2012 NBA Mock Draft: How 1st Round Looks After Coin Flips and Before Lottery
The 2012 NBA Draft lottery will take place at the end of this month, but some of the order has already been determined.
When teams finish with an identical record, the NBA uses a "coin flip" to determine which team will have the higher selection and more ping-pong balls in the lottery. They don't actually use a coin, but rather a random drawing that is conducted at the league office in New York that is overseen by a neutral party.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came away the biggest winners, nudging the New Orleans Hornets for the No. 3 spot; they both finished with identical 21-45 records. Cleveland also owns the Lakers' first-round pick, which edged the Grizzlies for the No. 24 selection.
Brooklyn suffered a setback to their slim chances of retaining their Top Three protected pick via some lottery luck when Sacramento won the toss for the No. 5 selection.
Other first-round winners include the Warriors over the Raptors for No. 7, the Rockets (via the Knicks) over the Mavericks and then the Timberwolves (via Jazz) for No. 16, the Celtics (via the Clippers) over the Hawks for No. 22 and the Bulls over the Spurs for No. 29.
With that in mind, here is the latest first-round mock, assuming there are no (almost inevitable) lottery upsets.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
Michael Jordan's dismal squad would be crazy to pick anyone else should they win the No. 1 pick. This team needs someone who can make an instant impact from Day 1, and there is no better prospect in the short or long term than the Kentucky superstar.
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
While MKG might not be the most polished offensive player in the class, he has enough upside, and his defensive capabilities alone warrant the No. 2 selection.
Kidd-Gilchrist is a winner, has perfect size for an NBA 3 and is incredibly mature for his age.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida
When all is said and done, Beal may be the best scorer in the class. He has the size to play and guard 2s, he already has NBA range on his three-pointer and he has a thick body that can withstand the punishment of getting to the cup.
Kyrie Irving needs someone like this former Gators star in his backcourt.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
Robinson made an incredible leap during his junior year when he was finally given the playing time needed to display his vast array of skills.
He put the Jayhawks on his back to lead them to the championship game of the NCAA tournament and proved to be a winner on top of being a complete big man. The Hornets need someone with that attitude while they rebuild.
5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Sullinger has the most NBA-ready post game and will be able to start putting in buckets and defending for meaningful minutes during his rookie year. The extra year at Ohio State may not have helped his stock, but it certainly didn't hurt.
Sacramento would love to pair him up with DeMarcus Cousins in the paint.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut
Portland lucked out that Brooklyn lost a coin flip with the Kings, which hurt their chances of landing in the Top Three of the lottery. If they can keep this pick, look for them to go with the best big man available—which would be Drummond, in this case.
Drummond has a huge frame and unlimited upside, although his production during college was somewhat concerning.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, Baylor
PJIII could become a star in this league. He also has the size to play the 4, which Golden State is putting a premium on now that Marc Jackson is coaching.
The Baylor product did not live up to his hype during college, but he's still an immensely talented player who just needs to find a way to harness his ability.
8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
Barnes' sophomore year with the Tar Heels was not as impressive as many thought it would be. He showed that his game did not improve much, and right now, he seems to be a one-dimensional player who can simply score at an elite level.
That is perfect for the Raptors, who have a gaping hole at SF and need a No. 1 option on offense.
9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
Moultrie has been all over the big boards. He could go in the early lottery or somewhere in the mid-20s, but the bottom line is, he is an athletic big man with a lot of promise, and Detroit needs his talents.
If he pans out, Moultrie will be apart of a fearsome frontline that features rookie sensation Greg Monroe.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
Many scouts are high on Damian Lillard here, but he's more of a combo guard as opposed to a pure point.
Marshall is the best passer in the class who wants to get his teammates involved, and he only looks to score when the opportunity presents itself. He would mesh perfectly with Thomas Robinson (who we have NO getting at No. 3) and fills a big need.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke
Rivers may not be the best shooting guard available, but he has the highest upside of any remaining on the board.
Portland needs a superstar player to assume Brandon Roy's vacant role as the go-to guy and lead scorer. LaMarcus Aldridge is a great PF, but he's better-suited as a second option.
The Dukie is definitely worth rolling the dice on in the late lottery.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
The Bucks lost their center when they flipped Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis. Now, they are starved for size and have to take a less-than-ideal prospect to fill that gaping hole on the roster.
Zeller is never going to be an elite player, but he can fill in as a temporary starter. He's not a terrible fit for a team that is looking to run, as one of his best abilities is getting up and down the court in a hurry.
13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Weber State
With Steve Nash perhaps on his way out of town this summer,—or the league in a few years if he decides to sign a new contract—the Suns have to address the point guard situation. They have no clear heir on their roster, and Lillard is the best available prospect.
If he doesn't pan out as a floor general, Lillard has a future as a shooting guard who can handle the ball when needed.
14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
Lamb has yet to show enough dedication and mental focus to be a great 2 in the NBA. If he can get more involved when the ball is not in his hands, he has the upside to become a solid player.
This could end up being one of the better steals of the draft for a team that loves to pick the best prospect on the board.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina
The UNC stud has the length and athleticism to contribute to the 76ers in his rookie year. This team has no pressing needs, although some bench bigs for depth would go a long way in grinding out an 82-game season in 2012-13.
16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Again, we have Houston plucking the best available guy off the board rather than filling a need. It's a strategy that could pay dividends, as Jones would be a Top Five pick if he displayed his incredible talents more often; his inconsistencies have hurt his stock going into the draft process.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington
Dallas has to start its youth movement, as it is becoming apparent that the championship window is quickly closing for Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the roster.
If the Mavs can land a marquee free agent and get a good, young player like Ross, they can delay a complete rebuilding process for a little while longer.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Meyers Leonard, Illinois
The Timberwolves have two pressing needs to address going into the offseason: One is a starting SG, and the other is depth at the 4 and 5.
Minnesota is best off trying to trade or sign a veteran 2, as the team is young enough and needs experience to get over the edge. Leonard would be a nice project to develop behind Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Love.
19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller, Baylor
Orlando has to be happy that this talented swingman decided to enter the NBA draft after initially opting to return to the Bears.
Miller has immense upside as a scorer and could eventually turn into the No. 1 option the Magic will need when Dwight Howard finally departs.
20. Denver Nuggets: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
Waiters is a nice prospect for a team like Denver, as the Nuggets do not have many needs nor a lot of young, talented players who need minutes.
They can let Waiters develop his raw game on the end of the bench and possibly the D-League. The Orangeman possesses perhaps the best driving skills in the class, but he needs to work on everything else.
21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
Nicholson has the experience, size and mid-range game to eventually succeed Kevin Garnett as the starting 4 in Boston. KG may be leaving this summer as an unrestricted free agent and, even if he opts to re-sign, does not have much left in the tank.
22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State
Boston has to go with back-to-back bigs for its selections.
The Celtics had no luck with their offseason acquisitions in 2011 and have to address the size problem in this draft. White is a top-tier talent whom scouts are scared of because of a treatable anxiety disorder.
Landing with a solid coach like Doc Rivers would be perfect.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Lamb's 2012 NCAA tournament run did wonders for his stock. Scouts saw him step up and make big shots from long distances to help his team win the National Championship.
If Lamb could become a reliable crunch-time scorer, the Hawks have a steal on their hands at No. 23.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Moe Harkless, St. John's
Cleveland hasn't had a solid 3 since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach. The Cavs need to land a prospect with monstrous upside and the potential to turn into an elite scorer who can lock down opposing perimeter players.
Harkless possesses all of those traits.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington
This is Wroten's floor. He has a ton of potential and good size for the position. If he can work on his vision and decision-making, this Huskies stud could develop into the top PG in the class.
26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The Wildcats star is an Indiana native and would be a perfect fit with his hometown team. Darren Collison needs someone to push him for minutes and push this young, athletic team up and down the floor.
27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse
Melo took his draft stock out back and shot it in the head by missing the tournament due to team-imposed disciplinary reasons. Miami could be the beneficiary of this self-destruction if Melo turns out to be a legit NBA player.
He definitely has the size going for him.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State
Green is a high-character guy who will do anything it takes to win. He could back up Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka because of his versatility.
This is definitely someone the Thunder want in their well-respected locker room.
29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
Chicago has to address the 2 position once again this offseason.
Rip Hamilton's inconsistency and constant injuries are too much of a concern to ignore. Jenkins has a sweet stroke and the experience to make the roster and play minutes for a player taken this late in the draft.
30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
Taylor isn't going to fall out of the first round; he's far too athletic and talented.
This is his absolute floor, and Golden State would love to grab him if he falls. Taylor would be a good fit on a team that needs someone to challenge Dorell Wright for the starting job.
