2012 NBA Mock Draft: Players Who Will Immediately Help Playoff Contenders

While the prospects set to go at the very top of this June's draft may have to wait their turns to get a feel for the NBA postseason, some of their peers may be pressed into playoff action right away.

A number of first-round teams have an enviable combination of prime draft selections and rosters already on the verge of mixing it up in the playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves top the Western Conference's list of teams who could make the playoff jump with some help from this inordinately deep draft class.

Meanwhile, each of the teams in the Eastern Conference semifinals could give themselves a potentially decisive edge by winding up with first-round steals.

Of course, it's anything but easy for a rookie to crack a playoff team's rotation, but you'll notice a few who fit the profile in this first round.

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

The Bobcats hit rock-bottom this season, but at least they'll have the opportunity to secure one of the most dynamic big men to hit the draft in some time. Anthony Davis will make his mark defensively, blocking shots and making the paint an all-around dangerous place for slashing guards and opposing big men alike. Charlotte won't get much better overnight, but Davis is a perfect centerpiece to begin a legitimate rebuilding project.

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

Starting with John Wall, the Wizards have a nice platoon of young players to build around. But, they're still missing the kind of toughness and leadership that even talented teams desperately need. Robinson's mental and physical edge would do wonders for Washington inside the painted area, and the lively power forward would avail Wall of an explosive sidekick.

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

Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving proved plenty in his first NBA campaign, but he still needs someone to help the Cavaliers score a few points. After averaging almost 15 points a game as a freshman, Beal looks primed to do the job. He can score in a lot of different ways and would instantly give Cleveland one of the most potent young backcourts in the league.

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

The 6'7" Kidd-Gilchrist would give the Hornets a difference-maker in the mold of Gerald Wallace or Andre Iguodala. With an improved perimeter shot, the small forward out of Kentucky could become a much bigger star, though.

The Hornets could use another well-rounded athlete on the wing, but they could use this kid's worth ethic and defensive tenacity even more. There remains a very good chance that Washington and Cleveland also need those things enough to snatch Kidd-Gilchrist before New Orleans ever has the chance.

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

A number of mock drafts have the Kings taking Andre Drummond here, but Sacramento isn't in an especially good position to be taking risks. The last thing they want surrounding the volatile DeMarcus Cousins is a guy who shows inconsistent effort (like Drummond). Barnes, on the other hand, would do wonders for the King's small forward position on both ends of the floor—his spot-up shooting ability would be especially valuable given Tyreke Evans' solid drive-and-kick abilities.

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

Without Marcus Camby around, Portland desperately needs a center so that LaMarcus Aldridge can remain comfortably stationed at power forward. Despite the concerns surrounding Drummond's motivation and his still-raw post game, the Trail Blazers could hit a home run with this pick if the 6'11" athletic hulk lives up to his robust potential.

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

The Warriors already have an incredibly young team, and it's not at all inconceivable that they'd move this pick to the highest bidder. If they keep it, though, it would be hard to pass up on Jones III, easily one of the most promising players in this draft. Think of him as a spacier, questionably motivated and less-defensively-inclined version of Anthony Davis. The exciting athleticism and scoring ability are most certainly there, though.

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

Toronto needs someone who can take over as the team's best scorer, pure and simple. Lamb can shoot from anywhere and is learning to exploit his 7'0" wingspan around the basket, making him the guy most likely to step in and lead the Raptors. Regardless of what that means for DeMar DeRozan, this franchise can pass up such a talented offensive threat.

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

With center Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight forming the beginning of a talented young nucleus, John Henson and his Mr. Fantastic-style arms would give Detroit a much-needed shot-swatter in the paint. The energetic power forward will rebound and hustle his way into the hearts of demanding Pistons fans, and justifiably so. He's got more upside than some give him credit for.

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

If the Hornets secure a tough defender like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Thomas Robinson with their first selection, the next pick could be reserved for an elite scorer. That's where Lillard comes in—he has the quickness to get to the rim and abundant range on the perimeter.

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

The pass-first alternative to Damian Lillard, Marshall could be a perfect long-term fit as Portland's floor general. The Trail Blazers' experience with Raymond Felton was mixed at best, and Marshall is about as safe a bet as this draft has at the point.

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

As much as the Bucks could use a wingman like Terrence Jones or Jeff Taylor, they need help in the frontcourt even more. And with Andrew Bogut out of the picture, Tyler Zeller meets an immediate need at the center position. He's a mobile seven-footer with the skill to start relatively quickly for Milwaukee.

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

The Suns didn't make the postseason cut this season, but they are as well-positioned as almost any team in the lottery to change that next season. If free agent Steve Nash returns and Phoenix spends the rest of its cap room wisely, this franchise might not be far off from returning to at least an approximation of its glory days.

Terrence Jones won't be leading a professional team in scoring any time soon, but that doesn't mean he can't help one make a postseason push.

With a 7'3" wingspan, Jones has the size and strength to guard some power forwards, along with the athleticism and quickness to excel on the perimeter. Given Grant Hill's uncertain future, adding Jones to the mix may be helpful in the short and long term alike.

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

Like the Suns, Houston was poised to sneak into the postseason up to the very end. They could find themselves in a similar situation next season, especially with better luck on the injury front. Then again, the Rockets may find themselves outbid for Goran Dragic's services and in need of a more affordable sixth man.

Rivers could be the perfect man for the job. He doesn't have Dragic's floor vision or skills at the point, but he's an absolutely lethal scorer. He could give the Rockets a spark off the bench from the outset thanks to his range and slashing ability.

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

While the 76ers are certainly set to frequent the postseason for years to come, there's no telling how much Sullinger would be able to contribute right off the bat. He's more intelligent than the average bruiser, but he's also undersized for his position—it could take a few years for him to modify his game for the NBA's taller frontlines.

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

Luis Scola is certainly one of the NBA's most consistent power forwards, but he isn't exactly one of its most athletic. Moultrie is still raw at the moment, but he can get up and down the floor and get to his fair share of rebounds. His athleticism would be a nice addition to the roster, even if he doesn't make much of an immediate impact.

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

In a perfect world, Meyers Leonard would have a few years to add some muscle and polish his skills before being tasked with any major responsibilities. In a world where the Mavericks select him, however, there may not be any time to waste.

Of course, if the Mavericks whiff on their offseason free-agent targets, Leonard would come on the scene at a time of quasi-rebuilding. Assuming Dallas can surround Dirk Nowitzki with enough talent, though, the seven-foot sophomore would be pressed into duty on a team with little margin for error. When compared to in-house options like Brendan Haywood, even an inexperienced prospect like Leonard doesn't look half bad.

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

Ross may be long gone by the time Minnesota is up to pick, but otherwise he'd be more than happy (and able) to help this team take that next step into the postseason. He averaged 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks—numbers that suggest he may be one of the most well-rounded wing players in the draft.

The sophomore out of Washington can shoot, but it's his willingness to do everything else that makes him such a premium prospect. Minnesota has young talent at just about every position, but Martell Webster may not be the way forward at shooting guard. Even if Ross didn't start in his place immediately, there's little doubt he'd play some significant minutes.

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

If it weren't for guys like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Harrison Barnes and Terrence Jones, Taylor would easily be one of the best available small forwards. His on-ball defense is exceptional, and he's turned himself into a reliable jump-shooter would solid athletic ability to boot.

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

The Nuggets should be in the playoffs more often than not for the foreseeable future, but it would take Wroten Jr. a long time to make any difference to those efforts. He's got the upside and frame to become another Rodney Stuckey, but his decision-making and scoring efficiency remain discernible weaknesses.

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

This 6'9" forward didn't get as much attention as he might have on a team without Perry Jones III, but he's a versatile athlete with the kind of physical tools the Celtics might like to have in the fold as the franchise attempts to get younger.

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

For the moment, Melo gets by on his defensive impact and sheer athleticism. Outside of his explosive ability around the rim, he doesn't have much of an offensive game to speak of. Even so, he could make a substantial impact on a club with a notable shortage of size.

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

The numbers from Waiters' sophomore campaign at Syracuse won't jump out at you, but his production wasn't too shabby given that he played just over 24 minutes a game—and it was certainly efficient. He's the perfect slasher to energize Atlanta's aging bench.

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

If Harkless can prove to teams that he has more than upside alone, he could make a case for being selected ahead of Jeff Taylor. Otherwise, he'll probably be the best small forward Cleveland can get its hands on. He'd help the Cavaliers complete a wing in need of total reconstruction.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

The Grizzlies don't have many needs, but they could use some depth at the 4 in the event that Darrell Arthur and/or Marreese Speights aren't part of Memphis' long-term plans. Nicholson has especially good range for a young power forward, along with the skills and physical tools to succeed in the pros.

26. Indiana Pacers: Draymond Green, F (Michigan St.)

The Pacers have a quality bench, but this roster could still use a versatile forward to play behind Danny Granger. Green doesn't have especially ideal size, but he more than makes up for it with an incredibly broad skill set that includes proficient scoring and passing alike. He'll also make an impact on the glass via hustle alone.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt)

It's no secret that the Miami Heat have a void in the middle of their lineup. Ezeli would almost certainly be a long-term improvement over Joel Anthony and the assorted miscellany riding Erik Spoelstra's bench. He's not good for much besides defense at this point, but sometimes that's enough.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Evan Fournier, SG (France)

If it weren't already obvious, the Thunder don't need a whole heck of a lot. A raw prospect like Fournier would be the perfect long-term investment. If Thabo Sefolosha or Daequan Cook moves on at any point in the near future, Fournier could be the replacement.

29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

Rarely would a pick this late in the draft make an immediate impact, but Derrick Rose's protracted recovery time could change all that. Assuming the Bulls don't trade up in the draft or otherwise find a creative use for this selection, Teague could well be the best available point guard—assuming he's even still on the board.

Like Tony Parker—another point guard taken late in the first round—Teague has solid court vision and unsurpassed quickness. He wouldn't threaten Rose for a starting job, but he could help fill in for the former MVP until he returns to action.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): William Buford, SG (Ohio State)

It wouldn't be shocking in the least if the Warriors end up trading this pick. The team already has plenty of youth on the roster and a lottery pick on top of that. Barring a move of some kind, though, Buford may have as much potential as anyone stashed this late in the draft.