NBA Draft 2012: 5 Late First-Round Picks Who Will Be Stars

The 2012 NBA Draft prospects form a class as deep as we've seen in awhile. Lottery picks like Anthony Davis and Thomas Robinson appear to be stars in the making, but there is plenty of star potential late in the first round.

Plenty of playoff teams drafting late in the first round will consider establishing their rookies early. Free agency and age will be issues addressed this offseason for teams like the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls could be in search of a guard to fill the void of the injured Derrick Rose.

The draft is usually made for struggling teams to gain power in the league. However, with the deep talent in this year's draft, the elite teams could stay firmly on top.

Here are five late first-round picks who can emerge into NBA stars.

1. Marquis Teague, G, Kentucky

It's safe to give John Calipari's point guards the benefit of the doubt here, right?

Marquis Teague has the potential to be a playmaking floor general for any NBA team, but his game is built for a high-paced offensive unit. Teague is special in transition, and can create an open shot for his teammates. Teague also finishes well around the rim, and can knock down an open jumper if given the opportunity.

Teague's numbers weren't eye-popping at Kentucky, averaging only 9.4 points and 4.8 assists. He also got himself in trouble by turning the ball over too much, but that's expected from Calipari's point guards. Teague can excel with the right team and system at the pro level.

2. Tyshawn Taylor, G, Kansas

Tyshawn Taylor started off slow in his first few seasons at Kansas. Taylor never averaged double digits until last year, but he certainly made his mark after the 2011-12 campaign.

Taylor is a score-first point guard, which will translate well to the NBA since more point guards fit that mold anyway. After getting 17.3 points per game and a national championship appearance for Kansas, Taylor came to be considered one of the better scorers in the country.

There were inconsistencies in Taylor's game, especially with decision making in general. Taylor at times gets caught up settling for jump shots instead of driving, and was way too prone to turnovers. If Taylor sticks to his game as a scorer, he can become a special player in the NBA.

3. Jeffery Taylor, F, Vanderbilt

Jeffery Taylor has been fairly consistent at Vanderbilt, but has the potential to be a quality contributor in the NBA.

Taylor has great size for a pro forward at 6'7" and 225 pounds. He's a great on-ball defender, and is special in the open floor. Taylor plays above the rim, and is athletically ready to play in the NBA.

Taylor is very raw offensively, but could develop on a score-first team like the Clippers or the Suns. Taylor struggles to create his own offense, but with a quality point guard, he could do plenty of damage at the professional level.

4. Terrence Ross, G, Washington

Terrence Ross has lottery potential due to his athletic ability and high-shooting prowess. Ross exploded last year, averaging 16.4 points as Washington's go-to option.

Ross came off the bench his first year, but grew and blossomed in his role as the primary scorer. He has unlimited range as a shooter, and at times can post up smaller defenders. At 6'6", 195 pounds, Ross can become a well-rounded NBA player.

5. Andrew Nicholson, F, St. Bonaventure

As one of the most quiet prospects in the draft, Andrew Nicholson has plenty of sleeper potential in his future.

Nicholson was very productive and efficient in all four years at St. Bonaventure. The Bonnies' star forward averaged 17 points, 7.2 rebounds and 57.7 percent shooting. Due to his brilliance last year, St. Bonaventure was crowned the Atlantic-10 tournament champions.

St. Bonaventure rarely faced stiff competition, which harms Nicholson's draft stock. However, he has all the physical tools necessary to excel at the professional level.