NBA Draft 2012: Impact Rookies Who Will Turn Around Struggling Teams

With the last of the big-name 2012 NBA draft prospects having declared for June's selection process, it is time to take a more in-depth look at the players who will make the most significant impact in their rookie season.

Kentucky's starting five from the national championship game have all entered their names into the draft pool, and all boast first-round potential. A plethora of freshman talent will be graduating to the next level as well.

But which rookies are poised to turn around struggling lottery teams?

Read on to find out. 

Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Anthony Davis is a once-in-a-generation type of talent and will no doubt be the No. 1 overall pick in this summer's draft.

Regardless of how the ping-pong balls fall, the 19-year-old power forward will be called upon as the face of his new franchise.

Davis' 7'4" wingspan and defensive prowess make him a can't-miss prospect capable of becoming an immediate superstar. 

Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

A 6'5" shooting guard with freakish length and a seven-foot wingspan, UConn's Jeremy Lamb improved dramatically in his sophomore season with the Huskies.

Lamb scored 17.7 points per game last season and proved that he can be a lethal shooter out to the three-point line and beyond.

Lamb's quickness and physical dimensions make him a lockdown defender with NBA All-Defensive Team potential in his first year. 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist provided a consistent motor for the national champion Kentucky Wildcats all last season.

Kidd-Gilchrist is a superb defender with great length. The 18-year-old is also the best small forward available this summer, which will make him the favorite to go No. 2 overall behind former teammate Anthony Davis.

Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during his freshman season in Lexington and shot better than 49 percent from the field.

Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Although Austin Rivers could benefit from another season of college basketball, there is no denying that he is one of the most gifted offensive prospects available in this year's draft.

Rivers is a deadly accurate shooter with unlimited range. And unlike Jimmer Fredette, Rivers has a lightning-quick crossover that will keep defenders honest to the drive. 

At 6'4", Rivers can hold his own defending NBA 2-guards, even if that isn't his strong suit. 

Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Ohio State star Jared Sullinger will have a lengthy NBA career thanks to his intelligent style of play and strong ability to rebound the basketball in traffic.

Sullinger averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds during his two seasons with the Buckeyes and was the top freshman in college basketball just two seasons ago.

At 6'9" with a 7'2" wingspan, Sullinger will bring a solid low-post game to whatever lottery team drafts him, allowing him to become a franchise cornerstone to build around for the future.

Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Florida Gators super freshman Bradley Beal was one of the best rebounding guards in the nation last season (6.7 RPG) and will be a force on the boards in the NBA as well.

Beal is a lights-out scorer who can penetrate to the rim and knock down long-range jumpers off the dribble or spotting up. 

Any time he puts his head down, you can bet Beal is going to the rim. If he can do the same thing at the next level and learn to finish more consistently, he will be a star in no time.

Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

The best center prospect available this summer is Connecticut's Andre Drummond, who stands 6'11" with an incredible 7'5" wingspan.

The 18-year-old big man can alter shots around the rim and rebound with any frontcourt player in the world. 

Drummond's basketball IQ and size alone will make him an impact player early in his NBA career, as he slowly develops a respectable offensive game to match his rebounding and defensive skills.

Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

With a rare three years of college basketball experience, Kansas' Thomas Robinson brings an attitude and energy that few players can on both ends of the court. 

Robinson was a Player of the Year candidate last season with the Jayhawks, leading KU with 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game en route to the National Championship game.

Robinson is a scrappy defender and a skilled rebounder who can out-leap larger power forwards. He will likely be a top-five pick this June, and for good reason.

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