2012 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Look at Teams' Top Choices

With the 2012 NBA playoffs flying by, more and more basketball fans are starting looking towards the draft as teams get eliminated one by one.

Fortunately, the draft lottery is just over a week away (being held on Wednesday, May 30 at 8 p.m. ET and shown on ESPN), meaning that many franchises will soon know exactly who they have a realistic shot of landing.

Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock with a focus on some of the best available players for every organization.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Anthony Davis is going to be the No. 1 pick. He’s the best player in this class and it just remains to be seen who will win the selection.

2. Washington Wizards:  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

MKG is a great consolation prize in the Anthony Davis lottery. He doesn’t have as much upside on the offensive end, but he plays with more heart and hustle than anyone in the class.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers, Bradley Beal, Florida 

Beal may be the best offensive weapon in the draft. He’s got NBA range on his three-pointer and a body that can absorb contact when going to the cup. The Cavs would be wise to pair him with Kyrie Irving.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson is a nice fit in New Orleans. He’s a proven winner that has the experience to come in and immediately contribute to a rebuilding effort. The Hornets would have a steal at No. 4 here if they can nab the Jayhawk product.

5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

While Sullinger didn’t do his stock any favors by staying an extra, underwhelming (by lofty standards) year with the Buckeyes, he did continue to show that he is going to be a force in the post. The Kings would be fearsome with Sullinger and DeMarcus Cousins in the paint.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut

The Blazers almost all of their size when they traded Marcus Camby, cut Greg Oden and shut LaMarcus Aldridge down. They need to address that problem by drafting a 6'10”, 270-pound beast named Andre Drummond. He’s got incredible upside, although his production during his freshman year was concerning.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, Baylor

PJIII has insane skills and a terrible motor. If he could become motivated to use his athleticism and ability, he will be a star. If not, the Bears product will just become another bust.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

The Raptors' biggest hole is at the 3, and the roster lacks a true go-to scorer. Barnes fills both roles perfectly and could be a starter in his rookie year due to his elite ability to put the ball through the hoop.

9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie is a bit of a wild card. He could go in the lottery or late in the first round; it all depends on when a team is willing to take a gamble on his upside and incredible year while ignoring the fact that it took a transfer from UTEP to realize his potential.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves):  Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Marshall is the best pass-first PG in the class and makes a nice fit next to Robinson as part of a youth movement in NOLA.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Rivers has traces of Kobe Bryant in his game and is absolutely dominant with the ball in his hands. He needs to get better when not directly involved with a play, as he will not be able to become a leading scorer right off the bat in the NBA.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Zeller isn’t exactly a future superstar, but he’s a skilled big man with soft hands that can run the floor. Milwaukee is so desperate for size they will go with a sure thing with experience here like Zeller.

13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Weber State

Lillard is one of the best scorers in the country from either guard position. He isn’t the natural successor to Steve Nash in Phoenix, but the team can move him to the 2 should he fail to become a capable facilitator.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Lamb was supposed to be better during his sophomore year with the Huskies. He just didn’t seem to be involved in enough plays and completely checked out when he wasn’t involved. If he could get his motor going, he’s a top talent that is perfect for the bargain-hunting Rockets here.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina

Elton Brand will not be around in Philly forever, meaning the team needs a long, athletic PF to replace him sooner than later. Henson is that guy and has a promising NBA career ahead of him.

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

Houston will once again go for value over need here and take an elite prospect in Jones. He could get a top-five pick if he played with any sort of consistency, but has struggled to show that during his time at Kentucky.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington

With Vince Carter and Jason Terry seeing huge minutes this year at the 2, it is obvious Dallas needs to inject some youth into the rotation. Ross is the man for that job and has a high ceiling to possibly build around in a few years.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz):  Meyers Leonard, Illinois

Everyone knows Minnesota needs a starting 2-guard more than anything. They will not find one at the No. 18 spot and instead must use the pick to address the need for a backup big. Leonard has the most upside of any and can develop on their bench.

19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller has the potential to be an elite scorer in the league, although he needs time to develop. It seems Dwight Howard’s days are numbered in Orlando, meaning this kid has a chance to become the alpha dog when his time comes.

20. Denver Nuggets:  Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Denver really doesn’t have any pressing needs. They are a young, deep team and Waiters has a lot of developing to do. They can take him and stash him in the D-League or towards the end of the pine.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

The C’s need size more than anything, especially if Kevin Garnett departs via free agency over the summer. Nicholson has the experience and mid-range game to immediately make an impact.

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

White is a big body with a lot of unique talents, although he has a major red flag because of an anxiety disorder. Should he be able to control it in the NBA, he is an absolute steal at No. 22.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

Atlanta needs a clutch scorer that can hit the three-ball. Lamb proved he could do that during the Wildcats' NCAA tournament run.

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

The Cavs have not had a legit 3 since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach. Harkless has the highest ceiling of any SF left in the class and could become a major star if he works hard.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

It’s doubtful Wroten will fall any further than this on draft day. He’s got great size and a lot of raw talent to harness. Scouts are a bit leery because of his limited production during college, but the upside is there.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Teague is a proven winner that can push the break with a group of athletes like the Pacers. It doesn’t hurt that he is from the Hoosier State as well.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse

Melo hurt his stock badly by not being eligible for the NCAA tournament. He’s decided to try his luck as a professional anyway and the Heat will gladly snatch up a big body with talent this late in the draft.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State

Green is known as a high-character guy that cares about winning more than anything. That makes him a perfect member of the OKC Thunder.

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

While Chicago could use a backup PG/potential starter while Derrick Rose is out, they won’t find anyone that good this late. Jenkins is the best available player at a position of need and could become a part of the guard rotation.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

This is the absolute floor for Taylor. His shooting is improving and his athleticism is out of this world. He will not fall into the second round.