2012 NBA Draft Order: First-Round Picks That Will Make an Impact for Contenders

The 2012 NBA draft is just over three weeks away, meaning scouts and GMs will be scrambling to create and adjust their big boards as the combine, workouts and interviews begin taking place.

There are some consensus late first-round picks that seem to be dropping for no apparent reason, but they do still have a chance to prove their worth and move up as the draft draws nearer.

Let’s take a look at some of these studs who will be absolute steals if they end up dropping to a contender.

Andrew Nicholson

Nicholson has a lot of tools to contribute instantly in the NBA. He’s got a solid size for a forward, a deft shooting touch that will allow him to hit three-pointers, a knack for playing defense and the will to rebound.

While the 22-year-old doesn’t have the upside of some of these younger prospects, his experience playing four years at St. Bonaventure will come in handy early in his career.

Getting put on a great team with an inspiring coach will be perfect for Nicholson, who occasionally struggles with consistency and is prone to mental lapses on the floor.

Royce White

White is a huge forward who isn’t afraid to use his massive frame to outmuscle smaller opponents. He’s got the skills to be a top-ten pick, but he has been hindered throughout his career by a crippling anxiety disorder.

If he is able to overcome that problem, a team will be getting an inside-outside player that rebounds like a center and passes like a guard.

He’s definitely worth a roll of the dice later in the draft.

Draymond Green

Green is a born winner and a leader who will make an immediate impact in a locker room, if he doesn’t do it on the floor as well.

He’s got plenty of experience playing high-level basketball at Michigan State under Tom Izzo, and has seemingly learned a lot from his time there.

The 6’6”, 235-pounder can play multiple positions, shoot from anywhere on the floor, pull down rebounds and loves to hustle. He might not be the best athlete, but he’s a lock to carve out a career in this league.