2012 NBA Mock Draft: First Rounders Who Are Sure to Be All Stars

Time, patience and poise will be all some of these first rounders need to take their game to the highest of levels and become NBA All-Stars. 

The NBA Draft is a perfect time to gaze far into the future and debate what the landscape might look like in a few years. 

There is no question that this class will feature heavily in the biggest playoff games, and All-Star exhibitions. 

It's that deep, and some of these players are that good. Let's mock this thing out and see how the NBA draft might go, and highlight those who will truly be something special. 

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

We are picking out Anthony Davis as the most sure-thing in a field of them. He has the size and talent to be one of the best defensive big men within a couple seasons.

If he can add some bulk, he will really dominate the paint, bringing a superstar to Charlotte, finally.     

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

I like Kidd-Gilchrist to take the Wizards to that next level. Forget his immense talent, it's his willingness to hit the boards and play defense that has me giddy for his prospects. 

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

I am not quite sure what to make of Robinson the NBA player. I am wavering on him being a solid contributor to a perennial All-Star. 

There is no denying that he will bring a rare physicality to the NBA that few can match, and that has me ready to say he will feature at least a couple times at the mid-season classic. 

4.  Sacramento Kings—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

The Kings would get a beast down low who only needs to put some added polish to his game. This would be some front court with DeMarcus Cousins in the mix as well. 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers—Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal is a top-5 talent simply for his pure-scoring talent. He is fearless at the rim and will only get better with time. 

The best part is the dynamic duo this would form with Beal and Kyrie Irving, making the Cavaliers a fun team to watch as early as next season. 

6. Toronto Raptors—Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

Barnes is an immediate impact player that will get heavy minutes in his first season. There is just no way to keep his defensive sensibilities off the court for very long.  

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

It may be a reach, but I am willing to gamble on Lamb being the scorer he promises to be at this point in the draft process.   

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

It's a coin flip between him and Kendall Marshall at this point, and I will go with scoring to edge out court vision.   

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

This is a great value for a big man who can shoot consistently from 18 feet out. Sullinger is dynamic and versatile, bringing a measure of leadership and maturity to a team that could use it.  

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

There is no telling what the summer holds for the Hornets, but I would like them to take one of the safest bets in the field at this point. 

Marshall is a solid guard who will prove to be an assist machine at the next level. 

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

The Blazers can always use depth in the front court, and Zeller is the best around at this point. He has the size to change shots and an improving offensive game.   

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

I am confident the move to the NBA will shake off any issues Jones has in the form of consistency. 

13. New Jersey Nets (via HOU)—Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

I like him more and more and have him moving toward top-10 consideration. Jones just does everything well, including defense and rebounding. 

With consistency on offense, he may be the sleeper pick of the lottery. 

14. Phoenix Suns—Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

I really like this pick for the Suns who are slowly moving to a brand new day in Phoenix. Steve Nash will soon be gone, leaving a huge hole for another marquee player to fill.

I am more confident in Rivers to be an All-Star than most. Yes, he has issues like consistency that he needs to work out, but franchise like the Suns can bring him along slowly. 

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

He is a work in progress, but he runs the floor well and comes in at seven feet tall, making him a player scouts can't resist. 

16. Utah Jazz—Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

It's hard to pass on a player who can defend multiple positions and started hitting from distance. The future is bright for this one. 

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

If he can play more inside ball and stop settling for perimeter shots, the Rockets would have a real find here. 

18. Dallas Mavericks —John Henson, PF, UNC

He is one of the best defenders in a draft class filled with like players. He plays with passion and tenacity at every turn, doing the little things that will keep him in the NBA for years. 

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

The Magic's needs are all over the place this summer, and it all hinges on their big man and his long-term wishes. 

White has tremendous upside and only needs the time to mature. 

20. Denver Nuggets—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

Wroten can be a steady guard in the NBA, but needs a couple years to bring some level of consistency to his game. He shows flashes of sheer brilliance though. 

21. Boston Celtics—Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

The Celtics can bring him along slowly and infuse some patience into this kid who can get a little sloppy with the ball. He forces the issue making poise the highest need for his game. 

22. Atlanta Hawks—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Here is another guard who can gamble far too often on the court. However, I love his fearless attitude in the paint and his ability to finish at the rim. 

23. Memphis Grizzlies—John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

Jenkins is the best shooter around and a candidate to be the sharpshooter of this draft class. 

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

I really like this pick for the Boston Celtics who continue to have issues with big men. Durability will not be an issue with the long, lean Melo coming in to play. 

He has the knack for defense that this team really enjoys.  

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

He has the intangibles like soft hands and passing, but he now needs the bulk, definitely a work in progress. 

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

His defense and rebounding will make him a contributor. If he can get a shot too, he will be a star.   

27. Miami Heat—Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat really need depth down low and someone who can commit his minutes to the heavy burden of rebounding and blocking shots. 

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

He is the perfect fit for a team that values hard work and character. Green is a natural leader who will find his role on the team and give it his all. 

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

I am not sure that Lamb will fall this far, but if he does, the Warriors have to pick the feisty guard who can flat out score. 

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

At this point, you are are looking for any measure of upside. Jones is a versatile big man who can shoot from outside. 

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