) – Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Jones is my last sleeper to turn superstar in the span of a couple seasons. His passion for the game will not allow him any less.
He is a great passer and an unselfish athlete who continues to work on hitting the boards. Any issues he has on offense will all be worked out in regular sessions at the next level
16. Denver Nuggets – Tony Wroten, G, Washington
There is nothing here that will have you screaming All-Star, but there is still plenty to love. He does everything you want a guard to do.
17. Philadelphia 76ers – Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
The 76ers will address a need in the paint, and Leonard is one of the more intriguing finds in the first round. With some work, he could be a fan favorite shortly.
18. New Jersey Nets (via HOU) – Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
The Nets could be in store for one tumultuous summer, so it pays to draft a solid player who has few issues.
Taylor is polished and ready to do the little things that will help his team, like hit the boards. He is as plug-and-play as you get.
19. Houston Rockets Via (Dallas Mavericks) – John Henson, PF, UNC
If defense does truly win championships, you could do a lot worse than Henson, who has lock-down defender written all over him.
20. Atlanta Hawks – Tony Mitchell, F, Alabama
I continue to pick Mitchell at this point in the draft because he is a big player who can stretch the floor, and he shows signs of a great perimeter game.
21. Memphis Grizzlies – John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Best shooter in the draft, and there is nothing more that needs to be said.
22. Orlando Magic – Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Teague comes in as a potential star. He really just has to work some patience and poise in his game to take the next step.
23. Boston Celtics – Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Waiters could use some of that same patience if Teague ever finds it. The good news here is that Waiters' propensity to force the issue also comes with a fearlessness you want in your shooting guard.
24. Boston Celtics (via LAC from OKC) – Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo continues to float around the later half of the draft, but I am confident that the closer we get to draft day, the higher his stock will rise.
Teams just can't help themselves in reaching for a big man with this much potential.
25. Indiana Pacers – Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s
Solid perimeter player who can defend and rebound. If he can just work a consistent offense weapon into his arsenal, watch out.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL) – Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
The Duke standout is big and will run the court very well. I just need more assurances around the rim offensively.
27. Golden State (via SA) – Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
He is no Monta Ellis, but he does share his mental aspect. It's time to move Klay Thompson aside and give Lamb a shot at reigniting the Warriors' fanbase.
28. Miami Heat – Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Ezeli is exactly what is needed in South Beach. He will give some grit to the defense in the paint, and he can rebound and block shots.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Draymond Green, F, Michigan State
Green isn't flashy, but he is certainly gifted, sort of like the Thunder.
30. Chicago Bulls – Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia
He can hit from distance, and I like that in my big men.
