2012 NBA Mock Draft: Teams That Will Be Ecstatic After First-Round Success

The NBA Draft may have fans filled with excitement, but for a few teams it will be a time to lose their collective minds.

Here is a mock draft that comes on the final night of the regular season. Yes, some of the standings may change a bit, and there is no way of knowing how the lottery will fall, but this is a perfect time to single out franchises for a bright future.

There will be a few teams that will be tickled ecstatic as they leave the first round, because they will get an amazing suture star.  

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

Anthony Davis has this pick on lock down, sort of like he does every night with the low post. He is a superstar in waiting.      

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

He isn't about to rest on his laurels. He plays hard and does the little things that matter, like guard multiple positions and rebound at every turn. 

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

I am up and down with Robinson who is as an intriguing prospect as there is. His ceiling is no doubt as a perennial All-Star, but there is a real possibility that he is merely a solid contributor.

There is no denying his pure physicality and athletic dominance. Will this translate to the same scoring bursts in the NBA? I am eager to find out.  

4.  Sacramento Kings—Andre Drummond, C, UConn

He needs polish on the offensive end of the court, but I love him in Sacramento. He will have time and a dynamic partner in the paint with DeMarcus Cousins. 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers—Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

The Cavaliers would love this pick. Beal would have the exciting game that would electrify the fans, and the offensive game to back it up. 

With Kyrie Irving and Beal in the backcourt, the Cavs become watchable. I know, pretty amazing stuff right here. 

6. Toronto Raptors—Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

He has a rare passion for defense that will make him invaluable early. There are some that question is he can dominate at the next level.

I say he has the drive to get there.   

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

He is a jack of all trades that can be a gem if he can harness the bursts of offensive perfection we have seen. With consistency comes stardom. 

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

This could go to Lillard or Kendall Marshall, but I continue to weigh the draft in favor of Lillard who is a better scorer at this point. 

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

He is a born leader that you can feel comfortable building around. The best part of his game is his versatility, because he can bang in he paint as well as bring out his shot to 18 feet. 

His consistency on both ends of the court make him an immediate impact player that will challenge for rookie of the year. 

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

He is a safe bet simply from the standpoint that he plays the game the right way. A great on-court leader that has the best court vision around. 

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

It's hard to pass on this big man that gives the Blazers great depth and durability down low, something they have lacked for far too long.    

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

I am ready to jump in feet first with the Perry Jones bandwagon. He suffered some issues with getting lost on offense, but the NBA jolt will wake him up.  

13. Phoenix Suns—Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

The Suns presumably close the book on the Steve Nash era, leaving a gaping hole for a player that will invigorate the fan base.

Rivers is that man. He comes in with questions on shooting consistency, but I love everything else, especially his drive to be the best around. That will rub off nicely in Phoenix.  

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

I can't say enough about how confident I am in Jones succeeding at the next level. He comes in with a solid basis on defense, making him valuable early.

He is a well-rounded baller that does everything well, including making great decision on the court. High basketball IQ and versatility.  

15. Utah Jazz—Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

He can defend multiple decisions and started hitting consistently from the perimeter. Something tells me that is of some value in the NBA. 

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

He needs work, but you can't teach seven-feet tall. He also runs the floor well considering his size. 

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

He is big an agile with great range on the perimeter. That can cause problems as he settles far too often for the outside shot. 

18. Dallas Mavericks —John Henson, PF, UNC

I have him pegged to be in the league for years. He plays the game with intelligence and a tenacity on defense. 

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

He finished very well at the rim, but I need to see more consistency on the perimeter. He is a cagey defender with the length that matters.  

20. Denver Nuggets—Tony Wroten, G, Washington

He could use a couple years on the bench, honing his shot and learning the game. He shows flashes of brilliance though. 

21. Boston Celtics—Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

He can get sloppy with the ball, making poise and patience the biggest need for this prospect. Aside from that, there is every reason to think he will have great staying power in Boston. 

22. Atlanta Hawks—Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Teague can push the issue on offense as well, but I love his upside. He has a great first step that will have him in front of a lot of defenders. 

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

The Celtics crave a big man that can give their paint presence some measure of consistency. Ever since they sent off Kendrick Perkins, they have been mired with malaise and durability issues down low.

Melo has a knack for defense and the intangibles that have me hopeful for a cathedral-level ceiling.  

24. Memphis Grizzlies—John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

The Grizzlies get quite possibly the best shooter in the draft.  

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

He has the height and soft hands that you want. I also like his footwork down low, but he needs to add bulk to matter in the NBA. 

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

It's all about defense and rebounding for Harkless. Getting an offensive game would be pure icing.   

27. Miami Heat—Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat will be thrilled to get a player like Ezeli to complete their roster. He is a big man that does the dirty work of blocking shots and clearing the boards.  

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

I like Green's value way back here at the tail end of the draft. He may lack the elite athleticism that would make him a lottery pick, but he has the IQ, leadership and intangibles to make a positive difference. 

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

Here is another great value considering the talent. Lamb may not be the next Monta Ellis, but he certainly has the same sensibilities and tenacity on offense. 

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

The best option for the Bulls is Kevin Jones, a big man that can rebound and shoot from the perimeter. Nothing flashy, but a great find. 

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