2012 NBA Mock Draft: Highlighting the Biggest Impact Players

The ping pong balls have bounced, and the conspiracy theories have been launched, which can only mean one thing: The NBA draft is right around the corner.

Draft day is just over four weeks away (June 28), and although the New Orleans Hornets won the biggest prize, they won't be the only team scoring a high-impact player.

This is one of the deepest talent pools in recent memory, which also makes it one of the toughest drafts to predict. With several quality players at each position, teams can take a number of different routes.

We will also get a much better picture of the first round after the Chicago pre-draft combine, which is held June 7 and 8.

Until then, here's how I'm expecting the first 30 picks to shake out.

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

The folks on Bourbon Street will gladly welcome the world's most famous unibrow to their city.

It was never a secret that Davis was going to be the top pick no matter how the lottery turned out. And since the team that's owned by the league usually wins these sort of things, the Hornets are the lucky recipients of Davis' services.

The kid is a shot-blocking machine, a solid rebounder, a good offensive player and a competitor at heart.

Paired with Eric Gordon, Davis means that the Hornets have a very bright future.

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

The Bobcats have needs at basically every position on the court, so they'll either trade down for multiple assets or grab the best player available.

Kidd-Gilchrist is a lockdown defender who does all the dirty things to help his team win.

If he improves his shooting and his ball-handling, he'll be a perennial All-NBA candidate. If he doesn't, he will still have a Luol Deng/Andre Iguodala type career. 

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas 

Robinson has Amar'e Stoudemire's athleticism and Ben Wallace's passion for rebounding. Last season, he averaged 11.8 rebounds per game, second best in the NCAA.

It would be interesting to see how his game meshes with that of Nene, but given their talent level, I think the two could pull it off.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal is the best 2-guard in an exceptionally deep class for the position.

He's got a beautiful shooting stroke, good leaping ability and a strong build. He would also fit in perfectly in Cleveland.

Kyrie Irving needs some help, and with Beal by his side, the Cavs would have one of the best young backcourts in the league.

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Andre Drummond is one big dude.

At 6'11" and 275 pounds of pure muscle, Drummond is the most impressive physical specimen since Dwight Howard was selected in 2004.

Paired with DeMarcus Cousins, Drummond would give the Kings a promising frontcourt duo.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

The Blazers need a scoring 2-guard. After Beal, Lamb is the best scoring 2-guard in the draft.

Seems like a natural fit to me.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The Warriors need a small forward, and Barnes is the best one available after MKG.

While he's not the defensive presence they need, he might be the best pure scorer in the draft, and we know how the Warriors like to play.

A starting lineup next year of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, David Lee and Andrew Bogut would not only be highly entertaining, but they could even compete for a playoff spot, if everyone stays somewhat healthy.

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

The Raptors offense was hideous last season, and Lillard is the perfect player to fix it.

He's an explosive, score-first point guard, but he's also a talented passer.

Look for him to make everyone in Toronto better while also erupting for more than a few 30-point games.

9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, SF/PF, Baylor

Jones is a freak athlete with all the talent in the world. If he maximizes his potential, he could be the best player from this class.

Of course, he has to get his head on straight before that can happen.

If Jones is focused and committed in Detroit, the Pistons will have the steal of the draft.

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

The Hornets need a point guard, and Marshall's vision and passing ability are unparalleled.

I could also see New Orleans going with Tony Wroten Jr. here.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

If they pick up Lamb with the sixth pick, Portland will address their need for a center at No. 11.

Leonard is a bouncy 7-footer who runs the floor well and has the potential to be a dominant shot-blocker. He would be the perfect complement to LaMarcus Aldridge.

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

Sullinger will struggle against the length of NBA big men, but he can still have a productive career in the league.

He'd be a perfect fit for the Bucks, who traded Andrew Bogut to Golden State at this year's trade deadline.

13. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Waiters is a tough-as-nails shooting guard with a wicked crossover. He can get into the lane whenever he wants, and he's an explosive finisher at the rim.

He'd be a great face of the franchise in the post-Steve Nash era, whether that begins next season or in a couple years.

14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Rockets already have a solid group of power forwards, but none of them have Henson's defensive abilities.

The 6'11" forward with the 7'4" wingspan would be a welcome addition in Houston.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrance Ross, SG, Washington

Ross will probably move into the lottery after the combine, as I'm expecting scouts to fall in love with his athleticism.

The 'Sixers don't necessarily have a need at shooting guard, but if they trade Andre Iguodala, they could clear some room for the young guys.

16. Houston Rockets (from New York): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

The Rockets have Kevin Martin, but they've already tried to trade him once. Rivers would be a cheap, effective and perhaps more talented replacement if they decide to get rid of Martin this offseason.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C Mississippi State

The Mavs didn't have much success without Tyson Chandler this season, so they should be looking for a defensive stopper who can have a similar impact.

I wouldn't expect big things from Moultrie right away, but he could be an elite interior defender in a few years.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Wolves are in a tough spot here. The only need they have is shooting guard, but all the top ones are off the board, and this is probably a reach for Lamb.

19. Orlando Magic: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

If and when Dwight Howard leaves, the Magic will have a gaping hole at the center position. Zeller is certainly no D12, but he's a mobile 7-footer with a high basketball IQ.

The Magic could do a lot worse.

20. Denver Nuggets: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Like the T'Wolves, the Nuggets are in an interesting spot. They've got solid players at every position, but none of them are elite.

I could see them going with Tony Wroten Jr. here, but with Ty Lawson tearing up L.A. in the playoffs, that may not be necessary.

We'll have much better prospective on Minnesota's thinking after the combine.

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

The Celtics need another defensive presence in the paint, regardless of whether or not Kevin Garnett stays.

If he stays, Garnett could turn the 7-foot Melo into the best shot-blocker in the league.

22. Boston Celtics (from LAC): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller is an athletic, 6'9" forward, with long arms and great offensive awareness. He would be the perfect long-term replacement for Paul Pierce.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington

With trades and workouts still ahead of us, I don't think there's any way that Wroten falls this far: He's simply too big, too athletic and too talented.

If the Hawks stay put and Wroten is still here, Atlanta will be absolutely thrilled.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAL): Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is an athletic small forward, which is exactly what the Cavs need.

He is a Shawn Marion-type player who would provide Cleveland with defense, rebounding and fast-break points. If he ever develops his shot, Harkless could be a starter on a title contender.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Terrance Jones, PF, Kentucky

The Grizzlies don't have any glaring needs, so they'll probably take the best player available. At this point, that's definitely Jones.

The former Wildcat is an explosive athlete and has top-15 talent.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

The Pacers could use an upgrade over Darren Collison and George Hill, and Teague is the best point guard available this late.

With his his quickness, scoring ability and Calipari pedigree, Teague could eventually be the best PG from this class.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat need a defensive presence on the inside, which means Ezeli is the perfect fit.

He has good strength; advanced defensive awareness; and a massive, 7'4" wingspan. He could be an absolute menace in Erik Spoelstra's defense.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson is a David West-type player who would provide the young Thunder with some much-needed scoring on the interior.

29. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, SG, Memphis

Rip Hamilton isn't getting any younger, and Derrick Rose has that whole torn-ACL thing, so the Bulls will definitely need some scoring in the backcourt.

Barton is long, athletic 2-guard with a smooth shooting stroke. He'd be a perfect fit in Chicago.

30. Golden State Warriors: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

White has lottery-pick talent, but his well-documented anxiety disorder will be a turnoff for some teams.

If he falls this far, though, the Warriors shouldn't hesitate to pick him up. He's got a thick 6'8" frame and the passing ability of a point guard.

If his anxiety doesn't become too much of an issue, White will be the steal of the 2012 draft.