NBA Draft 2012: Dion Waiters and Best Pure Scorers from Talented Class

The 2012 NBA draft class is absolutely full of pure scorers.

Some young studs can shoot the lights out, while some make their living by getting to the hoop and either finishing with sheer athleticism or drawing the foul and getting to the line.

Either way, they put the ball in the basket. A lot. And with increasing success of instant-offense sixth men (see Harden, James and Williams, Lou) in the NBA, teams will value players who can score in a hurry.

Let's take a closer look at the best scorers in this draft.

Dion Waiters, Syracuse

If there is anyone in this draft who resembles Dwyane Wade, it's Waiters.

The sophomore out of Syracuse served as the Orange's sixth man, but he still managed to average 12.6 points per game, which was second on the team. If Waiters played for any other team in the nation, he would have easily averaged 20 per game. 

At 6'4'', 215 pounds, he has good enough size (although he could use another inch or two) and impressive strength that makes him the perfect combo guard. His struggled with his shot at times, but Waiters' ability to get into the lane and get to the hoop is unmatched by anyone else. 

Once into the teeth of the defense, Waiters has a feathery touch and can finish with plenty of contact. He's just as good in transition, too.

Waiters isn't the prototypical "shooting" guard, but he's going to score in a variety of ways. If he proves to teams he can run an offense as a point guard, he'll see his stock rise in a hurry. 

Damian Lillard, Weber State

Lillard certainly didn't face the toughest competition in the Big Sky, and that's part of the reason he was able to drop an insane 24.5 points per game this year.

The other reason, however, is that he's really, really good. 

Lillard has good size for a point guard (6'2" or 6'3" depending on where you look) and he has a nice wingspan, but he's typically not there to distribute the ball. Instead, Lillard is an explosive, scoring point guard, similar to Russell Westbrook without the gaudy athletic abilities.

He does most of his scoring with his tremendous jump shot, but Lillard can also get into the lane at will. A better NBA comparison would be Mo Williams, and you know how well he can score. 

Bradley Beal, Florida

Much like Waiters, Beal has a strong, muscular body and can get into the lane and finish despite plenty of contact. 

Beal also has a deadly jump shot. He was at times inconsistent from the outside in Gainseville, but his pretty stroke only means he'll get better from the outside and will soon thrive as a shooter in the NBA. 

Other Elite Scorers

Jeremy Lamb

Lamb is a long, lanky athlete. He's extremely smooth and possesses a terrific jump shot. 

Terrence Ross

Arguably the most athletic player in the draft. He'll score a lot simply but dunking over people, but is also a great shooter off the dribble.

Austin Rivers

I thought he left college too early, but his skills are undeniable. He can play point or shooting guard, and he gets to the hole with his incredible quickness. He also has very deep range, although his shot is inconsistent. 

Harrison Barnes

Potential is through the roof, but he's yet to hit it. Still though, Barnes has solid strength and a fantastic jump shot. As long as he doesn't shy from action and contact, he'll be a good scorer.

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