2012 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Full First-Round Mock
With the first round of the playoffs history, eight teams have now been forced to think about the draft. The injuries and poor play of some will cause changes in direction for these teams.
This has subsequently caused me to update my last mock draft.
To compound these events, deep examination of the depth charts and contract situations have also made changes necessary.
These are things that make mock drafts such a living work. So what you are about read is not my first, and it certainly won't be my last update before June 28, when NBA teams take all the prognosticating out of the mix.
In this update, I'll concentrate on the players I've moved since my last mock, and explain to you why they've fallen or ascended.
(Spotlighted players and teams will be italicized.)
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Previous Mock - Same
Davis is safe here for now, but I don't think it's entirely out of the question for a player like Andre Drummond to steal the top spot. Davis is incredibly talented, and he'd help the Bobcats, but I'm not sure he's what I would want in a No. 1 overall selection.
2. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn
Previous Mock - Same
I haven't adjusted Drummond's spot as of now; if I had the No. 1 my selection, I'd take Drummond unless he totally embarrasses himself in team interviews and shows up out of shape.
His upside is incredible, and he's a No. 1 overall pick from a talent standpoint. The Wizards could have a deadly point guard/center combination with Drummond and Wall.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Previous Mock - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
I totally disagree with taking Beal this high, but this is a mock predicting what will happen, not what I would do. Teams and some experts are high on Beal; I am not as enthused. That said—I bumped him up three spots.
He has a nice shooting stroke, a muscular body and he rebounds great for a SG. But at 6'3", with only decent athleticism, I question if he'll be able to create his own shot consistently in the NBA.
If he can't do that, then it reduces him to a spot-up shooter, and 6'3" spot-up shooters aren't worthy of the No. 3 pick overall.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Previous Mock - Same
Robinson is still set at No. 4 for me, and the Hornets will be getting a gem if this holds true. Robinson is a hard worker who will produce from day one. His ceiling isn't as high as say Drummond, or even Davis, but he'll be solid.
5. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Previous Mock - Harrison Barnes
I've dropped MKG this time because I believe the Cavs will covet a SG more than a SF at this time. I think that is a mistake, because MKG's talent and intangibles would be great for Cleveland right now.
But he can still have a great impact on Sacramento's young roster.
This kid is a leader and he gives 100 percent whenever he's on the floor. He is an absolute glue guy with his versatility and stat-sheet-stuffing abilities.
His attitude and approach could be just what Sacramento needs to start taking advantage of the young talent they have.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (Via Brooklyn Nets): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
Previous Mock - Bradley Beal
I've bumped Marshall up a bit on this mock because the Blazers' primary need is at the point. Marshall is the best pure point guard in the draft, and that would help the Blazers' attack immensely.
They realized Raymond Felton was not the answer last year, and they don't really have another player on the roster waiting to take on the role.
Marshall would give the Blazers a much-needed floor general.
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
Previous Mock - Perry Jones III
Barnes falls because he simply isn't a spectacular pick, and most teams in the top five are looking to make a splash. In my opinion, Barnes is a solid player, but not a future star.
I think he fits well with Golden State, as the wing position should see some nice opportunities playing off what Warriors nation hopes will be a healthy Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry.
Barnes' outside shooting and defensive abilities would be a real plus in Golden State.
8. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III, SF/PF, Baylor
Previous Mock - Kendall Marshall
Let's get this straight, PJ3's best position in the NBA would be SF. If teams try to make him play the 4, he'll never reach his potential.
I've dropped him one spot only because the Warriors would probably be more enticed by Barnes, because he's more proven. But PJ3 has far more upside, and it's possible the Warriors could regret passing on him in the long run.
In Toronto, PJ3, Andrea Bargnani and Jonas Valanciunas could make for a huge and versatile frontcourt.
9. Detroit Pistons: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Previous Mock - Same
Lamb stays put at No. 9. He is the best SG in the draft in my opinion. His length and shooting ability are exceptional. He isn't a future superstar, but he is a very good wing prospect that will produce on both ends of the floor.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Previous Mock - Same
I'm sticking to my guns with Rivers; he has great potential as a high-volume scorer and clutch performer. The Hornets need star power and they may need a SG if restricted free agent Eric Gordon isn't retained.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
Previous Mock - Same
Zeller also stays put as the Blazers must address the center position. He is a legit seven-footer that shows decent post-up ability, but more importantly, he defends at the rim.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina
Previous Mock - Same
Henson still makes sense here. The Bucks need a big to replace Bogut and Henson's style seems like a great fit for Scott Skiles.
13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Previous Mock - Same
I almost changed this, so Lillard could definitely rise later on, possibly even to Portland. If scouts and NBA GMs become confident in his ability to play the PG, he could be the first lead guard off the board.
For now, Phoenix would be getting an explosive scorer and solid ball-handler to potentially replace Steve Nash if he leaves in free agency.
14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State
Previous Mock - Same
Moultrie is another player that could move up. He is probably the furthest along offensively of any big man in the draft, and that can be tantalizing.
The Rockets could move Luis Scola or put Moultrie at center to improve their frontcourt.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Previous Mock - Same
Sully is right with Moultrie offensively, except he's shorter and far less athletic. That is the biggest reason I haven't lifted him, and why I believe he'll be available at this point of the draft.
16. Houston Rockets (from N.Y. Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Previous Mock - Same
Waiters is a risky pick in my opinion, even though he has talent. Because of that, he stays where he is for now. He's quick and gets the basket, but he's only 6'4" and thickly built.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SF, Washington
Previous Mock - Same
Ross stays here for Dallas on my board. He is a great run-and-jump athlete with a solid shooting stroke. The Mavericks would benefit greatly by adding youth and athleticism to their squad.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Previous Mock - Same
Jones could rise in the future, but for now I have him here. As a SF, his defense and ability to shoot from distance is a plus. But for the Wolves, he could potentially post up smaller forwards and even spell Kevin Love.
19. Orlando Magic: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
Previous Mock - Fab Melo
Previously, I had the Magic taking Syracuse big man Fab Melo, but in paying attention to recent rumblings, it is clear they are going to ride with Dwight Howard until the bitter end.
Even if Howard bolts, the Magic would have to rebuild completely, and that may not begin with a center.
Jeffery Taylor is one of the most underrated players in this draft. He has All-Star Weekend hops and good size for the wing position. He excels on defense and can guard three positions because of his combination of size and athleticism.
Taylor would be a great first piece in turning the page, or a wing option for Howard, if he stays.
20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Previous Mock - Same
I'll keep Miller here for now. The Nuggets have capable players at every spot; what they need is a game-changer. Miller is not that—yet—but he certainly has the talent to be special.
He needed another year in school, but he is too talented to pass up here.
21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
Previous Mock - Same
I still love this pick for the Celtics. Nicholson has great post-up ability and he is a high-character kid. The Celtics would be getting a steal with him.
22. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Previous Mock - John Jenkins
The Celtics could take advantage of Orlando passing on Melo, and add two solid bigs late in the first round. The C's could lose Kevin Garnett in free agency, so adding depth to the frontcourt is huge, especially considering the team is one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA.
Melo and Nicholson could be the team's starting PF and C moving forward, and they still have Brandon Bass and young JaJuan Johnson.
This would give the Celtics some new-found depth up front, and they could possibly bring back either KG or Ray Allen to stay competitive next season.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Previous Mock - Jeffery Taylor
The Hawks were dumped again in the first round, and the series with the Celtics further proves their need for a SF. With Taylor presumably off the board, Harkless is the best option at the SF position.
He can rebound and score from the inside and outside. He has the bulk to play PF in spots, but he'd excel as a jump shooter and post-up option at the SF position.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Previous Mock - Same
Leonard stays at No. 24 for Cleveland here; he is a legit seven-footer with some skills, but he needed another year in school to be more NBA-ready.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
Previous Mock - Same
With the Grizzlies' loss in the playoffs and the potential exit of O.J. Mayo, the Grizz need a playmaker in the backcourt. I'm not sure you can ask for more from their frontcourt.
Thus, I stay with Wroten here. He has versatility and athleticism and he would make sense for the Grizzlies.
26. Indiana Pacers: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
Previous Mock - Moe Harkless
Call me crazy, but I just don't believe the Pacers will knock off the Heat—even with Chris Bosh out. I can see the series going six or seven games easily, but I don't think Indy has the firepower in the backcourt.
They have a very nice frontcourt with Roy Hibbert and David West, but the guard play is not stellar offensively. George Hill is a restricted free agent and Lamb would be an excellent addition.
He is a pure shooter, having shot 47 percent from three-point range, and 81 percent from the line. With Harkless presumably gone, Lamb would be a nice pick.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Previous Mock - Same
This isn't likely to change; the Heat's lack of depth on the frontcourt is being exposed right now with Bosh injured. This team needs a big in the worst way. Ezeli could provide size and depth up front.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Previous Mock - Same
The Thunder need depth at PG, and because of Teague's talent, I can't change this pick. Teague has too much upside for the Thunder to pass on him here.
29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Previous Mock - Doron Lamb
I believe Lamb would be a better fit, but if he's gone, Jenkins is a tremendous shooter in his own right. The Bulls need a player that can create his own shot that isn't Jenkins, but at this stage of the draft a player like that may not be available.
Jenkins shoots over 40 percent from three-point range, so he has some skills. In my opinion, the Bulls are a team that needs to strongly consider trading up in the draft.
30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Draymond Green, PF/SF, Michigan State
Previous Mock - Same
Green and all of his versatility and intangibles remain here on my mock. If the Warriors want to change their culture, coming out of the draft with Barnes and Green is a great start.
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