2012 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Picks Destined for Rookie Failures

Just because a player is taken with a valuable lottery selection does not mean that they are destined to instant success. In fact, some of these guys are so raw that they are doomed to failure. 

Every draft has these types of players, and this draft is no different. 

In my first-round mock below, the lottery selections headed towards rookie failures will be highlighted with extra analysis. 

Langford's 2012 NBA Mock Draft

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Anthony Davis needs to bulk up a little to be truly dominant, but he has a complete enough game that he will be a force right from the beginning. 

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

Kidd-Gilchrist's athleticism and ability in the open court will keep him from rookie failure.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Andre Drummond is raw, but his sheer size and strength will allow him to be a competent player right off the bat. 

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

Thomas Robinson has the moves, touch and instincts to be an outstanding player right away. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal is an explosive player, with the quickness to get to the rack at any level. 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The 6'8" Harrison Barnes has the size and athleticism to be a great small forward in this league. However, it will take him a bit to get there. 

Barnes has a nice jump shot, but it is inconsistent and he is going to struggle to find that consistency at the pro level. 

What is going to make this difficult is the fact that he is not going to be able to take NBA defenders off the dribble. 

Barnes has solid quickness, but his ball handling needs work. As it is now, he is going to be dependent upon a point guard getting him the ball in the right spot. And the problem with this is that defenders will be able to crowd up on him, without the fear of him penetrating to the rack. 

7. Golden State Warriors: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State 

Sullinger has as polished a post game as any player in this class. This will serve him well in the NBA.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb is a polished scorer, and the Raptors need that in their backcourt. 

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

Perry Jones is one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft. He is 6'10" with a wingspan longer than his height. He also has the athleticism to play small forward. 

However, he is currently stuck in between positions. 

He does not have the strength to play in the post. He will get pushed around on the blocks on offense and defense. Plus, his shooting and movement without the ball is not where it needs to be to excel at small forward. 

With an improved shot and feel for the game, Jones will be a matchup nightmare. As it is now, he is going to struggle to find his role on the court. 

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

At 7'1", Meyers Leonard has the kind of height that leaves teams drooling. However, he is only 245 pounds. 

If Leonard had a reliable jump shot, this wouldn't be a killer, but he does not. He needs to be in the post to score. He doesn't have the strength to get into the post. 

He will be pushed out of the block. This is going to make it tough for him to score or grab rebounds. 

Leonard has good athleticism and he is full of potential, but he is a few years away. He will not only have to add muscle, but add some post moves as well. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Lillard is an athletic point guard that can score and dish the rock, and the Blazers need to upgrade over the disappointing Raymond Felton. 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State 

Moultrie has a great mix of size and athleticism, which will be nice addition as the Bucks try to rebuild their frontcourt.  

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

The Suns must improve their backcourt scoring, and Rivers certainly has that potential. 

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Houston must add some length to their frontcourt. Zeller needs to bulk up, but he has great length. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Philadelphia needs a true point guard. Marshall will be able to come off the bench and add that dimension. 

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Dion Waiters will give the Rockets extra backcourt depth, which could help them make a trade. 

17. Dallas Mavericks: John Henson, PF, North Carolina 

The Mavericks must find a competent backup to Dirk Nowitzki. Henson will be a nice fit. 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Terrence Jones' elite perimeter defense will be a great addition to the Timberwolves. 

19. Orlando Magic: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Lamb will give the Magic a nice perimeter defender with athleticism. 

20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless will give the Nuggets another long, athletic wing player. This will help them keep that up-tempo game rolling. 

21. Boston Celtics: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington 

The Celtics may or may not choose to bring Ray Allen back. Either way, they need to find someone to groom as his replacement. 

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

Fab Melo's athleticism and defense will fit right in with Boston. 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Andrew Nicholson's athleticism will be a nice addition to the Hawks' bench. 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor knows how to score, and the Cavs can definitely use this on the wings. 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt 

John Jenkins will be joining a crowded Grizzlies backcourt, but his addition will give them nice trade flexibility. 

26. Indiana Pacers: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas

Tony Mitchell's defense and shot blocking will be a nice fit as Danny Granger's backup. 

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli is a project selection, but he has the potential to be a long-term answer for the Heat at the center position. 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

Wroten's fast pace style of play will fit right in with the Thunder and give them a competent backup to Russell Westbrook. 

29. Chicago Bulls: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Green is a heady player with an all-around game that will fit right in with the Bulls. 

30. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

The Spurs need to add some more length to their frontcourt. 

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