2012 NBA Mock Draft: Latest First Round Mock with Ideal Picks for Each Team

The 2012 NBA regular season is over, and 14 teams have nothing to look forward to but the draft lottery and the subsequent draft itself.

These organizations will be looking for a player they can mold into a superstar to become the face of their franchise—or at least one who will help them get back into the playoffs with the pieces already in place.

The playoff teams aren’t as concerned right now with draft dealings, but they will be as, one by one, they start dropping out as the weeks go on.

Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Davis is the best prospect in this class and is the surefire No. 1 pick. He’ll instantly give credibility to the Bobcats and alone would insure this team never sinks to such lows again.

2. Washington Wizards:  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

MKG plays NBA-ready defense with prototypical size for a swingman at the professional level. He’s going to be a leader for the Wizards and could eventually become a superstar if his offense catches up to the rest of his game.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

New Orleans is in the midst of a rebuilding effort and cannot afford taking a gamble on a riskier project like Andre Drummond. Robinson is a safe pick at No. 3, and he’s definitely going to be a solid starter—at the worst—in the league.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers, Bradley Beal, Florida

Cleveland has a star in Kyrie Irving at point guard, and now they need to surround him with shooters and scorers who can create their own shot when needed. Beal can do both of these things while possessing more than adequate NBA-range on his three-point jumper. He’s a perfect fit in the Cavs backcourt. 

5. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut

Portland is praying this pick doesn’t end up in the top three, as they would have to return it to New Jersey as part of the Gerald Wallace trade stipulations. If they get the No. 4, No. 5 or a later pick, look for the Trail Blazers to go with Drummond. He’s the best available big man, although he has some bust potential.

6. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sacramento already has DeMarcus Cousins in the paint, but Sullinger would give them another big body to bring off the bench or play next to him. He’s the most NBA-ready low-post scorer in the class and will immediately log minutes for this young Kings team.

7. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Harrison is a decent player who does one thing extraordinarily well: score the basketball. That is exactly what Toronto struggled with during the 2011-12 season, getting extremely poor production from the SF position. Barnes could become a superstar scorer with the Raptors.

8. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Damian Lillard, Weber State

Utah has a youth movement going, with solid, high-upside players at every position but point guard. Lillard is a great athlete with the ability to play both guard positions, and he makes perfect sense for what the Jazz (who made the playoffs this season) are trying to put together.

9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

With Greg Monroe developing into a fearsome young center, the Pistons need to lock up another athletic big man to pair him with. Moultrie has the most upside, although it is concerning that it took him so long to develop. This team will finally become good when they can get Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva off the cap and sign some real ballers to mesh with the young frontcourt.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves):  Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Marshall is the best passing point guard in the class and is someone who will be able to replace some of Chris Paul’s production. With Marshall, Robinson (taken at No. 3), Eric Gordon and possibly Chris Kaman, this team could be back in playoff contention sooner than many would think.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Rivers has superstar potential, but he’s got to continue working on his game. He’s a great prospect who would certainly be an upgrade over an unhappy Jamal Crawford in Portland at the 2.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones III, Baylor

PJIII has insane upside, but his work ethic and motor are extremely questionable. Regardless, those flashes of talent alone are worth a lottery pick. Milwaukee needs a center, but they also need a star and can’t afford to let the Bears’ star slip past them.

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Jones has top-five talent, but, just like Perry Jones, does not showcase it often enough to be selected there. He’s still got great upside and the ability to become a star if he works at it in the NBA. Phoenix is going to need a PG eventually, but they will go with the best available player here.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Another questionable work ethic guy here. Lamb is extremely skilled with the ball in his hands, but he’s lazy when he’s moving without it and needs to stay motivated when he’s not on fire. If he can change his mentality, this kid will be an All-Star.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina

This lengthy power forward fits nicely in Philadelphia as an eventual starter and immediate backup for a playoff team. Barring a miracle, he’s never going to become an elite player, but he’ll be an extremely solid one.

16. Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Back-to-back Tar Heel big men off the board, with the Mavericks selecting Zeller here. He can play behind Dirk Nowitzki and Brendan Haywood immediately, with a chance to eventually earn the starting job down the road.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Ross, Washington

Ross is an extremely athletic 2-guard with a bunch of nice skills. He fills the biggest need for a Minnesota team that will be in the postseason next year barring injuries.

18. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks):  Meyers Leonard, Illinois

The Rockets have been seeking size since Yao Ming retired, and Leonard is one of the biggest bodies in the draft. He’s not ready to play in the NBA yet, but developing him could pay dividends. If not, he’s at least worth a few fouls off the bench.

19. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

While the Magic need to get a center to eventually replace Dwight Howard, they are better off waiting until the 2013 draft when they find themselves in the lottery. Teague is a great pick here and a solid young PG who can take the reigns from Jameer Nelson.

20. Denver Nuggets:  Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters has as much ability as anyone in this class to slash to the hoop. If he can keep doing that in the NBA while working on the rest of his game, he’ll be a great all-around player who could start or come off the bench for the Nuggets.  

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson is a senior who has the experience to make an instant impact with the C’s. He’s got a nice mid-range jumper and could be a decent replacement for Kevin Garnett if he elects to retire or leave the team as a free agent this summer.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

For his solid contributions to a national title team, Lamb has earned his way into the first round. He’s got solid range on his jumper and a number of other nice abilities. He’s also a proven winner and clutch shooter.

23. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State

The Cyclones big man has a treatable anxiety disorder that is scaring a lot of teams away. However, if he plays up to his abilities and doesn’t let that disorder cripple his career, he’s worthy of a top-10 pick.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

Taylor is one of the best athletes in the class and can use it to slam home easy dunks and get big rebounds. He’s been working on his jumper and if he can stay consistent, this is a great late-round pick.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Wroten has the most upside of any point guard in this draft. He’s an exceptional passer with good ball skills and a big body. At his absolute worst, he’ll be a capable backup to Mike Conley Jr. in Memphis.

26. Indiana Pacers: Moe Harkless, St. John’s

Harkless has a ton of potential and could actually become a superstar if he continues to develop. He’s only 18 years old and has a lot to work on, but Indianapolis is deep enough to store him on the bench or in the D-League to grow.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

Miami’s search for a center continues in this draft, and they take prospect Festus Ezeli in this mock. He’s got some upside and could eventually become a serviceable backup.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State

The Spartans forward can back up Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka starting in his rookie year and is apparently a great locker room guy. That is a perfect pick for a perennial contender looking to keep their team chemistry high.

29. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Solid scorer for a team that could use one after losing Monta Ellis in a trade this season.

30. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

Chicago’s biggest question mark is still the 2-guard, even after acquiring Rip Hamilton. Jenkins is a great shooter with decent size and potential.