NBA Draft 2012: Updated First-Round Mock Draft Post-Lottery

This year's draft class may be the deepest since the legendary 2003 draft class. That class produced players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, all of whom are perennial All-Stars. This year, potential stars like Austin Rivers can be had for just a late lottery pick. There are a lot of valuable players in this draft, and teams will be sure to make picks based on value rather than going for the best available player.

This mock draft, unlike others, takes into account the needs of the teams drafting rather than having them all abiding by a "best available player" strategy.

With that in mind, let's take a look at how the first round will play out.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis

Position: Power Forward/Center

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6'10", 220 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks

The New Orleans Hornets have frontcourt problems.

Chris Kaman and Carl Landry's contracts expire this offseason, and Emeka Okafor has been disappointing, to say the least. The Hornets need help.

Enter Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis is the consensus number one overall pick because of his game-changing defensive ability, and there's absolutely no reason that the Hornets shouldn't select him here.

He had an astounding 4.7 blocks per game last year, and the Hornets can expect that shot-blocking prowess to translate into the NBA game.

Davis also has the hustle and athleticism of a great rebounder, and he projects to be one of the best in the NBA. Although his offensive skills are still developing, that is the only knock on the AP Player of the Year.

He and Eric Gordon (assuming he stays) will give the Hornets hope for the future.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Position: Small Forward

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6'7", 220 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals

The Charlotte Bobcats need help at almost any position, but they need to make sure that they don't give up on the prospects that they selected in last year's draft.

Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo still have a lot of potential, and the Bobcats need to find pieces that will help them build around that talent.

Corey Maggette is not one of those pieces; his skills are declining, but he jacks up more shots than anyone on the Bobcats except for Gerald Henderson. Maggette shot a horrendous 37.3% from the floor last year.

The Bobcats need to find a replacement for Maggette at small forward, and that replacement could be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Kidd-Gilchrist has a rare combination of athleticism, hustle, and defensive ability, and may be the most complete player in the entire draft. Kidd-Gilchrist's versatility as a defender projects well to the next level, and he has the potential to be an even better version of Andre Iguodala.

Kidd-Gilchrist still needs to work on his perimeter shot, but he has the drive to do so.

He's probably the safest pick in the draft, and that alone is reason enough for the Bobcats to select him, given their past failures (see Morrison, Adam and Wright, Brandan).

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson

Position: Power Forward

School: Kansas

Height/Weight: 6'9", 240 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals

The Washington Wizards may be a terrible team, but they don't have a lot of pressing needs.

That is, outside of power forward.

Andray Blatche followed up last year's promising season with an absolute stinker this year. Blatche showed up out of shape, struggled to find his place in the rotation, and played with absolutely no effort.

The Wizards need to get rid of him as soon as possible, but to take his place, they need a player who will give 110% on the floor.

Enter Thomas Robinson.

Robinson blossomed with the Jayhawks last year, averaging 17.7 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game. After two years of backing up the Morris Twins, Robinson came into his own as the focal point of a dominant Kansas offense. Although Robinson is technically an undersized power forward, he gives it his all every time he steps on the court.

The Wizards don't have another option here, as Kidd-Gilchrist is off the board and Beal and Drummond don't fill needs as well as T-Rob does.

His story is enough for the Wizards to believe that he will be the hardest worker on the team.

Not to mention the fact that he was born in Washington D.C. and that his sister Jayla lives there now.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal

Position: Shooting Guard

School: Florida

Height/Weight: 6'4", 201 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 14.8 points, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals

Bradley Beal is one of the best shooters in the game, and the Cleveland Cavaliers could certainly use him to bolster their backcourt. Incumbent shooting guard Anthony Parker only averaged seven points per game last year.

Beal has a beautiful jumpshot and evokes a lot of comparisons to Hornets guard Eric Gordon, and that’s a good thing.

The Florida product is the best selection for the Cavaliers, and pairing him with current Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving could create a dynamic backcourt for years to come.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond

Position: Center/Power Forward

School: Connecticut

Height/Weight: 6'11", 250 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks

If Andre Drummond pans out, the Sacramento Kings will have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.

Two years ago, with the fifth pick, they took a center who dropped because of attitude problems. That player was named DeMarcus Cousins, who's justified that selection.

The Kings will take a chance on Drummond because they were able to make it work with Cousins.

I don't think that Drummond will be anything more than a bust, but the Kings should be willing to take a chance on Drummond's potential.

The Kings have a huge hole at power forward, as the best player they have is middling Jason Thompson. Drummond (or alternatively Cousins) could fill this hole quite well.

If Andre Drummond can develop any semblance of an offensive game, the Kings will be on the road to making the playoffs.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard

Position: Point Guard

School: Weber State

Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals

No one expected this pick, right? This is where the gap between "best player available" and "need-based selection" strategies becomes wider.

Lillard is arguably the best point guard in this draft class, and Portland needs a point guard desperately. Raymond Felton played so badly that he was benched for volume scorer Jamal Crawford, and Jonny Flynn has a lot of work to do to disprove the notion that he's a bust.

Damian Lillard is a pure scorer, built in the mold of players like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Although he played against weaker competition in the Big Sky Conference, Lillard has the athleticism to dominate in the NBA.

This kid is going to be a star in the NBA, and Portland will reach to select him so that they can fill a pressing need with a potential superstar.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes

Position: Small Forward

School: North Carolina

Height/Weight: 6'8", 223 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals

Harrison Barnes won't be a star in the NBA, but he will be a very good scorer and likely a second-option for a good team.

Barnes has problems creating his own shot, but possesses great intelligence both on and off the court.

Although his draft stock has dropped considerably since his high school years, where he was rated as the number one high school prospect by ESPN and Scout.com, Barnes still has beautiful shot stroke and can provide the scoring output that a team needs from the small forward position.

The Golden State Warriors need a solid player to replace Dorell Wright, who failed to meet expectations this year. Wright appeared to be the Dubs' small forward of the future during the 2010-2011 campaign, but followed that up with an inconsistent and mediocre season this year.

Harrison Barnes can be everything that the Warriors wanted Wright to be.

8. Toronto Raptors: Kendall Marshall

Position: Point Guard

School: North Carolina

Height/Weight: 6'4", 180 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 8.1 points, 9.8 assists, 1.2 steals

Kendall Marshall is the best pure passer in this draft. Marshall averaged 9.8 assists per game last year at UNC, and his assist to turnover ratio was an incredible 3.5.

The Toronto Raptors could really use a point guard, given that the aging Jose Calderon’s contract ends soon. Jerryd Bayless, whom many Raptors fans thought would be the answer at point guard, has been injured too often and is more of a scoring guard. The Raptors could really use a pass-first point guard to help bolster the game of Andrea Bargnani.

The Raptors will reach to get their point guard of the future.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger

Position: Power Forward

School: Ohio State

Height/Weight: 6'9", 280 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 1.2 steals

The Detroit Pistons lack a solid big man to pair with Greg Monroe. Their starting power forward, Jason Maxiell is nothing more than a role player.

Sullinger is a power forward with an impressive low-post game, but also a lot of questions. He is undersized and overweight, and also has little athleticism. However, Sullinger still has the ability to be a solid power forward in the NBA.

The Detroit Pistons will take a gamble on the Ohio State product.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Perry Jones III

Position: Power Forward/Small Forward

School: Baylor

Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 13.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals

Perry Jones III is the biggest enigma in this draft. The Baylor prospect can play every position on the court because of his freakish athleticism. However, the biggest questions surround his work ethic and drive.

The New Orleans Hornets can go with the best player available here, and hope that Jones will be the steal of the draft.

Jones' immense potential ensures that he will be drafted at least in the top ten.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Lamb

Position: Shooting Guard

School: Connecticut

Height/Weight: 6'5", 185 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists

The Portland Trail Blazers really miss former shooting guard Brandon Roy, who retired due to persistent knee injuries. They had hoped that Wesley Matthews could replace Roy, but Matthews has been average at best.

Jeremy Lamb could be a supporting piece for the Portland Trail Blazers, with his freakish wingspan and nice scoring ability.

The Blazers could use Lamb's scoring ability as they try to make the playoffs next year.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard

Position: Center

School: Illinois

Height/Weight: 7'0", 240 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks

Meyers Leonard is a talented seven-footer who is oozing with potential. Leonard's a very good rebounder and shot-blocker, and if he can improve at the next level, he could be an All-Star.

The Milwaukee Bucks need a player like Leonard to replace the defensive presence of Andrew Bogut, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline.

Leonard won't be needed to shoot the ball much, given the scoring backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. However, his defensive presence will warrant a lottery selection, and the Bucks need him the most.

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6'9", 250 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.8 blocks

Terrence Jones has tremendous athleticism, but has work ethic and effort concerns. Jones also might fall into the category of tweeners: players similar to Jeff Green and Derrick Williams, who are too small to play power forward but too slow to play small forward.

However, Jones still has the ability to change a game with his beautiful all-around game, and that's why the Phoenix Suns will take him.

The Suns need help at every position, especially if Steve Nash decides to leave, and Jones could end up replacing Grant Hill, who may or may not retire.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller

Position: Center/Power Forward

School: North Carolina

Height/Weight: 7'0", 250 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

Tyler Zeller is a solid seven-footer who won't blow any team away with his potential, but has no bust potential to speak of. Zeller will be a solid big man in the NBA, and he has the versatility to play both the power forward and center positions.

The Houston Rockets desperately need a center if they want to get serious about making the playoffs. Samuel Dalembert is mediocre at best, and Zeller could be that piece that puts the Rockets over the top.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson

Position: Power Forward/Center

School: North Carolina

Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks

John Henson is one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class, and he certainly will be a good one in the NBA. Henson still has some work to do offensively, but his superb athleticism will allow him to be one of the better big men in the NBA.

The Philadelphia 76ers are likely to amnesty Elton Brand, due to his massive contract, this summer. The 76ers will need a big man to replace Brand, and although Lavoy Allen stepped up beautifully in the playoffs, Henson has the ability to be a starting power forward.

The Sixers will get much better with the defensively-minded Henson in the paint.

16. Houston Rockets: Dion Waiters

Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard

School: Syracuse

Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 12.6 points, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals

Waiters is a great shooter and might have some of the highest upside in the draft. Many analysts think that Waiters has the most value this low in the draft, and he could be the biggest steal.

Although he doesn't have ideal size for a shooting guard, his game is almost like Dwyane Wade. The Rockets could use a player who can play both shooting guard and the point, as Kevin Martin's contract will expire and Kyle Lowry has stated that he wants out of Houston.

The pick that the Rockets' received from the Tracy McGrady trade might allow them to select a player who can have a similar impact.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Quincy Miller

Position: Small Forward

School: Baylor

Height/Weight: 6'9", 200 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists

Quincy Miller is the best player available at this point in the draft. He has freakish athleticism and will be a very good player in the Association. He has the potential to be an All-Star down the line, and the Dallas Mavericks could certainly use him on their team.

The Mavericks have entered rebuilding mode and aging small forward Shawn Marion is likely to be amnestied this offseason, due to his large contract and declining production.

Miller would be a great replacement.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Ross

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

School: Washington

Height/Weight: 6'7", 197 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.4 ppg, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Terrence Ross is one of the best scorers in this draft, and when you couple that with his immense athleticism, you get a player that could win a couple of scoring titles in the NBA. Although he isn't as much of a passer, he could be one of the best wing players in the Association in a couple years.

The Minnesota Timberwolves desperately need one of those.

Swingman Wesley Johnson is a quintessential bust, while the Wolves have been forced to start Luke Ridnour at shooting guard, with mixed results. Terrence Ross is the perfect player to space the floor with his shooting ability and facilitate the game of forwards Kevin Love and Derrick Williams.

19. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague

Position: Point Guard

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6'2", 179 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 10.0 ppg, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals

Marquis Teague was maddeningly inconsistent in his only year at the University of Kentucky, and many analysts thought that he should have stayed in school for a year. Although he started off the year playing awfully, he improved towards the end and helped lead his team to a national championship.

The Orlando Magic will be glad that Teague didn't stay in school for another year, as they really need help at the point guard position. Jameer Nelson had a disappointing year and doesn't look like the promising guard that they selected out of Saint Joseph's.

Teague could end up replacing Nelson, if he can develop a good shot stroke and prove that he has NBA court vision.

20. Denver Nuggets: Austin Rivers

Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard

School: Duke

Height/Weight: 6'4", 203 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 15.5 points, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals

Austin Rivers takes too many shots. That's a fact that anyone who watched Duke play last year would know.

However, there's no denying that Austin Rivers was one of the best scorers at the collegiate level last year. Rivers could certainly help out a team that lacks a go-to-guy, like the Philadelphia 76ers or Denver Nuggets.

Although Rivers doesn't have ideal size for a shooting guard, expect the Nuggets to pull the trigger on Rivers. They're an up-and-coming team that needs a player who can score when they desperately need to, and Doc Rivers' son could be that man.

21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie

Position: Power Forward/Center

School: Mississippi State

Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 0.8 blocks

Arnett Moultrie is a player who can do many things. He is an electric scorer with a perimeter game, a good rebounder, and a decent shot-blocker. Moultrie played small forward when he went to UTEP, before he transferred, and that only enhances his versatility.

The Boston Celtics could certainly use a power forward like Moultrie with Kevin Garnett possibly retiring at seasons' end. Moultrie could be a player that the Celtics could build around, because his supreme athleticism gives him a lot of potential.

Look for the Celtics to target Moultrie in the draft.

22. Boston Celtics: Royce White

Position: Power Forward

School: Iowa State

Height/Weight: 6'8", 270 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 13.4 points, 9.3 assists, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals

Royce White's biggest problems are his fear of flying and anxiety issues. Flying is an essential part of being an NBA player, and any team that drafts him will need to pay special attention to him in terms of accommodations.

That being said, White is one of the best all-around players in this draft He single-handedly led the Iowa State Cyclones into the NCAA tournament and past a UConn team led by Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond. White has the ability to play a point-forward role, but also play under the basket.

White is a special talent, and the Celtics can afford to take a chance on a player like him.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten

Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

School: Washington

Height/Weight: 6'5", 180 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 steals

Tony Wroten is another combo guard that has a good handle and can drive to the basket quite well. Wroten's scoring ability doesn't seem to affect his passing ability, which is average. His athletic ability and size will allow him to become an above-average point guard in the NBA if he can prevent turning the ball over.

The Hawks aren't likely to give up on Jeff Teague, but they will definitely realize that Wroten has a lot more potential than the former Wake Forest guard. At worst, Wroten will be a solid backup in the NBA. For this reason alone, Wroten will go to the Hawks.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Moe Harkless

Position: Small Forward

School: St. John's

Height/Weight: 6'8", 208 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals

Moe Harkless is an athletic freak that's eerily similar to Baylor forward Quincy Miller in terms of body type and play style. Harkless needs to develop a better jumpshot if he wants to make it in the NBA, and that's a primary reason why many were surprised that he left Saint John's after his freshman season.

Regardless, Harkless will be a coveted prospect because of his potential, which is certainly a lot higher than Cavaliers small forward Alonzo Gee's is. The Cavs will have the option to add a player with a lot of value this late in the draft, and you can expect them to do so.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

School: N/A - International (France)

Height/Weight: 6'7", 206 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals

Not much is known about the French product here in the United States, but he has good size for his position and could be a solid player in the NBA. Fournier spends most of his time on offensive driving to the rim, and he has a nice ability to finish.

The Grizzlies could use another offensive threat, especially given the fact that O.J. Mayo is a restricted free agent this summer. If it looks like Mayo will bolt, the Grizzlies might pick up the Frenchman.

26. Indiana Pacers: Festus Ezeli

Position: Center

School: Vanderbilt

Height/Weight: 6'11", 255 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 10.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks

Those rebounding numbers are certainly disappointing, especially for a player with all of the physical tools that Festus Ezeli boasts. He has great size and has shown a lot of growth throughout his college career. Although his rebounding numbers are terrible, Ezeli will still be a prospect that many teams look at.

The Indiana Pacers are one of the most solid teams in the NBA, and don't have any glaring weaknesses. However, whenever Roy Hibbert comes out of the game, the Pacers seem to lose a huge defensive presence. Backups like Jeff Foster can't be as imposing as Hibbert is. Ezeli has the ability to be a solid backup in the NBA, and that is a role that he might undertake as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo

Position: Center

School: Syracuse

Height/Weight: 7'0", 250 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks

Fab Melo's draft stock plummeted following his inability to play in the NCAA tournament due to academic issues. However, the seven-footer is still a great defensive presence and a premier shot-blocker. Melo can protect the paint for almost any team, but he's slow and lacks any semblance of an offensive game. He needs to work on his post moves if he wants to be anything more than a defensive role player.

However, that's all that the Miami Heat really need from a center. They already have three great scorers in Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh (four if you count Mario Chalmers). The Heat need a player who can protect the rim, and Fab Melo can do just that as a starter for the Heat.

This is a match made in heaven.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

School: Michigan State

Height/Weight: 6'6", 235 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals

Draymond Green is a winner, and that's what will attract teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder to him.

Although Green is severly undersized for a power forward, he was still able to get an uncanny number of rebounds last year with the Michigan State Spartans. He could end up having a DeJuan Blair-like career as an undersized rebounder, but his potential is very low.

Green is a safe pick for a team like the Thunder, who have no pressing needs and can take a player that can do everything well.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb

Position: Shooting Guard

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6'4", 170 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists

Doron Lamb is a marksman.

There's no other word that can describe the Kentucky guard, who shot 46.6% from three-point range last year. Lamb has an incredible ability to score and has a great jump shot, which will allow him to be a very good scorer in the NBA. Although Lamb doesn't have great size for a shooting guard and isn't good at anything other than shooting, he can still be an offensive threat for whatever team selects him.

The Bulls just need a scorer at the shooting guard position; Ronnie Brewer is not a starter and shouldn't be starting for the Bulls. Rip Hamilton was brought in to provide a scoring threat, but he was too injured this year to be effective. With some guidance, Lamb could take over Hamilton's spot.

30. Golden State Warriors: Tyshawn Taylor

Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

School: Kansas

Height/Weight: 6'3", 180 lbs

Per-Game Stats: 16.6 points, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals

Tyshawn Taylor is an athletic scoring point guard who has shown a lot of growth over the years at Kansas. The biggest knock on Taylor is his inconsistency, as he often made questionable decisions with the ball in his hand. Taylor has the ability to be a solid player at the next level, and a team will take a chance on his game-changing ability.

The Warriors might well be that team. With Stephen Curry injured too often, and Nate Robinson being more effective off the bench, Taylor could be a player that replaces Curry in the starting lineup when the former Davidson star is injured.

Taylor has the potential to be a very good player in the NBA, and the Warriors could use him as a backup to Steph Curry.