2012 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Projections for Each Team in the 1st Round

Now that the league has revealed the some-might-say-fixed order of the 2012 NBA draft, let's take a detailed look at what each team should do with their first-round picks. 

Personally, I don't believe in the conspiracy theories, but I can't fault those who do at this point. For what it's worth, I looked down and realized that I was wearing a New Orleans shirt I'd bought the last time I was in the French Quarter, at halftime of the Miami Heat-Boston Celtics game.

Maybe this is all my fault. 

Putting down that tangent and in the interest of full disclosure, I haven't changed any picks from the full two-round mock draft I published directly after the lottery. 

What makes this different is the perspective from which it's written. While that past mock focused on the profiles of the players, this one details exactly how each first-round pick fits in with the needs of the team drafting them. 

In a sense, it's not a justification of why the player should be drafted so high, but rather why the team should use their pick on that player. 

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis

School: Kentucky

Position: PF/C

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'10", 220 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists

I refuse to justify why the New Orleans Hornets should take Anthony Davis at No. 1. 

This one speaks for itself. Let's not waste any time here...

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

School: Kentucky

Position: SF

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'7", 232 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists

With the exception of point guard (Kemba Walker) and center (Bismack Biyombo), the Charlotte Bobcats need help at every single position. 

Small forward seems to be the best option for the team, though, because of the presences of Byron Mullens and D.J. Augustin in the frontcourt and backcourt, respectively. 

However, MKG isn't an offensive powerhouse, but rather a defensive stopper and a workhorse on both ends of the court. He doesn't have a jumper and that's what the Bobcats need from whoever they draft. 

Look for Charlotte to possibly think about trading out of this spot. 

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson

School: Kansas

Position: PF

Year: Junior

Vitals: 6'10", 237 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists

When I go to sleep tonight, I want to dream about John Wall throwing lobs to Thomas Robinson in transition. Seriously, that's all. 

The power forward is one of the clear-cut top-four prospects in the league and brings the maturity that the Washington Wizards need after the JaVale McGee era in the nation's capitol. 

His athleticism, quickness and explosiveness could be all that Wall needs in order to finally start living up to his potential. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal

School: Florida

Position: SG

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'3", 207 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists

The Cleveland Cavaliers may end up lucking out despite moving down a spot after the draft lottery. After all, they get to take the same player and don't have to pay him as much now. 

Bradley Beal is the perfect fit for this team, which needs a shooting guard more than anything else now that they seem committed to giving Alonzo Gee some run at small forward. 

He's a smooth all-around offensive player and should form one of the league's most dynamic backcourts alongside Kyrie Irving. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond

School: Connecticut

Position: PF/C

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'10", 270 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists

This is a tough situation for the Sacramento Kings because they don't need any backcourt help and the best big man is someone who may not be too popular with fans because of the risk associated with taking him. 

The Kings shouldn't let that stop them from taking Drummond, who has enough upside to even surpass Anthony Davis as the best player in this class if all goes perfectly. 

Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins would form one hell of a pairing down low. 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (From Brooklyn Nets): Perry Jones III

School: Baylor

Position: PF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'11", 235 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists

While the Portland Trail Blazers could use a true center, there isn't one left that should be taken within the top 10 picks. You don't want to reach too far down the board when you're picking at No. 6, especially when there's a player available with as much upside as Perry Jones III has. 

The Blazers could select PJ3 and shift LaMarcus Aldridge to center, much like the Atlanta Hawks have done with Josh Smith and Al Horford. It would be an undersized lineup, but one brimming over with talent. 

Plus, with Jones' ability to play the 3, the pick would put less pressure on Portland to match any offer Nicolas Batum receives in restricted free agency if the price is too high. 

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes

School: North Carolina

Position: SF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'8", 215 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists

Do you really want Dorell Wright starting at small forward? 

No?

Good, because Harrison Barnes it is.  

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb

School: Connecticut

Position: SG/SF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'5", 180 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Jose Calderon is good enough to continue starting, and even though Jerryd Bayless is most likely leaving in unrestricted free agency, you don't want to reach for a point guard at No. 8. 

The Raptors also can't draft a frontcourt player, at least not with the massive amount of roster space they already have dedicated to power forwards and centers, plus the upcoming arrival of Jonas Valanciunas. 

That leaves shooting guards and small forwards, and Jeremy Lamb is the easy choice with Harrison Barnes off the board. 

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger

School: Ohio State

Position: PF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'9", 265 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists

The Detroit Pistons need help most at the forward positions, and Jared Sullinger is clearly the best of the bunch at either small forward or power forward now that we're at the No. 9 pick in the draft. 

This is an ideal situation for the former Ohio State Buckeye, who notoriously struggles against length. I've said over and over that he needs to play alongside an offensively talented frontcourt member to take some of the length away. 

Greg Monroe is an elite offensive center, so expect him and Sully to form a great pairing down low.  

10. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota Timberwolves): Terrence Jones

School: Kentucky

Position: SF/PF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'9", 252 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists

Having already taken Anthony Davis with the No. 1 pick of the draft, why not go for a player who already has established chemistry with your new superstar? 

Terrence Jones has a high ceiling thanks to his athleticism and versatility. Plus, he fills another need for the Hornets. 

This may be reaching a bit for the lefty forward, but it's a reach that Dell Demps should be willing to make. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard

School: Weber State

Position: PG/SG

Year: Junior

Vitals: 6'3", 195 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists

Having already added Perry Jones III to bolster their frontcourt, it's time for the Portland Trail Blazers to take a point guard. 

Damian Lillard is the best of the bunch at his position and should be a no-brainer at No. 11. 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

School: North Carolina

Position: PF/C

Year: Junior

Vitals: 6'11", 220 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists

Now that they've traded Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis, the Milwaukee Bucks need to make adding a solid defensive big man a priority. 

Brandon Jennings and Ellis would love this pick because Henson wouldn't demand too many shots. He'd just be content to focus on his defense. 

13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall

School: North Carolina

Position: PG

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'4", 195 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists

I'm sold on this pick whether or not Steve Nash is on the roster for the 2012-2013 season. 

If Nash stays, he'll be a great mentor for the young point guard and can teach him all the wily tricks he's learned during his eight decades in the league. 

If Nash goes, it's going to be hard for the Phoenix Suns to find a replacement who can fit in with the style of the offense as well as Marshall can from day one. 

14. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard

School: Illinois

Position: C

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 7'1", 245 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists

With Marcus Camby leaving in free agency, the two biggest needs for the Houston Rockets are small forward and center. 

Meyers Leonard is a true seven-footer with an incredibly high ceiling. The scary thing is that, as high as that ceiling is, Leonard can probably jump high enough to touch it (assuming it existed and wasn't metaphorical). 

Daryl Morey needs to look big now and worry about the small forward role two picks later, especially knowing that the Philadelphia 76ers should have no interest in a 3. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Tyler Zeller

School: North Carolina

Position: PF/C

Year: Senior

Vitals: 7'0", 250 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists

While the Philadelphia 76ers are a well-balanced team right now, they may lose Spencer Hawes as an unrestricted free agent, which would leave Nikola Vucevic alone at the center position. Something tells me that the seven-footer isn't exactly ready to go up against the best the NBA has to offer for 30 minutes a game. 

With Elton Brand another year older, it's pretty clear where the Sixers need to look in the draft.

Tyler Zeller may not be the sexiest pick here, but the Sixers don't need sexy. It's far better for this contender to add a piece sure to be solid than to take a huge risk and reach for a prospect who won't go for another 10 picks or so.  

16. Houston Rockets (From New York Knicks): Quincy Miller

School: Baylor

Position: SF

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'9", 200 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists

As I said two slides earlier, the Houston Rockets need a small forward and a power forward with their first two picks of the 2012 NBA draft. 

Well, they've already addressed center with the addition of Meyers Leonard at No. 14, so it's time to go for the former of the two positions. 

Quincy Miller is the pick here because of his length and athleticism. If he can add a consistent jumper (hopefully not one he learns from Kevin Martin, at least regarding the form of it), he'll be a true stud for the Rockets. 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Dion Waiters

School: Syracuse

Position: PG/SG

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'4", 215 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists

With Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Delonte West potentially leaving as unrestricted free agents, it's time for the Dallas Mavericks to add a new guard while they pursue Deron Williams, an attempt that may not be successful. 

After all, you don't want to be handing over the reins to Rodrigue Beaubois after his terrible postseason. 

Dion Waiters could be the biggest steal of this draft, one who could give Dirk Nowitzki a sorely needed secondary scoring option as the big man continues to get older. 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Utah Jazz): Terrence Ross

School: Washington

Position: SG/SF

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'6", 195 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists

The Minnesota Timberwolves desperately need a shooting guard so they can stop trotting out point guards and small forwards in a 2-guard's place. Luke Ridnour should not be starting at shooting guard next season. Please. 

Terrence Ross is a true shooting guard with the athleticism and size necessary to slide over to small forward if necessary. He's the perfect fit for the team and one of the non-lottery players who could quite possibly become a superstar. 

19. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague

School: Kentucky

Position: PG

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'2", 189 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists

Although Jameer Nelson played quite well during the postseason once Dwight Howard was injured and Ryan Anderson had disappeared, I'm not sure that the Magic should be content to keep him as the only solid point guard on the roster. 

Marquis Teague is raw and could use some mentoring from an experienced point guard while coming off the bench as a rookie. 

That said, it's hard to predict anything for the Magic because of the unsettled situation with their star center. 

20. Denver Nuggets: Austin Rivers

School: Duke

Position: PG/SG

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'4", 200 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists

The Denver Nuggets don't have any positional needs and may only be losing Andre Miller in unrestricted free agency. 

While Denver employs the team-by-committee concept quite well, they still lack a true go-to scorer. 

Enter: Austin Rivers.  

21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie

School: Mississippi State

Position: PF/C

Year: Junior

Vitals: 6'11", 230 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists

The Boston Celtics are expected to have a completely different roster at the start of the 2012-2013 season because they have nine players eligible for unrestricted free agency, one for restricted free agency and a final one with a player option. 

Among the unrestricted bunch is Kevin Garnett, leaving a hole in the lineup that would need to be addressed immediately. 

Arnett Moultrie is an NBA-ready big man whose primary position fits in perfectly with KG's. The franchise would be ignoring some character-driven red flags, but it's worth it for this lottery-level talent. 

22. Boston Celtics (From Los Angeles Clippers): Moe Harkless

School: St. John's

Position: SG/SF

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'8", 208 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists

Also among the unrestricted free agents for the Boston Celtics is Ray Allen. Although Avery Bradley seems more than capable of taking over that slot for the aging former superstar, Moe Harkless would be a perfect insurance policy. 

Additionally, Paul Pierce isn't getting any younger and would serve as a great mentor for the young swingman. 

Harkless' defensive mentality fits in with the Celtics' mindset and his athleticism would be a nice infusion for the roster. 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten

School: Washington

Position: PG/SG

Year: Freshman

Vitals: 6'5", 205 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists

As much as the Atlanta Hawks would love to address their gaping hole at small forward (seriously, do you want Marvin Williams at that slot?), it's a bit of a reach for any true small forward at this spot. 

That's especially true when a talent like Tony Wroten falls to No. 23. The combo guard is primarily a point guard and could help end the Hawks' seemingly endless woes at the position. 

Jeff Teague is a solid point guard, but he's not the player that's going to get the rest of the more-talented squad over the hump. Wroten could be that guy. 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Los Angeles Lakers): Evan Fournier

Team: Poitiers

Position: SG/SF

Age: 19

Vitals: 6'7", 206 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists (in Pro A France)

Although I've already had the Cleveland Cavaliers draft one shooting guard in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft, it can't hurt to provide some depth at both shooting guard and small forward. 

If need be, the Cavs can go draft-and-stash here, waiting for Evan Fournier to develop a little bit more before bringing him over to the states. 

Fournier is simply the best player that the Cavs can take right now. 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tyshawn Taylor

School: Kansas

Position: PG

Year: Senior

Vitals: 6'3", 185 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists

I really don't think that O.J. Mayo will be returning to the team, even though he's a restricted free agent, and Darrell Arthur and Gilbert Arenas could have similar fates as well. That leaves the Grizzlies with a serious shortage of guards. 

As one of the lucky teams that doesn't have any huge holes, this is undoubtedly the part of the team that Chris Wallace should focus on fixing. 

It's hard to get much better than Tyshawn Taylor at No. 25. 

26. Indiana Pacers: Royce White

School: Iowa State

Position: No Idea (but really SF/PF)

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'8", 270 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists

The Indiana Pacers have a deep, talented squad with good players at every single position. This is assuming, of course, that Roy Hibbert doesn't somehow get stolen away from them now that he's a restricted free agent. 

That gives David Morway the luxury of selecting a high-upside player with their only first-round pick. 

It's hard to find a player with a higher ceiling at this point in the draft than Royce White, who would be a surefire lottery pick if it wasn't for his much-publicized anxiety problems. 

27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo

School: Syracuse

Position: C

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 7'0", 255 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists

I don't think this one needs much explanation. 

Point guard: Mario Chalmers

Shooting guard: Dwyane Wade

Small forward: LeBron James

Power forward: Chris Bosh

Center: Dexter Pittman? Eddy Curry? See what I mean?

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeffery Taylor

School: Vanderbilt

Position: SF

Year: Senior

Vitals: 6'7", 225 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists

With a great starting lineup and some solid backup big men and guards, the Oklahoma City Thunder's priority should be trying to find a reserve small forward who can give Kevin Durant the occasional seat on the bench to catch his breath. 

Jeffery Taylor is an experienced player who enjoys playing defense, and his athleticism would make this young squad even more dangerous against the older teams in the Western Conference. 

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb

School: Kentucky

Position: SG

Year: Sophomore

Vitals: 6'4", 210 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists

The one big weakness on this Chicago Bulls roster (except for Derrick Rose's knee right now) is a lack of a great shooting guard. With Rose, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, they've got the other four slots covered. 

With the number of defensive players on the roster, Chicago should be looking for a solid offensive option from the 2, and that's exactly what Doron Lamb gives them. 

However, much to the delight of Tom Thibodeau, Lamb is also an above-average defender in his own right. 

30. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio Spurs): Draymond Green

School: Michigan State

Position: SF/PF

Year: Senior

Vitals: 6'7", 230 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists

With a starting lineup filled in after the selection of Harrison Barnes, the Golden State Warriors now need to focus on the depth of their team. 

Even though they've already selected one small forward in the draft, the Dubs need to look at the best player available, someone who can provide leadership for the team and play in whatever style is necessary. 

Known for his heart and intangibles, Draymond Green is the perfect pick here.