2012 NBA Mock Draft: What Every Team Needs to Do in First Round

Addressing needs in the first round of the NBA draft is one of the most important things teams can do to build for their future.

By drafting value, franchises can often be saddled with a great player who has no clear role and limited minutes in the rotation.

Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock with ideal picks for each organization.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

The Bobcats need to add a franchise player and Davis is clearly the man with the best chance to become one in this class. He can do everything on the defensive end at a high level and has a promising offensive game.

2. Washington Wizards:  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

MKG is a hard worker that plays insane defense against three different positions and is one of the best finishers around the rim. He’d be a perfect compliment to John Wall in Washington.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers, Bradley Beal, Florida 

The Cavaliers need to add a solid backcourt option to pair with Kyrie Irving. Beal can shoot the three, create his own shot, and get to the basket with ease. There is nothing not to like about this pick.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson will immediately make an impact as a big in NOLA. He has range outside of the NBA three-point line, a body to bang down low, and a motor that won’t quit. He will become the leader sooner rather than later on that team.

5. Sacramento Kings: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

The Kings need to add a second big to pair with DeMarcus Cousins, and Sullinger has the most NBA-ready post game and decent defense to boot. They’ll be back in the playoffs soon with this pick.

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

After Portland traded away Marcus Camby and cut Greg Oden, they have a serious need for size. Drummond has the highest upside and could develop into a franchise center if he gets motivated.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III

With Monta Ellis gone, the Warriors desperately need a second superstar alongside Steph Curry in order to compete in a tough Western Conference. PJIII has the upside to be a star player, but a motor that leaves a lot to be desired.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Barnes might be the most perfect need-based pick in the draft. He’s an amazing scoring small forward and the Raptors have a dearth of point getters and no consistent option at the 3.

9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie is an athletic PF that would fit nicely next to Greg Monroe to form an up-and-coming frontcourt that would be feared for years to come. His red flag is that it took him two years at UTEP and a transfer to Miss St. to find success. 

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

Marshall is the best passing point guard in the class and someone that the Hornets could install at the one spot to run the offense for a while to come. He’s not going to replace Chris Paul, but he’ll be a nice option.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Rivers is an ideal replacement for Brandon Roy in Portland. The Blazers need a go-to scoring option and LaMarcus Aldridge is much better suited as a complimentary player. If he develops properly, this team will have a superstar on their hands.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Zeller doesn’t have any upside. What you see if what you get from the senior from UNC. The Bucks will not care, as they are so desperate for size that a reach here actually makes sense.

13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Weber State

Lillard is one of the most dynamic scoring guards in the nation, but his playmaking ability is not yet proven. If he does not pan out as a one, the Suns can move him to the two and look for a replacement for Steve Nash next year.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Lamb’s scoring ability, defense and athleticism are off the charts. If he could work on getting more motivated and involved in each and every play, he’s an absolute steal at No. 14. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina

Henson is a lengthy and athletic PF that will be able to replace Elton Brand once he declines or moves away in free agency. Philly has the luxury to be able to spend some time developing him.

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

The Rockets love taking the best available player and Jones has the upside of a top-five pick. His consistency is definitely a red flag, but coaching and motivation could pay dividends.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington

Dallas’ shooting guard rotation is just flat out old. Jason Terry and Vince Carter are no longer capable of logging big minutes, which is why they must acquire a young 2 in the draft. Ross is the best available and has a high ceiling.

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

Leonard is the great backup big man that would be able to fill in for Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic off the bench. The team can address their dire need for a veteran SG either through trade or free agency.

19. Orlando Magic: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller has fallen in love with his jumper, but that may be because he is still not 100 percent recovered from a high school ACL injury. If he feels more comfortable and gets healthy, he’s a gifted scorer from anywhere on the floor and could be a No. 1 option for the Magic.

20. Denver Nuggets:  Dion Waiters, Syracuse

The Nuggets should trade this pick, as they are deep and youthful at all positions. If they decide to stay put, Waiters is a nice option to groom in the D-League and at the end of the bench.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

With the Kevin Garnett era coming to a close either this summer or extremely soon in Boston, the team needs to address the PF situation. Nicholson is a little smaller than KG, but he’s experienced and has a good mid-range game.

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

With the C’s so starved for size, White makes perfect sense—even with the red flags. He’s immensely skilled, but has an anxiety disorder that has impacted his career and production on the court.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

Lamb has been taking and making huge shots for the Wildcats. The Hawks need a player with three-point range for nights when Joe Johnson is off target.

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

If Harkless impresses during workouts and the combine, it’s unlikely that he will fall this far, but Cleveland would be extremely happy. The young SF has all the tools needed to be a star; he’s just raw as can be.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

The Huskies PG has great size and athleticism but must work on his vision, ball handling and playmaking. Should he get this done, his production would far outweigh his draft position.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

The Indiana native would be a solid Pacer. They are a team full of young athletes that want to run and finish at the rim. Teague has pushed a group of players like that at Kentucky and could do the same in the pros.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse

Melo’s stock went down the drain after he missed the NCAA tournament, but that could be a blessing in disguise for the Heat. They are in dire need a big man with upside and he’s one of the few left on the board.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State

The Spartan forward can play backup to Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka if he lands in OKC. He’s also a high character guy that wants to win, which equals a solid fit for the Thunder roster.

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

Jenkins can shoot the lights out and move well without the ball. That is exactly what the Bulls need from their two.

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

Taylor is one of the best athletes in the draft and will not fall into the second round. His jumper is getting better and he’ll make an NBA roster for sure.