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2012 NBA Mock Draft: Complete Projections for Every First-Round Team

Ethan NorofJun 2, 2018

The NBA postseason is set to kick off this weekend, but the regular season ending marks the end of the year for lottery-bound teams that didn't make the cut.

The Charlotte Bobcats are on the verge of making history, Steve Nash just narrowly missed the playoffs once again and the New Orleans Hornets need to rebuild the entire roster.

What will your favorite team do when it's time to make a decision on draft day?

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1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

This should be a really easy decision should the Bobcats win the lottery. In fact, it's a no-brainer and any other move would be incredibly scrutinized by almost everyone with an opinion.

Davis is a standout player who dominated the college ranks, and there is no doubting his ability to impact a game with his impressive length inside.

He's going to need to add bulk and polish his offensive game to flourish in the league, but Davis would immediately make Charlotte a better team.

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

Kidd-Gilchrist is a fantastic finisher in transition, and he has no fear when he relentlessly attacks the rim in every single game.

The Wizards need to add speed to pair with John Wall to get up and down the floor, and there is a major hole at the small forward position currently.

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

Robinson is an absolute monster near the basket, and he is a player who always leaves it all out on the floor in every game he plays.

The Hornets could really use a high-motor, high-talent prospect like Robinson to give New Orleans a skilled big man to build around moving forward.

4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Drummond has the size and skill to really make for something special with DeMarcus Cousins. However, Drummond is a major gamble as many are concerned that he'll never live up to his immense potential.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

It's not hard to see why Beal's name is a popular one when talking about this draft. He's got good size and strength for someone of his position, and Beal is really blessed with immense talent.

He proved that his game is anything but one-dimensional during his tenure at Florida, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him go even higher than fifth overall.

He could certainly improve when it comes to ball movement, but Beal should be an impact player immediately for his professional team.

6. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

Barnes has been the victim of hype in both directions thus far. Some have compared him to superstars he'll never be, while others are undervaluing his ability to score the ball.

Regardless of what type of player he turns out to be, Barnes is an excellent fit in Toronto and should be the pick if he's available.

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

How good can Marshall be? That seems to be the popular sentiment as we approach this summer's draft.

He's got excellent court vision and the Blazers really need a young point guard to build around, but Marshall needs to prove he can score consistently when teams give him space to do so.

8. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

It's going to take a general manager with extreme verve to pull the trigger on Lillard, but in reality, nobody should be scared to do so.

He's a dynamic scorer and a legitimate talent despite coming from a non-traditional "basketball school," and that fact alone shouldn't hinder his draft stock.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF, UNC

It's interesting that much of the conversation centers around Barnes when it comes to discussing UNC prospects, because Henson has a lot to offer.

A possible pairing of Henson along with Greg Monroe would provide for a nice look in Detroit for a very long time with Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight sharing the backcourt.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

There is no doubt what Rivers' potential is—it's huge. But will he ever live up to it in the NBA?

He struggled in college and that created a split opinion about his future, but there shouldn't be anyone doubting this kid's ability to find his niche in the league.

If the Hornets can re-sign Eric Gordon, Rivers would provide a dynamic spark as possible sixth man, where he could be featured prominently in the offense.

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

The Trail Blazers are desperate for size—and I mean desperate. Zeller has the potential to impact a game inside, but he needs to add strength and really must improve offensively.

Portland would like to find a long-term pairing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, but I'm not sold that Zeller can evolve into that role.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

It's a house divided when it comes to discussing how Sullinger will fare in the NBA.

His lack of athleticism and ineptitude on the defensive end certainly makes him a gamble, but he was a double-double machine in college and there is something to be said for his production.

There isn't a lot of upside with Sullinger, which could hinder his draft stock, but it's hard to see a scenario where he falls out of the lottery.

13. Houston Rockets: Perry Jones III, F, Baylor

General Manager Daryl Morey seems to love high-risk, high-reward players—that describes Jones perfectly.

His heart is just not into the game at times when he's out there, but he's got arguably as much talent as anyone else not named Anthony Davis in this draft.

14. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Could Jones work his way all the way inside the top 15? There should be at least one team that will fall in love with his versatile game.

Phoenix has to get younger on the wing with the aging Grant Hill a candidate for retirement, and Jones could really find a home in the desert rather quickly.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

I feel as if this point has been beaten into the ground, but it's worth repeating once again: The Sixers need to find a long-term shooting guard.

And no, Sixers fans, Jodie Meeks is not the answer.

16. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie is a name that could certainly "shoot up draft boards" as we inch closer to the draft.

He's a big, physical guy who isn't afraid to play his game, but he's a tad older than most decision-makers would like for a lottery pick.

Although Moultrie might take some time to develop, he could be a very wise investment for a team smart enough to nab him.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

Waiters has been called a combo-guard time and time again, but he's going to have to find his niche in the league before long.

Fortunately for Waiters, Minnesota needs help in the backcourt immediately, and he should be able to carve out a very nice role under Rick Adelman as he searches for a capable shooting guard.

18. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

It's highly unlikely that the Mavericks go the route of signing a bunch of veterans to one-year deals once again, and the team really needs to develop some talent of its own.

Ross is a player who can help shore up the backcourt rotation off the bench during his rookie season, but he has a chance to be a lot more than that if given a large role.

19. Orlando Magic: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

It is sounding like Orlando's future could be without Dwight Howard, and after Daniel Orton has been forced into action this season, it's clear there needs to be an emphasis on adding size.

Leonard has a lot of question marks in regards to how he'll fare against bigger opposition, but the Magic need to roll the dice and secure some size in the draft.

20. Denver Nuggets: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Some believed that Lamb was destined to go higher than 20th overall, but I'm just not ready to buy into the idea that his potential will translate quite yet.

He needs to develop a more well-rounded game for any coach to trust him. Right now, he can be a liability at certain times when out on the floor.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson is a guy who just kept getting better every season he was in school, and the Celtics need to add size through the draft.

More importantly, Nicholson also brings youth to the front line, and he could really develop well under the tutelage of Doc Rivers.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, G, Washington

The Hawks have loved Wroten for a long time, and if he falls into Atlanta's lap, it would really be difficult for the team to overlook him.

He's got serious skills but is incredibly young. Like Avery Bradley, Wroten would have gone higher if he stayed in school another year, but he could prove to be a serious value here.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is a young wing player with upside, and the Grizzlies could undoubtedly use that behind Rudy Gay.

Quincy Pondexter was supposed to be that guy for Memphis, but he hasn't exactly impressed this season since being traded for Greivis Vasquez.

24. Boston Celtics: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

I've been projecting White to the Celtics in almost every mock I've done, and there's no reason to change the pick at this point.

Doc Rivers would be a great coach for him to have during his rookie season, and White could really have an opportunity to contribute if paired with Rajon Rondo regularly.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

The Omri Casspi experiment failed, and it's time to stop trying to make it work.

Alonzo Gee is a nice player, but he's going to need help. Taylor is a good value here and could be a very nice fit to bolster the second unit.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Darren Collison is not the answer at point guard. I'm sorry, Pacers fans.

Teague needs a veteran to learn under, but Collison is not the guy. Steve Nash, who is a free agent after the season, would really look good in the Pacers uniform, and would provide a great role model for Teague to learn under.

27. Oklahoma City Thunder: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Oklahoma City is committed to Kendrick Perkins for the long haul, but Melo is a value here and shouldn't be discounted by Sam Presti and the front office.

He needs to land in a spot where he'll develop in positive fashion, and the Thunder culture could be a perfect opportunity for him to reach his fullest potential.

28. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State

Green is a borderline first-rounder, but he's got a good chance to be selected at the back end of the first 30 picks.

Shane Battier just isn't the player he once was, and adding Green may allow Miami to roll out both Battier and Mike Miller at shooting guard more often.

29. Golden State Warriors: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli is going to need to develop to be successful, and there is a great deal of doubt as to whether or not he'll be able to make the necessary strides.

However, the Warriors need to add size with the inept Andris Biedrins on the roster, and rolling the dice on Ezeli makes sense.

30. Chicago Bulls: Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse

Joseph is one of my favorite players in this draft, and there is a good chance that he sneaks his way into the first round.

How long can the Bulls play Luol Deng for 40 minutes per game without finding someone capable of easing the pressure off of him?

🚨 Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals

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