NBA Draft 2012: Anthony Davis Is Only Franchise-Changing Player in 2012 Class

There are a lot of players that will be selected in the 2012 NBA Draft who have the potential to be excellent in the NBA. Guys like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson, Harrison Barnes, and Austin Rivers might all be All-Stars someday.

But only one player has the potential and talent to alter the course of a franchise, and that is Kentucky center Anthony Davis. It's why winning the lottery this season is more important than it has been in years.

Davis represents the rare prospect that is both NBA-ready and has yet to even come close to tapping into his full potential. His shot-blocking and rebounding ability will make him an impact player defensively from day one, even if his offensive game takes time to develop in the NBA.

And he plays the center position, which (no pun intended) is often the centerpiece of championship teams. A dominant center doesn't ensure a team will win a championship, but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

Primarily because dominant centers are so hard to find.

If you think I'm exaggerating Davis' impact at the next level, let's go over the facts. As a freshman last season, Davis averaged 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and an absurd 4.7 blocks per game while leading Kentucky to a national championship.

He was named the AP Player of the Year, the only freshman other than Kevin Durant in 2007 to win the honor, as well as the following National Player of the Year awards: Adolph Rupp Trophy, USBWA, Basketball Times, Wooden, and Naismith.

Not a bad haul.

Oh, and he's thought of so highly that he's been added to the preliminary roster for the USA Men's Basketball team and could be selected for the squad that represents the United States at the 2012 London Olympics.

Davis has a Dwight Howard ceiling, and while he may never be quite the rebounding force Howard is, he should be as devastating a defensive presence, and will have more offensive range away from the basket.

For teams like the Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers, landing Davis would change the fate of the franchise for years to come. Like all of the teams in the lottery, they'll be praying the ping-pong gods look favorably upon them and allow them to select Davis.

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