2012 NBA Mock Draft: Studs Who Will Vie for All-Star Spot in Rookie Season

Is it a shot in the dark predicting which players yet to be drafted might make the All-Star Game next season?

Sure.

Is it a risky proposition to think that any rookies will be worthy of an All-Star appearance?

Absolutely.

Could I not care less, because Danger is my middle name?

You better believe it.

Actually, that's a lie. My mother wasn't a British spy, after all. However, I'm not afraid to predict there are a few players in this draft that I think will be good enough as rookies to earn themselves an All-Star bid.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)

This is all I need to say: Anthony Davis has been named as a finalist for the US men's basketbalt Team at the 2012 London Olympics.

If he's already good enough to represent our country, I'm pretty sure he'll be good enough to represent his conference in an All-Star game.

Now feel free to make any and all Christian Laettner jokes you may have.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

He'll be a solid defensive contributor and will be nasty on the break, but I don't think his offensive game is developed enough for him to be an All-Star possibility next year.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG (Florida)  

The Cavs will consider Harrison Barnes here, but they won't be able to pass up Beal's upside or the potential to solidify the backcourt for the next decade alongside Kyrie Irving.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)  

I'm not going to lie to you, good readers, I love me some Thomas Robinson.

Am I smitten with the 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds he averaged per game last year?

Yes.

Do I often swoon over his intensity, passion and constant hustle?

You betcha.

Do I think he'll be a hard-working, resilient player at the next level who will squeeze every last drop out of his potential, which he has quite a bit of given his impressive intelligence?

Absolutely.

Robinson will make an instant impact in the NBA next season, mark my words. The Hornets will be getting a solid player both next year and for the future.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)

The Kings won't be able to pass up Drummond's athleticism and high ceiling. However, if he's ever going to dominate in the NBA, he needs to get meaner.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey): Austin Rivers, SG (Duke)

First of all, he's the son of Doc Rivers, so the NBA won't intimidate him. He grew up around the game, after all.

Secondly, he has the skill set to and shooting range to be an impact scorer immediately in the NBA. His ability to get finish at the basket or shoot from beyond the arc will serve him well.

And finally, he won't be asked to play the point in the NBA, so when the ball cycles his way, he'll be able to get it and go. He may never be one of the more well-rounded players from this draft, but he'll score the rock from day one in the NBA.

7. Golden State Warriors (from Utah): Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

Barnes was a consideration for this list, but I'm not sold on how he'll fit into the Golden State system just yet (since I'm assuming it'll draft him). I love this pick for the Warriors at a need position—and they need scorers—but I'm not sure he's got All-Star chops right off the bat.

8. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

He's this draft's biggest enigma. Will he be a huge stud or a disappointing dud?

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)

And Sullinger may be one of the safer picks of this draft. He'll rebound, block some shots and score about 10 points a game. If nothing else, he'll be consistent.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota): Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)   

Landing Robinson and Lillard will instantly change the fortunes of this franchise. Lillard can flat-out score the rock.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

The Blazers need a steady option at point guard. There isn't a better passer in this draft, and Marshall is NBA-ready.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina) 

The Bucks need to replace Andrew Bogut, and while Zeller will never be a star, he'll give the team a gritty, tough presence down low.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut)  

Lamb could yet be a top-10 pick depending on how his workouts go. I can't imagine him dropping much lower than this.

14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi State)     

Keep an eye on Moultrie—he could be a sleeper that shoots up the draft board as we near the draft. He was solid last season and has a very high ceiling.

15.  Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

My guess for the Sixers is that they'll look to add some depth on the frontline. Henson's defensive presence matches up perfectly with the Sixers style of play.

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

Jones proved his versatility at Kentucky last year. He was needed down low for the Wildcats, banging in the trenches. At the NBA level, he'll show off his perimeter capabilities more than he did in college.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse)

Like Moultrie, Waiters could see a serious rise up the boards further along in the process. I'm sure the Mavs would be thrilled if he dropped to them here, however.

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah): Terrence Ross, SG (Washington)  

He can certainly score the rock, and the Wolves will likely go after the best 2-guard option with this pick.

19. Orlando Magic: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois) 

Leonard has become a popular player in this draft—probably because he's a true center with excellent size (7'1")—but he's still pretty raw. Still, the Magic would be smart to draft a potential replacement for Dwight Howard should he end up leaving Orlando in the future.

20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)   

It's all about potential with Miller. For a team that can afford to wait a year or two for him to mature his game, he's the sort of player that could become a true steal and big-time stud down the line.

21. Boston Celtics: Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)

It's very possible the Celtics will be looking to replace Ray Allen in this draft. Lamb may not have that potential, but he should be able to step in immediately and contribute.

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

White is known to have an anxiety disorder and has faced off-court questions in the past, but his talent is unmistakable. The Celtics will take the chance given the strong veteran presence already in town.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, Jr., PG (Washington)

Wroten has explosive talent, and if properly developed (and if Wroten learns how to get his teammates more involved from the point guard position) he could become the best point guard in this draft. The Hawks certainly could use an upgrade at the position.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

They've taken care of the backcourt with Irving and Beal, and they nailed down the center position in last year's draft by selecting Tristan Thompson. With no players at small forward worthy of this selection, they'll go ahead and select the top player left on their board.

25.  Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless, PF (St. John's)

Harkless is another raw player that could become a stud if properly developed. Memphis can afford to take some time with the young talent.

26.  Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

This team could use another point guard to contribute. Teague may be a bit of a project, but as he proved later in the season at Kentucky, he's a player capable of growing at the point guard position.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, PF (Michigan State)

This is probably way higher than Green will go, but I just love the fit with Miami. Sometimes, you've just got to go with your hunch.

28.  Oklahoma City Thunder: Fab Melo, C (Syracuse) 

We know how good they are on the perimeter, but with a defensive stalwart like Melo available this late in the draft, the Thunder will gladly add to their frontcourt depth.

29. Chicago Bulls: Jeffrey Taylor, SG (Vanderbilt)

Taylor shoots a high percentage from three (.423 percent last season) and plays excellent defense. He could make Kyle Korver obsolete in Chicago.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Will Barton, SG (Memphis)

The Conference USA Player of the Year will provide the Warriors another option on the wing, and he could become the long-term replacement for the departed Monta Ellis.

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