2012 NBA Mock Draft: Undersized Players That Will Struggle at Next Level

One factor that plays a major role in the NBA draft process is size. While talent always comes first, if there are two prospects that are rated similarly, teams usually lean toward the player who will better match up at his position in height and weight.

Sometimes, like in the case of Kansas forward Thomas Robinson (6'8''), teams are able to overlook a lack of size due to a player's ability. But that's not always the case, especially deeper in the first round when the talent level starts going down.

Here's a complete mock draft of Round 1 featuring players that will struggle to adapt at the next level due to the size factor.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

After dominating the collegiate level and leading Kentucky to a national championship, Davis will serve as a building block for the Bobcats to start turning things around.

2. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Even though they aren't on the same level as Charlotte, the Wizards also have a long way to go before getting back into playoff contention. Robinson is a start.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Cleveland has started to pile up some young talent, but it still needs a player like Kidd-Gilchrist. He can create his own shots and put pressure on the defense.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Drummond really should have stayed in school for another season to develop his offensive game, but his upside will be too much for the Hornets to pass up.

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Being picked fifth can be viewed as a disappointment considering how much hype surrounded Barnes when he arrived at North Carolina, but he'll fit nicely with the Kings.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

The Trail Blazers have more talent than their record would indicate. Adding a pure shooter like Beal to the mix should help them improve next season.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

While Sullinger was never able to lead Ohio State to the national title, he still showed enough talent to get selected inside the top 10 on draft day.

8. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III, F, Baylor

Toronto would be the perfect landing spot for Jones, who will need extended playing time in a low-pressure environment to reach his potential.

9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

The Pistons lack depth in the post, so it's almost a lock they will look to add a big man with this pick. Moultrie presents the best value.

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

With Chris Paul taking his talents out west before the season started, the Hornets lacked star power at point guard. Marshall will bring it back.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, PF, North Carolina

Another Tar Heels star, Zeller is more prepared to help a team right away than fellow North Carolina big man John Henson and that's what the Blazers need.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

The future of Ersan Ilyasova remains unclear and the Bucks lack other depth up front. That makes an interior presence like Leonard the wise choice.

13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Lillard didn't receive much attention while playing at Weber State, but his skills translate well to the next level and he could replace Steve Nash in Phoenix.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

The Rockets should be fine down low, so they need to use their first round picks to add perimeter players with the ability to create offense like Lamb.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Another season at Duke would have really helped Rivers because there are still plenty of questions about his ability to dominate at the next level. Since he doesn't have ideal size for a shooting guard, teams will be looking for more than a volume scorer.

The problem is that's all Rivers proved he could be with the Blue Devils. He averaged 16 points per game, but needed 17 shots (including free throws) to do it. Aside from that, he didn't contribute much production in other areas.

His lack of size will make him a liability on the defensive end, so when his number of shots decreases at the NBA level, so will his overall value. That makes him a risky pick this early in the round.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Jones was often overshadowed by his talented Kentucky teammates, but should thrive in Houston where he'll get more chances to shine.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Dallas needs some size and athleticism to boost an aging roster. Ross would give them team a secondary scoring threat behind Dirk Nowitzki.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

Waiters is a shooting guard caught in a point guard's body. He averaged just 2.5 assists while coming off the bench for Syracuse, making it unclear how his combination of size and skills will translate to the NBA.

He's got enough strength to hold his own, but opposing shooting guards will regularly be able to shoot over him. That's a major concern for a player who isn't expected to become a huge scoring threat and something he'll constantly need to overcome.

His defensive ability and upside still make him worth selecting in the back half of the opening round. That said, expectations should be limited until he gets a chance to prove exactly what type of player he's going to be.

19. Orlando Magic: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nobody knows what the future holds for Dwight Howard after a wacky season in Orlando, but the team must start thinking about the future with Nicholson.

20. Denver Nuggets: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Nuggets have a deep roster with several valuable contributors, but nobody who can take charge when it matters most. Henson should eventually fill that role if his development continues.

21. Boston Celtics: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Lamb jumped on the bandwagon when so many of his Kentucky teammates decided to declare for the NBA, but another season with the Wildcats wouldn't have been a bad choice. It would have given him a chance to take the spotlight.

Instead, he'll slide down the board with no guarantee of playing time right away. He's another shooting guard that doesn't have the size necessary to keep pace with some of the guards he'll be asked to defend, which is always a concern.

While he projects as a good scorer with underrated passing ability, none of that will matter if head coaches don't trust him on the floor in key defensive situations. He'll have to earn his minutes with strong showings in practice.

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

Having two straight picks will help the Celtics infuse some youth onto an aging roster. White will make an instant impact off the bench.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, G, Washington

Wroten might be better served in the second round based on his current talent level, but some team like the Hawks will fall in love with his versatility.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

The Cavaliers shouldn't risk waiting until their next pick to take Green. He doesn't get enough credit for his improvement with the Spartans.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

As long as the Grizzlies are confident Zach Randolph can bounce back next season, they can afford to take somewhat of a luxury pick in Teague.

26. Indiana Pacers: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is an intriguing prospect because he's got a solid all-around game that can fit just about any system. He'd be another nice depth piece for Indiana.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

If Melo is still on the board when Miami picks, it's hard to imagine the Heat front office passing on the young center they have been looking for.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

An elite shooter who made strides in just about every other area during his time at Vanderbilt, Jenkins should sneak into Round 1.

29. Chicago Bulls: William Buford, SG, Ohio State

The Bulls are probably hoping Jenkins falls one more spot to them, but Buford would be a very nice fallback option if it gets to that point.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor still has some work to do on his offensive approach, but he should provide enough production on the defensive end to warrant getting picked here.