2012 NBA Mock Draft: Highlighting Most Valuable Late First-Round Picks

The 2012 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. There is a load of talent that will be spread throughout the entire first round.

Players that would normally be lottery talent in any other year are on the fringe to be selected within the top 30. That’s how deep this draft is.

Let’s take a look at the latest mock with a focus on some gems that are projected to go late in the first.

Order Based on Projected Finish and Current Standings

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky 

Davis is clearly the best center and overall prospect in this class. He’s going to make an instant impact with his incredible defense and shot blocking while the offensive part of his game develops.

2. Washington Wizards: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Barnes is an elite scorer that will become a superstar if he can put up 20+ points per game on whichever terrible lottery team takes him

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson was arguably the best collegiate player even if he wasn’t the flashiest—as Davis was. He’s going to be a solid pro and a consistent player on whichever fortunate team drafts him.

4. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey): Andre Drummond, Connecticut

This is an extremely high-risk, high-reward scenario. Portland needs a big, but it will set them back years if Drummond does not pan out. Greg Oden already failed this franchise.

5. Toronto Raptors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky 

MKG might be the hardest worker in collegiate basketball. He busts his rump on defense and it really shines. If he puts that effort forth on offense, and he should, this kid will become a star.

6. Sacramento Kings: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

There are questions about his work ethic and focus on the court, but he’s an elite basketball player when he’s zoned in. He’s worth the risk at No. 6.

7. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina

Henson isn’t going to be a superstar, but he’s a long and athletic forward that fits with the Pistons' rebuilding frontcourt.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Brad Beal, Florida

Beal can knock down any shot and has a solid frame that complements him well when he drives to the hoop. He’ll be a perfect match with Kyrie Irving in the Cavaliers’ backcourt.

9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State): Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sullinger is the most NBA-ready player in the class and will immediately help out with post play on both ends of the floor.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Cody Zeller was pegged in here before deciding to return to IU for his sophomore year. Moultrie doesn’t have as much upside, but he’ll make an immediate impact.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Weber State

This kid can play both guards position and is an explosive athlete. Portland has a need for a young talent like that.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

The UNC big man can run the court with anyone, but he’s never going to blossom into much more than he is now. That is fine for an underwhelming New Orleans squad that just needs solid players to rebuild around.

13. Utah Jazz: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and other solid small forwards. Even if he is half as good as KD, he’s worth the No. 12 pick.

14. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

The UNC PG is the best facilitator in the class and makes a perfect replacement for Steve Nash in Phoenix.

15. Houston Rockets (via New York): Meyers Leonard, Illinois

Leonard can contribute size and fouls immediately with a chance to develop into a talented big man someday.

16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston): Perry Jones, Baylor

PJIII has been all over the place—both on the court and draft boards. His inconsistency is absolutely mind blowing and he could become a superstar or, just as easily, a total bust.

17. Boston Celtics: Austin Rivers, Duke

Rivers is one of the better SGs available and finds a perfect home with the C’s, as his dad is the coach and they need a 2.

18. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Ross, Washington

Ross is athletic and skilled. He won’t be relied upon as much more than a rotation player on a deep Denver team until he’s ready.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless, St. John’s

Harkless has a ton of upside and could one day develop into a superstar for the Hawks. They have to take a risk if they ever want to be serious contenders in the Eastern conference.

20. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Jones is just like Perry Jones, maddeningly inconsistent. If he can ever put together his best effort on a nightly basis, there is no doubting that the sky is the limit.

21. Houston Rockets (via Dallas): Jeffrey Taylor, Vanderbilt

Taylor is a solid athlete that can play above the rim with anyone and has been working on his jumper to boot. Houston could definitely use his talents.

22. Indiana Pacers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters ability to get to the rim is incredible. If he continues to work on his all-around game, he’s going to have a home in the NBA for a long time.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Wroten might be the steal of the draft at No. 24. He has top-five upside and superstar potential. The worst-case scenario for this young man would be becoming a solid backup to Mike Conley Jr. in Memphis.

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Festus Ezeli 

The Celtics desperately need size. They will reach for someone like Ezeli or Fab Melo with this pick just to shore up their frontline immediately.

25. Orlando Magic: C.J. Leslie, NC State

Leslie is a tweener who uses his athleticism to outrebound fours and keep up with threes on defense. He’ll be fun to watch in the league.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Mitchell went to a small school and played against lesser competition in college, which obviously leads to scouts detracting from his scoring abilities. He’s definitely worth a shot and a great value this late.

27. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Draymond Green, Michigan State

Green knows how to inspire his teammates to win and is a leader on defense. Golden State needs a high character guy like this to inspire them.

28. Miami Heat: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson spent a few years in college polishing his mid-range game, making him a nice backup to Chris Bosh off the bench.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Fab Melo, Syracuse

Melo will become a rotation player in the NBA because of his size and he’s a nice option behind Kendrick Perkins.

30. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

Jenkins can shoot the lights out when he is on and could eventually start at the shooting guard spot in Chicago.