2012 NBA Mock Draft: Which 1st Round Studs Will Have Biggest Impact?

June's NBA Draft will significantly change the fortunes of a few teams this summer.

Thanks to this draft class' wealth of talent and elite difference-makers, there should be a little something for everyone—from the league's most long-suffering franchises to teams on the brink of contending.

The prospects best positioned to make an impact similarly range the spectrum of young talent.

Some, like Anthony Davis and Thomas Robinson, are big men who could one day rank among the league's very best power forwards. Others—including Bradley Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist—are ready-made stars who will thrive on both ends of the floor.

What they all share in common, however, is the ability to immediately step into a rotation and earn more than a few minutes.

As we look forward to one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, here's a complete first-round scenario highlighting the most impactful young stars on the horizon.

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

The Bobcats are proof that measuring a rookie's impact is all relative. Charlotte isn't going to make a major turnaround overnight regardless of who they draft—this team will remain raw and several pieces away from relevance.

Still, Anthony Davis would make an incredible impact. Few players—rookie or veteran—have a similar capacity to singularly dominate the paint. Even if the 6'10" freshman finds the NBA a slightly more difficult challenge, he didn't block 4.7 shots a game this season by accident.

Davis' quickness, length and stunning athleticism also make him a formidable rebounder and a scorer with plenty of potential. With Kemba Walker poised to become this team's primary scorer, Davis should eventually become a reliable second option who gets a lot of his points through sheer hustle.

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

Wherever Robinson goes, he'll make an instant impact both on and off the court. He averaged nearly 18 points as a junior at Kansas, thanks to a well-rounded offensive game that included range rare for young power forwards. Even if he struggles against some of the NBA's taller defenders, his ability to make a jump shot will pay huge dividends.

More importantly, this kid is a born leader with a tough streak that most young, rebuilding teams desperately need—the Washington Wizards being no exception. In fact, while this team can blame some things on youth and inexperience, its biggest problem has been showing consistent effort. Robinson could be a start to the culture shift that John Wall's club has been waiting for.

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

The Cavaliers will almost certainly take a shooting guard or small forward to give Kyrie Irving a quality sidekick for the foreseeable future. That makes Bradley Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist the obvious choices. Kidd-Gilchrist may already be taken by the Wizards, but even if he's not, Beal may be capable of making a more immediate impact.

He's already a dynamic scorer from all over the hardwood, and he would instantly give Byron Scott's team one of the best young backcourts in the game. Kidd-Gilchrist makes sense here for a number of other reasons, but he's unlikely to have the same kind of offensive impact in this first couple years of what could be an exceptional career. Beal will be ready to give a team starting-caliber production from day one, and Cleveland is in no mood to wait any longer than it has to.

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

There's a very real possibility Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could wind up becoming the very best player in this draft. He's a live-wire defender with the instincts and maturity you almost never find among freshmen. If he falls to the Hornets, it will only be because his shooting ability remains a bit raw for a guy who would otherwise be an incredibly well-rounded scorer.

That doesn't mean he won't make vital contributions, though. Kidd-Gilchrist would fit right into the defensively-minded culture Monty Williams espouses and use his hustle and slashing abilities to get to the rim. With Eric Gordon already in the backcourt and another lottery selection, Kidd-Gilchrist may become the instant "glue guy" for a promising young nucleus.

And after a little more polish, he could be a legitimate all-star.

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

The Kings might take Andre Drummond here as well, but the thought of the young big man falling under DeMarcus Cousins' questionable influence should concern Sacramento. Barnes would be the safer bet, and he'd allow Sacramento to move Tyreke Evans back to the guard position. As much as this team needs interior defense, it also needs better defenders on the wing. Barnes could be the guy for the job.

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

It's no secret the Trail Blazers need both a center and a point guard, and their first selection could net them a pretty promising center. If all goes right for Drummond, he could one day yield Andrew Bynum levels of production (although there are a lot of "ifs" involved with that trajectory). Early on, Drummond would at least be a big body capable of intimidating shots and grabbing some rebounds.

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

Much like Drummond, Jones III is a hit-or-miss proposition. The 6'11" sophomore has the physical tools to become a legitimate star, but he's yet to put his skills on full display on a truly consistent basis. He could slip in the draft because of that, but his tantalizing upside and talent could make him awfully hard to resist for the Warriors.

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

It might not have always looked like Lamb was fully engaged in the game at hand, but he sure found a way to make things happen more often than not. The sophomore averaged nearly 18 points for the Huskies thanks to his efficient shooting stroke, and he could be a decent second or third option from the outset in the NBA (and a go-to guy down the road).

He could also make a greater defensive contribution than the average young scorer thanks to his 7'0" wingspan and quickness on the perimeter. He gets his hands on passes and shot attempts alike.

The Raptors are in dire need of well-rounded talent. Despite a roster with young pieces like DeMar DeRozan and Ed Davis, this club could use Lamb to round out the starting lineup.

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

While it's anyone's guess when the Pistons will finally start to figure things out, Henson would be a huge step in the right direction. He's a much better defender than either Charlie Villanueva or Jason Maxiell thanks to his length and athletic ability, if nothing else. With Greg Monroe establishing himself as a steady below-the-rim scorer, Henson makes for a perfect above-the-rim defensive complement.

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

Lillard could certainly be a game-changer for New Orleans in a sixth-man role—he's a pure-bred scorer with range and slashing ability that the Hornets could use off the bench. If and when Lillard develops a floor vision commensurate to his electric scoring ability, he could be ready to take over point guard duties from Jarrett Jack.

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

If Lillard is still on the board, Portland very well might go in that direction instead, but there's plenty to like about Marshall. He has great size for a point guard and ran UNC's offense to perfection more often than not. He averaged just a hair under 10 assists per contest as a sophomore, and that should tell you everything you need to know.

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

The Bucks will probably have the opportunity to land someone with more All-Star potential, but this is a team that's close to making the playoffs and needs someone who can step in right away to fill Andrew Bogut's shoes.

Zeller played four seasons for the Tar Heels and demonstrated remarkable consistency in his junior and senior campaigns. He could be the most NBA-ready big man outside of Anthony Davis.

The well-rounded seven-footer averaged 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as a senior, but his fundamentally sound skills may be the more impressive statement. He's got good quickness for a big man and a similarly uncanny touch around the rim. Whether this kid ever becomes an all-star, he could become a starter in no time at all.

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

It's far too soon to put a ceiling on Terrence Jones' upside. His frame and 7'3" wingspan give him the physical tools become an all-star, and his talents as a scorer, rebounder and passer won't hurt either. This pick just might help persuade Steve Nash to stick around, so it makes sense to land an athlete who can do a little bit of everything and finish on the break.

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

Rivers would give the Rockets a sixth man who scores like it's his job. In the short term, he gives Houston the flexibility to avoid overspending on Goran Dragic if another team makes the restricted free agent a huge offer. In the long term, he might also give the team the ability to move Kevin Martin. Either way, this selection makes sense for a club that can address other needs later in the draft.

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

With young guys like Jrue Holiday, Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young forming Philadelphia's future core, a bruiser like Sullinger would certainly help complete the picture. As Elton Brand moves on, the skilled-but-undersized Buckeye could secure a starting job sooner rather than later.

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

Assuming Houston takes a guard with its first selection, the next thing on the to-do list should be an athletic power forward to back up Luis Scola. The 6'11" Moultrie fits the profile—though not much of a defender just yet, he can run the court and attack the glass. He'd add a new dimension to the Rockets' interior depth.

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

Who knows what the Mavericks will really need when a wild offseason is all said and done. This club would no doubt like to know the results of the Deron Williams sweepstakes before choosing its next rookie. All things being equal, though, the team will almost certainly still need a good, young center like Leonard.

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

Ross may find himself landing in the lottery—he averaged 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks as a sophomore shooting guard. That kind of production and versatility are bound to impress. If he slides, though, he'd be a perfect fit in Minnesota. The team needs a better 2-guard, and Ross would complete arguably the best young core in the NBA (with Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams).

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

Orlando needs a little bit of everything—the roster is aging and not especially deep to begin with. Taylor would go a long way in solving some of those problems. He's an athletic and talented on-ball defender who's improved his shooting ability along the way.

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

Wroten Jr. probably won't see much early playing time regardless of who drafts him. He's raw in important respects (like shooting and decision-making), but he also has the physical makeup to become a very effective guard. He'd have time to figure things out with Ty Lawson earning the vast majority of minutes at Denver's point.

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

Miller won't replace Paul Pierce any time soon, but he could still serve an important function early on. The Celtics need depth on the wing—and young, athletic additions in particular. If Miller can improve his shooting and make better use of his 6'9" frame, he could potentially become Boston's small forward of the future.

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

As well as Kevin Garnett has played after moving over to the center position, Boston still desperately needs some options in the middle. Greg Stiemsma showed some flashes in his first NBA season, but the Celtics are by no means set. Melo's size and athletic ability would avail Doc Rivers of another promising option inside.

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

Waiters is a fleet-footed scorer known for his ability to penetrate the paint and finish. Whomever Atlanta winds up selecting, a backcourt addition like Waiters would be an ideal fit and a potential source of energy for a bench that isn't getting any younger.

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

Assuming Cleveland prefers Bradley Beal to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Cavaliers would still need a small forward (even if they do re-sign Alonzo Gee). It's too soon to tell if Harkless will be ready for the heightened demands of the NBA game, but he certainly has the physical tools and talent to fit the part.

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

Memphis can't really go wrong with this selection. Lionel Hollins' roster is stocked with depth at every position. Nicholson would add some nice depth inside though, as well as a guy with enough scoring ability to eventually earn some big minutes.

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

The Pacers have proven time and again this season just how deep their roster is. Green might not crack that rotation right away, but he's an intriguingly multifaceted option nonetheless. He has a diverse skill set and the kind of hustle every coach loves.

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

Outside of Joel Anthony, Miami has an epic shortage of guys who can serve as legitimate centers. Ezeli would infuse size into Erik Spoelstra's bench, and he's been known to block some shots in his day. That's about as much as the Heat can ask from a selection this late in the draft.

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

The Thunder won't be looking for anyone to add to what's been a hugely successful starting lineup. They're more likely to find a raw prospect like Fournier who can spend some time developing overseas until he's actually needed.

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

With Derrick Rose potentially out for the entire year, the Bulls will have their eyes set on a point guard one way or the other—via a rookie or trade either way. Teague would be the best floor general available late in the first round. His quickness and basketball IQ could make him a surprisingly valuable addition, even with a quality team like Chicago.

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

This late in the draft, the best available talent is almost always the way to go. Of course, there will be plenty of disagreement about what that means, but Buford wouldn't be a bad choice. He played with a successful team and proved his scoring ability beyond any doubt.