2012 NBA Mock Draft: Prospects Who Will Help Teams Reach Postseason
With the 2012 NBA draft coming up fast, it’s time to evaluate the prospects and figure out who will be the difference makers for their franchises.
As good as many of these player are, only a few will be able to push their squad into contention.
The players that will help their teams make the playoffs will be italicized.
1. New Orleans Hornets (21-45): Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
The unquestioned No. 1 will have the Hornets on the right track towards a playoff berth, but it won’t be this year.
2. Charlotte Bobcats (7-59): Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
Michael Jordan will still be flustered from losing the draft lottery, and will draft Andre Drummond instead of taking the best player available. Yuck.
3. Washington Wizards (20-46): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
With John Wall already growing into his body and role, the addition of the NBA-ready Thomas Robinson will make the Washington Wizards serious playoff contenders.
It may only be an eighth seed, but the spry, young legs of the Wizards could have them sneaking up on everyone in 2013. Robinson’s presence down low is the spark the team needs.
The biggest X-factor that Robinson brings is his ability and willingness to defend. On a team that is full of turnovers and poor decisions, Robinson will be the lighthouse that keeps them on course.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-45): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
While there is no doubt that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is not LeBron James, he has the ability to do all the small things that James did for the Cavaliers.
Add in Kyrie Irving contributing some major offense, while MKG defends the toughest position in the league with the best of them, and the Cavaliers may be fighting for a seventh or eighth seed.
Depending on how their recent draft picks improve over the offseason, and who Cleveland gets later in the first round, next season could be a big-time return for the Cavs.
5. Sacramento Kings (22-44): Brad Beal, SG, Florida
With the uncertainty surrounding Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings, the easiest route to take would be to select Brad Beal when he falls to No. 5.
Beal is arguably the best pure offensive player in this draft, and can fill the hoop from anywhere on the floor. While he may not be as talented as Evans right now, Beal’s upside is serious.
Some scouts are still on the fence about just how high Beal’s ceiling is, but the promising young star won’t make it out of the top five, especially with the Kings lurking.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via 22-44 New Jersey Nets): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
Portland needs to find a player to move the offense in the full court and half court games. Point guard Kendall Marshall is exactly what they’re looking for.
7. Golden State Warriors (23-43): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
The need for defensive-minded players will have the Golden State Warriors reaching a bit—but at least for a position of need—with small forward Harrison Barnes.
8. Toronto Raptors (23-43): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
The Toronto Raptors don’t need another shooting guard like Austin Rivers on the team, but the hype that surrounds him is too bright to keep the team from reaching.
9. Detroit Pistons (25-41): Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
The need for a big man in Detroit has been there since the end of Ben Wallace’s first run in the city. Perry Jones may be the team’s answer.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via 26-40 Minnesota Timberwolves): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
The transformation in New Orleans continues as the Hornets snag the best offensive point guard in the draft in Damian Lillard.
11. Portland Trail Blazers (28-38): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
Greg Oden is finally out of Portland, but the idea of training awkward big men to be less awkward will continue with the drafting of Tyler Zeller.
12. Milwaukee Bucks (31-35): Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut
With the ability to slide to the three spot, Jeremy Lamb could be the starting small forward in Milwaukee before the year is out.
13. Phoenix Suns (33-33): Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
Steve Nash’s likely departure will force the Suns to go with Terrence Ross at No. 13.
14. Houston Rockets (34-32): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Since Yao Ming’s retirement, the Rockets have been looking for a big man to fill the void. Meet Illinois center Meyers Leonard.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (35-31): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
If Jared Sullinger does indeed fall in the draft, as many have anticipated, the Philadelphia 76ers will get the steal of the draft. In their system, Sullinger will be amazing!
16. Houston Rockets (via 36-20 New York Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
The transformation in Houston continues with the best shooting guard left on the board, Dion Waiters. Depending on what the Rockets do this offseason, Waiters could be the starter by the beginning of the season.
17. Dallas Mavericks (36-30): John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Dallas is hoping that John Henson can fill the void that Lamar Odom was supposed to this season.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via 36-30 Utah Jazz): Moe Harkless, SF, St. Johns
While Moe Harkless is a bit of a reach here, at least he’s not a point guard or power forward. KAHN!
19. Orlando Magic (37-29): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Arguably the best shooter in the draft, Quincy Miller will be a sniper for the Magic if Howard stays in Orlando.
20. Denver Nuggets (38-28): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Carmelo Anthony’s void won’t be filled by just Terrence Jones, but the Kentucky standout has the poise to be a star in the NBA and help make the Nuggets serious contenders.
21. Boston Celtics (39-27): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
While Kevin Garnett will likely be back for at least one more season, the Celtics need to get him to teach a protégé before leaving. His student: Arnett Moultrie.
22. Boston Celtics (via 40-26 Los Angeles Clippers): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
With the range of an NBA three-point specialist, John Jenkins will fill the void left by the likely departing Ray Allen.
23. Atlanta Hawks (40-26): Royce White, SF, Iowa State
The key for Atlanta’s draft is to find a player that is defensively responsible at a position of need. The best player that fits that bill is the multi-talented Royce White.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via 41-25 Los Angeles Lakers): Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
If Cleveland is looking for a partner in crime for Kyrie Irving, they need to look no further than Tony Wroten.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (41-25): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Memphis lacked a clear ball-handler last year, and Marquis Teague can be their field general in key moments.
26. Indiana Pacers (42-24): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
Depending on what happens with Roy Hibbert, the Pacers will likely take Doron Lamb to be another bench player that can fill in when needed.
27. Miami Heat (46-20): Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
The Miami Heat need a backup for Chris Bosh, but many scouts wonder if Andrew Nicholson is the right choice. The team will take him as the best player available.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19): Evan Fournier, SF, France
Evan Fournier will have to find his role with the Thunder, but if he can adapt, he will be a great asset to the team.
29. Chicago Bulls (50-16): Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
With the train wreck that was the Bulls' postseason after Derrick Rose’s knee injury, Draymond Green will be asked to step up as a defender and as a leader.
30. Golden State Warriors (via 50-16 San Antonio Spurs): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
The need for defensive players in Golden State will have the team making the first smart move they’ve made in the last two seasons.
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