2012 NBA Draft: Post-Lottery Mock Draft

The 2012 NBA draft lottery has come to a conclusion, and the New Orleans Hornets have hit the jackpot. Anthony Davis, or any other prospect for that matter, belong to the Hornets. The rest of the NBA draft will be subsequently shaped by their decision.

From franchise players to impact reserves, this draft is filled with the type of talent who can change the face of an organization. Tempered expectations and calculated risk with both play a role as each and every team attempts to hit the jackpot.

The question is, however, what will the Hornets decision be? Upon that realization, what will follow?

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Power Forward

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'10"—220 pounds—7'4" wingspan

Pros:

Anthony Davis is an elite shot-blocker and dominant rebounder. He also handles the ball and runs the floor like a guard, plays perimeter defense and has a sky-high basketball IQ. Well-mannered and team-oriented player, he's a great NBA prospect.

Cons:

Even the great ones have their flaws, and for Davis, it's his frame. He's a long, athletic player with adequate height, but he lacks any muscle on his frame. Don't think he's weak down low, because he's not, but he definitely needs to bulk up to play in the NBA.

Why It Works:

Anthony Davis is one of those rare players who can dominate a game without taking a single shot attempt. Between his control of the glass, rock-solid interior defense and unheralded shot blocking, Davis is as diverse as they come. A true difference-maker for the New Orleans Hornets as they instantly possess one of the best interior defenses in the NBA with Davis and Emeka Okafor.

Eric Gordon now has a new incentive to return.

Season Averages: 35.71 PER, 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 4.7 BPG, 1.4 SPG

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Age: 18

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'7"—210 pounds—6'11" wingspan

Pros:

Elite athlete. Thrives in attacking the basket. Finishes as well as any prospect around the rim. Physical but quick. Top-tier defender who can handle multiple positions. Non-stop motor. Excellent off the dribble. Potential franchise player.

Cons:

Offensive attack one-dimensional. Weak perimeter shooting. Mid-range game is shaky.

Why It Works:

With Anthony Davis off of the board, the Charlotte Bobcats will select the best player available at their biggest (although difficult to decide) position of need.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will offer the Bobcats a true game-changer on both ends of the floor, thus creating a situation in which Corey Maggette becomes expendable. While Maggette isn't the greatest player, he certainly has enough trade value to land a second-round draft choice from a contender.

MKG has star potential and will certainly bring life to the Bobcats' roster. Kemba Walker has some very welcome company.

Season Averages: 21.94 PER, 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'9"—237 pounds—7'1" wingspan

Pros:

Long, strong and well-built. Dominant rebounder. Tough, never-back-down defender. Loves to play physical. Elite scorer from the low-post. Solid mid-range and perimeter shooter. Well above-average ball handler. Can penetrate off the dribble. Natural born leader.

Cons:

Can fall in love with his perimeter game. Faced questions about his size, as some have him at 6'10 but others at 6'9". Has been considered a "one-hit wonder."

Why It Works:

The Washington Wizards have found a blessing in disguise with falling out of the top two, thus landing the ultimate pick-and-roll combination with Thomas Robinson and franchise player John Wall.

Not only that, but Robinson helps form one of the more promising front courts in the NBA alongside Nene.

Win-win situation here.

Season Averages: 28.53 PER, 17.7 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 18

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'4"—195 pounds—6'8" wingspan

Pros:

Outstanding shooter with limitless range. Excels at moving without the basketball. Great rebounder. Talented ball-handler. Selfless facilitator. Above-average perimeter defender. High leap and quick release.

Cons:

Questions about Beal's size, as some list him at 6'3" and others at 6'5". Could add some upper body strength.

Why It Works:

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have the opportunity to land their first consistent shooting guard in over a decade. They will take that chance, as Bradley Beal offers the Cavaliers arguably one of the best pure shooters in this draft class.

Alongside Kyrie Irving, Beal will instantly emerge as a Rookie of the Year favorite.

Season Averages: 21.17 PER, 14.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'8"—210 pounds—6'11" wingspan

Pros:

Unquestioned leader with highly touted character and basketball IQ. He's a very long player with adequate height and strength, helping him evolve into quite a dominant defender. His mid-range game is also amongst the best, as his form and shot selection is amongst the best when focused. One of the best in the clutch.

Cons:

Struggles to create for himself off of the dribble. Can rely too heavily on his mid-range game rather than posting up or attacking the basket.

Why It Works:

Harrison Barnes is an elite perimeter defender, top-tier jump shooter and has one of the highest basketball IQs of any draft prospect. This is music to the Sacramento Kings' ears, as they attempt to sign their first significant 3 since Peja Sojakovic.

He's big-time selection alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and the Sac-Town crew.

Season Averages: 22.70 PER, 17.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies

Position: Center

Age: 18

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'11"—275 pounds— 7'5" wingspan

Pros:

NBA body. Adequate height, weight and strength. Explosive leaper. Dominant shot-blocker and rebounder. Can be intimidating. Excellent on-ball, low-post defender. High basketball IQ. Massive wingspan.

Cons:

Inconsistent motor. Settles for jump shots. Raw offensively.

Why It Works:

Greg Oden is gone and no point guard is deserving of a pick at this position. The writing is on the wall as the Portland Trail Blazers ease the defensive workload for LaMarcus Aldridge and add the type of player who could start for the next five-to-10 years.

Season Averages: 22.15 PER, 28.4 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.7 BPG

7. Golden State Warriors: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'8"—244 pounds—7'3" wingspan

Pros:

Handles the ball and passes like a guard. Can score from the perimeter, 15-20 feet and the low-post. Very good rebounder. Underrated shot-blocker. Quick hands and massive wingspan. One of the better defensive prospects in this draft class. Well-rounded offensive game.

Cons:

Questionable shot selection. Poor body language outweighs leadership skills. Can be too passive.

Why It Works:

The Golden State Warriors are in dire need of an upgrade in the front court and on the wing. Consider this killing two birds with one stone, as the Warriors add a player who is capable of playing both the 3 and 4.

Jones will bring the defensive presence Golden State currently lacks and complement Andrew Bogut brilliantly, once the big man returns from injury. He'd also offer the Warriors a great ball handler who will add security behind the injury-prone Stephen Curry.

Season Averages: 24.83 PER, 12.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.3 SPG

8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'2"—185 pounds

Pros:

Elite scorer. Stellar jump shot. Lightning-like quickness. Can penetrate at will. Excellent rebounder for his height and position. A true floor general. Unquestioned leader of an overachieving team.

Cons:

Undersized. Some have criticized court vision. Could be more of a combo-guard.

Why It Works:

Jerryd Bayless is injury-prone and hitting free agency. Jose Calderon is aging and in perfect position to mentor a young point guard. Enter Damian Lillard, who has all the tools to be a dominant scorer but lacks the necessary traits of a true facilitator.

If it's not Lillard, it's Kendall Marshall. Toronto is going point guard here.

Season Averages: 33.58 PER, 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 SPG

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Position: Power Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'9"—280 pounds—7'2" wingspan

Pros:

The best offensive low-post player in this draft class. Beautiful baby hook. Can score with both hands. Giant wingspan and a massive lower-body. Arguably the best at working for position. Absolute monster on the glass. Serious competitor. Great motor. Improved as a shot-blocker.

Cons:

Undersized. Questions about conditioning. Concern about strength and physicality transferring to NBA level.

Why It Works:

I've been preaching this pick since day one and the only way it changes is if Jared Sullinger goes sooner. He'd offer the force to Greg Monroe's finesse and instantly create one of the most promising front courts in the NBA. Sullinger is a true star in the making.

Season Averages: 30.39 PER, 17.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minn.): Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Point Guard

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'4"—188 pounds

Pros:

Excellent facilitator. Great assist-to-turnover ratio. High basketball IQ. Elite court vision. Above-average size and strength. Great motor, work ethic. Improving jump shot.

Cons:

Coming off of a serious wrist injury. Struggles with his jump shot. Not your ideal athlete.

Why It Works:

The New Orleans Hornets are in an interesting position at this point in the draft. Damian Lillard is off of the board and Kendall Marshall lacks the shooting ability that would work off of Anthony Davis' potential double-teams.

Just stop thinking that Davis is the only star who could potentially land on this team. 

Eric Gordon is still a strong possibility to re-sign, making Kendall Marshall the best possible option. He'd work well off of pick-and-rolls and set up Davis for the easy looks. He'd also offer Gordon adequate opportunities to attempt pocket threes, dribble-penetrations and secondary passes to hot shooters on the perimeter.

Season Averages: 16.50 PER, 8.1 PPG, 9.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.48 A/TO ratio

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'4"—215 pounds

Pros:

Excels in attacking the basket. Plays well above the rim. Confidence rubs off on teammates and frustrates opponents. Plays within his skill set. Dominant in transition. Can create off the dribble.

Cons:

Lacks a consistent perimeter game. Can be caught gambling on defense. Some may view his confidence as arrogance.

Why It Works:

So what now?

Portland, unfortunately, misses out on the opportunity to land Damian Lillard or Kendall Marshall. Fear not, Trail Blazer fans, as the team now opens up the door for an opportunity to land one of the best shooting guard prospects in this draft class: Dion Waiters.

Scouts are high on Waiters, and some GMs even believe him to be the only superstar who doesn't go by the name of Anthony Davis.

Season Averages: 24.4 MPG, 26.29 PER, 12.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Center

Age: 22

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 7'0"—250 pounds—7'1" wingspan

Pros:

Above-average mobility. Solid mid-range game. Can be a dominant scorer in the paint. Very good rebounder. Steadily improving shot-blocker. Athletic enough to run the floor in transition. Great motor.

Cons:

Can be bullied in the low-post. Needs to add muscle and strength to avoid continuation of such. Is a rather grounded player.

Why It Works:

The Milwaukee Bucks need to replace Andrew Bogut. Tyler Zeller needs to come off of the board. If there's ever been a perfect fit, it's right here.

Zeller is not going to be a star, as some project he might be. What he will be, however, is a consistent starter who offers the same thing every time out: An outstanding motor and a willingness to do anything to secure the W.

Season Averages: 30.33 PER, 16.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 55.3 FG%

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, Phoenix Suns

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'5"—185 pounds—7'0" wingspan

Pros:

Lights out shooter. High-leap on his jump shots. Quick release. Unreal 7'0" wingspan. Elite athlete who moves across the floor with grace and confidence. Can dominate when on his game. Lock-down on-ball defender.

Cons:

Tendency to disappear with the game on the line. Often found waiting for a play to develop. Needs to learn to move without the basketball. Must add muscle to frame to handle post-up opponents.

Why It Works:

The Phoenix Suns had quite the up-and-down season as they experimented on Shannon Brown. They've also lacked a solid 2 since losing Joe Johnson in 2006. Jeremy Lamb would offer some stability there, as he could potentially put up 15-20 points a night as a member of the Suns.

The downside for Lamb is that he's often caught watching the ball. This would be tempered should Steve Nash return, however, opening the door for Lamb to finally move without the basketball. If not, just look at his perimeter defense and be thankful that the Suns can finally contain an opponent.

Season Averages: 22.05 PER, 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG 

14. Houston Rockets: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

Player Traits: Forward—20—6'11"—235 pounds—7'3" wingspan

Pros:

Versatile. Can play the 3, 4 or 5. Runs the floor like a guard. Could be a point forward. Capable of scoring from mid-range or above the basket. Has a solid low-post game. Arguably the best athlete in this draft class.

Cons:

Jones III doesn't seem to know how to utilize his skill-set or body. Often limits himself to mid-range jump shots. Can be one-dimensional and predictable. Production doesn't match talent.

Why It Works:

Perry Jones III is a star in some eyes and a potential bust in others. While this will call him to take a tumble, it will not drop him any lower than this.

Luis Scola has been marvelous for the Houston Rockets, but is 32-years-old and is coming off of a season in which his rebound numbers were at a career-low. He's clearly lost a step and Perry Jones III is the perfect guy to put in his place, as his finesse rather than force style is perfect for Scola to help mentor.

Season Averages: 21.95 PER—13.5 PPG—7.6 RPG—1.3 APG—0.8 BPG—0.6 SPG

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Guard

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'4"—199 pounds—6'8" wingspan

Pros:

Excellent ball-handler. Can both penetrate or rise up and hit a jump shot. Finishes well around the basket. Deep range on his jump shot. Possesses the elusive killer instinct.

Cons:

Can be selfish with the ball in his hands. Often over-dribbles. Poor shot selection. Very concerning field-goal percentage. Inconsistent defender who takes far too many chances.

Why It Works:

With Lou Williams poised to hit free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers are in need of a reserve who can light up the scoreboard and handle the ball-handling duties. Fortunately for the 76ers, Austin Rivers is available and fits the bill perfectly.

Season Averages: 16.85 PER, 15.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 43% FG

16. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Player Traits: Shooting Guard—21—6'6"—190 pounds

Pros:

Best size of any first-round shooting guard. Excellent shooter with ideal rise on his jump shot. Clean release and a quick first step to keep defenders off-balance. One of the better defenders at his position.

Cons:

Questionable shot-selection. Failed to lead Washington to NCAA Tournament in 2012, although many feel team was snubbed. Could handle the ball more responsively.

Why It Works:

Terrence Ross is excellent at scoring off of the dribble, moves well without the basketball and has one of the best jump shots you'll find. He's also one of the best perimeter defenders in this draft class and can penetrate and finish well above the rim.

Ross is a great fit for Houston, as Kevin Martin's history never seems to be certain. Whether long-term or short-term, Ross would offer a major upgrade in terms of consistency.

Season Averages: 20.86 PER, 16.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG

17. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, Dallas Mavericks

Position: Center

 

Age: 20

Height, Weight & Wingspan:  

7'0"—240 pounds—7'3" wingspan

Pros:

Mobile, athletic. Very tall, very long. Excellent defender who displays patience and impeccable timing. Offers valuable presence in the paint. Good rebounder and shot-blocker. Finishes well around the basket. High-leap.

Cons:

Lacks fundamentals on offense. Must add upper and lower-body strength to play the 5 consistently.

Why It Works:

The Dallas Mavericks' greatest position of need is at the 5, where 2012's group effort came up short. In selecting Meyers Leonard, those woes may come to an end as the mobile big man works perfectly alongside Dirk Nowitzki.

Leonard is solid on the boards, can finish well in the paint and is not afraid of contact. Although some refer to him as a project, he's going to go down as one of the better players from this draft class.

Season Averages: 24.02 PER, 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 BPG

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah): Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm

Player Traits: Guard/Forward—18—6'8"—190 pounds

Pros:

Very athletic wingman who can play both the 2 and 3. When he gives effort, he can dominate on both ends. Quickness is matched by power in attacking the rim. Can rebound, swipe steals and block shots.

Cons:

Lacks a reliable mid-range game. One-dimensional on offense. Often appears uninterested on the defensive end. When he isn't scoring, it appears he's just going through the motions.

Why It Works:

No shooting guard prospect makes sense to select at this point in the draft. Due to this fact, the Minnesota Timberwolves take a chance on a player who could play either the 3 or 4: Moe Harkless of the St. John's Red Storm.

Harkless is big enough to play the 3, but athletic enough to play the 2. While his motor has been questioned, his production cannot be. He'd be an excellent complement to Ricky Rubio.

Season Averages: 21.06 PER, 15.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG

19. Orlando Magic: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Position: Point Guard

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'5"—205 pounds

Pros:

Great size for a point guard. Very good passer with unstoppable court vision. Finishes above the rim. Quick and powerful off the dribble.

Cons:

Must improve both his jump shot and shot selection. Often goes for the flashy play rather than the smart play. Turns the ball over far too often.

Why It Works:

The Orlando Magic have quite a few positions of need, but none may be as significant as the point. Jameer Nelson remains one of the better point guards in the NBA, but is 30 years old and has very little depth behind him.

Tony Wroten Jr. would not only offer depth and a potential replacement at the point, but he would be another body at the 2. His 6'5" size and powerful dribble would certainly enable that to.

Season Averages: 21.07 PER, 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.9 SPG

20. Denver Nuggets: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'11"—220 pounds—7'4" wingspan

Pros:

Giant wingspan paired with incredible leaping ability. Consistently great motor that influences teammates. Great rebounder and shot-blocker. Loves to play defense.

Cons:

Very frail. Must add muscle and strength in order to consistently defend low-post opponents. Must have a more consistent jump shot should he continue to rely on such.

Why It Works:

The Denver Nuggets currently possess one of the deepest front courts in the NBA. They also have a stacked perimeter and backcourt of young players. The only thing they truly lack is height at the 4, which North Carolina's John Henson can certainly supply.

Henson is an agile big man with range on his jump shot. His bread and butter, however, is down low as a shot blocker, rebounder and all-around finesse 4. Most important of all are his respected character and swift athleticism on the floor.

Season Averages: 25.41 PER, 13.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.9 BPG

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange

Position: Center

Age: 21

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 7'0"—274 pounds—7'3" wingspan

Pros:

Massive wingspan. Quintessential seven-foot height. Well-built, NBA-ready body. Uses size and frame well on defense. Physical interior defender. Passionate, high-motor player when focused. Excellent shot blocker and above-average athlete.

Cons:

Lacks fundamentals on both ends of the floor. Absolutely nothing to worry about on offense aside from dunks and lay-ins. Very low basketball IQ. Inconsistent motor.

Why It Works:

The Boston Celtics need an improvement at the 5, even with a strong rookie season from Greg Stiemsma. To respond to this necessity, the Celtics land one of the most raw but highly hyped prospects in this draft class: Fab Melo of the Syracuse Orange.

Melo will not offer much on offense, but his shot-blocking and athleticism is worth the risk.

Season Averages: 20.40 PER, 25.4 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG

22. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'11"—225 pounds—7'1" wingspan

Pros:

Scouts have loved his athleticism since he first came out of high school. Recently added consistent rebounding and scoring skills. Range from 10-15 feet. Hakim Warrick-esque leaping ability. Dominant defender.

Cons:

Settles for shots. Must add some muscle. Horrible from free-throw line, although much improved in 2012. Inconsistent motor

Why It Works:

Despite drafting JaJuan Johnson in 2011, the Boston Celtics seem none too comfortable with their current situation at the 4. While Brandon Bass will likely re-sign they remain weak and undersized in the front court. Arnett Moultrie is the answer.

Season Averages: 24.97 PER, 16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG

23. Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'2"—178 pounds—6'7" wingspan

Pros:

Exceptionally fast in the open court, with or without the ball in his hands. Finishes well around the rim and has a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio. Is a very good passer with great court vision.

Cons:

Teague lacks a true perimeter game and can be one-dimensional on offense. He also has a tendency to become reckless with the ball.

Why It Works:

Could brothers unite?

As solid as Marquis Teague's older brother, Jeff Teague, was for Atlanta Hawks in 2012, there's no denying their need for an upgrade. The Hawks' offense often looked lost and designed more for flash than finish. Marquis Teague may help offer a more system-oriented approach.

In drafting the younger Teague, the team's transition attack sees a serious improvement. Their second unit also finds some fresh legs, which should be refreshing news considering the fact that Willie Green, Kirk Hinrich and Tracy McGrady were the key reserves in 2012.

Season Averages: 12.41 PER, 10.0 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.5 RPG, 0.9 SPG

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

Player Traits: Small Forward—19—6'9"—210 pounds—7'4" wingspan

Pros:

Great athlete. Versatile forward that can play both positions. High basketball IQ. Solid interior and perimeter game. Plays well above the rim. Can control the glass. Good defender.

Cons:

Can settle for shots. Must work his way to the basket more often. Can be one dimensional. Must add muscle.

Why It Works:

The Cleveland Cavaliers landed the 2 of their future in Bradley Beal. Now, they must find an improvement at the 3, where Alonzo Gee is solid but may not be the answer. Quincy Miller could be the cure-all.

In terms of talent and athletic ability, Quincy Miller is a Top 5 draft pick. Due to an ACL injury and an inability to perform up to expectations, however, Miller drops. This could be the biggest steal of the draft.

Season Averages: 24.4 MPG, 25.53 PER, 10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, France

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'7"—206 pounds—6'7" wingspan

Pros:

Excellent mid-range game. Very smooth as he moves across the floor and rises up for a jump shot. Finishes well around the rim. Can penetrate and create for himself off of the dribble.

Cons:

Struggles from three-point range. Not a quality defender. Needs to add some strength to handle more physical opponents.

Why It Works

With O.J. Mayo set to hit free agency, the Memphis Grizzlies are in need of a replacement at the 2. Evan Fournier offers them just that, as he has a beautiful mid-range jump shot and solid ball-handling abilities.

This is exactly what the Grizzlies need as Mayo offered points and depth as a ball-handler.

Season Averages: 13.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 52.2 2PT%

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'9"—225 pounds—7'3" wingspan

Pros:

Very good motor. Natural born leader. Excellent defender. Big-time scorer in the low-post and from the perimeter. Can throw it down with the best of them. Massive wingspan outweighs questions about height.

Cons:

Does lack height. Is good, but could be better on the boards. Played at a small-time school.

Why It Works:

David West turned it on come postseason, but it simply wasn't enough. Tyler Hansbrough and Louis Amundson offered the Pacers an adequate second unit in terms of effort, but never found a way to continue the interior scoring. To cure these woes, the Pacers will select do-it-all forward Andrew Nicholson.

Nicholson is as good as they come from the low-post, utilizing an array of finesse moves and an excellent fade-away jump shot. This may make Hansbrough the odd man out, but it's worth the risk.

Season Averages: 31.63 PER, 18.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 BPG

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Age: 22

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'11"—225 pounds—7'0" wingspan

Pros:

Strong, physical defender. Intimidating presence in the paint. Very good shot-blocker and a fearless defender. Crashes the boards. Separating combination of size, strength and physicality. Big production in small minutes.

Cons:

Not fundamentally sound. Rather low basketball IQ. Offensive game is one-dimensional.

Why It Works:

The Miami Heat have one chance to land an upgrade at the 5, and they will take whoever the best available player is at the position. Festus Ezeli fits that bill and offers the Heat a major upgrade over what they currently possess.

Consider Ezeli the Kendrick Perkins of this draft class. Fundamentally he needs development, but as an interior defender, his presence alone sends a message.

Season Averages: 23.2 MPG, 19.61 PER, 10.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 BPG

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Jones, West Virginia Mountaineers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'8"—250 pounds—7'4" wingspan

Pros:

Overcomes height disadvantage with gigantic wingspan. Hard-worker with great motor. Can score anywhere on the floor. Crashes the offensive boards. Can play both the 3 or 4.

Cons:

Rather short for a 4. Not athletic enough to play the 3. Not the greatest athlete.

Why It Works:

The Oklahoma City Thunder need a low-post scoring presence, which is something neither Serge Ibaka or Kendrick Perkins can offer. To respond to this concern, landing Kevin Jones out of West Virginia would be the best case scenario.

Although this is a reach, it is a calculated one. The Thunder know what they need, and there is no option but to go out and get it.

Season Averages: 29.10 PER, 19.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 BPG

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 20

Height, Weight & Wingspan: 6'4"—195 pounds—6'7" wingspan

Pros:

Excellent shooter who can create shots for himself off of the dribble. Very smooth in his movements across the floor. Very good athlete who can put the ball on the floor or mover without it in his hands.

Cons:

Respectable wingspan, but below-average height. Could be stronger and a better defender. Upside undecided.

Why It Works:

The Chicago Bulls are desperate for an upgrade at the 2 and that's exactly what they'd get with Doron Lamb.

Lamb is a two-way player whose defensive intensity is matched by an offensive prowess well-beyond what he's shown at Kentucky. Understandably so, of course, as his ability to lead a team was masked by the surplus of talent around him. Lamb wills how the world what he's capable of with the Bulls, coming up big with three-point brilliance and an ability to create off of the dribble.

Season Averages: 18.94 PER, 13.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47% 3PT

30. Golden State Warriors (via Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt Commodores

Player Traits: Small Forward—22—6'7"—225 pounds—6'6" wingspan

Pros:

Outstanding defender. Is an incredible athlete. Has made improvements across the board in every season he's played. Finishes as well as any player above the rim. Rapidly improving mid-range game. Brilliant footwork.

Cons:

Although improving, lacks a consistent jump shot. Struggles to score off of the dribble. Sometimes finds himself out of position.

Why It Works:

Jeffery Taylor is as dominant a perimeter defender as they come. He's athletic, long and has beautiful footwork. He just so happens to be considered a fluke by scouts across the league.

This opens the door for the Golden State Warriors to land a player who could change the landscape of their franchise. While Terrence Jones offers versatility at the 3 and 4, Taylor is a sure-fire perimeter player whose defense could translate to either the 2 or 3.

It's also too soon for Golden State to select a point guard.

Season Averages: 24.21 PER, 16.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 SPG