2012 NBA Mock Draft: Players Whose Game Won't Translate to Next Level

For every slam-dunk pick in the NBA draft, there's an air-balled free throw pick. Selecting players as young as 18 years old to play a grown man's game is a dangerous profession.

Teams are always searching for the next Kyrie Irving, but could just as easily land the next Kwame Brown. 

The draft is far from an exact science and it can change a team's direction in a heartbeat.

Here's a look at a few players whose game won't translate to the NBA.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Long and athletic, there isn't much Davis cannot do. His game is whatever a team wants it to be and he's a lock to go No. 1 overall.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

There are some who are concerned with MKG's lack of consistency from deep range, but he does so many other things well.

He has superstar potential and could be great alongside John Wall.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida 

Beal is arguably this draft's best shooter. The 6'4" guard can play the one and the two, but will excel off the ball.

He also has superstar potential.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson erupted this season and showed every team in the league what type of force he can be when given the opportunity.

If nothing else, his hustle will keep him on the floor.

5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Pairing Sullinger alongside Cousins would be a solid move for this team—much more so than adding Drummond here.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut

This pick essentially boils down to the Nets trading the No. 6 overall pick for Gerald Wallace's 16 games in New Jersey.

Drummond has elite potential, but there are a ton of questions surrounding his future in the league. If he keeps his head on straight, his superb athleticism will help him turn into a great player.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, Baylor

Like Drummond, PJIII has elite potential and a rare combination of size and athleticism.

The problem with Jones is he doesn't rise to the occasion well and he's far from consistent.

His tools and abilities would make for a fantastic NBA player, but it remains to be seen if he's mentally tough enough to play in this league.

If he couldn't dominate at Baylor, what makes us believe he'll do it in the pros?

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Like PJIII, Barnes didn't always dominate the way a player of his talents should. He had an elite supporting cast for his two years at Chapel Hill and sometimes took a backseat to others.

That can't happen in the NBA, not for a player with his skill set. Barnes can score from all over the court and has a good combination of size and athleticism.

If he finds himself, he has the potential to be a superstar but, like PJIII, if he didn't do it in college what makes us believe he'll do it in the NBA?

9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie's a hustle guy with big upside and fits in great with the Pistons alongside Greg Monroe.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves):  Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

A lack of elite playmakers is a problem in New Orleans so they'll have to make the most of their two lottery picks.

Marshall is a distributor who can make everyone better. He's ideal to help the Hornets turn things around.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Doc Rivers' kid showed he has some ice water in his veins during his one-year stint in Durham and the Trail Blazers desperately need something to get them going.

It's hard to believe he won't succeed in the league.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

A big, physical rebounder with limited upside. The Bucks know what they need under the basket and Zeller brings just that.

13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Weber State

There's a lot to like about Lillard.

He can score the ball, handle the ball and play defense, but leaves something to be desired standing only 6'2".

Point guards in this league are getting bigger and bigger each year, leaving Lillard a bit on the short side as a defender.

He's the likely replacement for Steve Nash.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Another prospect with elite ability, Lamb also leaves something to be desired in a sense that he doesn't always play up to his ability.

He's explosive as can be and can shoot from beyond the arc, too.

His long, lanky arms make him a tough defender and he'll find his place in the league.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina

Like his college teammate, Henson is a big man who gives you exactly what you expect.

He has more upside than Zeller though, and is a guy who could exceed expectations if he grows into his body.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Terrence Jones, Kentucky

The Kentucky sophomore is one of the more intriguing players in this draft. He offers so many things to love, but has a few negatives that give us pause.

Jones' game translates to the league, but he'll only be as good as he wants to be.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington

The 6'6" guard is solid replacement for the likely-departed Jason Terry.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz):  Meyers Leonard, Illinois

A genuine seven-footer, Leonard has a long way to go, but does offer plenty of upside.

The problem with him is he'll only be a good player, not a great player, and that's why he falls down to No. 18.

19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller, Baylor

The 6'9" forward has great versatility and a ton of upside. The parts of his game that need work can be coached and the Magic can't go wrong with his value here.

20. Denver Nuggets: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters is a bit undersized for the two spot, but he can't play at the one position.

He's a scoring threat, but excels going to the basket and is a clutch performer. He'll find his place in the NBA.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson's a gifted basketball player who can do everything, but he doesn't excel at anything and not always disciplined.

Doc can fix that, and the Bonnie is an intriguing player that will go somewhere in the late portion of the first round.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State

There are several things that detract from Royce's game, but he's a big, NBA-ready body who can take over games on the glass.

He won't be an elite player, but he'll find his role and do his job well.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

The championship-game star is a gifted scorer who can take over a game if needed.

He's not the prospect his teammates are, but he's a guy who'll provide a spark off the bench.

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

Harkless is actually a steal for the Cavs here.

The 6'8" swingman needs to add strength, but he's only 19 years old and has his best basketball ahead of him.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Wroten is a combo-guard who doesn't have elite athleticism or a ton of dependability. He can pass the basketball well and he's a guy who'll make a rotation.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Teague has so much potential that it would be foolish of the Pacers to pass on him here. He's unbelievably quick and loves to get out and run.

He has plenty of learning and developing to do, but he's an NBA guard who can make plays immediately off the bench.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse

Plain and simple, Fab Melo's not mature enough to play in the NBA.

The seven-footer will struggle to stay in shape, struggle to be stay out of trouble and struggle to play in the NBA.

Unless he matures, Melo will have a short career.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State

A do-everything player, Green will find a roster in the NBA and be a utility player to count for years to come.

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

A pure shooter, Jenkins is the ideal potential replacement for Rip Hamilton.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

A super athlete with size and skill, Taylor's has good potential but lacks that killer instinct. He'll find a place a swingman off the bench though.