2012 NBA Mock Draft: Underrated Players Who Will Slide on Draft Day

Tyler Zeller has a chance of being overlooked on draft day as NBA teams look to make headlines with flashy first-round selections. He leads a small group of underrated players who will slide when the 2012 NBA draft commences on June 28, 2012.

These men aren't going to jump out at you with their athleticism or explosiveness, but they will become productive players for their respective teams once the 2012-2013 NBA season begins.

In the end, it won't matter to them that they've been overlooked, because success will follow them, and where there is success there are long-term, lucrative contracts.

Here is my latest 2012 NBA mock draft, for your viewing pleasure.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF/C, Kentucky

Davis is going to be a special player at the next level. Not only does he have a prototypical frame, but Davis has the skills and athleticism to become an elite weapon on both ends of the court for the Hornets. 

His ability to block shots and attack the boards will be his biggest forte during Davis' first couple of years, but once he starts developing an NBA-caliber offensive post attack Davis will be as dominant a big man as Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum.

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

Derrick Brown isn't the long-term answer for the Bobcats at small forward, and they will be hard-pressed to pass up on the opportunity to land Kidd-Gilchrist to plug-and-play from day one at that position.

Kidd-Gilchrist is an athletic freak who is extremely dangerous in transition, and once he nails down his shooting stroke you can expect him to become one of the NBA's best small forwards. 

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Trevor Booker and Andray Blatche split time for the Wizards last year at the power forward position, and as a duo they put together some decent numbers. That being said, neither one is a legitimate starter at the position, and the team needs to address that here at the top of the draft.

Robinson is a bit undersized, but there isn't a harder worker in this year's draft class. His willingness to take on bigger men in the paint—especially on the glass—is going to make him invaluable to the Wizards on both ends of the court.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

The Cavaliers have an opportunity to build one of the most potent guard duos in the NBA by pairing Beal with 2011-2012 NBA ROY winner Kyrie Irving.

Beal is a natural scorer who can hit both the outside shot as well as finish strong inside, despite the fact that he isn't a big guard, at 6'3". He will be a perfect complement to Irving on the perimeter, and the two of them will terrorize opponents for years to come.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C/PF, Connecticut

Drummond is one of this year's biggest boom-or-bust candidates due to his limited offensive repertoire, but if the Kings select him he won't be asked to carry the load on the offensive end of the court.

The Kings have DeMarcus Cousins for that job, and Drummond will be asked to primarily block shots and snag rebounds—something the Kings desperately need going forward. Once Drummond starts to develop his offensive game a bit more, the Kings could be looking at one of the most dynamic power forward/center combos in the NBA.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Perry Jones III, PF/C, Baylor

The Trailblazers are still trying to get over their massive swing and miss with Greg Oden, and they need to get younger and more athletic inside. Jones III does come with some question marks on the offensive side of things, but LaMarcus Aldridge will handle those duties playing next to him.

Jones III is a big-time shot-blocker, and his ability to sky for boards and alley-oops will serve him well playing for the Trail Blazers.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jeremy Lamb, SF, Connecticut

The Warriors need an athletic small forward who can shoot the ball from the perimeter. Lamb fits the bill, and his ability to score both on the inside and out makes him a perfect fit.

Lamb is also one of the most versatile players in this year's draft. He can play three different positions, shooting guard, small forward and power forward, depending on what his team is doing at the time. If the Warriors want to play small ball with David Lee as the center, Lamb would be able to play on the front right along side him.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The Raptors had three different men playing their small forward position last year, and as a group they weren't half-bad. They need one man who can become an elite player, though, if they hope to compete with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics—all featuring elite small forwards.

Barnes is a sweet-shooting player who can compete with the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce, and his ability to create his own shot as well as catch-and-shoot will serve him well against players of that caliber.

9. Detroit Pistons: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Tayshaun Prince isn't getting any younger, and at the age of 32 he won't be able to play at the high level Pistons fans are accustomed to for much longer. The Pistons would be wise to look for his replacement now, and Jones is the perfect man to step into Prince's large shoes.

In fact, Jones very much resembles Prince in many ways. His defense-first mentality along with his high basketball I.Q. makes him a valuable piece to any team that's lucky enough to land him. Once he starts becoming more consistent on the offensive side of the ball he will be a truly dangerous player.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Hornets, already having landed the crown jewel of this year's draft class, will now find another gem in Lillard—an underrated player who should be drafted far higher than this. 

Lillard has a game that resembles Derrick Rose's, and his ability to both score and drop dimes at any given moment would greatly improve the offense of the Hornets—no offense to Greivis Vasquez.

Coming from Weber State, Lillard's biggest adjustment to the NBA game will be that he isn't going to have to be the focal point of his team's scoring offense. The Hornets have Eric Gordon to go along with Anthony Davis, and he is a legitimate scoring threat on any given night.

The biggest benefit to having been the focal point at his school in college is that Lillard won't hesitate to pull the trigger in crucial situations when it's needed. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Marshall has all the tools to become a terrific floor-general at the next level. He possesses an innate ability to set up his teammates for open shots, and his presence as the trigger-man for Portland's offense makes perfect sense.

Marshall isn't the best at creating his own shot, but he won't need to do that much on this team. All he needs to do is run an efficient offense and let his big men get things going inside. 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Drew Gooden has been a colossal disappointment for the Bucks. He isn't good on the glass, and he is a liability on defense. The team needs an upgrade, and fast.

Sullinger isn't exactly a world-beater at the power forward position, but he is highly intelligent, hard-working and has a nice post game inside, even though he is a bit undersized. He will be the upgrade the Bucks need to replace an aging and ineffective Gooden.

13. Phoenix Suns: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Suns are looking at reloading their roster for the next couple of years. Selecting Henson here in the middle of the first round will help them go far in that pursuit.

Henson isn't as highly-regarded on the defensive end of the floor as guys like Drummond or Davis, but he shouldn't be overlooked. He is quick and agile for a man of his size, and his ability to run the floor will be a boon should Steve Nash decide to return for his final years.

14. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

The Rockets have a stash of aging talent on their roster at the center position, and they need to restock. Leonard, at 7'1" and 245 pounds, is the player they've been looking for to dominate the middle since Yao Ming had to retire.

Leonard may not be a big-time producer for the Rockets early on in his career, as his skills are still very much a work in process, but given time and proper coaching he will start looking like a true lottery pick.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Tyler Zeller, PF/C, North Carolina

Zeller isn't going to blow you away with his measurable athletic abilities. He isn't going to jump out of the gym or block LeBron James' dunk attempts, but his cerebral understanding of the game of basketball makes him a perfect fit for the 76ers—especially if they decide to hang on to Andre Iguodala.

Zeller knows where he's supposed to be on the court at all times. He will be a willing and able rebounder, and you won't ever see him take plays off. He's an underrated gem of a power forward who will help his team in ways that don't show up on the stat sheet.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Dion Walters, SG/PG, Syracuse

It makes perfect sense for the Rockets to take Walters. They need to upgrade their depth at the guard position so they have a solid scoring threat to come off the bench, and Walters has the ability to score in bunches.

He's being compared to Sacramento Kings stud guard Tyreke Evans, and if he turns out to be as good a scorer he will make the Rockets deadly on offense next year.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

The Mavericks need to get younger on their front line. Shawn Marion isn't as young as he used to be, and Miller looks like the perfect fit to slide in as his eventual replacement.

Miller can do it all on the offensive side of the ball, from ball-handling, to shooting and everything in-between. He regularly got past his defender in one-on-one situations in college, and if he can learn to develop a consistent jumper he will be deadly.

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

Ross is a dynamite scorer from outside, and his athleticism and speed translate well at the next level. The main thing Ross needs to improve upon as he matures is his strength.

Adding Ross to the Timberwolves will give them an added dimension on offense. He can serve as either a small forward or shooting guard in any given situation, and his ability to penetrate and dish will open up shooting opportunities for his teammates.

19. Orlando Magic: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

The Magic need someone who can score consistently from the perimeter, and Rivers is one of this year's most aggressive scorers coming out of Duke. He's a bit overhyped as far as I'm concerned, and he will be a defensive liability, but the man can score, of that there's no doubt.

Rivers will bring a high level of enthusiasm and fire to an organization that desperately needs both right now. He will be a good player for the Magic from opening day.

20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SG, St. Johns

The Nuggets were exposed during their playoff run. It was clear that Aaron Afflalo isn't a good enough scorer to be relied upon in crucial situations. 

Harkless may have been better off staying in school one more year to work on his jumper, but his pure athleticism and ability to make plays inside makes him worth taking at this point in the draft. The Nuggets will benefit from his play immediately as he would be an excellent sixth-man off the bench.

21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Kevin Garnett doesn't have too many more years left in his bones, and since the team let go of Glen Davis they need to find his eventual replacement. 

Moultrie will be an excellent big man to pair with Brandon Bass in the future. He can play above the rim as well as being adept at hitting mid-range jumpers, and he could end up being one of this year's biggest draft-day steals.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington

Wroten is a big point guard who can play shooting guard at the next level. He would be a perfect fit for the Celtics, as Ray Allen won't be able to play much longer. 

Wroten has the ball skills to play backup point guard behind Rajon Rondo, but he can also back up a healthy Avery Bradley. He will be a big help to an aging Celtics team that needs more youth and talent at the guard position in general.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Teague is one of the best pure point guards of this year's draft class. He has an ability to sense what's going to happen on the court before anyone else, and once he figures out how to cut down on his turnovers he will be an elite player in the NBA.

Teague was thought to be a top-10 draft pick for a while during the early part of last year, but his struggles during the middle of the year at Kentucky dropped him down draft boards a bit.

He will be an excellent addition to a young, talented Hawks team, though, and having him on their roster will free up Jeff Teague to play as a shooting guard.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Evan Fournier, SG/SF, Poitiers

Fournier will be the first international player taken off the board. He will be a fantastic pro player for the Cavaliers, and his height will help him tremendously if he plays as a shooting guard. 

Fournier's strengths include a strong drive to the hoop and an ability to finish strong. He is also a tough defender, and he will be a nice addition to Kyrie Irving in Cleveland's backcourt.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas

Mike Conley is a decent point guard, but he doesn't scare anyone out on the court. Taylor could step in and instantly give the Grizzlies' offense a boost off the bench with his ability to score in bunches. 

Taylor's passing game is still a work in progress, and he sometimes turns the ball over too much, but given a few years as a backup behind Conley he will become an excellent pro point guard.

26. Indiana Pacers: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

There are questions about exactly how an NBA team is going to be able to utilize White's unique talents, but he will likely become a small forward at the next level. 

If so, White will provide strong defense and excellent rebounding to go along with a solid offensive skill set—a perfect fit for what the Pacers are already known for doing. He won't start right away, but White will make an instant impact coming off the bench for the Pacers.

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Imagine Melo playing next to Chris Bosh and LeBron James on the front line for the Heat. That is a scary lineup, and it's one Pat Riley won't be able to pass up.

Melo is a true seven-footer who can dominate the glass and pile up the blocks for the Heat. His offensive game leaves a lot to be desired, but playing with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade won't require him to do much more than clean up the glass and run the floor.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor is a defensive specialist, which is a nice way of saying his offensive game needs a ton of work. He won't need to be a big-time scorer for the Thunder, though, and he will find a niche on their second unit as an energizing bunny.

Taylor is extremely athletic and can run the floor with the best of them—a must if he's going to contribute on this fast-paced, run-and-gun offense.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Rip Hamilton is getting up there in age, and the Bulls would be wise to look for his replacement during this year's draft. Lamb is a sweet-shooting guard who will complement Derrick Rose's driving style of offense.

He will be a huge benefit for the Bulls coming off the bench until Hamilton is no longer the starter, as the bench struggled at times to provide much of an offensive spark. Lamb was a bit overshadowed by his high-profile teammates during his time with Kentucky, but he has a unique smoothness about his game that will translate well at the next level.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State

Green was one of the most clutch performers during the NCAA tournament. He can score from anywhere on the court at any time, and his tough defense will be appreciated at the next level. 

Green can also play a bit at the 4, though his smaller stature will only make it possible if the team is committed to playing small ball. He is one of the most underrated players in the draft, but it's hard to blame teams for overlooking him due to his status as a "tweener."

Follow @JesseReed78