2012 NBA Mock Draft: Perfect Solutions for Every Squad in the First Round

While we all have ideas of where certain prospects will land based on their talent and track record alone, much of the draft equation depends upon who makes for a good fit.

Given the roster needs each team has, who will top each first-round team's wish list?

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)

Anthony Davis has all the athletic tools and talent a scout could ask for and—more importantly—he's a proven winner.

He might not average much more than 10 points as a rookie, but there's no question he'll make an immediate and sizable impact defensively.

The Bobcats have so many needs that their perfect solution is getting the best available player, and that's exactly what Davis is at this point.

Charlotte will finally have some elite youth to build around with Davis up front and the second-year Kemba Walker in the backcourt. 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

Like Charlotte, the Wizards have plenty of holes, but Washington absolutely needs an upgrade at small forward, and Kidd-Gilchrist is a can't-miss solution.

He's the complete package and he has the kind of focus and intensity the Wizards desperately need.

Washington does have an athletic stopper on the wing in Chris Singleton, but it will take him some time to truly become a serviceable regular.

And if Kidd-Gilchrist's perimeter game improves, he could start ahead of Jordan Crawford at the 2, allowing Crawford to playing a more suitable sixth-man role.  

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)

Even if the Hornets retain Carl Landry, they could still use a guy with Robinson's physical presence and defensive ability.

Paired with Emeka Okafor and/or Chris Kaman, Robinson would instantly give the Hornets an above-average front court.

We also know Robinson knows what it takes to win at the college level, and New Orleans would benefit from the added edge.

With a number of backcourt and wing options, a first-rate power forward should be a priority for the Hornets.

4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C (UConn)

Drummond would give the Kings an immediate upgrade defensively and allow DeMarcus Cousins to focus on what he's best at: scoring.

He would also give Sacramento one of the most intimidating front lines in the league.

Sacramento could also use a small forward, and there's a chance they could take a look at Harrison Barnes (and certainly Kidd-Gilchrist if he's still on the board). Nevertheless, it would be tough to pass up a potential game-changer like Drummond.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

The Cavaliers have needs at the 2 and the 3, and Barnes would go a long way in solving one of those.

Despite his scoring ability, he might not have superstar instincts or athleticism.

Nevertheless, he should be able to start for the young Cavaliers from day one and make them a better team. He's an immediate upgrade over Anthony Parker and Alonzo Gee, and could become a perfect complement to Kyrie Irving over the years.

6. Toronto Raptors: Bradley Beal, SG (Florida)

From Toronto's standpoint, any infusion of efficient scoring is a can't-miss proposition.

Beal would allow DeMar DeRozan to spend more time at small forward, while providing Jose Calderon with an effective perimeter target.

Beal's presence would allow DeRozan to become more efficient and give Toronto a needed perimeter threat.

If he settles in well, he could get enough looks to earn some Rookie of the Year consideration—he'll start to look good sooner, rather than later. 

 

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

Marshall has great size and uncanny passing ability—he would be the perfect replacement for the electric, but inconsistent Raymond Felton.

His distributing instincts would pay immediate dividends surrounded by shooters like Nic Batum and Wesley Matthews. He'd also get LaMarcus Aldridge some nice mid-range looks.

Marshall may not fit in as a starter right away—that depends largely on just how committed Portland is to starting over from scratch.

Portland may become a suitor for the likes of Goran Dragic, in which case, someone like Marshall (or perhaps even Damian Lillard or Austin Rivers) would have some time to develop in a less demanding role.

 

8. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

Jones would fit in well alongside Greg Monroe and give Detroit solid length and defensive presence in the paint.

More importantly, he would give Detroit someone capable of playing above the rim and from the perimeter alike.

Monroe isn't known to be a stellar leaper or shot blocker, and Jason Maxiell is only 6'7." That makes it far too easy for longer opponents. Jones may be a project at first, but he's a far better long-term solution at the 4 than Charlie Villanueva. 

 

9. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)

With only one more season left on Devin Harris' contract, the Jazz need a point guard and Lillard could be their guy.

In fact, he could end up becoming a younger, better version of Harris.

Still, it should take him some time to improve his passing court vision and integrate himself into Tyrone Corbin's rotation, especially if Alec Burks' inconsistent playing time is any indication.

The Jazz could also look at Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers, Tony Wroten Jr. or Dion Waiters depending on how interviews, workouts and Utah's own plans ultimately pan out. 

 

10. New Orleans Hornets: Terrence Jones, SF (Kentucky)

Jones has worlds of potential, and the Hornets could certainly use his versatility as they build around Eric Gordon and a bevy of other young assets.

If the team drafts size early on (like Robinson or Drummond), it should look for help on the wing here.

In a draft with better point guards, you might like to see New Orleans find a replacement for Chris Paul, but this just isn't that draft.

Also, Jarrett Jack's done a solid job this season and brings some veteran edge to this team. The Hornets have to be looking for an eventual Trevor Ariza upgrade, and Jones could be quite the replacement.

 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina)

With Greg Oden out and Marcus Camby traded, Zeller could immediately earn himself some serious playing time with the Trail Blazers.

He moves well, plays hard and can score well for a guy his size. The Blazers could also look at Arnett Moultrie or Meyers Leonard, but odds are they go with the surer thing in Zeller.

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

Henson offers the defensive talent and athleticism to help a team with need for help at power forward, and the Bucks could very well be that team if Ersan Ilyasova escapes by free agency.

Even if Ilyasova does stick around (which could become unlikely if the Bucks are feeling stingy or saving up for Brandon Jennings), Henson still provides better defense.

If Milwaukee is convinced Brandon Jennings won't stick around much longer, it could be planning to trade him—in that event, they could look for a guard here to pair with Monta Ellis.

 

13. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers, PG (Duke)

The one thing that is certain about the Utah Jazz is that they're stocked in the paint.

Unless they plan on moving Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors or Enes Kanter, this pick won't be another young big. They also have nice pieces on the wing with Gordron Hayward and Alec Burks—both still young and quickly improving.

That leaves the backcourt.

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Jazz use both of their picks on guards—one to distribute, and one like Rivers, who's conditioned to score the ball. 

If Austin Rivers eventually learns to play the point, he could become a versatile backcourt asset for a team like the Jazz. Even if he doesn't, though, he should quickly become a viable sixth man who will come into games unafraid to shoot. 

 

14. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG (UConn)

If Jeremy Lamb stays on the board this long, he could be a steal this late in the draft for the Suns.

If Lamb can adapt to NBA-level intensity, he has more than enough talent to survive and perhaps become a more defensively capable version of Jamal Crawford.

With Grant Hill's future uncertain (and short at any rate), Lamb would be a nice addition to the Suns' wing.

 

15. Houston Rockets: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)

Sullinger could use a couple of years coming off the bench and learning to hold his own against taller NBA bodies.

With Luis Scola set at power forward for the immediate future, the Rockets could be an ideal opportunity to do just that.

Much of Houston's draft plans may depend on other variables—for example, if Daryl Morey still has ambitions to acquire Pau Gasol, this pick could wind up part of the package or as a means of restocking lost assets.

All things being equal, though, Houston could use a bruiser like Sullinger.

 

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG (Washington)

Philadelphia is already an incredibly deep team with quality pieces at every position.

It could look for an eventual Elton Brand replacement (perhaps Sullinger or John Henson), or it could address its need for another scorer.

Ross would give the 76ers an option if Jodie Meeks falters, and he could have as much upside as anyone at this point in the draft. 

Ross could use some work on fundamentals like ball-handling and shot selection, but there's enough talent here to count him in as a relatively sure thing.

 

17. New Jersey Nets: Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi St.)

Moultrie's size and defense could prove valuable right away for a team like the Nets, especially if Kris Humphries departs via free agency.

He's still a project, but he's also a project that would lend excellent size and defense alongside the offensively minded Brook Lopez.

A big with high upside could also figure favorably into what will undoubtedly be this organization's ongoing attempts to land Dwight Howard.

In fact, if there are any trade talks lingering when draft night comes around, this pick could become a de facto sacrifice to the Orlando Magic.

 

18. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten, Jr. PG (Washington)

Wroten could wind up becoming one of the best players in this draft down the road, but he's still got some work to do—he continues to struggle with his shot, decision-making and ball control.

The opportunity to play behind a starter like Ty Lawson could be just what Wroten needs. He'd give  a different look off the bench thanks to his 6'5'' size, and he'd become especially valuable if Andre Miller departs via free agency. 

 

19. Houston Rockets: Dion Waiters, PG/SG (Syracuse)

Waiters has the talent to wind up much higher in the draft, and if his workouts go well, he just might.

The questions that will surround him early on, though, are whether or not he fits in as a shooting guard or at the point.

That might not matter for a team like Houston, which could probably use a combo-guard to come off the bench if Goran Dragic finds more money elsewhere this summer.

Alternatively, Houston could hold on to Dragic and use Lowry as trade bait. Either way, another guard would come in handy.

 

20. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)

A successful NCAA tournament will help Lamb's draft stock, and a team in need of perimeter shooting will jump all over him.

Like Waiters, though, his size may hurt him early on and make him a somewhat risky selection. Atlanta can afford to take that risk given the chances that Kirk Hinrich won't return.

A solid guard would allow Joe Johnson to spend more time at the 3, where he's seen some success this season. Even if that guard isn't Lamb, Atlanta reasons to be looking for someone along those lines.

 

21. Boston Celtics: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

The Celtics need a center and Leonard might be the kind of project they're willing to wait for.

He needs to add muscle and develop his offensive game, but the Celtics don't have many other options, and they'll have even fewer if Kevin Garnett doesn't return. 

 

22. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

The younger Teague could wind up every bit as good as his brother, and Orlando could use a guy like that backing up (and eventually replacing) Jameer Nelson.

Teague may not have exceptional upside, but he's a pretty safe bet this late in the draft. His speed would be a particular virtue on a team with aging veterans and spot-up shooters.

Orlando could also afford to get younger on the wing and might take a look at defensive gurus like Jeff Taylor or C.J. Leslie. 

 

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt)

The Grizzlies lost some wing depth after trading Sam Young, and Taylor would fit in as a solid backup for Rudy Gay.

Whether he ever becomes more than a reserve will depend on if he can supplement his exceptional defense with a more well-rounded offensive game.

For now, it wouldn't matter either way for the Grizzlies who are mostly set at every position.

This is a team that is good and deep—this selection could very well be traded or used on an overseas guy that Memphis could wait on for another year or two.

 

24. Boston Celtics: Royce White, SF (Iowa St.)

White has plenty of talent, but his struggles with anxiety and fear of flying suggest he could be a huge risk.

If the Celtics opt for a safer route, they could select another small forward like Moe Harkless or a tweener like C.J. Leslie.

The bottom line for Boston is the need for depth behind Paul Pierce.

If there are any elite long-range shooters left on the board (e.g. Doron Lamb), Boston might go in that direction as a step toward replacing Ray Allen. 

 

25. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

Like the Grizzlies, the Pacers really don't need much and could very well trade this pick.

Otherwise, they could grab a 4 like Nicholson in anticipation of David West eventually moving on.

Nicholson has steadily improved and developed an impressive scoring touch with the range to match. He probably won't see a lot of playing time early on, but that would suit Indiana just fine. 

 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: C.J. Leslie, F (NC State)

Assuming the Cavaliers take a small forward with their first selection, this pick could go in a couple directions. Cleveland could add a versatile player with loads of potential (like C.J Leslie), or it could snatch up any good shooters who happen to still be available.

Anthony Parker is on his last legs at the 2. 

 

27. Golden State Warriors: Moe Harkless, SF (St. John's)

The Warriors probably won't find someone prepared to make a significant impact this late in the draft, but the team is young enough that adding another unpolished prospect won't make much of a difference.

Harkless would give Dorell Wright a solid back-up and could potentially take on a more prominent role down the road. Golden State could also look for a guard to stash behind either Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson.

 

28. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)

Miami has yet to settle its rotation at the center position, and there's no question they'd like an upgrade over Joel Anthony.

Melo won't be ready to start right away, but he has all the things you'd like to see from a young center—he can block shots, move well and explode to the rim.

 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF (Michigan St.)

Green was a great player in college, but it's unclear how his size and skill set will translate to the NBA.

If all goes well with his transition, he could serve as a versatile player off the bench.

The Thunder don't need much more than that—it wouldn't be surprising to see them take the best player available or gamble on someone who might pan out down the road.

 

30. Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier, SG (France)

Fournier is an acceptable risk for an already-established team like the Bulls. He may not play right away, and he may never be any good, but he's a smart move for a team that can afford to take the chance.

It's not like Chicago has many other needs at the moment.