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2012 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting Full Lottery Order and All 30 Picks of 1st Round

Garrett JochnauJun 7, 2018

Tonight, the NBA Lottery will determine the order in which teams can make their selections in this year's draft.

With one of the deepest classes of prospects in history, teams will be looking to make themselves contenders with their selections in this draft.

Here are predictions for tonight's lottery, as well as a full first-round mock draft.

1. Charlotte Bobcats

1 of 30

Anthony Davis, PF

2011-12: 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.7 blocks

School: Kentucky

With a 25 percent shot at the first pick, the struggling Charlotte Bobcats will finally catch a break. After nabbing the No. 1 pick, they will use it on Anthony Davis, the Kentucky stud who led his team to a national championship.

With Bismack Biyombo, Davis will form one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA and give Charlotte a change of luck. With Kemba Walker, the future will be a bit brighter, and while the Bobcats certainly won't be championship contenders immediately, Davis should help them grab more than seven additional wins.

2. Washington Wizards

2 of 30

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF

2011-12: 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists

School: Kentucky

With John Wall and Jan Vesely filling the roles of floor general and big man, the missing component is a talented small forward. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist fits the Wizards' needs in every fashion.

While his offensive game is far from perfect, he has a strong work ethic, which is a huge factor for such a young team. Kidd-Gilchrist's ability to impact without the ball is perfect for a team with such an explosive guard as Wall.

He may not look like a star on the stat sheet, but his intangibles and relentless motor will allow him to make a huge difference.


3. Brooklyn Nets

3 of 30

Thomas Robinson, PF

2011-12: 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists

School: Kansas

The Brooklyn Nets traded away their first-round pick at the trade deadline, but did so with a restriction. If their pick falls in the top three, it remains with the team. Coincidentally—or maybe not so coincidentally—they will manage to retain their pick.

This is vital to their success in their new location, as it impacts the decision made by All-Star point guard  Deron Williams.

With this pick, Brooklyn will look to replace Kris Humphries, who is likely to leave via free agency. With Brook Lopez coming back, Williams filling the point guard position and MarShon Brooks providing a strong option at the 2, the Nets' forward spots remain their biggest needs.

If they do re-sign Gerald Wallace, they will fill the small forward position. The potential signing of Andrei Kirilenko gives them depth at the position, so the 4 spot needs the most focus.

Thomas Robinson was a fantastic college player, whose ability to score and rebound made him a force in the NCAA. Now, in the NBA, his rebounding ability will compensate for Lopez's weakness in that area, and his scoring ability will give the Nets another option on offense.


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4. Cleveland Cavaliers

4 of 30

Andre Drummond, C

2011-12: 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks

School: UConn

The Cavs will take UConn center Andre Drummond, who has a huge upside, but also comes with significant risk.

As an athletic center, he has the ability to be one of the league's best centers. However, critics are quick to call him out, stating that his abilities are overrated.

By being sent to Cleveland, Drummond will join Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving and fellow rookie Tristan Thompson to form a future "Big Three." Though inexperienced, that trio has the potential to drive Cleveland back into the playoffs.

5. New Orleans Hornets

5 of 30

Bradley Beal, SG

2011-12: 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists 

School: Florida

After their deal with the Lakers was nixed by the league, the Hornets looked to the Clippers for a home for Chris Paul. That deal went through, and the team received Eric Gordon in return. However, despite being the centerpiece of their side of the trade, New Orleans may not be a future home for Gordon.

With his contract expiring, Gordon may look to take his talents elsewhere, leaving the Hornets exposed at the shooting guard position. Bradley Beal would easily fill that spot. His shooting ability gives him an even bigger upside than Gordon.

Following Paul's departure, Beal would look to be the face of the franchise and bring New Orleans back into contention.

6. Sacramento Kings

6 of 30

Perry Jones, PF

2011-12: 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Baylor

Sacramento has one of the brightest futures in the NBA, with their young roster allowing them to grow and form an outstanding roster. DeMarcus Cousins can eventually become one of the league's best centers, but he needs a partner in the frontcourt.

The athletic Perry Jones can fill that role, while also playing the small forward position. While he is often criticized for his lack of motor, playing with a young squad will help him fix that issue.

He can score and rebound, and should provide the Kings with what they are lacking.

7. Golden State Warriors

7 of 30

Harrison Barnes, SF

2011-12: 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists

School: North Carolina

Golden State is fairly set at every position other than the 3. With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson filling the guard spots, and David Lee and Andrew Bogut providing the team with size, the Warriors lack a small forward to provide them with offense.

Harrison Barnes is the solution to their problems. He can score off the dribble and off the pass. With Bogut and Curry back, adding Barnes would increase the likelihood of the Warriors returning to the playoffs next season.

8. Toronto Raptors

8 of 30

Terrence Jones, SF

2011-12: 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Kentucky

With the backcourt filled, the Raptors need help at small forward. Terrence Jones gives them the answer. With his ability to also play the 4, Jones is a versatile player.

He can fill any role needed, either as a scorer, distributor or a rebounder. While he doesn't excel in any category, he can contribute in everything.

He grew up a point guard and can handle and distribute when needed. Also, he can shoot or drive, allowing him to score from any part of the floor. 

9. Detroit Pistons

9 of 30

Jared Sullinger, PF

2011-12: 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists 

School: Ohio State

Detroit is another team with a solid developing core in Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe. However, the Pistons' frontcourt could use a bit of help, and Jared Sullinger will certainly provide them with it.

Despite falling in terms of value from last year, Sullinger still possesses a huge upside, which a team like Detroit will be quick to jump on. With Monroe, he will form one of the best young big-man tandems in the league.

His ability to score from multiple parts of the floor will be tough on defenders, especially with Monroe occupying the middle as well.

10. New Orleans Hornets

10 of 30

John Henson, PF

2011-12: 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks

School: North Carolina

With Chris Kaman expected to leave and Omeka Okafor fading in talent, New Orleans needs a big man to man the middle. With Bradley Beal filling their shooting guard needs, they will be forced to take a big man with this pick.

Henson is a talented player on both ends, with his long arms allowing him to be a particularly strong defender. He can score when needed and work the glass, allowing the team to fill their need at this position.

11. Portland Trail Blazers

11 of 30

Kendall Marshall, PG

2011-12: 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists

School: North Carolina

Portland is in dire need of a floor general, and the Blazers need not to look further than Kendall Marshall, who has the ability to be one of the best passing point guards in the league. With LaMarcus Aldridge, Marshall, the best point guard in this draft class, will help Portland become a contender once again.

While he is not a fantastic scorer, he led the nation in assists. He will immediately be tested, but a player with his ability need not fear, as his role will be very similar to what it was in UNC.

12. Milwaukee Bucks

12 of 30

Tyler Zeller, C

2011-12: 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks 

School: North Carolina

With Ersan Ilyasova approaching free agency and Drew Gooden losing his value, the team will need another big man to play alongside Ekpe Udoh.

Drafting Zeller will allow them to move Udoh to power forward, with Zeller filling the center spot. While I personally don't see him achieving greatness in the NBA, Zeller's college game gives him value for suitors looking to add a talented center.

13. Phoenix Suns

13 of 30

Austin Rivers, SG

2011-12: 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists 

School: Duke

Steve Nash's Phoenix career looks as though it will soon come to an end. The squad will be forced to look for a new face of the franchise, and Austin Rivers will surely make a splash.

He can handle the point, but his real strength comes with his shot. He is a near-flawless shooter with unlimited range. He was a big name in college, which will help increase his stock, and the Suns will quickly nab a player of his talent.

14. Houston Rockets

14 of 30

Arnett Moultrie, PF

2011-12: 15.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists 

School: Mississippi State

Neither Marcus Camby nor Samuel Dalembert is the long-term answer in Houston, and a player like Moultrie could help fill the center position. With Kyle Lowry manning the point, Kevin Martin running the 2, Chandler Parsons emerging at the 3, and Luis Scola filling the power forward spot, no position is in bigger need of filling than center.

Moultrie can make an impact without hogging the ball, while his defensive efforts and rebounding abilities allow him to help Scola in the frontcourt.

The team is one move away from re-emerging in the playoffs, and drafting a solid big man like Moultrie may be the answer.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

15 of 30

Meyers Leonard, C

2011-12: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Illinois

Philly has a bright future at the 1, 2 and 3 spots with Jrue Holliday, Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala. However, their big men are a little weak. The Sixers could use a big center to fill out their roster.

Meyers Leonard can be that guy, whether off the bench or immediately in the starting lineup. An athletic seven-footer is hard to come by, so passing on a player like Leonard will be hard to do. His offensive abilities both as a scorer and a passer allow him to fit perfectly into Philly's offense. 

16. Houston Rockets

16 of 30

Jeremy Lamb, SG

2011-12: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists

School: UConn

Jeremy Lamb deserves to go higher in this draft, but few teams truly need him. Houston is not in dire need of a shooting guard, but at this point Lamb is too good to pass up.

He can split time with Kevin Martin at the position, or take control of it, allowing Houston to use Martin as a trade piece. He is a fantastic shooter and a less greedy player than Martin and may very well be Houston's missing link.


17. Dallas Mavericks

17 of 30

Damian Lillard, PG

2011-12: 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists

School: Weber State

Lillard was a fantastic college player, who capitalized on playing against lesser opponents. The Mavericks are the favorites to get Deron Williams, but just in case, they might want to get a point guard.

With Jason Kidd's seasons numbered, Lillard fills the role at the point, giving the Mavericks a strong scoring option. He can also move up to the shooting guard spot if needed. But his scoring and passing allow him to be an ideal point guard.


18. Minnesota Timberwolves

18 of 30

Terrence Ross, SF

2011-12: 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists 

School: Washington

Minnesota is poised to be a future contender with a young core of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. They lack a talented swingman, however, and Terrence Ross may be the answer.

He is a good shooter who can also contribute on the boards, similar to Michael Beasley. He can also move down to the 2 if needed, allowing him to contribute to the Timberwolves in any way.

While he isn't the best small forward in the draft, he has a huge upside, and at this point, the Timberwolves would be crazy to pass on him. 


19. Orlando Magic

19 of 30

Moe Harkless, SF

2011-12: 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists

School: St. John's

The Magic could use a strong swingman who can also man the boards. Harkless is just that type of the player. Despite being a freshman, he has a high basketball IQ.

He is an excellent scorer who is able to attack the glass. He is a similar player to Hedo Turkoglu, but younger with a bigger upside. He is the ideal pick for the Magic, who are looking to refurbish their franchise.


20. Denver Nuggets

20 of 30

Dion Waiters, SG

2011-12: 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists 

School: Syracuse

Denver figure to be losing value at the guard position to free agency this summer, with Andre Miller and Rudy Fernandez likely on the move. 

This allows for a player like Dion Waiters to jump in and find a role off the bench.

His role in Syracuse was that of a sixth man, and if he can assume a similar role with the Nuggets, he could be very valuable.

He is a fantastic scorer and shooter, and a great player for any team looking to add a young guard to its roster.


21. Boston Celtics

21 of 30

Fab Melo, C

2011-12: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks 

School: Syracuse

The Boston Celtics played the majority of the 2012 season without a true center. Kevin Garnett played the 5, but his true position is power forward. 

Going forward, the team needs to select a true center who they can groom. Fab Melo, the Syracuse stud, is the perfect choice.

At 7', Melo can hang with the best centers in the league. He is a strong defensive presence, and while his skills are raw, he has the potential to be a solid player.


22. Boston Celtics

22 of 30

Doron Lamb, SG

2011-12: 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists 

School: Kentucky

With Ray Allen's return unlikely, the team could use another guard to complement the play of Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley.

Doron Lamb can be that guy. His proficiency on offense allows him to be a perfect fit for a team looking for a bench player who can contribute.

His mid-range game is best, but he is also a great scorer from beyond the arc. His athleticism allows him to drive effectively as well.

23. Atlanta Hawks

23 of 30

Tony Wroten, PG/SG

2011-12: 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists 

School: Washington

Tony Wroten provides Atlanta with the perfect fit at shooting guard. While he is naturally a point, his size and strength make him an ideal 2.

Atlanta is in the market for a backup at the guard spot, and Wroten is too talented to slip any further. His ability to read passes and slash to the basket make him a strong player without the ball in his hands, though his ability to drive makes him a talented one with the ball as well.


24. Cleveland Cavaliers

24 of 30

John Jenkins, SG

2011-12: 19.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists 

School: Vanderbilt

Jenkins may be a bit of a reach, but his style of play makes perfect sense for the Cavaliers. After drafting Drummond, the only position that the team truly lacks depth at is the 2. 

They could use a swingman with good scoring ability, and Jenkins seems like the easy choice. His 19.9 points per game in college prove his offensive efficiency, and his ability to shoot the long ball will translate well into the NBA.


25. Memphis Grizzlies

25 of 30

Marquis Teague, PG

2011-12: 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists 

School: Kentucky

Memphis is in need of a backup point guard. Drafting Teague is a steal this late. His nice defensive ability makes him a good player to back up Mike Conley.

While he is a raw scorer, the Grizzlies have plenty of firepower already, and no pressure will fall on Teague to produce too much too quickly.

26. Indiana Pacers

26 of 30

Quincy Miller, SF

2011-12: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists

School: Baylor

The Pacers lack depth at small forward, as their is no true talent to back up Danny Granger. So drafting a backup small forward with this pick seems to be the right choice, and Quincy Miller is the one who should be taken.

He is a big player, whose long body allows him to be of use on both ends of the floor. While his offensive game need to be developed, he has a strong ethic and will pick up whatever is taught.

While he lacks speed and athleticism, Miller can be a relentless scorer at times and is the perfect player to back up Granger.


27. Miami Heat

27 of 30

Andrew Nicholson, PF

2011-12: 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks 

School: St. Bonaventure

The Heat need another big man, as Bosh's value was shown after his injury kept him from playing. Nicholson has the potential to be a similar player. He has an ability to score as well as strong skills on the boards.

He never seems to lose energy. His defensive skills make him a good backup for Bosh in Miami.


28. Oklahoma City Thunder

28 of 30

Royce White, SF

2011-12: 13.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists 

School: Iowa State

The Thunder could use a strong reserve to back up Kevin Durant at the 3, and Royce White seems perfect. He has the size to be a power forward, but his skills mimic that of a small forward.

He is a fairly similar player to Durant, with the ability to score and rebound with ease. He isn't afraid to bring the ball up and can do so very easily, even in traffic.


29. Chicago Bulls

29 of 30

Evan Fournier, SG

2011-12: 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists (France) 

School: Poitiers, International

Fournier is the best international player in this year's draft and can eventually grow into a great player.

He is only 19, so he has plenty of time to develop. He's an ideal pick for a team that lacks depth at the shooting guard position.

The Bulls are on such team, having relied on an old Rip Hamilton to man the 2 position. They could use a change going forward.

At 6'6'', Fournier has good size, and his scoring ability make him an ideal candidate for this selection. 

30. Golden State Warriors

30 of 30

Festus Ezeli, C

2011-12: 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks

School: Vanderbilt

The Warriors filled their small forward needs with their selection of Harrison Barnes, and now look to add depth at the center position, a move necessary due to Andrew Bogut's history.

Ezeli is a good defensive player with size and strength. While he isn't the most talented offensive player in the draft, he provides a good option for the Warriors this late.


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