NBA Lottery Results 2012: Teams That Will Make Biggest Improvement Through Draft

The New Orleans Hornets had a bad year but it ended surprisingly well.

Upon winning the 2012 NBA draft lottery, the Hornets have two top-10 selections to make significant improvements for next season. In even better news, New Orleans did play sound defense all season and do not need to fill numerous holes for a shot at being 2012-13 postseason contenders.

Before we get to the Hornets however, they are not the only ones positioned well to make big improvements courtesy of the draft. So, let's check out who to watch when the draft tips off later in June.

Portland Trail Blazers

Just like NOLA, the Portland Trail Blazers have two lottery picks and have a golden opportunity to make a quick turnaround.

With the No. 6 and No. 11 picks, expect the Blazers to address the point guard and center positions. It is not a bad idea for Portland to reach for Damien Lillard at No. 6, however if Ohio State's Jared Sullinger is available the Blazers have to address the frontcourt.

Now it is reasonable for Trail Blazers fans to be hesitant considering the career of Greg Oden, but Sullinger has much more promise coming from the Buckeyes. His complete talent will improve Portland on the glass and significantly help the offense.

Dropping back to No. 11 and the Blazers can then address the point. If NOLA passes on Kendall Marshall at No. 10, he is a solid fit but Austin Rivers is another option. Regardless, as long as the Blazers upgrade at power forward/center and the point in Round 1, the upcoming season has potential.

In the Northwest Division where a consistent defense is key, Portland has the capability to surprise with a strong draft.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors hold the No. 7 overall selection and then are the last to pick at No. 30 in Round 1. Obviously, the theme here is teams with two first-round picks but then again, it is a big advantage during the draft.

Golden State simply needs defense. The offense ranked No. 12 in scoring and No. 9 in assists but No. 28 in points allowed and rebounding. With their top-10 pick the Warriors have to strongly consider Jared Sullinger if available, John Henson, Harrison Barnes and Perry Jones.

Any of those prospects fulfill the need to get rebounds, keep pace with the offense and improve the defense. Sullinger and Henson are more ideal to power forward and better rebounders while Barnes can score and help with perimeter defense.

Jones possesses the overall ability to fit at small forward and power forward and has elite talent, but he is not impressively consistent.

Looking down at No. 30 and the Warriors have viable frontcourt options in Kevin Jones, Draymond Green and possibly Fab Melo. Although Golden State will likely take the best available player, finding a defensive-oriented player is not a bad idea.

New Orleans Hornets

Winners of the lottery, the New Orleans Hornets also hold the No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 draft.

The obvious No. 1 selection will be Kentucky's Anthony Davis and rightfully so, because he is the best player coming in and the Hornets do need help with the frontcourt rotation.

Davis' defensive skill set will keep New Orleans stellar on defense and improve with rebounding and scoring. At No. 10 overall, the Hornets will get another stud but need to address the backcourt.

There, prospects like Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Ross or Kendall Marshall would suffice. Lamb could help at shooting guard and small forward while Ross is the ideal fit. Marshall may be a reach at No. 10 but NOLA does need help at the point to feed the rock around.

Either way, the Hornets are best-positioned to make the most significant improvements via the draft and they could be sleeping postseason contenders sooner than later.