2012 NBA Mock Draft: Ranking Potential Hall of Famers from Class of 2012

Yeah, we're talking about the Hall of Fame in this article. Sure, none of these guys have played an NBA game yet, but no matter—we're going out on a limb to project which players have Hall of Fame potential.

Now, if I'm being totally honest, I only think one player in this class will have a legitimate shot at the Hall of Fame when all is said and done. I'll reveal that in the article. But there are two other players who have elite potential as well, and could surprise everyone with a legendary career.

It's a mock draft. It's me going out on the ultimate limb and making Hall of Fame predictions. It's boatloads of fun any way you slice it.

Let's get this party started.

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

Davis is one player who I believe could definitely end up in the Hall of Fame. I think he'll be the most dominant defensive player of his generation, and he could go down in history as one of the best shot blockers, period.

He'll need to work on some things at the next level, obviously. He needs to put some more meat on his lean frame and add strength, for one. And he needs to improve his offensive game, though I think his crazy athleticism will lend him to great offensive range.

Think Dwight Howard's defensive presence and Kevin Garnett's offensive style of play, and that's what I believe Davis's ceiling could be. Time will tell.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

Here's what I think MKG's upside is—a player that could average 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game.

He has the upside to become one of the better perimeter defenders in the game and would be the ideal player in a defensive oriented, score-in-transition style of play.

Do I ultimately think he'll be a Hall of Fame player at the next level? No. But is he one of the few players in this draft even worth talking about in that regard?

You betcha.

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

I'm torn on this pick being either Beal or Harrison Barnes. For now, I'll give the Cavs the less established player with more upside.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)  

I think Robinson is the most NBA-ready of the players that will be lottery picks, and he should be good immediately. But I don't think he has Hall of Fame upside.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)

Too much bust potential here for Hall of Fame talk. Too much talent for the the Kings to pass him up, however.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey): Austin Rivers, SG (Duke)

I think he may end up being the most electric scorer in this draft, but I think his game will always be one dimensional, a la Monta Ellis.

7. Golden State Warriors (from Utah): Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

Another player who should score the rock but won't ever be an elite player. Think Danny Granger here.

8. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

He's this draft's biggest enigma, plain and simple. If he doesn't become more consistent, he'll be maddening for whichever team drafts him.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)

He'll do everything well. But he won't be special in any one facet of the game.

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

Needing a point guard, the Hornets will go with Lillard, the best scoring option at the position in this draft.

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

Surprised?

Here's why I think Marshall has Hall of Fame potential: His ability to distribute the rock and accumulate assists is as impressive an asset as Anthony Davis's ability to block shots. Marshall is a phenomenal passer, and he's the sort of player who will make his teammates better.

At worst, I think you're looking at an Andre Miller-type player at the next level. At best, I think he's got some John Stockton in him, emphasis on "some."

You could be looking at the next great pure passing point guard in the NBA. Think fondly of me at the end of Marshall's career.

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

I'd be surprised if the Bucks went a different route after trading away Andrew Bogut.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut)  

Lamb might go way higher than this, but I don't think he's a Top Five talent. Lamb is a no-brainer if he drops this far, however.

14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi State)     

He averaged a double-double last year (15.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG), and he still has a lot of untapped potential. He might surprise some folks at the next level.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

Henson is a defensive stalwart on the block, and the Sixers thrive on playing solid defense and keeping games close. This is a match made in heaven.

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

Houston could be getting the next Lamar Odom in Jones. That's a good and bad thing, for what it's worth.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse)

Waiters is an intriguing prospect and should be NBA-ready. On the Mavs, he could get quality minutes and make an instant impact next season.

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

The Timberwolves are a legitimate two-guard away from being a young, scary team next season. Ross might be the guy they're looking for next year.

19. Orlando Magic: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois) 

I keep debating over whether or not the Magic would add some Howard insurance here or try to find an instant impact player. Still, you can never have too many quality big men, and if Leonard drops to them, I think they'd be hard pressed to pass him up.

20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)   

He's a project, but the payoff could be huge given his potential.

21. Boston Celtics: Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett might be gone after this season. Finding replacements for each will be vital. I don't know if that's possible in the draft, but Lamb would be a nice start.

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

White is risky, but he showed off his immense potential at the NCAA tournament this year. At this point in the draft, high risk, high reward picks are worth the gamble.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, Jr., PG (Washington)

He'll never be the passer that Marshall will be, but his defense and ability to finish around the rim make him an appealing option. He could be a steal.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

Sure, the upside is limited, but he averaged 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season as senior. At least the young Cavs know what they're getting with this pick.

25.  Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless, PF (St. John's)

When you average 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds as a freshman, you're a risk worth taking this late in the draft.

26.  Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

Indiana should look to add the best available player here. Though he's a bit of a project, I think Teague could develop into a very nice point guard.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, PF (Michigan State)

Green is somewhat of a "tweener," but he does a little bit of everything. He just seems like such a natural fit in Miami.

28.  Oklahoma City Thunder: Fab Melo, C (Syracuse) 

If Melo dropped to the Thunder here, I'm sure they'd be thrilled. Another legitimate body for the frontcourt could make this team very difficult to stop for the next decade.

29. Chicago Bulls: Jeffrey Taylor, SG (Vanderbilt)

He simply fits the Bulls perfectly. Good size, solid defender, excellent perimeter shooter. Match made in heaven.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Will Barton, SG (Memphis)

At this point, Barton is the best remaining player, and he would give the Warriors another option on the wing.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets will gladly have another as well.