2012 NBA Mock Draft: First-Round Prospects Who Will Become NBA Stars

The future is now, and you have a front row seat to the early beginnings of the next wave of superstars in the NBA.

Here is our latest mock draft for the NBA Draft, and it's filled with big-time names with top-notch games.

This may be one of the best draft classes we have had in years. Teams in the mid-to-late round can still get tremendous value, making the first round a must-see TV event. 

Here is the draft with a highlight on the true giants of tomorrow. 

Standings are fluid—from lottery teams to playoffs, things will change. Order based on mix of current standings and projected finish.  

1. Charlotte Bobcats—Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Yes, he has this locked down as well as Andrew Luck does in NFL mock drafts. He is by far the best player in the nation, and a beast at a position that general managers drool after.    

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

Kidd-Gilchrist is still my No. 2 largely for what he brings in the form of intangibles. He hits the boards with tenacity and will one day be a great leader on an NBA team.  

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

He already has the size and stature that scouts like, but he also plays like he is out to prove himself. He could be the real star of this draft in five years time. 

If the Hornets are truly looking to step into a new era on the right foot, then Robinson is the man. He plays for team first and will do everything he can to win, making him an early fan favorite.  

4.  Sacramento Kings—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

The Kings could use some depth down low. They would instantly be a scary team to face with Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins in the paint.  

5. Toronto Raptors—Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see this pick go to Bradley Beal who is an intriguing prospect to say the least.

However, Barnes is ready to be an immediate-impact player with the defensive presence to contribute early, and the offensive promise to really shine in a couple seasons.   

6. Cleveland Cavaliers—Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal will be good in the NBA, but there is no telling how good. I think the Cavaliers is a perfect spot for him to mature alongside another young guard in Kyrie Irving.    

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

I go with a pick that many will consider a reach, but I still like Lamb's upside over any other. In time, he will be the scorer that he promises to be.   

8. Detroit Pistons—Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

He is strong, tough and above all versatile. He may lack the size that would make him a top-5 player, but he has all the tools to have a very long career at the next level, including a shot that's consistent out to 18 feet.  

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

Lillard may be long gone, but he would be perfect for the Jazz who are going to re-shuffle the backcourt.

The Weber State standout runs the court at a quick pace and has a knack at collecting buckets. The future is bright for this guy.  

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

The Hornets would steal the show if they truly get Barnes and Marshall in the first round. Barnes is a hard-working winner, and a guard who is amazing at running an offense. 

This is a dream scenario for a team that would actually be set for a grand rebuild that could have them playoff bound in a couple seasons.  

11. Portland Trail Blazers—Tyler Zeller, C, UNC

The Blazers need consistent minutes out of their frontcourt, and will get that with Zeller who runs the floor like no other big man.  

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

Many are worried about Perry Jones and his propensity to take some plays off and get lost in the shuffle. 

I say that he will wake up in the NBA and finally assert himself, making good on all that promise.

13. Utah Jazz—Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

I could see the Jazz going another route, and a player like Terrence Jones would be a great find, but their backcourt would be really promising with Rivers. 

The Duke star needs a season or two to mature and work consistency to his offensive game. Once he does that, the Jazz can unleash a fearless guard that is brilliant at playing at the rim.  

14. Phoenix Suns—Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

I am more intrigued by Jones' prospects going forward over any other, and it's because he can do everything and just needs time to polish it all out. 

He can play multiple positions and has a hunger for defense. He would be the perfect player for a Suns franchise that is headed into a new era.  

15. Houston Rockets (via NYK)—Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

He is a big man that needs to be convinced of playing like one. He settles for his perimeter game too easily and needs to be broken of the habit.  

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

He has upside and he is 7'0" tall. What more do you want?  

17. Denver Nuggets—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

All he really needs is more consistency on his shot and then we may have a lottery bound guard that can do it all.  

18. Dallas Mavericks —John Henson, PF, UNC

The Mavericks get depth on the bench and a future starter to groom. You can also add that Henson is one of the best defenders in the draft if you like that sort of stuff.  

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

The Nets are in for a rocky summer and need a player they can bring in and is the safest gamble possible. Taylor is ready to play now.  

20. Boston Celtics—Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Waiters gets ahead of himself and may force the issue. Poise and patience will have to be the first things to come at the next level.  

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

The Magic can go a number of ways, but I like a big upside guy that is willing to work and plays the game the right way.  

22. Memphis Grizzlies—John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Jenkins can flat out shoot and that kind of ability is always needed in the NBA.  

23. Atlanta Hawks—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

He is susceptible to turnovers but only needs a little patience to become a sound guard at the next level. I like his ability to score and his willingness to play tough defense.  

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

Melo is no Kendrick Perkins, but he finally gives the Celtics a defensive-minded center back in the paint to affect shots. With some bulk and maturity, he could be a late-round gem.  

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

He needs to polish his shot, but he makes it in the first round with his ability to rebound and run the floor.    

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

I am convinced he can grow into his frame, and has all the tools to keep him going until then. He has soft hands and great court vision.  

27. Miami Heat—Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat would be that much better if they had a big man on the bench that could come in and dedicate minutes to defense and rebounding.  

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

Monta Ellis is gone, but I am intrigued that Lamb and his fearless knack for scoring could be a second coming.  

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

Green could be a real score considering his leadership, work ethic and tireless effort he gives every game.  

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

He is a big man that has a great perimeter game. Versatility is tough to find this late. 

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