2012 NBA Mock Draft: Highlighting Best Possible Picks for First Round

The New Orleans Hornets had luck on their side Wednesday night. They won the draft lottery, setting them up to select Anthony Davis with the first overall pick. After that, things get a little more interesting without a clear No. 2 prospect.

There are at least four players vying for that honor, which has the ability to shake up the entire first round based on who the Charlotte Bobcats select. It's also a deep class, so there should still be some talent on the board deep in the round.

With that in mind, here's a complete mock draft of the opening round featuring three prospects who will excel with their new teams (these three players have been italicized).

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

The Hornets defied the odds and will now get a chance to select a player who will immediately become one of the league's most feared defenders in Davis. Prospects like him only come around once or twice a decade.

He also features a well-rounded offensive game that came quite a ways during his one year at Kentucky and, as scary as it sounds, has the potential to get a lot better once he gets accustomed to the NBA level. There really isn't much that can slow him down.

The only potential weaknesses would be never having faced much adversity. He's always been a dominant force, so going up against tough competition will be an interesting test. But he should pass with flying colors.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Missing out on Davis is a big blow to the Bobcats. They really needed a franchise player to build around. Beal will at least fill an area of need on the perimeter.

3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Another major piece of Kentucky's national championship team, Kidd-Gilchrist would have had a strong case for the top spot in a different season. It's another example of just how amazing the Wildcats' roster was last season.

Aside from an inconsistent jump shot that should develop over time, the dynamic small forward is the complete package. He can defend, rebound and make plays on the fast break that most players can only dream about thanks to his athletic prowess.

Kidd-Gilchrist would be a perfect fit for the Wizards. The team struggled to get production from swing players all season, which should mean Kidd-Gilchrist can step right into the starting lineup to gain valuable experience.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

What Robinson lacks in size he more than makes up for with great athleticism and shooting ability. He's a safe pick for the rebuilding Cavaliers.

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Sacramento's record doesn't show it, but the Kings have some nice building blocks in place that should start leading to more wins sooner rather than later. Adding Barnes would move them one step closer to playoff contention.

Barnes fits the mold of a modern small forward. He's a great shooter first and foremost, which limits his bust potential. The North Carolina product can also defend, rebound and even has become a better distributor.

He still needs to find more ways to create offense off the dribble, but that's usually something that comes with experience and coaching at the next level. Playing out of the spotlight in Sacramento will keep the pressure low and allow him to find a niche on a young team.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Drummond is a prototypical high-risk, high-reward prospect. Another season of college ball would have done him good, but his upside will be too much to pass up for Portland.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

Another pick with some risk involved, Jones will have to develop more strength around the rim before he reaches his sky-high potential.

8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

One of the draft's most intriguing prospects, Lillard has all the tools to become a dynamic NBA point guard once he gains some experience.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Pistons already have some nice pieces on the outside, but they need to add some depth up front before getting back into the playoff mix. Henson fits the bill.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

If there's one prospect with the ability to make a big move up draft boards over the next month, it's Lamb. He's going to develop into a great scorer.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

Portland should walk away from the draft as one of its biggest winners thanks to two early picks. Ross has terrific all-around ability.

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

Sullinger doesn't have as much upside as other lottery prospects, but he should have no problem stepping right into the lineup and making plays.

13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

With Steve Nash's future unclear, the Suns have to start thinking about the future of the point guard position. Marshall can fill the void.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, PF, North Carolina

The Rockets haven't had much success going the veteran route with post players, so getting younger with Zeller makes the most sense here.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie is one of the most impressive athletes in the entire class. He still needs to develop his post skills, but he's worth a chance here for Philadelphia.

16. Houston Rockets: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

After selecting Zeller a few picks earlier, the Rockets continue to upgrade at forward with the versatile Jones, who should fit nicely in the team's system.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

It's difficult to get a clear read on where Rivers will get picked. The hype around him would suggest the top 10, but his skills aren't at that level yet.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

The Timberwolves have a strong base of young talent. Waiters would add good defense and a reliable scorer to the equation.

19. Orlando Magic: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Nobody knows what Dwight Howard's future in Orlando will hold. The Magic should protect themselves with Leonard, a project prospect with good size.

20. Denver Nuggets: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

Even tough White still needs to develop a more consistent jump shot to reach his peak, he's a solid contributor in every other area.

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Boston's series against the Heat has shown the Celtics need to get some younger, more athletic post players to provide relief for Kevin Garnett.

22. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

The combination of Melo and Nicholson would give the Celtics a defensive stalwart (Melo) and a forward who can stretch the floor with jumpers (Nicholson).

23. Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

It's a point guard class rich with talent, so Teague often gets overlooked. He presents terrific value for the Hawks at this point.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is another player who could have really used another season at the college level. His potential should keep him in Round 1, though.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

A terrific defender who can also get to the rim effectively, Taylor has serious sleeper potential if he starts knocking down more outside shots.

26. Indiana Pacers: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

The Pacers were able to hang with the Heat for a while, but didn't have enough firepower to keep up with the East's most explosive team. Wroten will be another key depth piece.

27. Miami Heat: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

An elite shooter, Jenkins would give the Heat a much-needed scoring option outside of the big three and will provide a nice boost off the bench.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Oklahoma City doesn't have many weaknesses, so it could go any number of directions here. A tireless worker like Green would be the safe route.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

While Lamb has been underrated so far because he doesn't blow anybody away with his athletic ability, landing with the Bulls would be perfect for him.

30. Golden State Warriors: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

The Warriors end the round by taking a Miller, a raw prospect who will need quite a bit of time to develop. He has shown a lot of promise, though.