2012 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Picks Guaranteed to Disappoint

The NBA draft is coming up fast, and that means that some teams will soon reach and pick a player that will never live up to expectations. 

This is a grand draft that features the most talent we have seen in years. There will be a few teams that get better in an instant after some collegiate superstars descend on their rosters. 

Here is where we highlight those players with obvious question marks on their game, making them tenuous lottery selections. 

Standings are fluid. Order based on mix of current standings and projected finish. 

1. Charlotte Bobcats—Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

No holes here, and no question the Bobcats take him the instant they are on the clock. 

2. Washington Wizards—Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

This is a complete value pick, and taking the best player at the time is the no-brainer decision. I continue to flip-flop whether that player is Kidd-Gilchrist or Robinson. Both will be amazing NBA players. 

3. New Orleans Hornets—Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

He plays with a passion and tenacity that is unparalleled in this draft. The fact that he also comes with top-notch talent makes him a solid top-three pick. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers—Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

He is a pure shooting guard who plays without fear and loves to breach the lane as much as he loves hitting from distance. Could threaten to get into top three.  

5. Toronto Raptors—Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

The Raptors could use help on the wings, and there is no one better at the position right now than Barnes. He is as close as you get to polished at this stage in his career. 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (Via NJ)—Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

He plays with confidence and will only get better with a more consistent effort from the perimeter. 

7.  Sacramento Kings—Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

This is a pure best player at the right price. Sullinger may be a big man, but he is ready to feature heavily in the rotation and comes in with a wealth of intangibles that will steady what can be a rocky ship at times. 

His versatility and experience make him a must-have for a team that can get off track from a mental aspect. 

8. Detroit Pistons—Tyler Zeller, C, UNC

The more I see, the more I am convinced he is ready for the next level. He has a great shot that can bring out the defense to 18 feet and rebounds. He can also run the court like a smaller, more agile player. 

9. Utah Jazz (via GS from NJ)—Damian Lillard, PG, Weber St.

He can score, facilitate and push the ball up the court as well as anyone in the draft. He may not have the court vision of Kendal Marshall, but he makes up for it in other ways. 

10. New Orleans Hornets (via LAC from MIN)—Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

There is no better guard at seeing the floor and making the right decision. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers—Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Here is our first lottery pick that I have real questions on as he takes his talents to the NBA. There is no denying Moultrie an play above the rim, I am just fearful that he is unwilling to do so. 

He can get lost on the perimeter and needs to add some strength to bang in the paint. There is a ton of hope, but just as much doubt.  

12. Utah Jazz—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

 He is raw and will need to prove a great many things in the next few months. One of them is a consistent and versatile offensive game, which he never proved in college. 

He can settle for outside shots instead of using his talent and size to dominate the middle. 

13. Milwaukee Bucks—Perry Jones III, F, Baylor

I am not ready to call him an out and out future failure, but I was not pleased with what I saw in the NCAA tournament. 

The book on him has been that he takes plays off and can get lost in the shuffle, not taking command of the game like a man of his stature should. 

That is exactly what we saw in spurts this past March. My hope is the draft wakes him up to his ability, but he will be the biggest failure if it does not. 

14. Phoenix Suns—Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

It would be easy to call him a possible disappointment at the next level. I agree with the masses that he could have used at least one year in college. 

I can't ignore his ability to score, though, and the realization that his inconsistent shooting will be worked out in the pros. 

15. Houston Rockets (via NYK)—Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

I have Jones making the biggest splash of the less heralded stars in this draft. I love his tenacity and what he brings on defense. The offense will come in time, and that is when he goes form a solid player to a great one. 

16. Denver Nuggets—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

He is a solid guard who does everything you want in a team leader, including making the tough shots. 

17. Philadelphia 76ers—Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

He is still raw, but a little polish will a go a long way with a player that could be an amazing steal for the Sixers. 

18. New Jersey Nets (via HOU)—Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt 

Taylor is as refined as you get at this point in the draft. With the Nets looking at some major turnover, they will need a guy who can come in and play. 

19. Atlanta Hawks—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Teague can really feature heavily at the next level, especially on a team like the Hawks. He just needs to bring some patience to his game. 

20. Memphis Grizzlies—John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Jenkins continues to draw rave reviews for his ability to hit shots from pretty much anywhere on the floor.

21. Houston Rockets Via (Dallas Mavericks)—John Henson, PF, UNC

Henson could be one of the best defenders in a draft filled with them. If he can infuse some consistency to his shot, he could be a real beast.

22. Orlando Magic—Royce White, SF, Iowa State 

He runs the floor like a guard and has the size and talent to be a lottery-type player. However, he needs a lot of grooming, so patience will be key here. 

23. Boston Celtics—Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

He plays without fear, which can be his best and worst attributes. If he can work some poise into his game, watch out. 

24. Boston Celtics (via LAC from OKC)—Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

I am convinced that Melo will continue to rise on draft boards leading up to the big day. Teams just can't say no to a player that can own the paint like he can. The Celtics could certainly use him. 

25. Indiana Pacers—Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s

He will need to work on his outside shot, but he can already rebound and defend at a pro level. 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL)—Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure 

He is versatile and plays the game the right way, and that means knowing where his teammates are and showing ability to get them involved. Needs more bulk to his frame. 

27. Golden State (via SA)—Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Monta Ellis leaves a huge hole that Lamb may very well fill. He has no fear and loves to score. Only time will tell. 

28. Miami Heat—Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat get the precise player they need, a tough defender who will block and rebound. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder—Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

He is perfect for a team that is already loaded. Green is a natural leader who will be willing to sit back and gain some knowledge from this star-laoded ballclub.  

30. Chicago Bulls—Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

Jones is a versatile big who can hit from distance—an intriguing prospect at this point in the draft. 

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