NBA Mock Draft 2012: How March Madness Affected Top Prospects

When it comes to March Madness, only one team will be crowned as national champions, meaning tomorrow and the next round aren't promised for anybody. NCAA players give their best effort to try and win the tournament, and they also use it as their last opportunity to make an impression on NBA scouts.

The Kentucky Wildcats delivered John Calipari his first national championship. Kentucky played with a deep roster of NBA-caliber talent, and it was on full display during their March Madness run.

Cases for a few Wildcats were made prior to the championship for how they would pan out in the NBA. Players outside of Kentucky needed this tournament to state their case.

The NCAA tournament is officially in the books, and NBA scouts now have their film and sources to review all prospects. The regular season games will come into play, but many players either elevated or decreased their stock on the biggest stage in the NCAA.

Here's a complete NBA mock draft based on this year's March Madness.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis

Assuming the unibrow is still alive by June 28, Anthony Davis will be the No. 1 draft pick.

Rarely do you see a player at 19 years of age with the skill set of Davis. At 6'10" and 220 pounds, Davis is an athletic machine with a 7'4" wingspan—that would make a major impact for the Charlotte Bobcats.

Davis was never thought of as a selfish player, and that statement was verified after the national championship. Davis shot 1-for-10 against Kansas, and didn't make his first field goal until about five minutes left in the game.

Any other superstar would sulk and get down on their poor shooting, but Davis continued playing superb defense and helped anchor Kentucky to the national championship.

Davis averaged 13.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and almost five blocks during March Madness. There was little doubt Davis wouldn't be the No. 1 pick before the tournament, but after Kentucky's championship run, any previous doubt was diminished.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

2. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson developed into the go-to guy for the Kansas Jayhawks this season, and he relished that role.

Robinson averaged 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds during the regular season, and had no drop-off during March Madness. He averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and lead Kansas to the national championship game.

Purdue kept Robinson under control in the tournament, holding him to 2-of-12 shooting and only 11 points. Despite his struggles in that game, he had many other impressive performances during March Madness. With or without a championship, Robinson would be a top-five pick regardless.

Washington is a mess and lacking talent all over the roster. The Wizards could use an upgrade everywhere in the frontcourt, and Robinson is a great starting piece.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

3. New Orleans Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Just about every Kentucky Wildcat will get a positive nod after March Madness, and that includes Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Kidd-Gilchrist didn't have eye-popping numbers every game during the tournament, but his lockdown defense, attacking of the basket and outstanding leadership helped propel the Wildcats to the championship.

If it weren't for Anthony Davis and the lack of a consistent jump shot, Kidd-Gilchrist could challenge for the No. 1 overall pick. However, the Hornets will be thrilled to select Kidd-Gilchrist at No. 3.

Kidd-Gilchrist showed a lot of positive signs with his game during March Madness, but he must show more offensive improvement from the perimeter.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond is the true definition of a beast at 6'10" and 275 pounds, but his performance and Connecticut's one-and-done entry in the tournament doesn't validate it.

The Huskies big man came up small only scoring two points, three rebounds and fouling out after 26 minutes in the first round of March Madness. Due to his foul trouble, Iowa State took advantage of Drummond's absence and attacked the paint hard against UConn.

Regardless of Drummond's less-than-impressive showcase in the tournament, his size and regular season performance still has scouts and analysts high on his game. Drummond averaged 10.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in the regular season and will still be a high lottery pick in the draft.

Portland could use an upgrade from Joel Pryzbilla at center. Drummond is very raw offensively, but can learn a thing or two next to LaMarcus Aldridge.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger

The Sacramento Kings are finally getting what's been expected out of DeMarcus Cousins at center, but they still could use an upgrade at power forward. Jason Thompson has been inconsistent, and has the game and build of a center.

Jared Sullinger had a very productive March Madness, leading Ohio State to the Final Four against Kansas. Sullinger averaged 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in the regular season, and kept fire in the tournament with 17 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Sullinger will more than likely be a lottery pick in the summer, but does run the risk of dropping lower than expected in the draft. Frequently during the tournament, Sullinger was caught whining and complaining to officials about missed foul calls. As frequent as whining is seen in the NBA, it's not a great idea to come out of college with that label.

The character will be a question mark when discussing Sullinger, but his numbers speak louder. The Kings could use Sullinger next season.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

6. Toronto Raptors: Bradley Beal

The Toronto Raptors have plenty of options for this summer's draft, but they should start by looking for a backcourt mate for DeMar DeRozan.

Bradley Beal was a great scorer for Florida, averaging almost 15 points a game. The Florida guard didn't slow down, averaging 15.7 points during March Madness, and he lead the Gators to the Elite Eight. Beal does a great job of attacking basket plus taking and making efficient shots. Beal averaged 53 percent from the field in the regular season, and 60.6 percent in March Madness.

Beal is very unselfish, and at times that could be his fault. He has the takeover ability, but often passed up the opportunity to get his teammates involved. 

Beal was impressive during the tournament, and will certainly be a top-10 pick in June.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Harrison Barnes

At the beginning of the season, Harrison Barnes was the projected No. 1 overall pick. After the emergence of Anthony Davis, and a less-than-impressive March Madness, Barnes' value took a slight shot.

Barnes shot 3-for-12 for 12 points against Ohio in the Sweet 16, and 5-for-14 for 13 points against Kansas in the Elite Eight. Despite his struggles, he still is a complete all around player the Trail Blazers would love to have on their team.

Barnes has received Tracy McGrady comparisons for a reason, and he'll have his chance to prove why as a lottery pick in the draft. Portland could start him right away if they choose not to re-sign Nic Batum. 

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Decreased

8. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie

The Detroit Pistons struck gold drafting Greg Monroe at center, but they have no stability at power forward as they continue to rotate bodies.

Mississippi State didn't make the NCAA tournament, but Arnett Moultrie still had a good enough season to be a lottery pick in the draft. Moultrie is a monster down low, and his game could instantly translate to the professional level.

Moultrie is a double-double machine and a solid defender on the block. His March Madness absence won't harm his NBA draft stock. Many teams would be lucky to have Moultrie on their roster, and the Pistons should feel the same way.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

9. Utah Jazz: Jeremy Lamb

Outside of Devin Harris, the Utah Jazz are a bit slim on guards.

When former backcourt mate Kemba Walker left Connecticut for the NBA a year ago, the team was essentially passed over to Jeremy Lamb, and he made a strong case to being a lottery pick.

Lamb is a great scorer with slashing ability and a nice outside shot. Lamb also showed throughout the season he's also a top-tier athlete, but the world was sold after this dunk at the beginning of the season.

The Huskies didn't go far in the NCAA tournament losing in the first round to Iowa State. Lamb hasn't shown great leadership skills, and could've displayed that feature by leading his team deeper in March Madness. 

Utah needs some help in the backcourt; they could use Lamb. Gordon Hayward is a small forward playing shooting guard. With Lamb in the starting lineup, Hayward can shift to the frontcourt, creating a dangerous tandem in the West with Hayward, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No Change

10. New Orleans Hornets: Tyler Zeller

Chris Kaman can't keep his name out of the trade rumor mill, meaning the Hornets aren't sold on him down the line. 

Tyler Zeller might be a reach at this spot, but he could be a quality seven-footer for New Orleans. Zeller had a nice showing in March Madness, including a nice 22-point, 20-rebound game against Ohio in the Sweet 16.

Zeller stands at 6'11", 240, but at times struggled against tougher physical forwards and centers. He must be able to bang down low in order to succeed in the pros. Zeller does have a nice offensive game down low, especially with his hook shot.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Perry Jones III

The Portland Trail Blazers have two lottery picks in this draft and can afford to take a gamble on a player like Perry Jones. 

Jones has a boatload of potential, but is still yet to show enough glimpses for analysts to buy in. At 6'11", 220, Jones could put on some strength and improve his physicality.

The Baylor product was extremely inconsistent during March Madness, with only nine points in the first two rounds. Jones improved the next couple of rounds, scoring 14 against Xavier and 17 against Kentucky. 

Jones showed at times that he can be an offensive focal point, and too many other times he looked lost and like an afterthought. With his inconsistency, Jones could fall out the lottery into the bottom half of the first round. With Portland's valuable picks, they won't be too scared to pull the trigger on Jones.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Decreased

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

After trading Andrew Bogut to the Golden State Warriors for Monta Ellis, the Bucks are in search of a big man to fill his absence. 

John Henson suffered a broken wrist at the end of the season that held him out of three games. Before the injury, Henson was very efficient, averaging a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Henson has an impressive 7'4" wingspan and tremendous athletic ability. However, he's still very skinny at only 6'10", 220. He'll have to improve his strength to battle with the bigs of the NBA.

Henson missed the first round of the tournament due to injury, but followed up with a double-double his next two games. He struggled against Thomas Robinson and Kansas, with 10 points and only four rebounds.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Decreased

13. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard

The Utah Jazz need to stock up on guards, and can continue by drafting Damian Lillard. 

Weber State didn't qualify for the NCAA tournament, but Lillard still was a prolific scorer and averaged 24.5 points. Lillard isn't a true point guard, but has enough talent and ability to polish those skills.

Devin Harris fits the bill as a score-first point guard like Lillard, but it's unlikely Harris will stay in Utah forever. Lillard is a good next option, and would make a significant impact as Utah's point guard.

NBA Stock Post-March Madness: No change

14. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall

As the Steve Nash trade rumors continue to pop up, it would be wise for Phoenix to start grooming a new point guard for the future. Nash has made his career off of passing and making his teammates better.

Kendall Marshall fits that exact bill.

Marshall is the floor general at point guard that any team would want. He's not a great scorer, but his court vision and unselfish play make him a quality NBA prospect.

Marshall missed the final two games of North Carolina's tournament run, and his presence was greatly missed on the floor. Marshall had a double-double in both games he did play in, which surely elevated his stock. Marshall has a chance to be a great NBA point guard for plenty of years.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

15. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard

Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert are in no way long-term solutions for the Houston Rockets at center.

Meyers Leonard has tremendous upside and could be a formidable center for the Rockets. He's got great size and athleticism for a 7'1" center.

Playing at only 245 pounds won't cut it for a project player like Leonard, though. He'll need to improve his strength and physicality to better his chances at succeeding at the professional level.

Illinois didn't make the NCAA tournament, so Leonard's stock is all based on his regular season and however he performs at the combine.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones

With Spencer Hawes hitting free agency and Elton Brand not getting any younger, the Sixers could use some young talent on the front line.

Terrence Jones more than likely won't slip this low, but it is a possibility after his less-than-impressive performance at the NCAA tourney. Jones played good team defense and made plays when needed, but his stats weren't eye-popping and didn't show enough consistency during March Madness.

Given Jones' athletic build and skill set, he'll be able to flourish in the NBA, especially with a team full of athletes like the Sixers. Jones can run the floor with Philadelphia as he did so well in Kentucky. He would be a key contributor on all phases.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Decreased

17. Denver Nuggets: Marquis Teague

Ty Lawson has finally emerged as the floor leader for the Denver Nuggets, but it wouldn't hurt for Denver to be in the hunt for another guard.

Marquis Teague has some lottery value, but more than likely won't be taken that high. After 9.5 points in the regular season, Teague isn't quite ready to lead a team as the starting point guard just yet.

Teague did do a good job as the general of the Kentucky Wildcats. Teague was a good decision maker and understood how to control the flow of the game.

Teague had a bit of an up-and-down season, but with the overall team success and his potential, he did just enough to become a first-round draft pick.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

18. Dallas Mavericks: Austin Rivers

Jason Kidd, without question, has had a Hall of Fame career, but his time is running short in Dallas. Time for Mark Cuban to look in a different direction.

Austin Rivers is a dynamic scorer who hasn't even reached his potential yet. Had he stayed another year or two, he'd be a top-five pick in the draft. But after a short freshman year and a one-round March Madness cameo, Rivers will find himself on the outside looking in on the lottery picks.

Rivers' buzzer-beater triple against North Carolina was the highlight of his season. The Duke product has a great jumper with infinite range, plus great ball-handling skills to drive and create his own shot.

Unfortunately, Duke suffered a quick exit in the tournament to Lehigh, but enough was learned about Rivers in the regular season to decide his fate in the NBA.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

19. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Ross

With Gerald Wallace hitting free agency over the summer, New Jersey will be looking in a different direction at small forward.

Terrence Ross was a streaky three-point shooter at Washington and will need to add more to his overall game in the NBA. Ross at times got too comfortable behind the arc, instead of going aggressive to the lane.

Washington's March Madness absence wasn't enough to alter the judgment on Ross. He'll need to polish his overall offensive and defensive game in order to be effective for the New Jersey Nets. Assuming Deron Williams doesn't return, the Nets will need scorers like Ross to step up immediately.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

20. Boston Celtics: Jeffery Taylor

The Boston Celtics have a nice youthful backcourt with Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley. With the whole team aging and Kevin Garnett entering free agency, it's time for Boston to look for some younger players this offseason.

Jeffery Taylor could be a fine role player on a veteran team like the Celtics. He's a great slasher to the hoop, a strong finisher around the rim and a great physical defender. Boston prides themselves on playing defense, as does Taylor.

Vanderbilt did make the tournament, but gave little to judge after just a victory over Harvard and a loss to Wisconsin. He'd be a great fit for Boston and they could use his youth and aggression.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

21. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins

O.J. Mayo is set to become a free agent this summer, meaning the Grizzlies will keep their options open on bringing him back or drafting his replacement.

John Jenkins is a lethal catch-and-shoot option and would be a nice asset off the bench for Memphis. The Grizzlies will need a scorer off the bench if Mayo decides to jump ship for another team.

Jenkins did struggle against Wisconsin in March Madness, but did enough in the first round against Harvard and the regular season. He can be a dangerous spot-up shooter in the NBA.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

22. Orlando Magic: Dion Waiters

The Orlando Magic need to build a core around Dwight Howard to push them over the hump. Dion Waiters could be a good piece to that puzzle.

Waiters could be a low lottery pick or fall into the mid 20s. If he falls that low, Orlando shouldn't hesitate to pick him.

Waiters had a decent March Madness and an even better regular season with Syracuse. He has a very nice one-on-one game, where he's able to create off the dribble. Waiters also has a nice shot with pretty good three-point range.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

23. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless

The Atlanta Hawks have been a nice surprise in the Eastern Conference, and don't want to lose their step next year. They can use more depth on the wing, and Moe Harkless could be that starting piece.

Harkless and St. John's didn't make it to March Madness, but still had a good season. Harkless averaged 15.3 points and eight rebounds with his aggressive style of play as a guard. Harkless is a great slasher and attacks the rim hard when the given opportunity.

Harkless is quite the athlete, and showed it with some highlight-reel plays this year. Atlanta could certainly use Harkless off the bench.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

24. Indiana Pacers: Fab Melo

The Indiana Pacers have become the NBA Cinderella story, as they find themselves in third place in the Eastern Conference. In order to continue their progress, they'll need some depth behind Roy Hibbert.

Fab Melo missed out on the entire NCAA tournament due to eligibility issues. This plagued Syracuse in the tournament and dropped Melo's draft stock way down.

Melo is very raw on offense, but has great size and skill at the center position defensively. Melo was the anchor of Syracuse's defense, and it was obvious watching Syracuse without Melo.

Melo needs to complete his overall game, but he can give solid minutes off the bench as a backup center for the Pacers.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Decreased

25. Boston Celtics: Tony Wroten

As Ray Allen becomes a free agent, Boston still needs to look towards the future.

Tony Wroten is an athletic guard with a strong feel for the game. Wroten can create his own shot off the dribble and also create for his teammates. He averaged 16.7 points a game along with five rebounds, making him a fairly complete player.

Washington missed out on the NCAA tournament, but Wroten still took advantage of the regular season as his time to shine. If Wroten develops his outside shot and works on his fundamentals, he could be a very nice fit for Boston.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Royce White

The Cleveland Cavaliers could use more physical bodies up front, and Royce White is a perfect fit for that description.

White is a strong low-post player who created many problems for UConn and Kentucky during March Madness. White has a nice face-up offensive game and plays very physically in the paint. Rebounding is arguably White's best part of his game, and it will only continue to get better.

Cleveland could use a pick-and-roll option with Kyrie Irving. White would be a nice addition to that team moving forward.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

27. Miami Heat: Andrew Nicholson

The Miami Heat still don't have a reliable post player on offense, and should be in search of that in the draft.

Andrew Nicholson is another dark horse who could turn some heads in the draft. The 6'9", 240-pound product from St. Bonaventure could be that solution for Miami. Nicholson carried St. Bonaventure to an A-10 Conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth.

Nicholson has a solid inside and outside game. He's a great athlete and works hard on both sides of the floor. Nicholson is a diamond in the rough this draft.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green

Oklahoma City could use some help in the backcourt, but a versatile role player like Draymond Green is too good to pass up.

Green is one of the biggest sleepers in the draft, and can contribute in the NBA right away. He's a bit undersized, but Green has a unique skill set where he can bang down low, isolate off the wing, or pull up for a three-pointer.

Michigan State was a heavy favorite to win it all, so it was a bit disappointing losing to Louisville in the tournament.

Green's leadership and intangibles would help any team, but a young team like the Thunder could use more leaders off the bench.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: No change

29. Golden State Warriors: Tyshawn Taylor

Golden State's first target should be a forward on the front line, but Tyshawn Taylor might be too good of a prospect to pass up.

Taylor was a nice secondary option behind Thomas Robinson, averaging just over 17 points a game. Taylor struggled in a few games of the NCAA tournament, but played well enough the rest of the way, making his struggles an afterthought.

Taylor can create his own shots off the dribble as well as set up his teammates in rhythm. Taylor would make a great tandem with Stephen Curry in the backcourt for Golden State.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased

30. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb

Chicago's main concern heading into next season is staying healthy, so they'll have the luxury of drafting the best available talent.

Doron Lamb was one of the most consistent scorers for Kentucky during March Madness. He was dangerous in transition and has a nice jump shot to complement his game. As with the rest of the team, Lamb was a great team and on-ball defender.

The Bulls can use a bit more depth in the backcourt. Lamb is a perfect player to start with, and Chicago would be lucky to land him with the last pick of the first round.

NBA Draft Stock Post-March Madness: Increased