2012 NBA Mock Draft: Damian Lillard and Studs You Should Know More About
There are some big name prospects in the 2012 NBA draft class. If you haven’t heard of future stars like Anthony Davis, you may have been living under a rock this past year.
If you aren’t aware of some of the other potential top picks—such as Weber St.’s Damian Lillard—that is a bit more understandable.
Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock with a focus on some players you may not have heard of or seen before.
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
As mentioned before, everyone should know about Davis and his incredible defense, shot blocking ability and athleticism. He’s the consensus No. 1 pick for a reason.
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
MKG is another UK star that shined on the big stage all season. He’s a great defender, has immense heart and brings his lunch-bucket to every game.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida
Beal got a chance to display his stuff with the Gators and came up big in the tournament. He’s a solid shooter with a big frame that would be a perfect compliment to the Cavs’ backcourt.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
Robinson was the biggest reason why KU made the 2012 national championship. He’s got great size and can do everything a four should in the NBA. The only downside is the fact that he is a junior.
5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
The Buckeyes star forewent the draft last season and returned to college to polish his skills. He’s still a lottery pick, although he didn’t improve that much.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut
Drummond’s freshman year with the Huskies was up-and-down. He didn’t display the dominance he is capable of given his size and skills. There is no doubt he is still worthy of a top-ten pick given his ceiling.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III
Jones was a highly touted recruit for the Bears but never put it all together during his time in Waco. PJIII is without a doubt worth the risk here, but there is a chance he might flame out in the NBA as well.
8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
This is another sophomore who didn’t show drastic improvement during his second season. The Raptors don’t care. They need a scorer to play on the wing, and Barnes is the best available.
9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
Moultrie transferred from UTEP after his freshman year, sat out a season and then became a star on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the team struggled down the stretch and did not find postseason success. This might hurt his stock, but he could go in the mid-to-late lottery.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
Without Kendall Marshall, the Tar Heels fell to the Jayhawks in the tournament and it proved how valuable his distribution skills were to the team. New Orleans needs a new PG after losing CP3 and could use a pass-first, team-oriented player like him.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke
Rivers did well during his freshman season but Duke's first-round tournament exit hurt his stock. Regardless, Doc’s son has the range, athleticism and pedigree to become a star in this league.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Milwaukee certainly isn’t getting a star if they make this pick. But they’ll get a solid big man who can immediately log minutes in their rotation and they are desperate for size.
13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Weber State
This 6’3” combo-guard had a great season with the Wildcats. He averaged 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game during his season year.
Lillard has the ability to get to the cup, draw fouls, hit the three and bang bodies with bigger players. He’d be a nice addition to a Suns’ team that could use his versatility and eventually take over for Steve Nash.
14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
Houston loves taking the best available player and Lamb would be it here. Although he struggled a bit without Kemba Walker in his backcourt, Lamb should pan out if he gets some competent teammates in the NBA.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina
Henson has good length and athleticism for the four in the league. If Philly takes him here, he could come off the bench until he is ready to start in place of Elton Brand.
16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Jones has great talent but doesn’t show it with enough consistency. If he can learn to play hard every night, this pick will look like a steal.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington
The sophomore shooting guard had a nice season with the Huskies. He’s got the size and youth that the Mavs direly need to inject into their rotation at the two. They can’t keep relying on Vince Carter and Jason Terry.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Illinois had a terrible season, but Meyers Leonard was one bright spot for them. He’s got a massive frame and could immediately step in as a defender for the T-Wolves.
19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller, Baylor
Miller was about to head back to school but changed his mind. He’s a high-upside, high-risk swingman who could either become the No. 1 option on the Magic or a complete bust.
20. Denver Nuggets: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
There isn’t anyone better at getting to the rim in this draft than Waiters. Unfortunately, it’s about his only NBA-ready skill. Denver can take the time to develop him because of their deep roster.
21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
With Kevin Garnett likely on his way out (and getting up there in years if he elects to stay), Boston has to go big here. Nicholson is a decent prospect that averaged 18.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 2.0 BPG during his senior year with the Bonnies.
At 6’9”, 240 pounds, he is a bit small, but his mid-range game is polished and the C’s need any sort of size available.
22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State
White has the chance to become a legitimate NBA star. He ended up going to Iowa State because of a serious anxiety disorder, which may be treatable.
He’s 21 years old but only has one season of major college ball under his belt and did quite well—averaging 13.4 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG and 0.9 BPG.
Those numbers are incredible for a 6’8”, 270-pound behemoth. Since Boston is so starved for size, they’ll gamble on his condition.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Lamb hit some of the biggest shots of the 2012 tournament. He’s got good range and a knack for the spotlight, which is something the Hawks need after so many postseason struggles.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Moe Harkless, St. John's
The Johnnies swingman has unlimited potential. He’s only 18 years old and could become a legit star by the time he’s done developing. Cleveland will certainly be the perfect place to get playing time, as they have not had a real three since LeBron James left.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington
Wroten may be the best PG in the class when all is said and done. He’s got the highest upside after his freshman year, but he has to develop his raw skills. Should he do that, this pick is a robbery.
26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The Indiana native would fit nicely with a team of young athletes that wants to run the court and push on the break.
27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse
Melo’s stock hit rock bottom after he was suspended for the tournament by ‘Cuse. Miami doesn’t care, as they have nothing to lose by gambling on a high-upside big man to possibly address their center woes.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State
Green is a class act that knows how to win and is an excellent chemistry guy. The fact that he can back up both forward positions is a bonus at pick No. 28.
29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
This marksman could potentially fill the SG void that Chicago has tried so hard to address in recent drafts and via free agency.
30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
Taylor is one of the premier athletes in the class. He’s been working on his jumper and defense, which makes him a nice fit for the modern GSW team.
