2012 NBA Mock Draft: Underrated Prospects Who Will Have Immediate Impact

The NBA's June draft is already occupying every ounce of fan attention not already invested in the playoffs. With just eight teams left in the postseason, most fans have started looking forward to next year.

Of course, that also means looking ahead to the rookies likely to make the biggest impacts at the next level.

For the NBA's very worst teams, there's little doubt their premium draft selections will make a huge difference. After all, most of these teams can go nowhere but up. This happens to be a pretty deep draft, though, and some of the most surprising difference-makers will fall to the late-lottery and middle of the first round.

These may not be the prospects vying for Rookie of the Year honors, but—given their chances of going to teams that aren't half bad—they are the ones with the best chance of proving themselves in the playoffs.

Here's the latest look at how this summer's draft might go down.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)

It's no secret that Davis is destined for the first-overall selection. He's long, quick and has a multifaceted skill set in the paint. He also might be one of the best defensive prospects we've seen in a very long time. Too bad he has to play in Charlotte.

2. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)

At 21, Robinson is a bit older than other top prospects, and it shows in his maturity and mental toughness. The Wizards could decide Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a better fit for the roster's needs, but Robinson would be an instant upgrade over Andray Blatche and Trevor Booker.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, G (Florida)

Beal averaged nearly 15 points and seven rebounds per game in his freshman year at Florida, demonstrating exceptional potential to eventually become an All-Star shooting guard at the NBA level. With Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving running the point, Cleveland could use a big-time scorer like Beal to complete the backcourt.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

It's a bit hard to imagine Kidd-Gilchrist lasting this long, but the Hornets wouldn't complain. The 18-year-old small forward can defend, rebound and finish in the paint. With an improved perimeter shot, he could wind up being this draft's best all-around player.

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

Barnes proved to be a more-than-capable scorer in his two years at UNC, averaging just over 17 points during his sophomore campaign. He's a solid spot-up shooter and perimeter defender—two things the young Kings could desperately use on their wing.

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

It's hard to know what teams should expect from Drummond. He has the size, strength and talent to eventually become a dominant big man, but he might not have the drive to put all those assets to their best use. Enigma or otherwise, the 6'11" center would at least begin to address a position of need for Portland.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

Perry Jones III has the physical tools to be the next Kevin Garnett, but it's still entirely unclear if he has the mental make-up to reach anything remotely close to that kind of stardom. Regardless, he'll still be somewhat effective from the outset—he's got fantastic size and athletic ability, and the Warriors need that as soon as possible.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG (UConn)

Lamb scored a lot of points in his two seasons at UConn, and the Raptors could certainly use a prolific scorer to ease the workload of other young up-and-comers like Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan. The 19-year-old needs to add strength and become more of a leader on the floor, but he certainly has potential deserving of a lottery selection.

Despite standing at just 6'5", Lamb's 7'0" wingspan and athleticism also give him the physical tools to make a defensive impact at the shooting guard position. While he's rarely mentioned among the most elite prospects, his rookie year could look a lot like MarShon Brooks'.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

Henson might not be much of a scorer from the outset, but don't let that fool you. He's a gifted rebounder with plenty of athletic ability—skills that helped him average around 10 rebounds and three blocks in his sophomore and junior seasons.

Henson could step in and instantly upgrade Detroit's interior defense with his length and unfailing hustle. Between Henson and center Greg Monroe, the Pistons will have a formidable paint presence to build around going forward.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)

Lillard will be a good point guard, but he may be an even better scorer. He's got great range and the kind of quickness he'll need to get to the rim in the NBA. With Jarret Jack unlikely to be the Hornets' point guard of the future, someone like Lillard could be a building piece alongside Eric Gordon.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

Marshall didn't top 10 points a game in either of his first two seasons at UNC, but he's quite possibly the best young passer the Trail Blazers can get their hands on. He averaged 9.8 assists as a sophomore and could become a young version of Jose Calderon at the pro level.

Marshall might slide down the draft a bit further, but he could also benefit from the fact that there aren't many quality point guards in this draft. Of course, it also helps that he's one of those rare pass-first guards that make everyone around him better.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina)

The Bucks know they aren't going anywhere with Drew Gooden and Larry Sanders manning the middle. With Andrew Bogut exchanged for Monta Ellis, Zeller could inherit the starting center position sooner rather than later thanks to his broad skill set.

He moves well for his size—both in the paint and down the floor—and may be the most versatile seven-footer in the draft. Beyond his abilities to rebound and defend the basket, he's also a capable scorer (averaging over 16 points a game as a senior).

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, SF (Kentucky)

Jones has a massive 7'3" wingspan and knows exactly what to do with it. He averaged nearly two blocks a game in his two seasons at Kentucky, and could be a superstar in the making when his offensive skills improve. 

14. Houston Rockets: Austin Rivers, G (Duke)

Rivers is more of a shooter than anything else at this point, but teams in need of sixth-man material won't mind one bit. It's not that he's entirely one-dimensional, but teams would like to see more willingness to distribute and defer, especially if he's to go any higher than this in the draft.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State) 

The knock on Sullinger is that he's too undersized to be an elite power forward in the NBA. While he looked like an unstoppable double-double machine at the NCAA level, bigger front lines suggest his upside is more consistent with Glen "Big Baby" Davis.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi St.)

Moultrie is easily one of the most athletic big men in the draft. He's yet to use his talents to their full defensive potential, but he'd give the Rockets an able young replacement for Jordan Hill. Given how few guys can run the floor well at 6'11", Moultrie's worth the risk.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

Anyone who saw Brendan Haywood struggle through Dallas' first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder knows just how badly the Mavericks need another center. Meyers may not yet have the NBA strength to play huge minutes right away, but it wouldn't take him long to become the best center on Dallas' roster.

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

Ross may be one of this draft's most well-rounded perimeter players. He averaged 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and just under a block per game in his sophomore season. He hasn't gotten nearly as much attention as guys like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Jeremy Lamb, but he could make just as much of an impact in his rookie campaign—especially with the Timberwolves.

Minnesota has relied on Martell Webster at shooting guard with mixed results. Given the success of Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, this club could use a better wing presence to complete the picture.

19. Orlando Magic: Jeff Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt)

Taylor might slip to a late first-round pick, but his on-ball defense alone should earn him some consideration here. He's also a much-improved jump shooter capable of infusing Orlando's aging supporting cast with some energy.

20. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten Jr., PG (Washington)

Wroten Jr.'s intriguing combination of size and talent make him an attractive option for teams needing a little backcourt depth. His unpolished skills and spotty shot-selection make him something of a risky investment. On the chances he becomes the next Rodney Stuckey, don't be surprised to see the Nuggets acquire him to be a long-term, sixth-man complement to Ty Lawson.

21. Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)

With Paul Pierce getting older and Jeff Green's future uncertain, the 6'9" Miller might be a smart choice for the Celtics. He'll be raw at the outset, but he should still contribute thanks to his athletic ability and versatility as a defender at both forward positions.

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

Boston has precious few options in the paint outside of Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass—and they're better fits at power forward. Melo would give the Celtics an explosive, young seven-footer with some decent potential.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Dion Waiters, G (Syracuse)

Waiters isn't yet much of a shooter, but he's quick and more than capable of getting into the paint. The Hawks' bench is getting long in the tooth, and Waiters would provide instant relief thanks to his energy and slashing ability.

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

Harkless has the physical tools and skill set to be one of this draft's best small forwards, but he hasn't been the most consistent shooter or the hardest worker. There's plenty to like about his 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds, but don't expect to see that kind of production any time soon at the pro level.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

Like his older brother Jeff, Marquis is lightening quick and can do a little bit of everything that a point guard should do. He can score (at least from mid-range in) and has solid court vision. Memphis could use a guy like that to give Mike Conley a rest from time to time.

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

Nicholson should be a better rebounder given his size, but he's got a great mid-range shot and can score in a number of different ways. He may not contribute while David West is still in town, but he could eventually form a solid one-two punch with Tyler Hansbrough.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F (Michigan St.)

Miami wouldn't need Green any time soon, but Norris Cole proved rookies can play important roles on Miami's bench. If Shane Battier or Mike Miller slow down (or get injured), Green could get some early action. He's a big kid who can rebound, pass and do things rookies usually don't do.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt)

Ezeli's production won't blow anyone away, but he averaged two or more blocks a game in both his junior and senior years. His defense would be a welcome addition behind Kendrick Perkins, especially when the Thunder's starting center finds himself in foul trouble.

29. Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier, SG (France)

The Frenchman would give Chicago a long-term project who shoots well from the wing. The Bulls could instead look for some depth at point guard given Derrick Rose's extended recovery time.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Tyshawn Taylor, PG (Kansas)

Taylor could very well slide into the second round, but he has some big game experience and a record of marked improvement. The Warriors could probably use a third-string point guard in the event Stephen Curry goes down with another injury.