2012 NBA Mock Draft: Undeveloped Projects Worth Staying Patient with

With the 2012 NBA season drawing to a close, the talk is starting to shift to the playoffs for those lucky enough to be part of the action.

For the rest, it’s all about the NBA draft and which struggling teams will find the centerpiece of their rebuilding process.

Be warned that 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

The unquestioned best player in the 2012 NBA draft and No. 1 overall pick will be Kentucky’s Anthony Davis. With eyebrows like that, how could the Bobcats go wrong?

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

The Washington Wizards will get the perfect small forward to compliment a dangerous offense led by former Kentucky one-and-done star John Wall.

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

Robinson is my choice to be the best player out of this draft, as he has the strength and size to make an impact immediately and the brain power to keep learning over time.

4.  Sacramento Kings—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

While Andre Drummond is a serious work in progress, the Sacramento Kings need a center for the future. This will be a risk, but one that needs to be taken.

5. Toronto Raptors—Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

With DeMar DeRozan running the guard spot, the Raptors need scoring from the forward positions. That’s where UNC’s Harrison Barnes comes in.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers—Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Adding Beal to a backcourt that already has Kyrie Irving is a no-brainer and a sign that the future is very bright in Cleveland.

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

The Portland Trailblazers are trying to replace the production lost with Greg Oden’s inability to stay healthy and his release, as well as Brandon Roy’s retirement by drafting stellar outside shooter Jeremy Lamb.

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

Detroit will be getting a great utility man who can play in every facet of the game. They can expect 100 percent effort every time Sullinger is on the floor.

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

Damian Lillard is a wild card of the first round. With it being unknown just how good he can be against elite talent, NBA scouts are unsure about just how high the point guard can go.

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

While he is no Chris Paul, he is a solid enough point guard to run the Hornets offense after getting a few games under his belt.

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

While Tyler Zeller is far from a finished project, the Portland Trailblazers have been searching for a Greg Oden-type since drafting Greg Oden. Zeller doesn’t have the upside Oden did, but he has the work ethic and the ability to stay healthy that will make him worth the pick.

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

With serious questions about his work ethic and consistency, the worst possible place to land would be on a team with egos like Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings.

13. Utah Jazz—Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

As great as Duke shooting guard Austin Rivers was in college, it’s a much different ball game in the NBA. Getting the small star acclimated to the speed and size of the NBA may take awhile, but it’ll be worth the wait.

14. Phoenix Suns—Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

The most underrated part of the championship-winning Kentucky Wildcats was versatile star Terrence Jones. If he falls to Phoenix, he will become the ultimate utility man for the Suns. 

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

With tons of raw potential, questions about the young man’s worth ethic may have him dropping down the board.

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

While Meyers Leonard may be very raw, athletic centers that can run the floor and be dangerous at both ends of the floor don’t grow on trees.

17. Denver Nuggets—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

With size and ability all around, the Nuggets are really only missing a strong-scoring shooting guard. They will find their man in Washington standout Tony Wroten.

18. Dallas Mavericks—John Henson, PF, UNC

Henson isn’t a great offensive body, but he can defend with the best of them. Even if he never develops an elite shot, he will stay in the NBA with his defense. Like a Shane Battier.

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

While he's not getting the mainstream hype like many other players, Taylor will walk right onto the New York Nets and be the team’s starting small forward.

20. Boston Celtics—Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Waiters is a rough product, but the hope is that the Celtics roster and coaching staff can help turn this kid into a budding superstar.

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

Royce White will be the perfect player for the Orlando Magic, especially if Dwight Howard leaves next year. The longer White has to develop without the pressure of the playoffs, the better he will be.

22. Memphis Grizzlies—John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

The Grizzlies will get a player who doesn’t defend well and isn’t the smartest player on the basketball court, but boy can John Jenkins shoot the ball.

23. Atlanta Hawks—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

With the Hawks finally finding the point guard that can drive the Atlanta offense, not only could Teague be great, the Hawks as a team will benefit from the ball-moving star.

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

If Fab Melo can stay healthy, he will be the Boston Celtics' answer at center for the next few seasons. With strong defensive play already, he will fit right into the Celtics game plan.

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

More of a defensive forward, Moe Harkless will be another cog in the Indiana Pacers rebuilding plan.

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

While adding size is a must, his size is deceiving in terms of just how talented Andre Nicholson is with the ball in his hands.

27. Miami Heat—Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

While you may laugh at Festus Ezeli’s name, you won’t be laughing when he adds the depth and talent to the Heat bench that wins the an NBA championship.

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

With an inconsistent shot and an unwavering willingness to fire up shots no matter what, Doron Lamb is Monta Ellis 2.0.

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

While Draymond Green doesn’t do any one thing better than anyone else, he is the ultimate team player. He will do anything and everything it takes to win and will be the perfect compliment for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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

With Carlos Boozer adding less and less as the days go on, Kevin Jones could be his eventual replacement if he reaches his potential. That’s a big if.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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