2012 NBA Mock Draft: Thomas Robinson and Stars Whose Game Must Evolve to Succeed

While success at the college level is certainly a sign of good things to come for NBA prospects, it certainly isn't everything.

The entire game changes at the professional level, and the competition these rookies will encounter is bigger, better and hungrier than ever. Some athletes were born for the pressure, and others will never quite live up to the high expectations we've all set for them.

The difference between those two types has a lot to do with their willingness to work hard and listen to their coaches. After all, just about every guy in this draft will have the talent and physical attributes needed to make it in this league–otherwise they wouldn't get a shred of consideration.

But not every guy has that willingness to go the extra mile, unlearning bad habits while understanding how to play the game the right way. Here's a complete picture of who each first-round team might take, along with some extra thoughts on the prospects still evolving into their future NBA selves.

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

Davis is already a very good player who will earn plenty of minutes on a roster like Charlotte's. But while his defensive impact will be evident from day one, his offensive tools will continue to evolve at the pro level.

He has the quickness and body control to be a beast in the paint, but added strength will give him even more of an edge. He'll also need to polish his post moves to remain useful against the league's better interior defenders.

2. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)

There's no question Robinson has the toughness to make a difference in the paint right away, but there are a few questions about whether he'll be as effective at the pro level as he was against NCAA front lines.

Robinson height has been measured at anywhere from 6'7" to 6'10", and that could make a huge difference to how much work he has to put into taking his game to the next level. His improved mid-range game will help either way, but Robinson's upside will still hinge to some degree on size.

Washington may be willing to take a chance on him either way. He's one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft thanks to his mental and physical toughness, and he'd be an improvement over the likes of Andray Blatche and Trevor Booker.

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

This 18-year-old guard has shown basketball maturity well beyond his years. With Kyrie Irving at the point, Beal would give the Cavaliers a dangerous back-court replete with quickness and multidimensional scoring ability.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

Kidd-Gilchrist is more than ready for NBA action in most respects. He's a leader and a terrific defender who does all the little things most celebrated youngsters tend to skip.

Still, he's not yet the kind of shooter that you'd like him to be. That doesn't mean he won't be able to score at the NBA level, but it does mean he'll need to improve his shot if he wants to become legitimate All-Star material.

As the best small forward in the draft, it wouldn't be surprising to see either the Wizards or Cavaliers take Kidd-Gilchrist instead. If he falls this far, though, the Hornets could have a future superstar on their hands.

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

While Barnes will have to diversify his spot-up shooting game a bit, he's already set to make consistent contributions on both ends of the floor. That would be invaluable to a Sacramento team that could use both his shooting ability and his perimeter defense.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Andre Drummond, C (UConn)

Drummond still has to improve his game across the board, and the team drafting him will do so understanding he's still very much a work in progress. He's shown flashes of dominance but was anything but consistent in his lone season at UConn.

The size and strength are both there, but the skills are rough around the edges. There's no reason Drummond should settle for jumpshots as often as he does, and he'll need to learn how to better use his big 6'11" frame to his advantage.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

Like Drummond, Jones III also struggles with his consistency and ability, and he still hasn't fully exploited all his physical assets. He too is 6'11" and comes fully equipped with elite athletic ability and excellent quickness for his size. He'd give the Warriors a more explosive alternative to David Lee at the 4.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG (UConn)

Lamb could quickly become the Raptors' best all-around scorer thanks to his ability to get points from virtually anywhere on the floor. He still needs to get stronger, but the skills to become a successful pro are definitely there.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

Like most young bigs, Henson needs to get stronger, but he's probably Detroit's best chance of finding an upgrade over Charlie Villanueva and Jason Maxiell. Henson would instantly become the Pistons' most dynamic interior defender.

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

The Hornets' priorities with this pick will largely depend on what they decide to do with their first selection, but it wouldn't be surprising for the team to bring in a point guard to eventually replace Jarrett Jack.

Lillard is already one of this draft's best all-around scorers. He can shoot from range, and he's got the quickness to make his way into the paint with relative ease. He still has a lot to learn about running an offense and distributing the ball.

Fortunately, he'd have a little time to improve his floor vision with the Hornets, and he'd be a dangerous offensive weapon off the bench in the meantime.

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

Marshall is a stark contrast to Lillard in terms of this draft's point guards. He doesn't have the same ability to get in the lane and cause havoc, but he's probably the best pure passer in the draft. Portland needs a reset at the position after Raymond Felton's failed experiment, and Marshall might be the right direction to go in.

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

Milwaukee's back-court is set with the addition of Monta Ellis, but Andrew Bogut's departure in the deal leaves the Bucks in dire need of a new center. Zeller might not start right away, but he'd be an ideal fit once he adds muscle and adjusts himself to NBA-sized interiors.

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, SF (Kentucky)

Whether Grant Hill retires, Phoenix could use a small forward to build around going forward. Jones is probably the most well-rounded option still left on the board, and he may have as much potential as the guys selected with the first five picks.

14. Houston Rockets: Austin Rivers, G (Duke)

Even if Rivers doesn't change his game, he'll still be an effective scorer in the NBA. He create shots, and he can makes shots. That will earn playing time no matter who you are.

Still, Rivers won't get away with being quite so selfish in the NBA. He'll need to become more deferential, and–ideally–he should develop his point guard skills so that he can become more of a combo guard.

With Goran Dragic's future in Houston uncertain, Rivers would be an awfully nice insurance policy.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State) 

While Sullinger had the strength to impose his will against collegiate front lines, he'll have a tougher time replicating that kind of success against the NBA's superior size. Going to Philadelphia and working under the tutelage of Elton Brand could be a wise move for a bruiser like Sullinger.

With an improved mid-range game and more sophisticated moves in the post, Sullinger should be able to survive just fine without a jaw-dropping above the rim game. It certainly has been done before.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi St.)

Even if the Rockets retain both Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert, they could use a younger big for the future. Moultrie has one of the best frames of anyone not named Andre Drummond, and he could be one of this draft's surprise steals.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

Leonard probably isn't strong or skilled enough to start right away for the Mavericks, but he's a much better long-term solution than Brendan Haywood. For a team that's in some bizarre middle ground between contending and rebuilding, Leonard would be a good way to split the difference.

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

Minnesota desperately needs a better shooting guard, and Ross could quickly steal the job from the likes of Martell Webster and Wesley Johnson. He's a versatile scorer who will track down rebounds and play some defense as well–the Timberwolves would be thrilled to get him.

19. Orlando Magic: Jeff Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt)

Orlando needs to get younger at just about every position, but Taylor is increasingly looking like one of this draft's safest–if most underrated–bets. He's a top-notch defender with a steady jump-shot. That's not bad value for a team in no position to take big risks.

20. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten Jr., PG (Washington)

21. Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)

It's no secret that Boston's core is getting older, and there's no telling what this roster will look like next season. Miller is a versatile and athletic forward who the Celtics could fit in to just about any plan. The 6'9" high-flyer has much to learn, and Doc Rivers has plenty to teach him.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)

23. Atlanta Hawks: Dion Waiters, G (Syracuse)

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Moe Harkless, SF (St. John's) 

Assuming Cleveland solidifies it back-court with its first selection, it may next look to address its small forward position. Harkless would add some depth to a bench that could use the help, and he could become even more valuable if the Cavs have any difficulty bringing Alonzo Gee back.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F (Michigan St.)

Green has a strong, NBA-ready body and could become a solid bench piece in Miami's rotation. He's a workhorse who could earn serious minutes as Mike Miller and Shane Battier grow old and fade into the sunset.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt)

Oklahoma City doesn't exactly need much of an impact player at this point, but they could certainly use a center to back up the foul prone Kendrick Perkins. Ezeli won't blow anyone away with his production, but he's got great size and defensive ability.

29. Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier, SG (France)

With Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer up for free agency, the Bulls could be on the lookout for guys who can buck up Luol Deng and Richard Hamilton. Fournier needs to become a stronger and quicker athlete, but he could emerge as something of a surprise in another couple of years.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Tyshawn Taylor, PG (Kansas)

Taylor showed a lot of improvement in his senior year at Kansas and might just be able to crack the first round. Golden State already has a pretty good starting point guard in Stephen Curry, but it wouldn't hurt to add some insurance given his proclivity for winding up injured.