2012 NBA Mock Draft: Players Who Will Exceed Expectations

As the NBA playoffs advance, the teams that were relegated to the golf courses are already preparing for the 2012 draft process. In that same spirit, we get into another NBA mock draft.

NBA mock draft Standings are fluid—from lottery teams to playoffs, things will change. Order is based on a mix of current standings and projected finishes.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is going No. 1. It’s just a matter of time before the draft lottery determines who gets the star.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

In any other draft, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would be the No. 1 overall pick. With that said, the team that comes in second place will get a pretty incredible consolation prize.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Robinson

While many have questioned how much better Thomas Robinson can get, he is already talented enough to be a star in the NBA and has plenty of room to grow. Robinson will be the best player out of the 2012 NBA draft class.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Jared Sullinger

While I have seen Ohio State power forward Jared Sullinger on NBA draft boards everywhere, he deserves to be a top-five pick. Whether he even goes in the top 10 is up for debate.

Sullinger does have question marks around his cardio and his offensive consistency, but his incredible motor on the court and his non-stop tenacity is something teams need.

The perfect scenario is for Sullinger to fall into the middle of the first round and become jaded. With that chip on his shoulder, he can spend his NBA career making teams regret passing on him.

5. Sacramento Kings: Bradley Beal

With Tyreke Evans possibly being shipped out of town, the backcourt will need an inexpensive replacement that could be just as talented. Enter Bradley Beal.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Andre Drummond

As much as I don’t like Andre Drummond’s chances of being a success in the NBA, the Trail Blazers need a center and Drummond has the most upside. Then again, Greg Oden had tons of upside too.

7. Golden State Warriors: Austin Rivers

While many NBA experts don’t see how Austin Rivers can be effective in the league, all they need to do is check the point guard of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry, or the man he replaces, Monta Ellis.

Rivers makes his own shots and can find others when needed. He has a Monta Ellis mindset with slightly more of a willingness to dish the ball to others.

If the team gives him the green light to shoot, he could be the offensive sparkplug off the bench that forces his way into the starting lineup.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes

As good as Harrison Barnes was in college, he will wish he had that level of talent surrounding him in Toronto. That is unless Steve Nash goes there.

9. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Zeller

Ben Wallace was that last solid center the Pistons had, and that was during his first reign with the team. Tyler Zeller will be a sight for sore eyes in Detroit.

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

With Chris Paul in Los Angeles, Kendall Marshall will be the field general New Orleans needs moving forward.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard

Arguably the best shooter in the draft, the Trail Blazers will look to Damian Lillard to replace the production lost when Brandon Roy retired.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

As if we were surprised, The Bucks will look to take either a point guard or a power forward at No. 12, and this isn’t a joke. KAHN!!!!

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb

With Steve Nash likely on his way out of town, the Suns need a player that can make his own shots. Jeremy Lamb has the ability and the upside to make this pick worth it.

14. Houston Rockets: Tony Wroten

The addition of Tony Wroten to the Rockets backcourt adds the depth, speed, and offense that have been needed for a long time.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones

While they don’t need any more power forwards that can be classified as tweeners, their love for those prospects will yield the Sixers Terrence Jones.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Meyers Leonard

Since Yao Mig has been gone, the Rockets have needed a real center. With some development, Meyers Leonard could be a real NBA star.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrell Stoglin

There is no doubt that Terrell Stoglin’s early departure from college will scare a few teams, but if he is smart about how he approaches being drafted, his skill will outweigh the question marks.

As arguably the best all-around point guard in the 2012 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks would be getting a steal at No. 17 for what could have been a top-five selection with another year in college under his belt.

With Jason Kidd on his last legs, Stoglin could be the heir apparent to the point guard spot for the Mavericks. It may be a slight reach, but he will exceed expectations.

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Terrence Ross

In Minnesota, as long as you aren’t a point guard or power forward, you’re welcome. Terrence Ross and his ability to play small forward and shooting guard will be much needed.

19. Orlando Magic: Arnett Moultrie

With Arnett Moultrie’s ability to play power forward and center, he will be the perfect backup plan when Dwight Howard holds the Magic hostage.

20. Denver Nuggets: Perry Jones III

There is no more overrated prospect in this year’s draft than Perry Jones. While he is incredibly talented, he is too raw to be taken any higher than No. 20.

21. Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller

Miller fits the same mold as Paul Peirce and will be the long-term project player that could eventually replace him.

22. Boston Celtics (via L.A. Clippers): Fab Melo

The need for a defensive center like Fab Melo has plagued the Boston Celtics. They won’t pass up on their chance.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Dion Waiters

With a void to fill in the Hawks backcourt since Jamal Crawford left, Atlanta will find their next starter in Syracuse star, Dion Waiters.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via L.A. Lakers): Royce White

The best all-around player in the 2012 NBA draft, no player can handle more positions on the floor and fill the stat sheet quite like Royce White. He will be great with the Cavaliers.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless

The Grizzlies took the Clippers to a tough Game 7, but they lacked the secondary scoring from a bench player that they needed. That’s where Moe Harkless will come in.

26. Indiana Pacers: Jeff Taylor

With a need for depth and talent behind Danny Granger, Jeff Taylor brings the length and talent to make him a viable role player on a strong Pacers team.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green

The Miami Heat need players who are all-in on every position and are relentless at both ends of the floor. They will find their man in Michigan State Spartan, Draymond Green.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyshawn Taylor

Tyshawn Taylor is a raw player with tons of upside. If there are any off-court issues, the Thunder can help him figure them out.

29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague

The need for depth at guard, especially from a talented young star like Marquis Teague, was made abundantly clear when Derrick Rose went down in the playoffs.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Andrew Nicholson

David Lee is not the answer for a Golden State team trying to find consistency on defense. Andrew Nicholson could be that long-term answer.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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