NBA Draft 2012: Thomas Robinson and NBA-Ready Stars Bound to Shine

With the 2012 NBA draft lottery on Wednesday, May 30th, it’s time to start finding out which college players are ready to become instant NBA stars.

Big names, like Thomas Robinson and Jared Sullinger, have been questioned about their immediate impact, but they are the safest bets to step right onto the court and be a positive addition to a team.

All of the following players will be difference-makers in the NBA, and, on the right team, could be a real force for years to come.

Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

There is no player in the 2012 draft that is more ready to step on an NBA court and do their thing than Kansas star power forward Thomas Robinson.

With an unreal commitment in his own end, this defensive beast is a monster off the boards and a shut-down defender down low. There is more room to grow physically, but he is a full 6’10” with plenty of muscle.

In Robinson’s senior year with the Jayhawks, he averaged 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, but his defensive abilities will have him starting right away in the NBA.

Royce White, SF, Iowa State

There is no team that won't start Iowa State forward Royce White, or, at the very least, designate him as the sixth or seventh man off the bench.

With his incredible ability to do everything well for his team and his unbelievable commitment to winning at all costs, Royce is the kind of player every coach wants and every teammate wants to lean on.

While White’s offensive game needs work, he averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game his senior year. For a forward that stands 6’8” and weighs 270 pounds, that’s very impressive.

Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

After a tumultuous career at Ohio State, many scouts feel like undersized power forward Jared Sullinger stayed in college too long and hurt his draft stock. Whether that’s true or not, it doesn’t change the talent of the player.

With a season average of 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds, Sullinger is the tweener forward that many teams love. With speed and agility, Sullinger would be the kind of player that a squad like the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics would love to have.

If Sullinger comes into the NBA devoted to being a great player, he will be too good to keep off the court. I expect Sullinger to be one of the best players out of this draft.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NBA page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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