2012 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Projections with Potential Trades

NBA mock drafts are a lot like NCAA brackets—as soon as one unexpected event goes down, the whole thing gets blown to bits.

That's certainly what happened in last year's draft, as 20 different teams were involved in 11 different trades, effectively ruining most pre-draft projections.

Although history isn't on my side, I'll still try to predict the unpredictable in this week's 2012 mock draft. Picks 15-30 are already decided, while the lottery order won't be known until the ping pong balls get bouncing on May 30.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF/C, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby/Kevin Garnett 

Strengths: The list of Davis' strengths could fill an encyclopedia, so I'll try to keep this brief. Basically, he's a 6'11" shot-blocking machine with a freakish wingspan, impeccable instincts and an unparallelled competitive drive. He swats every shot in sight, is an easy target for lob passes and has the finesse and perimeter skills you would expect from the 6'2" guard that he once was.

Weaknesses: He's pretty skinny and his post game could use some refinement, but given his work ethic, I doubt either will be a major issue.

Does he fill a need? Oh yeah. The historically bad Bobcats have needs all over the court, so they will take the best player available, regardless of position. A frontcourt featuring Davis and Bismack Biyombo would shut down the paint and finally give Charlotte fans something to be excited about.

Chances they trade the pick: Zero.

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

NBA Comparison: Rich man's Gerald Wallace

Strengths: MKG is a coach's dream—style points be damned, this kid just wants to win. He has an insane motor, relentless work ethic and elite athleticism. He boxes out, busts his butt every second of every game and never complains about his touches. He guards multiple positions, plays passing lanes like an seasoned vet and generally makes life a living hell for opposing teams. Basically, he does all the ugly things to help his team win.

Weaknesses: His outside shot needs work and his ball-handling is less than ideal. If he improves both, he will be a perennial All-Star. If he doesn't, he can still play a Luol Deng-type role on a contender. 

Does he fill a need? The Wizards have a couple of young small forwards, but they desperately need to add a high-character, dirty-work type of player. Outside of John Wall, it doesn't seem like anybody on the team cares about winning. If they don't fix that immediately, Wall will take his talents elsewhere as soon as he can.

Chances they trade the pick: Low.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

NBA Comparison: Eric Gordon

Strengths: Beal is often compared to Ray Allen, but until he improves his three-point shooting (33.9 percent), I'm not willing to go that far. Right now, the Gordon comparison works. Beal's certainly undersized at 6'3", but he has a strong build, good leaping ability and a high basketball IQ. Defensively, he has sound fundamentals and can defend both guard positions. His mid-range jumper is gorgeous, and I'm expecting his three-point numbers to improve dramatically once he establishes himself on a good team.

Weaknesses: As I said previously, his height is a concern. However, we've seen undersized shooting guards succeed in the NBA before (Gordon, Dwyane Wade, etc.). As long as Beal fine-tunes the more technical aspects of his game, he will be a future All-Star.

Does he fill a need? No offense to Candace Parker's brother, but Kyrie Irving could use some help in the backcourt. An Irving-Beal duo would be as good as any young backcourt in the league.

Chances they trade the pick: Unless someone blows them away with an offer, Cleveland should stay put.

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

NBA Comparison: Amar'e Stoudemire

Strengths: Robinson is a physical specimen who rises to the occasion against elite competition. He was second in the NCAA in rebounding (11.8 per game), which is the one aspect of the game that translates perfectly from college to the pros. His defining moment of the season was Jan 16 against Baylor, when he dropped 27 points and 14 rebounds on fellow lottery pick Perry Jones.

Weaknesses: His height (somewhere between 6'7" and 6'10") is a bit of a concern, but given his strength and athleticism, I'm not too worried about it. As long as he sharpens his post moves, Robinson will be a force at the next level.

Does he fill a need? Yes. Chris Kaman won't be around long, and Robinson would allow New Orleans to shed Emeka Okafor's awful contract.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. Robinson could be a franchise player and the Hornets would be foolish to give him away.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

NBA Comparison: Poor man's Dwight Howard

Strengths: To state the obvious, Drummond is one large individual. Depending on whom you trust, he's either 6'10" or 6'11", and at just 18 years old, I wouldn't be surprised if he grows another inch or two. He weighs in at 275 pounds of pure muscle, and even if he does not improve upon his post game, he will still be a solid starter in the NBA. 

Weaknesses: Drummond is a man-child, but I wish he would have returned to UConn for another year. If he's ever going to be an NBA superstar, he needs to make major strides in every element of the game. He's inconsistent, his post game needs work and more experienced players easily sucker him into bad fouls. Still, he will be a guaranteed top-five pick because of his size, athleticism and upside.

Does he fill a need? Yes, sir. Paired with DeMarcus Cousins, Drummond would give the Kings a menacing frontline for the future.

Chances they trade the pick: Not too high. This is really the perfect pick for the Kings, so I'm not sure why they would give it up.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

NBA Comparison: Long-armed Richard Hamilton

Strengths: Lamb is a fluid scorer who can carry his team offensively for extended periods of time. He has a good mid-range game, and his pterodactyl wingspan allows him to finish over taller defenders. His three-point percentage is surprisingly bad, but he still hit 47.8 percent of his field goals this season. I'm quite positive he will still be a lethal scorer at the next level. Defensively, his length is highly disruptive. Thanks to his long arms, he can play the passing lanes and alter shots that most 6'5" guards wouldn't even try to contest.

Weaknesses: Lamb is very thin, even for the collegiate level. His lack of strength often deters him from going to the rim, so he settles for jump shots instead. That's the main reason why he only had 3.6 free-throw attempts per game this season. If he adds some muscle, he can be one of the NBA's best shooting guards in a few years.

Does he fill a need? The Blazers need a center and a shooting guard, so Lamb is a natural fit. This pick is also top-three protected, so unless it's fourth or lower, this pick will go to New Jersey.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. The Blazers need a scoring 2-guard, and Lamb is the best one available after Beal. 

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

NBA Comparison: Less explosive Tracy McGrady

Strengths: Barnes is the best pure scorer in this draft. With his length, athleticism and smooth stroke, he can score from anywhere on the court. He possesses an advanced mid-range game, and as any guy born before 1980 will tell you, that's a lost art these days. Barnes is also a productive rebounder, and while I doubt he will ever make an All-Defensive team, he can definitely hold his own on that side of the ball. 

Weaknesses: Barnes is a solid athlete, but his explosiveness leaves something to be desired. He also needs to add some muscle and improve his ball-handling. However, the biggest adjustment he needs to make is mental rather than physical. Unlike Kidd-Gilchrist, Barnes doesn't do all the little things to help his team win. I don't think he has that killer instinct, and that's why I have him ranked below MKG.

Does he fill a need? The Warriors really need a defensive specialist, which Barnes is not. However, they also desperately need a small forward, and he's the best available. I like the fit.

Chances they trade the pick: Pretty low. The Warriors didn't do all that tanking just to trade away their reward.

8. Toronto Raptors: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

NBA Comparison: Andre Miller

Strengths: All the cliches that involve being a "pure" point guard fit Marshall. His vision and passing ability are unparallelled. He constantly controls the tempo of the game. He throws gorgeous outlets. He can excel on the fast break or in halfcourt sets. His head is always up and his eyes are always scanning for potential passing angles. And at 6'4", his size is an added bonus.

Weaknesses: He doesn't shoot well and lacks elite speed and athleticism. However, I doubt either of those factors will hinder him too much. His stroke will improve over time and he's smart enough to keep most point guards in front of him. He will probably get murdered by guys like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook, but those guys can't even guard each other.

Does he fill a need? At this point, I'd rather watch Basketball Wives than the Raptors' offense. Marshall would immediately improve everyone around him, making their offense respectable next season.

Chances they trade the pick: Very low. The Raptors desperately need a point guard, and with Marshall and Damian Lillard on the board, they won't be going anywhere.

9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, SF/PF, Baylor

NBA Comparison: Anthony Randolph

Strengths: If that Randolph comparison scares the hell out of you, just know that you're not alone. Jones is the quintessential "boom or bust" prospect. With his length and athleticism, there is no conceivable ceiling for the kid. If he maximizes his potential, he could average 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks like it's nothing. Or, he could end up playing 12 minutes per game his entire career.

Weaknesses: The only thing holding Jones back is his mentality. With his physical tools, he could own the league. Unfortunately, his competitiveness and basketball IQ don't match his athletic gifts. If he never acquires that hunger for greatness, he will fade into obscurity like thousands of other promising NBA prospects.

Does he fill a need? The Pistons need length and athleticism up front, so I like the fit here. With Jones, Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight, the Pistons would have a promising young core to build around.

Chances they trade the pick: I have no idea. If you've figured out Joe Dumars' thought process, you are much smarter than I. 

10. New Orleans Hornets: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

NBA Comparison: Rodney Stuckey

Strengths: Lillard can light up the scoreboard, averaging 24.5 points per game last season on 46.7 percent shooting. He has a vicious crossover, great offensive awareness and can score from anywhere on the court. Because scoring was his focus in the Big Sky Conference, he only averaged 4.0 assists per game. Despite that number, he is a talented passer who makes his teammates better.

Weaknesses: Lillard is a score-first point guard, which might scare off some teams. Still, looking at the success of guys like Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose and Ty Lawson, it shouldn't be a huge concern. The bigger issue will be how he adjusts from a mid-major conference to NBA competition.

Does he fill a need? Absolutely. The Hornets need a point guard, and with Marshall off the board, Lillard is the easy selection.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. New Orleans is in full-fledged rebuilding mode. By adding a big man earlier and Lillard here, the team would be in a great position going forward.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

NBA Comparison: Poor man's David Robinson

Strengths: Leonard isn't nearly as strong as Robinson, but his height, length and athleticism are similar. He's a bouncy 7-footer with good balance and body control. He has a soft touch on his mid-range jumper and the quickness to blow by slower big men. Defensively, he has limitless potential. With some proper coaching, he could be one of the NBA's best shot blockers in a few years.

Weaknesses: He needs to add some strength, but given his large frame, that shouldn't be an issue.The more concerning factor is his mental toughness. After struggling early in his freshman year, he quickly lost confidence. When he faces the challenges an NBA season presents, will he wilt under the pressure or rise to the occasion?

Does he fill a need? Yes. Leonard would be a good complement to LaMarcus Aldridge, both offensively and defensively.

Chances they trade the pick: Relatively high. With so many talented veterans, the Blazers might be better off trading this pick in exchange for a proven contributor.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

NBA Comparison: Elton Brand 

Strengths: Sullinger is a force in the paint, thanks to his wide frame and mastery of the post game. He has great balance, footwork and awareness. He finishes well with both hands and already has a solid arsenal of post moves. He's also a dominant rebounder, averaging 10.2 boards his freshman year and 9.3 this season. 

Weaknesses: His height isn't ideal, and he's not exactly an explosive athlete. However, as his guys like Kevin Love and Elton Brand proved, you don't need either of those characteristics if you're strong and have a high basketball IQ.

Does he fill a need? Yes, this is the perfect pick for Milwaukee. Sullinger would bolster a frontcourt that lost Andrew Bogut last season, and his value at this point in the draft is incredible. 

Chances they trade the pick: Very low. If Sullinger is still available, the Bucks would be foolish to give this pick away.

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

NBA Comparison: O.J. Mayo

Strengths: Rivers is a scoring machine, pouring in points from everywhere on the court. He's automatic from downtown, can break down defenders with his handle and possesses an arsenal of floaters rarely seen at the college level. He has an intense competitive fire, and although his confidence occasionally gets him into trouble, he will never back down in a big moment.

Weaknesses: He didn't dominate in college the way many expected because he hasn't come to grips with what sort of player he is. He often tries to do too much, which results in turnovers and poor shot selection. He doesn't have the athleticism necessary to overwhelm opponents, and as soon as he realizes that, his efficiency and effectiveness will improve.

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Suns need a bit of everything, so they will gladly take a flashy, high-scoring 2-guard who will bring fans to the arena.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. Phoenix might be better off trading it for multiple assets, but it desperately needs a big name. If Steve Nash leaves, attendance will plummet. Rivers would help ease the transition to the post-Nash era.

14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert/Chris Bosh

Strengths: Henson's length is obviously the most appealing aspect of his game. With a 7'4" wingspan, he can cover a ridiculous amount of the court. He wreaks havoc defensively and snatched 10.1 rebounds per game last season. He has a solid face-up game, but doesn't need to be the focal point of an offense to put up points. He attacks the offensive glass and is an easy target for alley-oops, both on the break and in the halfcourt.

Weaknesses: Henson is only 220 pounds, and with his narrow frame, I doubt he will ever get much bigger. He's also completely reliant on his length and leaping ability, which won't be as big of an advantage in the NBA.

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Rockets could use an athletic shot blocker, and Henson certainly fits that description. He's also a great value selection at this point, so the Rockets should be thrilled about that.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. If Henson is on the board, Houston will be staying put.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

NBA Comparison: DeMar DeRozan

Strengths: As the video above clearly illustrates, Ross is one hell of an athlete. He's an explosive leaper with a quick first step, and at 6'6" he has perfect size for an NBA 2-guard. His shooting stroke is smooth and, unlike most college guards, he is already a master at moving without the ball. As the video also shows, Ross knows how to get to the rim and finish creatively once he's there.

Weaknesses: He is decent with the ball in his hands, but he will have to tighten his handle at the next level. His shot selection is sometimes questionable, but I expect him to drop that bad habit once he's a little more seasoned.

Does he fill a need? Yes, sir. Ross would be an immediate upgrade on the bench.

Chances they trade the pick: I think the Sixers stay put. They have most of the pieces in place to be a serious contender in the East—they just need to grow and improve together.

16. Houston Rockets: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: More athletic Antawn Jamison

Strengths: Jones is a versatile player, possessing the skills to excel around the perimeter and the power to finish at the rim. He could be a matchup nightmare at times with his ability to take slower defenders off the dribble and punish smaller players down low. He also has the experience of winning a national title and playing two years under John Calipari, so he should be ready to contribute immediately.

Weaknesses: His tweener status is a bit worrisome, but I still think he will have a good pro career. He could struggle against long, athletic NBA bigs, but he should be able to hang because of his wingspan, leaping ability and upper body strength.

Does he fill a need? Not really, but he's the best player available and I think Rockets GM Daryl Morey would gladly accept him.

Chances they trade the pick: Fairly high. You never know what kind of shenanigans the Rockets will try to pull on draft day.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

NBA Comparison: Jermaine O'Neal (in his glory days, of course)

Strengths: Like Meyers Leonard, Moultrie is a long, athletic big man with exceptional quickness. He runs the floor like a guard and puts himself in position to take high percentage shots. As you can tell from his dominant game against Arizona, he is highly active on the offensive glass, so he should continue to put up big rebounding numbers at the next level. He also improved his once-awful free-throw shooting to a solid 78 percent.

Weaknesses: Despite his elite length and athleticism, Moultrie is averaging less than one block per game. With his physical gifts, that should not be the case. Offensively, he needs to take better care of the ball. His turnover rate (2.4 per game) is way too high for a power forward.

Does he fill a need? Oh yeah. The Mavs need young talent at every position, so they will take the best value they can get. With his athleticism, Moultrie would complement Dirk Nowitzki well on the offensive end. Defensively, he needs some work, but he could be a great shot-blocker in the future.

Chance they trade the pick: Pretty low. Dallas really needs an infusion of youth.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

NBA Comparison: Poor man's Dwyane Wade

Strengths: Waiters is a tough-as-nails 2-guard who can penetrate at will. He's very explosive off the bounce and he's strong enough to finish through contact in the lane. He's also capable of knocking down shots from deep, as he shot 36.3 percent on threes last season.

Weaknesses: His height (6'4") could be an issue. There's no telling how he will perform against taller NBA shooting guards, and he's certainly not a natural point guard. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the league.

Does he fill a need? Yes, shooting guard is Minnesota's weakest position right now.

Chances they trade the pick: Decent. Personally, I'd like to see the Timberwolves add a proven veteran as they try to take the next step as a team.

19. Orlando Magic: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

NBA Comparison: Poor man's Pau Gasol

Strengths: Zeller is a mobile 7-footer with a high basketball IQ and a good offensive skill set. In the NBA, he will be a major weapon in the pick and roll because he finishes well around the rim and can knock down jump shots out to 17-18 feet. He doesn't take ill-advised shots, hits his free throws and rebounds at a productive rate.

Weaknesses: He lacks strength and athleticism, so he will get posterized on a regular basis. He desperately needs to add some muscle or he will easily get pushed out of the lane.

Does he fill a need? Yes. There's no telling how long Dwight Howard will be around, and the Magic could use a good backup for him anyway.

Chances they trade the pick: Pretty good. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Magic try to move up to grab a player with a higher ceiling.

20. Denver Nuggets: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace

Strengths: Taylor fits into the mold of most hyper-athletic small forwards. He has long arms, an explosive first step and great leaping ability. He is a hustle player and gets most of his 18 points per game by simply being more athletic than everyone else. He is also a terrific perimeter defender and a solid rebounder.

Weaknesses: Offensively, his perimeter game needs a ton of work. He can't create his own shot and he lacks consistency from deep. His three-point percentage jumped from 34.5 last year to 42.3 this season, but I'm skeptical about the staying power of that improvement. 

Does he fill a need? The Nuggets don't have many needs, but they could always use an athletic wing defender. Taylor is basically the exact opposite of Danilo Gallinari, so he would give Denver some flexibility at small forward.

Chances they trade the pick: I think they keep it. Along with Kenneth Faried, Taylor would give the Nuggets another tough, physical player in their frontcourt.

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

NBA Comparison: Nazr Mohammed

Strengths: Melo is a legit 7-footer with great shot-blocking ability (2.9 per game). He's also a solid rebounder and has decent footwork around the rim.

Weaknesses: He is incredibly raw offensively, so it will be years before you see any production from him on that end.

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Celtics need size, and with KG's future in doubt, Melo is the logical selection.

Chances they trade the pick: Pretty high. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Danny Ainge packaged his two first-round picks to move into the back end of the lottery.

22. Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

NBA Comparison: Thaddeus Young

Strengths: Miller has good size (6'9") and ridiculously long arms (7'3" wingspan). He is also a very advanced offensive player for his age, using his footwork, balance and awareness of the defender's position to get good looks at the rim.

Weaknesses: Miller faded a little in big games this year, going for just nine total points in his final two collegiate games. He's also not a strong defender, and his outside shot needs work. 

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Celtics need fresh legs all over the court, and Miller would be the perfect long-term replacement for Paul Pierce.

Chances they trade the pick: See pick above.

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

NBA Comparison: Tyreke Evans

Strengths: A big, explosive guard with a wicked handle, Wroten got to the rim any time he wanted to against Pac-12 competition. He's relentless attacking the basket, and with his size (6'5", 205 pounds) he can finish over athletic defenders.

Weaknesses: His jump shot and free-throw shooting (58.3 percent) are absolutely terrible. If he improves those aspects of his game, he will be a force to be reckoned with at the next level.

Does he fill a need? Sort of. I like Jeff Teague, but I'm not sure I'm sold on him as the point guard of the future. In the meantime, Wroten could also play alongside the smaller Teague in certain situations.

Chances they trade the pick: Fairly high. With no glaring needs, I wouldn't be shocked if the Hawks move down and collect future picks.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Moe Harkless, SF, St. Johns

NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion

Strengths: Harkless is a fluid athlete and has great size (6'8", 7'2" wingspan) for a small forward. He's got good footwork, ball-handling ability and can finish in the paint. Defensively, his long arms and quick reflexes always make him a threat in the passing lanes.

Weaknesses: His shooting is just god-awful, and he'll need to add some muscle to avoid being tossed around.

Does he fill a need? Yes, the Cavs could use an athletic small forward and Harkless fits that description perfectly.

Chances they trade the pick: Pretty high. If Cleveland doesn't love anybody at this point in the draft, it may look to ditch the pick.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: Richard Hamilton

Strengths: Lamb is a natural born scorer. He has a sick handle, a vast array of moves from mid-range and he's an absolute sniper from behind the three-point line (46.6 percent.) He's also a master at moving without the ball, constantly using screens to get open.

Weaknesses: He is a bit undersized for a shooting guard, and he doesn't have the playmaking ability to play the point. He is also not a particularly quick or explosive athlete.

Does he fill a need? Sort of. The Grizzlies don't have many needs, so they could go a number of directions here.

Chances they trade the pick: Pretty high. Memphis is ready to contend with its current roster, so it might be better off getting future picks.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: Jeff Teague

Strengths: Like his older brother, Teague is ridiculously quick with the ball in his hands. He has a mean crossover and the speed to get anywhere he wants on the court. He also has the athleticism to finish at the rim and a decent looking jump shot.

Weaknesses: Other than his shooting, which he could stand to improve, Teague's weaknesses are all mental. If he ever improves his decision-making in the halfcourt set, he will be one of the league's top young point guards.

Does he fill a need? Yes, the Pacers need an upgrade over George Hill/Darren Collison and Teague is the logical choice.

Chances they trade the pick: If it looks like Teague will be available, Indiana will stay put.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

NBA Comparison: Jamaal Magloire

Strengths: Ezeli is just huge (6'11", 255 pounds, 7'4" wingspan) and has the potential to be an amazing shot-blocker. He has good awareness defensively and the strength to hold his own against any post player.

Weaknesses: He's raw offensively and his ceiling is limited. Still, he could definitely be the defensive post presence on a title contender.

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Heat could always use help in the frontcourt, and Ezeli would fit in perfectly with their defense-first mindset.

Chances they trade the pick: Low. This pick is too perfect for Miami.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

NBA Comparison: David West

Strengths: Nicholson is a cerebral player with a strong set of post moves and a smooth shooting stroke. He is a menace in pick-and-pop situations, and he's great at pulling shot blockers away from the hoop. He is also a solid defender, averaging two blocks per game last season.

Weaknesses: He's not an elite athlete, so Nicholson could struggle against NBA competition. He's also turnover prone (2.5 per game) and his effort level fluctuates throughout games.

Does he fill a need? Absolutely. The Thunder desperately need some scoring from their frontcourt. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are amazing, but they can't do everything offensively.

Chances they trade the pick: Very low. This would be a great value selection for the Thunder.

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

NBA Comparison: John Salmons

Strengths: William Buford can flat out put the ball in the hole. He's a natural-born scorer, using his explosiveness, ball-handling ability and beautiful stroke to create shots for himself. Last season he averaged 14.7 points per game at Ohio State, often times carrying the Buckeye's through offensive lulls.

Weaknesses: Buford struggles against physical defenders, and at 23 years old, he's already nearing his peak as a player.

Does he fill a need? Yes. The Bulls need more backcourt scoring to help out Derrick Rose, and Rip Hamilton is beyond fragile.  

Chances they trade the pick: I wouldn't be surprised to see Chicago move up a few slots to snag Kentucky's Doron Lamb.

30. Golden State Warriors: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw

Strengths: Despite his thick 6'8" frame, White has the passing and ball-handling ability of a point guard. He has no problem with dribbling coast to coast and is great at finding open teammates. He's also a solid rebounder, and although he's not a great defender, he can hold his own on that end of the court.

Weaknesses: He is not very skilled scorer and his free-throw shooting is terrible. He's also struggled with conditioning and a fear of flying could be a major turn-off for general managers.

Does he fill a need? If the Warriors select a small forward earlier, then no. However, if they don't, White is a solid option.

Chances they trade the pick: Not very high. I think the Warriors will stay put and add another talented youngster to their roster.