2012 NBA Mock Draft: Spotlighting Anthony Davis and the Best Players of Round 1

Although the 2012 NBA draft may not have the most elite talent that we have seen in recent years, there is no question that there are a few players with superstar potential.

If a team is unable to draft one of those prospects, however, it becomes a bit of a crap shoot as the first round moves forward.

Teams picking early in the opening round obviously have a ton of work to do, but nabbing one of the top players could be huge in the rebuilding process. There is no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to the NBA, but sometimes you can just tell when a player is poised for success at the next level.

In addition to a full first-round mock draft, I am offering further analysis on the top all-around players who are likely to be taken early and what their respective NBA futures hold.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, F (Kentucky)

Most NBA drafts seem to have a player at the top who is considered the consensus top pick, and this year that player is unquestionably Kentucky forward Anthony Davis.

The big man looked like a seasoned veteran in his only season at Kentucky, as he dominated on both ends of the floor and led the Wildcats to a National Championship as a freshman. His stock couldn't get any higher, so he wisely declared for the draft.

The lottery has yet to determine how the draft order will be set, but the lowly Charlotte Bobcats have the best chance of nabbing the top-overall selection. If they do, then they will select Davis in a heartbeat. The Bobcats couldn't get out of their own way this season, and perhaps the only useful or promising player on the roster is guard Kemba Walker.

If Davis goes to the Bobcats, he will put up huge numbers immediately and will likely be an All-Star as a rookie.

It's true that the opposition will be able to key in on him, but with nobody else on the roster capable of carrying the load, Davis will do it all. Losing may be tough on him at first, but if coupled with an elite running mate, Davis has a chance to turn the Bobcats around quickly because of his scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking prowess.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F (Kentucky)

As incredible as Davis was in his freshman season at Kentucky, fellow forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was nearly as integral to the Wildcats success.

His numbers weren't all that impressive, but MKG did a little of everything, averaging 12 points, 7.4 rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal per game. When you couple that with his 6'7" frame, he is a player with endless possibilities.

It's tough to pigeonhole Kidd-Gilchrist into one position or another at the next level, but he appears to be a guy who can star at either small forward or power forward.

The Washington Wizards would be a good landing spot for him at No. 2, since he could be point guard John Wall's wing man. The entire offense is predicated on Wall, but he would benefit greatly from a utility man who can do it all.

Though a few inches shorter, Kidd-Gilchrist may compare best to Lamar Odom among active NBA players. Although his career his currently in decline, Odom had a ton of productive NBA seasons as a forward who could score, rebound, pass and defend.

That describes Kidd-Gilchrist perfectly, and if he develops into an Odom-type player, then he will allow Wall to become a star, and the Wizards will be back in the playoff hunt.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, G (Florida)

There isn't a guard in the draft that is more explosive than Beal, and his skills will complement those of Kyrie Irving quite nicely in the Cleveland backcourt.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, F (Kansas)

The Kentucky Wildcats were clearly the best team in college basketball this past season, but the Kansas Jayhawks run to the National Championship Game shouldn't be discounted.

Kansas was dismissed often along the way, but it was able to persevere and give Kentucky a nice challenge. The biggest reason why the Jayhawks were able to get that far was the play of power forward Thomas Robinson.

Robinson averaged nearly 18 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior and was the go-to guy on a team that was fairly thin.

He pretty much had to do everything on both ends of the floor for the Jayhawks and he didn't disappoint. He was constantly double-teamed and roughed up in the NCAA Tournament, and while he wasn't always at his best, he constantly pushed back and made things happened.

Robinson is one of the most polished players in the draft and seems like a guy who can contribute immediately at power forward.

Having lost Chris Paul and David West last offseason, the New Orleans Hornets need an infusion of talent. Robinson will be counted upon to replace West, and while I doubt he will be able to lead the Hornets back to prominence on his own, Robinson is a good piece with which to start.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)

There is a lot of concern regarding Drummond's readiness after just one collegiate season. Perhaps playing next to DeMarcus Cousins will ease his learning curve a bit.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey): Kendall Marshall, G (North Carolina)

Without a reliable point guard, the Blazers couldn't do much offensively this year, so they'll take the best floor general in the draft in the form of Marshall.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, F (North Carolina)

Barnes proved down the stretch last season that he can't be trusted to create his own shots, but at No.7 the Warriors will be mesmerized by his size and skill.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, G (Connecticut)

The Raptors are in a tough spot since much of the elite talent will be gone when they select, but Lamb is a pretty safe pick because his shooting ability is going to transfer to the NBA.

9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, F (Baylor)

Jones simply isn't tough and physical enough for a player of his size and stature, and while I believe that will limit him at the next level, his athleticism will draw in the Pistons.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via MIN): Damian Lillard, G (Weber State)

After nabbing a top-notch power forward with their first pick, the Hornets will next address the backcourt by selecting the draft's most explosive combo scoring guard.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Jared Sullinger, F/C (Ohio State)

There's plenty of debate about whether Sullinger can be an NBA center, but I believe that his wide body will allow him to be a good fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

Things are starting to get dicey as Leonard has a lot of work to do in order to reach his potential. That upside will be reason enough for the Bucks to take him.

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, G (Duke)

Many consider Rivers to be one of the most overhyped players in the draft—and he may be—but his scoring ability will be welcomed in Phoenix if Steve Nash bolts.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, F/C (North Carolina)

It's possible that Zeller will get pushed around by stouter centers at the next level, but his scoring touch is too silky for the Rockets to ignore.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, F (North Carolina)

Henson may not be an NBA star, but he can block shots and score in the paint, so the 76ers will be happy to get him here due to their thin frontcourt.

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

After taking Zeller two picks earlier, the Rockets go with another big to add some depth behind the overworked Luis Scola.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Arnett Moultrie, F (Mississippi State)

The Mavericks are one of the oldest teams in basketball and need to bring in some young talent such as Moultrie, who he can play next to Dirk Nowitzki or give him a rest.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah): Terrence Ross, G (Washington)

Minnesota has a glut of talent in the frontcourt but is a bit weak in the backcourt; taking a guy like Ross, who can score in a multitude of ways, makes a lot of sense.

19. Orlando Magic: Doron Lamb, G (Kentucky)

Even if the Magic trade Dwight Howard, there isn't a center worth taking at this spot, so they would be best off going with Lamb due to his great outside scoring potential.

20. Denver Nuggets: Dion Waiters, G (Syracuse)

Unless they're getting a superstar, there isn't much the Nuggets need. Still, it never hurts to get a versatile guard like Waiters, as he can play the two and the point in a pinch.

 21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, F (St. John’s)

With both Paul Pierce and Ray Allen on their last legs, the Celtics need a wing player who can be groomed behind them.

Harkless seems like the best option.

22. Boston Celtics (via L.A. Clippers): Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)

Boston has been much better since Kevin Garnett started playing center, but he may not be back season, so the Celtics should go out and get a potential defensive stopper.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Royce White, F (Iowa State)

Josh Smith he is not, but if Smith leaves after next season or is traded, the Hawks will need a guy like White to make up for at least part of what is lost.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via L.A. Lakers): Andrew Nicholson, F (St. Bonaventure)

There is a big unknown factor with Nicholson, since he played at St. Bonaventure, but he is very versatile on the offensive end and would be a nice complement to Kyrie Irving.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, G (Washington)

The Grizzlies already have a great interior scoring duo, but they don't really have a guard who can get into the paint and make things happen.

Wroten is an ideal pick here.

26. Indiana Pacers: Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt)

As one of the few first round-worthy centers in the draft, Ezeli will go a bit earlier than he should, but the Pacers need some support for Roy Hibbert and won't hesitate to take him.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F (Michigan State)

The Heat don't necessarily need another small-forward type, but Green has point guard skills at a forward position, so he would be a very interesting addition.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Jones, F (West Virginia)

Oklahoma City doesn't really have a scoring threat down low, and while Jones would be stuck behind Serge Ibaka, he could be a nice presence off the bench.

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, G (Vanderbilt)

The Keith Bogans and Richard Hamilton experiments haven't worked, so it's time for the Bulls to get a good young shooter to pair with the healing Derrick Rose.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Marquis Teague, G (Kentucky)

Teague falls to the end of the first round based on circumstance rather than talent. The Warriors will be happy to nab him as an insurance policy for Stephen Curry.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter