NBA Draft 2012: Why Bradley Beal Will Have Bigger Impact Than Anthony Davis

There may be no question that Anthony Davis is the best available talent in June's NBA Draft, but that doesn't mean he'll have the best rookie season.

If he could go to the team of his choosing, then he very well might. Unfortunately, though, chances are he'll be going to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Bradley Beal, meanwhile, is likely to land in the top-five selections, perhaps winding up with a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Washington Wizards. Of course, none of these landing spots are especially prime destinations—that's why they'll have the best picks in the lottery.

The Bobcats, however, could be an especially difficult situation in which to shine.

Just ask Kemba Walker.

Like Davis, Walker played a leading role for an NCAA champion but remains on a very young and dysfunctional team. Davis could alleviate that to be sure, but he'd look a lot better if teamed with an experienced point guard who can get him the ball.

Perhaps Walker or D.J Augustin can become that floor general. If not, expect a chunk of Davis' points to be coming off of offensive rebounds instead of crisp interior passes.

The 6'10" power forward would make his presence felt defensively, especially alongside second-year big Bismack Biyombo.

Unfortunately, much of Davis' impact may go unnoticed so long as Charlotte struggles so mightily to score. Without additional roster improvements, a very impressive rookie season could be obscure on yet another unimpressive Bobcats team.

Beal's path to success might be a bit easier.

With either the Washington Wizards or Cleveland Cavaliers, he'd be paired with an elite young point guard and part of a team that desperately needs his scoring.

And in comparison to the Bobcats, the Wizards and Cavaliers really do have some reason to be hopeful. In the slow crawl of a race that is rebuilding, these two teams are well ahead of Charlotte.

Beal also happens to be a natural-born scorer with range and the ability to get in the paint. The success Eric Gordon has had so early in his career could be some indication of what Beal would mean to Washington or Cleveland.

Unless Anthony Davis has an absolutely monster defensive year, Beal's production could earn him some serious Rookie of the Year consideration if all goes according to plan.

Down the road, both of these guys are going to be All-Stars. Much of what happens in the meantime is beyond their control. But anyone assuming that Davis' projected selection as the top pick makes him a lock to be Rookie of the Year should caution themselves.

Bradley Beal might just beat him to it.