NBA Draft 2012: 6 Risky Gambles Desperate Teams Must Make
The NBA Draft in June features much anticipation as there are several potential players who can help fill certain teams' needs. But as is the case with any draft, there are several risks teams must make along the way.
Plenty of struggling teams have to fill needs and along with that line of thinking comes reaching for long-term potential, even if it comes with the cost of waiting a couple of years to start reaping the benefits.
There are risky gambles out there for every NBA team. Here's a look at a few risks that desperate teams must take in order to have success in the future.
Washington Wizards Must Take Thomas Robinson
If Washington doesn't win the Anthony Davis lottery, they will certainly be in a position to add an impact player. While it may be tempting to add a player like Harrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, adding Robinson is the better fit long-term.
While he only stands 6'9" and may be a bit undersized to play the 4, he's got the chance to be a star.
With his non-stop motor and high energy level to go along with his high character, the Wizards desperately need a guy like Robinson.
He's a relentless rebounder and has all the tools necessary to become a productive NBA player.
Sacramento Kings Must Take Andre Drummond
The Kings give up 104.4 PPG, easily an NBA worst. They need a big body who can rebound and play defense next to DeMarcus Cousins.
The Kings will have a high pick and if Drummond is still on the board, they have to roll the dice on him, even if maybe he isn't quite NBA-ready just yet.
Drummond has an NBA body and a good feel for the game. He can block shots (2.9 BPG) and rebound (7.7 RPG) and within time he will develop a quality post-game to go along with it. If the lottery doesn't play out in Sacremnto's favor, trading down makes sense.
Detroit Pistons Must Select John Henson
What Detroit needs is an athletic big body and Henson is as athletic as it gets. Adding a shot-blocker (2.9 BPG) and a rebounder (10.1 RPG) with Henson's skill set will be huge for Detroit.
Even if they have to reach on him earlier than projected, pairing Henson with Greg Monroe could be good for the Pistons' future.
Cleveland Must Select Perry Jones III
While a scorer such as Bradley Beal or Harrison Barnes makes sense for the Cavs, they must get more athletic as well.
Beal certainly fits that need, but they have to look more than once at the possibility of drafting Jones. His numbers at Baylor (13.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG) may not suggest that Jones be a top five pick, but his skill set is out of this world.
With a guard like Kyrie Irving already in place, adding an ultra-athletic wing like Jones could make Cleveland very dangerous in a couple of years.
Utah Jazz Must Select Kendall Marshall
If Utah gets to keep Golden State's pick, they will be drafting likely around No. 8 in the first round. That may be a little too high to reach on a point guard who isn't a great athlete with concerns about not only his scoring, but his defensive effort as well.
Yet in a thin point guard class, Utah must get Marshall early as he may not be around when they pick again in the middle of the first round.
Despite the concerns, there is no better pure floor general in the draft and Utah needs to nab their point guard of the future.
Portland Must Select Both Damian Lillard and Arnett Moultrie
The Blazers will have a pair of lottery picks and will have to gamble on both.
If their first falls around the No. 6 or No. 7 range, they must fill the need for a future point guard before the top two are off the board.
Lillard is a bit risky, playing a Weber State, but he's a dynamic scorer (24.5 PPG) and scouts feel he will be able to run an NBA offense even though his assist totals (4.0 APG) could raise some doubts.
With their second pick, they need to fill their need for a big man and Portland should look no further than Moultrie.
He had a big season (16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG) and pretty much just emerged as a prospect this year, which is usually sign No. 1 that it's risky, but he's a gamble that could pay off in a big way.
Moultrie has the size to play either the 4 or the 5 and can score from anywhere on the floor, even shooting 44 percent from behind the arc. He's a fantastic athlete who has the agility of a guard and Moultrie has the potential to become a very skilled NBA player.
