NBA Draft 2012: Project Big Men with All-Star Potential

This draft is loaded with true center prospects that have a chance to be a force in the game. For the most part, this is based far more on potential than their actual current talent level. 

But that is typically the way it goes with centers. A dominant big man in the middle is so hard to find that players with just the potential to be quality picks go off the board early. This is why there are so many flops at this position. 

Here are three players that will enter this draft with that boom or bust potential. 

Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

For a guy that is a solid 6'11" and 275 pounds, Drummond has impressive athleticism. He has the size, strength and explosiveness to and be an instant factor in the NBA.

Drummond is a fluid athlete considering his massive stature. What he lacks is a polished game. 

His post game needs serious work, his footwork is abysmal and his touch is almost non-existent. He is never going to be a guy that is a big threat with the mid-range game, but give him some post moves and he can be downright lethal.

The other big area he will need to improve is his pick-and-roll defense. He will be absolutely victimized by skilled NBA point guards. 

Drummond has a lot of work to do, but he has the physical tools to make the improvements. 

Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard has the length of an NBA center—the guy is 7'1". What he lacks is the mass. Leonard weighs just 245 pounds. While that sounds like a lot for most players, it is not for someone who is 7'1".

Leonard will be pushed all over the NBA court until he adds some weight and strength. 

He is not going to have to blowup to Shaq-like proportions, just enough that he can hold his position. Leonard has a developing post game and if he can hold inside position he will be a potent scorer. 

The other big plus with Leonard is his athleticism. He moves very well and can run the court. This means he can be one of the rare true centers that won't slow his team down on the fastbreak. 

With his lack of strength, Leonard will have a hard time stopping the opposition's center. However, he has some nice defensive skills. He is a solid leaper with timing, and he will be a good shot blocker from the start. 

Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli made constant improvements in his game while at Vanderbilt. This was slowed his senior season by an injury and a suspension, but he still was able to show his potential. 

He is not the athlete that the other two players on this list are, and he will struggle initially in the NBA against athletic big men. 

However, Ezeli is 6'11" and 255 pounds. He has a good body and strength for the NBA, and this is where he will have to focus on getting even better. Ezeli may not be able to outmaneuver the more athletic players, but if he can add even more muscle to his massive frame he will be able to push them around. 

Combine that with improved rebounding fundamentals and Ezeli could develop into an elite rebounder. He also has the potential to be an excellent defender and already has a decent post game.  

Ezeli has some serious work to do, but he has the potential to be a real bully down low. If he fulfills that potential, you won't find many opposing point guards anxious to drive the lane.