NBA Draft 2012: Biggest Questions Hitting Star-Studded Lottery
There is no shortage of star power in 2012 NBA draft, but that hardly means there are no question marks filling the early first round.
It seems that the last few years have been scant on superstars in waiting. The drafts have been a little slim on players we just knew were about to ignite the NBA.
That all changes in 2012 with names that every basketball enthusiast can back as they promise to infuse the Association with engaging talent.
There are, of course, exceptions.
Those players filing the presumed lottery do have some issues that we address here. With some work and polish, they may just get past the obvious problems that just might hold them back.
1. Andre Drummond:
The NFL has quarterbacks, and the NBA certainly has their favorite position to reach on in their big men that roam the paint.
Drummond continues to be in the top 10 of most mock drafts despite a raw game that will need a great deal of grooming. He is a big man that will take an even bigger gamble. A scout recently stated as much to Yahoo Sports.
"He's very big. He's probably the most physically prepared guy in draft. You look at him and his body says, 'NBA center,' but his game doesn't match his body. In his defense, it takes big men more time to develop.
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2. Perry Jones III:
Perry Jones III is one of the more intriguing players in the draft. He has a ton of talent and has the size that invokes confidence he can feature and star at the next level.
An inconsistent showing in the NCAA Tournament does raise pertinent questions. ESPN's Chad Ford thinks it's as simple as redefining his role.
"Given his A-plus talent and C-minus motor…your guess is as good as any.
His draft stock has been falling all year as fed-up scouts and GMs feel that he's out of excuses.
But there is an interesting subtext to the Jones debate. Are we looking at his game the wrong way? Maybe the reason he struggles to dominate is because he's being asked to play out of position.
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Take him out of the pain and place him on the wings is an interesting idea that one team is sure to gamble on early.
3. Austin Rivers:
There is no certainty that the son of Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers will even be drafted in the lottery. He continues to polarize scouts as he is an assumed work-in-progress and a player that never fit well with Duke's sensibilities on offense.
He plays with the fearlessness you want from a guard looking to take on the next level. He also plays well with the ball in his hands and will finish at the rim.
The question is on his shot, which is far too inconsistent for some basketball enthusiasts. That will hardly matter as he can be drafted and groomed with patience.
