NBA Draft 2012: Teams That Can't Afford to Make Poor Choices

The Charlotte Bobcats need to hit a home run with their draft picks in 2012 or suffer another miserable season. They aren't the only team that can't afford to make bad choices during the NBA draft, though.

There are a few franchises that are standing at a crossroads this upcoming season. They can either make excellent choices and significantly improve their rosters, or they can make terrible ones that set them back for years to come.

Here are three teams who need to make sure they don't suffer the disappointment of the latter.

Charlotte Bobcats

It's a shame the Bobcats got shafted out of the chance to draft Anthony Davis this year. Their consolation prize isn't going to be nearly as exciting as the chance to bring in a player of Davis' caliber.

They have been given tough circumstances to deal with, but now it's up to them to make the most out of it and make lemonade out of the lemons they're sucking on right now.

There are a few different directions the team could go with this No. 2 overall pick.

The Bobcats could take Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out of Kentucky to play on the wing, they could take Thomas Robinson out of Kansas to man the inside, or they could take sprightly shooting guard Bradley Beal out of Florida. 

Whoever they decide to pick must be able to be a big-time contributor for them right away, or this upcoming season may well resemble their atrocious 2011-2012 campaign.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings struck out in a big way when they picked Jimmer Fredette last year. He proved to be a huge disappointment, and if they have another terrible pick like that again this year, the Maloofs may find their loyal fans start to disappear—especially after the failed arena deal.

Tyreke Evans is a terrific player, but in a sense, the team struck out with him too, as he isn't really a true point guard or a true shooting guard. His game isn't well-suited for the type of offense the team runs, and the Kings either need to trade him or figure out a better way to utilize his talents.

The Kings would be smart to find a big man that they can pair with up-and-coming star DeMarcus Cousins. Andre Drummond comes to mind, but he's no sure-fire draft choice. 

Geoff Petrie will need to be as sharp as ever to make sure he makes a decision at the top of the draft with the No. 5 overall pick that will benefit the team in both the short and the long run.

It's going to be a tall task, but if anyone's capable of pulling it off, it's Petrie.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are singing songs of relief right about now, as they were able to hang on to their No. 7 overall pick. If they had slid back any further, the Utah Jazz would've owned the pick. 

That being said, they are in desperate need of an impact player at this spot.

The best thing that could happen to them is if either Beal or Drummond is still available. Either one would make an instant impact on their fortunes, and they need all the help they can get if they hope to compete with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers next season.

My preference is that the Warriors select a big man like Drummond, who can affect the paint on the defensive end. They need someone who can spark fast breaks, and there is no better way of doing so than by blocking shots and hauling in rebounds.

If the Warriors don't find an impact player in this year's draft, they will find themselves searching at the top of the draft in next year's lottery.

Follow @JesseReed78