NBA Draft 2012: Must-Have Big Men with Legitimate Star Potential
Anthony Davis is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft, ending the three-year run on point guards being taken with the top pick.
At 6'10'' and 220 pounds, the forward is extremely mobile, has guard skills, a high basketball IQ and is a menacing defender and shot-blocker. He's easily one of the most unique prospects to enter the professional ranks in quite a while.
But Davis isn't the only big man with star potential. Let's list the other frontcourt players who could easily become household names in the near future.
Andre Drummond, PF, Connecticut
There's a Dwight Howard resemblance to Drummond. At 6'11'' and a solid 270 pounds, there's no big man with a more NBA-ready body than the Connecticut standout.
His post game is unrefined, but he'll easily dunk anything near the rim with immense power due to his explosive leaping ability.
He's active on the glass and actually possesses great footwork if and when he attacks the rim. With the right coaching, if he can add a consistent jump hook and potentially a 12-14 footer to his game, he'll be an absolute nightmare to guard in the low block.
Defensively, he's not afraid to challenge slashers on their way to the rim, and he clearly has a propensity to block a great deal of shots.
Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, but he struggled with his weight and conditioning in his first year with the Orange. In 2011, he slimmed down considerably and was a force on both ends of the floor for a Syracuse team that spent many weeks at No. 1 in the polls.
If he stays around 260 pounds, he'll be able to effortlessly run the floor with clubs that employ a more up-tempo pace.
With his 7'3'' wingspan, he's also terror on defense.
Melo averaged 2.9 blocks per game last season for the Orange. Like Drummond, he's not necessarily polished as a offensive player, but his natural skill should allow him to develop a go-to post game in the future.
The best true center in this class.
Perry Jones III, F, Baylor
Jones is the hybrid of the group, a 6'11'' scorer who loves playing on the outside and taking shots from the perimeter. He's not limited as an athlete whatsoever, and he gets off his shot whenever he pleases.
The Baylor star is versatile in that he can play on the inside if he's matched up with a smaller defender and has a small arsenal of interior moves.
His biggest assets are his slashing talents and finishing abilities, especially with his length. Not many 6'11'' guys are as comfortable handling the ball as Jones is.
He's somewhat of an unfinished product, but his one-on-one game and his ridiculous size and skill set make him a prime candidate to break out in the NBA.
