2012 NBA Mock Draft: Full First Round If Anthony Davis Lands in Washington

The consensus first pick in the 2012 NBA draft is Kentucky megastar Anthony Davis.

It has been long-assumed that the Charlotte Bobcats will select the 6'10" forward, but with the draft lottery right around the corner, the question must be asked, what will the Bobcats do if they do not land the No. 1 pick?

1. Washington Wizards

Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)

2011-12 Stats: 14.2 PTS, 10.4 REB, 4.7 BLK

The Washington Wizards have the second-highest chance of landing the No. 1 pick, and if they are able to jump the Charlotte Bobcats, they should make Anthony Davis their choice in this summer's draft.

The Wizards averaged the second-most block shots per game last season, but what you have to remember is that nearly one-third of those blocks went away at the deadline when the team traded Javale McGee to the Denver Nuggets.

Davis averaged nearly five blocks per game as a freshman with Kentucky, and while can certainly score down low when need be, he is a perfect example of a player who can impact a game without his number ever being called.

2. Charlotte Bobcats

Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)

2011-12 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 11.9 REB, 50.5 FG%

If the Charlotte Bobcats are passed over for the No. 1 pick in the draft, the next best option for their rebuilding roster has to be Thomas Robinson.

Robinson is not projected to go this high on many mock drafts, but if the Bobcats miss out on their coveted target, they are going to need the best available player.

The 6'10" power forward is ready to come into the NBA with a strong, athletic body, and his ability to score down low is arguably better than that of Anthony Davis.

While Robinson may not be the shot-blocking machine that Davis is, his physical nature will step right in and become a rebounding and defensive presence right away at the next level.

The thought of missing out on Anthony Davis will hurt most Bobcats' fans, but if they can score the No. 2 pick, Robinson will be one heck of a consolation prize in the upcoming NBA draft. 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Bradley Beal, SG (Florida)

2011-12 Stats: 14.8 PTS, 6.7 REB, 1.4 STL

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a potential All-Star point guard in Kyrie Irving, but they will be looking for help at the shooting guard position in the upcoming NBA draft.

Bradley Beal is a solid shooter who already has deep range and can create his own shot heading into his professional career.

His ceiling appears to be high, and if the Cavs can snag him in the draft, they will begin grooming one of the best potential backcourts that the game has to offer.

4. New Orleans Hornets

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)

2011-12 Stats: 11.9 PTS, 7.4 REB, 1.9 AST

If Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is still available, the New Orleans Hornets should snatch him up with the No. 4 pick.

The Hornets need to acquire size this summer, but if there is even a chance of Eric Gordon leaving as a restricted free agent, they need to make finding talent a No. 1 priority.

Drafting Kidd-Gilchrist creates a bit of a logjam on the perimeter, but as the best player available on the board, the Hornets should not think twice about adding talent and leadership through the draft this summer.

5. Sacramento Kings

Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)

2011-12 Stats: 10.0 PTS, 7.6 REB, 2.7 BLK

Andre Drummond has the physical attributes and athleticism to make him an All-Star at the NBA level, but questions regarding his abilities and efforts make him a big question mark for any lottery team.

After an inconsistent freshman season at Connecticut, Drummond will be drafted highly based on raw talent and potential alone.

The Sacramento Kings already have DeMarcus Cousins occupying the middle, but at 6'10", 270 pounds, Drummond can play either behind or alongside Cousins to create a frontcourt that could be one of the league's best just a few seasons down the road.

6. Portland Trail Blazers

Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

2011-12 Stats: 17.1 PTS, 5.2 REB, 1.1 STL

The Portland Trail Blazers' most glaring needs this summer are point guard and center, but interim general manager Chad Buchanan has said that the team will look for talent over need in the upcoming NBA draft.

At this point in the lottery, Harrison Barnes might be the most talented player available, as he is a player who can shoot and create his own shot from the perimeter.

Barnes will add depth to a rebuilding roster, but if the Blazers let Nicolas Batum walk as a restricted free agent this summer, he should be ready to step up and start as a rookie next season.

7. Golden State Warriors

Perry Jones III, Forward (Baylor)

2011-12 Stats: 13.5 PTS, 7.6 REB, 1.3 AST

Perry Jones III has the talent of a high pick in the lottery, but should be passed on by a number of teams because of the question marks that surround him.

Jones is essentially a small forward in a power forward's body, and the passion and effort you want to see out of a star player is often times non-existent.

Jones is talented, however, and if he can add a low-post game to his already-solid perimeter skill set, he could prove to be one of the most dynamic players to come out of the 2012 NBA draft.

8. Toronto Raptors

Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)

2011-12 Stats: 24.5 PTS, 5.0 REB, 4.0 AST

The Toronto Raptors could go a few different directions here, but with Jose Calderon's future in Toronto up in the air, Damian Lillard could be a perfect fit with the No. 8 pick.

Lillard is a dynamic scorer who can shoot, attack the paint and create his own shot on any given possession.

The 6'2" point guard looks like a more refined version of Jerryd Bayless and a more raw version of Russell Westbrook. If his potential is as high as his talent is right now, he will be a very good NBA player for a very long time.

9. Detroit Pistons

John Henson, PF (North Carolina)

2011-12 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 9.9 REB, 2.9 BLK

The Detroit Pistons need another low-post presence to play alongside Greg Monroe, and John Henson appears to have more length and athleticism than a Jared Sullinger-type prospect at this point in the draft.

Henson was a near double-double guy with the Tar Heels last season, and having averaged almost three blocks per game, he can be a player who impacts the game on the defensive end right away.

The Pistons were 27th in rebounding and tied for 28th in blocks last year, so a player of Henson's caliber would help the Pistons on the inside moving forward. 

10. New Orleans Hornets

Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)

2011-12 Stats: 17.5 PTS, 9.2 REB, 1.1 BLK

Hitting the boards was a major problem for the New Orleans Hornets last season, and despite the questions that surround Jared Sullinger this summer, rebounding is one area that the 6'9" forward can impact immediately.

Being an undersized, unconditioned forward, Sullinger could easily fall beyond this point, but based on talent alone, he fits an area that the Hornets should look to fill this summer.

Sullinger's strength and rebounding abilities make him an extremely NBA-ready player, but his lack of athleticism and questions about his potential make you wonder just how high his ceiling in the NBA actually is.

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina)

2011-12 Stats: 16.3 PTS, 9.3 REB, 1.5 BLK

Tyler Zeller does not project to be a star at the NBA level, but with LaMarcus Aldridge as the go-to guy in the post moving forward, the Blazers need a big body who can grow with the team as it rebuilds.

Zeller is a seven-footer who can play above the rim or beyond the free-throw line, and with his ability to run the floor, he would be a solid option to add depth to the depleted Portland frontcourt.

12. Milwaukee Bucks

Terrence Jones, Forward (Kentucky)

2011-12 Stats: 12.3 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.8 BLK

Terrence Jones is a player who spent much of his time at Kentucky in the post, yet has the potential and skill set to extend his game out to the perimeter at the NBA level.

The Milwaukee Bucks have Irsan Ilyasova, but as a free agent this summer, his future with the team is uncertain at this time.

Jones will need to work on his shot if he expects to play the small forward throughout stints of his career, but with his extreme athleticism, the Bucks could add yet another playmaker to their improving roster.

13. Phoenix Suns

Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

2011-12 Stats: 8.1 PTS, 9.8 AST, 1.2 STL

Kendall Marshall is a pure facilitator and is arguably the best floor general that the 2012 NBA draft has to offer.

The Phoenix Suns could very well be entering the post-Steve Nash era next season, and if they are looking for a long-term fill-in at the point guard position, Marshall could be a solid pickup toward the end of the lottery this summer.

14. Houston Rockets

Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut)

2011-12 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.7 AST

While the Houston Rockets should be looking for a long-term big man, it would be a bit of a stretch to select any centers at this point in the draft.

Jeremy Lamb has been an inconsistent shooter at times, but with range out to the three-point line, he could either provide a spark off the bench or step in as a starter if the roster changes drastically over the next few seasons.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

Terrence Ross, SG (Washington)

2011-12 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 6.4 REB, 37.1 3PT%

The Philadelphia 76ers are deep, but they lack great three-point shooting.

Terrence Ross is a player who needs to work on his shot selection, but with deep range to his shooting game, he can help the 76ers when it comes to scoring on the perimeter next season.

16. Houston Rockets

Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

2011-12 Stats: 13.6 PTS, 8.2 REB, 1.9 BLK

No. 16 might be a bit of a stretch for Meyers Leonard, but having already taken Jeremy Lamb earlier in the draft, the Houston Rockets might be willing to reach a bit in order to find a solid center.

Meyers has a lot to work on offensively, but when he can get low enough in the post, he uses his length and athleticism well around the basket.

17. Dallas Mavericks

Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi State)

2011-12 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 10.5 REB, .8 BLK

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to add youth and depth all over their roster, so if Arnett Moultrie somehow falls this far in the draft, they should look to snatch him up without a second thought.

Moultrie is a great athlete who can run the floor well and make a difference as both a rebounder and an occasional go-to option down low.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse) 

2011-12 Stats: 12.6 PTS, 1.8 STL, 36.3 3PT%

The Minnesota Timberwolves' biggest concern this offseason is arguably the shooting guard position.

Dion Waiters' shot has been inconsistent in the past, but he should prove to be a better scoring option that what the Timberwolves had at the 2-guard spot this season.

19. Orlando Magic

Austin Rivers, Guard (Duke)

2011-12 Stats: 15.5 PTS, 3.4 REB, 2.1 AST

The Orlando Magic do not have any glaring holes at the 2-guard position, but with Dwight Howard possibly entering his final season with the team next year, they should look to acquire the most talented playmaker left on the board.

It is possible that Austin Rivers could be snatched up by the Minnesota Timberwolves—or any team in the lottery desperate for a score-first combo guard.

But with the questions regarding his defense and shoot-first mentality, the Magic could grab him late and look to groom him as a potential No. 1 option in Orlando moving forward.

20. Denver Nuggets

Tony Wroten Jr., PG (Washington)

2011-12 Stats: 16.0 PTS, 5.0 REB, 3.7 AST

The Denver Nuggets have such a deep roster, they can afford to use their first-round pick on a player who needs grooming before he will ultimately contribute to an NBA team.

Tony Wroten Jr. could be that player. 

If the Nuggets are able to re-sign Andre Miller next season, Wroten will be able to learn the game and work on his jumper before he is thrust into a backup role behind Ty Lawson.

21. Boston Celtics

Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)

2011-12 Stats: 7.8 PTS, 5.8 REB, 2.9 BLK

The Boston Celtics need help on the inside, and with the thought of possibly losing Kevin Garnett this summer, the team should look big in the 2012 NBA draft.

Fab Melo is going to be a project for whichever team takes him, but with his 7'0", 274-pound frame occupying the pain in Boston, the Celtics can utilize his size on defense while they work to establish any semblance of an offensive game.

22. Boston Celtics

Moe Harkless, SF (St. John's)

2011-12 Stats: 15.3 PTS, 8.6 REB, 1.4 BLK

The Boston Celtics will have Paul Pierce on the roster for at least the next few seasons, but with the roster potentially going through some major changes in the near future, adding a young, athletic small forward could be the goal with the No. 22 pick this summer.

Moe Harkless is an explosive player on both ends of the floor, and while his defensive efforts certainly will not match the Celtics' culture right away, his scoring abilities will add depth to the rotation next season.

23. Atlanta Hawks

Royce White, SF (Iowa State)

2011-12 Stats: 13.4 PTS, 9.3 REB, 5.0 AST

Royce White's extreme fear of flying and anxiety disorders will certainly deter a number of teams from taking a chance on the athletic small forward, but the Atlanta Hawks need perimeter players heading into the 2012-13 NBA season.

The risk will be high, but if White can overcome his issues at the next level, the ultra-talented prospect will be a steal at this point in the draft.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers

Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)

2011-12 Stats: 18.5 PTS, 8.4 REB, 2.0 BLK

Antawn Jamison will not be around for too many more seasons, and if the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for a player they can groom into a solid low-post player, Andrew Nicholson could be the guy.

A long, athletic forward, Nicholson could remind fans in Cleveland of J.J. Hickson, but with the possibility of a more established game down low.

25. Memphis Grizzlies

Jeff Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt)

2011-12 Stats: 16.1 PTS, 5.6 REB, 42.3 3PT%

With O.J. Mayo seemingly always on the trade block, the Memphis Grizzlies should look to add depth on the perimeter this offseason.

Jeff Taylor would not be an exact replica of Mayo, as he has difficulty handling the ball and creating his own shots; but as an athletic forward who can defend the perimeter and attack the basket, Taylor could give the team depth should it need it next season.

26. Indiana Pacers

Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

2011-12 Stats: 10.0 PTS, 4.8 AST, 2.5 REB

After the stellar season that was had by George Hill, the Indiana Pacers could look to make Darren Collison expendable this summer.

Bringing in Marquis Teague, an Indiana native, will help the Pacers play well in transition next season. 

The 19-year-old point guard has a tendency to play out of control, but if he can learn to play within Indiana's system moving forward, his incredible speed and quickness will be a problem for defenses night in and night out.

27. Miami Heat

Draymond Green, SF (Michigan St.)

2011-12 Stats: 16.2 PTS, 10.6 REB, 3.8 AST

The Miami Heat will likely target big men in the 2012 NBA draft, but with Fab Melo already gone by the time they make their selection, bench production needs to be the goal with the 27th pick.

Draymond Green put up great numbers last year at Michigan St., so if he can work on his athleticism in the NBA, he will be a player who will shoot, rebound and get others involved on the court next season.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

Festus Ezeli

2011-12 Stats: 10.1 PTS, 5.9 REB, 2.0 BLK

The Oklahoma City Thunder lack a great inside presence, and while Festus Ezeli is certainly a work in progress, he has the potential to be a force down low at the next level.

Ezeli is an athletic shot-blocker who needs to work on his post moves, but with the Thunder being one of the league's best team as they are currently constructed, they have time to groom the 22-year-old big man into an offensive presence down low.

29. Chicago Bulls

John Jenkins, SG (Vanderbilt)

2011-12 Stats: 19.9 PTS, 2.9 REB, 43.9 3PT%

The Chicago Bulls could be in the market for a point guard following the news that Derrick Rose could miss the entire 2012-13 season, but after decent play from the reserves last year, John Jenkins could be a solid addition as an incoming 2-guard.

Jenkins is a lights-out shooter with deep range, and in Chicago's backcourt, he would add a great shot to an already fantastic three-point shooting club next season.

30. Golden State Warriors

Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)

2011-12 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 2.7 REB, 46.6 3PT%

The Golden State Warriors have a few areas that need to be addressed next season, and while Klay Thompson proved to be a very good fill-in at the 2-guard spot last year, the team needs more perimeter scorers to take the pressure off of Stephen Curry.

Doron Lamb needs to get stronger, but already a great shooter, he can keep defenses honest from both deep and mid-range spots on the floor.