2012 NBA Lottery Order: Final Order for All 30 Teams and Who They May Pick

The NBA Draft order is set and now, the real work begins.

Now that each team finally knows where they stand, pillaging through potential prospects and ascertaining a final decision on who to draft is a must.

We obviously know where Anthony Davis will land, but who could go next?

And where could they go?

Let's find out.

1. New Orleans Hornets

Regardless of whether New Orleans needed him or not, Anthony Davis is the only option here; we can accept no substitutes.

Davis is NBA-ready and already on the path to superstardom without having played in a single game in the pros.

It also doesn't hurt that the Hornets have a clear need for a big man with both Carl Landry and Chris Kaman expected to head elsewhere.

Potential Targets: Anthony Davis

Most Likely Selection: Anthony Davis

2. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats got shafted in the worst way possible, but it's officially time to move on.

Charlotte has a clear need at just about every position except center (see Bismack Biyombo), but there are only really two options here as well, Bradley Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

While Bradley Beal presents an intriguing dynamic, the Bobcats already have one undersized combo guard in Kemba Walker. Adding another one would be overkill.

Potential Targets: Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson

Most Likely Selection: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

3. Washington Wizards

The Wizards were hoping to land the second pick, but they didn't exactly lose by dropping to third.

Michael-Kidd Gilchrist is undoubtedly the best option to pair with John Wall, and while that's still a possibility, expect to see Bradley Beal in Washington next season.

And quite frankly, he's far from a bad consolation prize.

Potential Targets: Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Most Likely Selection: Bradley Beal

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

This has now become a pick that the Cavaliers should consider parlaying into a proven star talent.

Cleveland desperately needs a running mate for Kyrie Irving, but after falling to four in the draft order, there's not an available two or three who the Cavs can justify taking this high.

This presents a quandary for Cleveland. Do they explore dealing this pick or shop Tristan Thompson? Or do they draft who they deem the best big man available and have Thompson move to center.

It's not a terrible conflict to have, but it is one nonetheless.

Potential Targets: Andre Drummond, Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger

Most Likely Selection: Thomas Robinson

5. Sacramento Kings

This is where the Kings expected to be, and they have the opportunity to draft someone special.

Sacramento will be able to select from a plethora of talented big men to pair with DeMarcus Cousins, which is far from a bad situation to be in.

That said, the Kings have to ensure that they don't screw this up...again.

Potential Targets: Andre Drummond, Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger

Most Likely Selection: Andre Drummond

6. Portland Trail Blazers

The Nets didn't strike gold, but the Trail Blazers arguably did.

Portland is now positioned to draft—you guessed it—a big with enormous upside to pair alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.

That said, don't be surprised to see them explore top rated swingmen. If the Blazers get the sense that Nicolas Batum has one foot out the door, the small forward slot suddenly becomes a position of need.

Potential Targets: Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond and Jared Sullinger

Most Likely Selection: Jared Sullinger  

7. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors left securing their pick to chance, and it worked...for a change.

Now, they're left with finding a young, able-bodied small forward to man the perimeter.

While this draft is more four and five heavy than anything, Golden State is in the perfect position to add someone at three.

There are a variety of options available, and the Warriors are likely to explore all of them, but this is one of the picks that seems to require very little thought.

Potential Targets: Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Jones

Most Likely Selection: Harrison Barnes 

8. Toronto Raptors

If the opportunity to add a proven talent at the expense of this pick comes along, expect the Raptors to take it.

That said, if they opt to hold on to it, they'll be forced to select a big man that they don't immediately need. 

Given Andrea Bargnani's murky bill of health, though, that could change in the blink of an eye.

Potential Targets: John Henson, Perry Jones III, Jared Sullinger

Most Likely Pick: John Henson

9. Detroit Pistons

Detroit will jump at the opportunity to add another big alongside Greg Monroe.

The power forward position was a sore spot for the Pistons all of last season, leaving them with no choice but to take the best four available.

Considering who will be available, though, that's not a situation Detroit is likely to spilt hairs on.

Potential Targets: John Hensons, Perry Jones III, Tyler Zellar

Most Likely Pick: Perry Jones III

10. New Orleans Hornets

After adding Anthony Davis, the Hornets will undoubtedly look to shore up the perimeter, especially considering Eric Gordon is a flight risk.

That said, with Davis in the fold, don't expect Gordon to go anywhere. So, while logic suggests New Orleans will target a small forward—and you better believe the team explores such a scenario—Al-Farouq Aminu and Trevor Ariza leave them the option of chasing a point guard.

I think the Hornets surprise some people here.

Potential Targets: Jeremy Lamb, Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall

Most Likely Selection: Damian Lillard

11. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are one of the many teams in need of a franchise point guard, and they'll have to look to a draft dominated by big men to find one.

Though options at that position are not plentiful, they are available.

It wouldn't matter even if they weren't though. Raymond Felton wasn't the answer and Nolan Smith is still too raw, so Portland needs a point man regardless.

Potential Targets: Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers

Most Likely Selection: Kendall Marshall

12. Milwaukee Bucks

Ersan Ilyasova isn't going anywhere, leaving the Bucks in the market for some relief down low.

Milwaukee entered the post Andrew Bogut era before it even traded him, and they nearly made the playoffs. 

However, if the Bucks wish to convince both Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings to stay long term, almost making the playoffs isn't enough; they need to move toward contention.

And a step in the right direction would be drafting a fundamentally sound big man.

Potential Targets: John Henson, Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller

Most Likely Selection: Tyler Zeller

13. Phoenix Suns

Regardless of whether Steve Nash stays or goes, the Suns need to start thinking about their point guard of the future, but will there be anyone worthy of getting excited about left by this point?

There is an array of talented playmakers leading the way this year, but only a few of those are bona fide point guards.

While the Suns will undoubtedly target the best options, they may be forced to take someone who needs more fine tuning than they would have preferred.

Potential Targets: Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers

Most Likely Selection: Austin Rivers

14. Houston Rockets

The Rockets need to get younger, bigger and more athletic, and they will use the last lottery pick to do just that.

Marcus Camby remains an athletic fiend, but his bill of health and birth date render him a temporary solution.

Expect Houston to target all talented big men and ultimately select the most talented one remaining.

Potential Targets: Meyers Leonard, Arnett Moultrie and Tyler Zeller

Most Likely Selection: Meyers Leonard

15. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers need some help in the paint.

Strike that, Elton Brand needs some relief in the paint.

Brand is a conditioning nightmare, defensive liability and as reliable as wafer-thin ice. Plain and simple, he's a shell of his former self.

Luckily for Philadelphia, this year's draft class is not only loaded with talent, but specifically, with talented big man.

Potential Targets: Terrence Jones, Quincy Miller, Royce White

Most Likely Selection: Terrence Jones

16. Houston Rockets

After addressing their need for a big man, the Rockets will look to add a swingman.

There are plenty of potential prospects, even outside of the lottery. The only problem lies in choosing the one with the least amount of risk and greatest amount of upside left on the board. 

Luis Scola, Marcus Camby (should he return) and even Kevin Martin aren't kids anymore. If Houston doesn't want to blow up the roster, it needs a shooter who can make an impact now.

Potential Targets: Terrence Jones, Jeremy Lamb, Quincy Miller

Most Likely Selection: Jeremy Lamb (draft day steal alert)  

17. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have a plethora of issues to address and would be wise to tackle the need for a combo guard first.

Both Jason Kidd and Jason Terry are unrestricted free agents and even if only one leaves, Dallas suddenly has a gaping hole in the backcourt to fill.

That said, I think Dallas' hand will ultimately be forced by their position. They'll be persuaded to draft the best player available—likely a wing—and look to free agency to solve their backcourt woes.

Potential Targets: Moe Harkless, Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten

Most Likely Selection: Quincy Miller

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota is another team that will have to scour the draft for a talented player to strengthen the perimeter.

Wesley Johnson and Martell Webster have hardly been effective, and for the Timberwolves to make it to the next level—postseason contention—they need a backcourt running mate for Ricky Rubio.

Not to mention that Kevin Love shouldn't be the only capable outside shooter Minnesota boasts.

Potential Targets: Moe Harkless, Austin Rivers, Terrence Ross

Most Likely Selection: Terrence Ross

19. Orlando Magic

If Jameer Nelson is smart, he'll get out of dodge or in this case, Orlando, before the summer is out.

That leaves the Magic with strong- and athletic-sized hole at point guard, one that will be tough fill.

Though Orlando may be tempted to snag a big man in case the Dwight Howard saga goes even more south, it is better for the team if a chance is taken on a potentially valuable point man.

Potential Targets: Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten

Most Likely Selection: Marquis Teague

20. Denver Nuggets

What the Nuggets truly need is an immediate superstar, but there will most likely be none of those left on the board by this time.

So, what I'm saying is, whomever a starless Denver selects will fit right in.

He'll be an even better fit if he happens to be a point guard who can backup Ty Lawson in case Andre Miller finds a starting position elsewhere.

Potential Targets: Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Dion Waiters, Tony Wroten

Most Likely Selection: Tony Wroten

21. Boston Celtics

The Celtics could definitely use a big man, but they find themselves positioned to draft a best available player type athlete.

That said, expect Boston to at least consider any of the remaining big men and possibly jump on one that may have slipped.

Ultimately, though, the Celtics will opt to add some more firepower to go alongside Avery Bradley, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo on the perimeter.

Potential Targets: Moe Harkless, Fab Melo, Arnette Moultrie, Jeffrey Taylor, Royce White

Most Likely Selection: Jeffrey Taylor 

22. Boston Celtics

At this point, the need for a big man will get the best of Boston.

Though the Celtics will still take a look some remaining combo forwards, the need to avoid becoming severely undersized upon the inevitable departure of Kevin Garnett will prevail.

Potential Targets: Mo Harkless, Fab Melo, Arnett Moultrie, Royce White

Most Likely Selection: Arnett Moulrie 

23. Atlanta Hawks

Marvin Williams simply isn't cutting it in Atlanta.

Though Williams has proven valuable on occasion, his conditioning and overall commitment to the Hawks are both questionable.

They'll be best served drafting and then grooming a potential replacement or perhaps even someone who can render him expendable almost immediately.

Potential Targets: Moe Harkless, Jeffrey Taylor, Royce White

Most Likely Selection: Moe Harkless

24. Cleveland Cavaliers

There won't be any significant rhyme or reason to the Cavaliers' pick here.

Cleveland needs capable bodies who have the potential to develop into something bigger, but they won't be pillaging through the remaining prospects hoping to find a steal.

There is a chance that Arnett Moultrie drops this far, but I think Boston steals him right from under the Cavaliers' noses, leaving them to select the best player available.

Potential Targets: Furkan Aldemire, Arnett Moultrie, Royce White

Most Likely Selection: Royce White

 

25. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are one of a few teams with no real glaring needs.

That said, Memphis would welcome some extra athletic size or even a backup point guard.

The Grizzlies a very self-aware bunch though, so fully expect them to do their research and select a player who cannot only make an impact now, but who has the highest ceiling of any remaining prospects.

Potential Targets: Qalat Cajasol, Doron Lamb, Dion Waiters

Most Likely Selection: Dion Waiters (Chad Ford be damned!) 

26. Indiana Pacers

Some don't like to hear it, but the Pacers have the makings of a championship team; they just need to strengthen their already strong core.

With two solid low post players in Roy Hibbert and David West, a sound role player in Tylor Hansbrough and a bevy of small forwards and guards who can exploit defenses on the block, expect Indiana to draft a perimeter savvy athlete.

And expect that pick to pan out, as Larry Bird is one of the best.

Potential Targets: Evan Fournier, John Jenkins and Doron Lamb

Most Likely Selection: Evan Fournier

27. Miami Heat

The Heat need a center.

In fact, Miami needs a center more than any championship contender in the history of the league has ever needed a center.

And by this point, I'll doubt they'll have a strong preference as to who they take, as long as he has better hands on the offensive end than Joel Anthony.

Potential Targets: Festus Ezeli, Fab Melo, Andrew Nicholson

Most Likely Selection: Fab Melo 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

Derek Fisher has provided the Thunder with a wealth of experience at the backup point guard slot, but Oklahoma City needs someone who isn't a risk to retire.

Russell Westbrook puts points on the board like no other, so the Thunder aren't in need of anything spectacular.

Factor in that James Harden spends a lot of time running point for the second unit and Oklahoma City really just needs a competent combo-guard.

Potential Targets: John Jenkins, Scott Machado, Dion Waiters

Most Likely Selection: John Jenkins

29. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls, especially with Derrick Rose watching from the sidelines, need a combo guard who can do a little bit of everything.

There isn't a bounty of athletes in the draft that can do that to begin with, but Chicago is not out of options, even this late in the pool.

Though potential solutions to their most glaring weakness won't be plentiful, there are still a couple of prospects who possess the skill set that the Bulls are in desperate need of.

Potential Targets: Doron Lamb, Tomas Satoransky, Tyshawn Taylor

Most Likely Selection: Doron Lamb

30. Golden State Wariors

In case you didn't know, Andrew Bogut isn't the healthiest big man out there. Ergo, the Warriors are in need of at least a body to use as insurance.

Even this late in the game, there is no shortage of height, which means Golden State will have plenty of options to choose from.

Expect the Warriors to chase someone who can play some minutes at power forward as well so that they may extract every last bit of value out of this pick.

Potential Targets: Festus Ezeli, Fab Melo, Andrew Nicholson

Most Likely Selection: Andrew Nicholson

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