10 Players in the NBA Draft Who Can Be a Huge Energy Boost

The NBA Draft is like an election—it's not just an event, but a rare opportunity to give the people hope and change and all that jazz.

Also like elections, the draft often turns out to be a major disappointment for most parties involved. Players get hurt like Greg Oden, or fall apart emotionally like Darko Milicic, or grow creepy facial hair like Adam Morrison, and after a few years it becomes apparent that we didn't exactly get what we were promised.

Fortunately, the 2012 NBA Draft class is full of guys with enough substance to back up the initial excitement they will bring to their organizations.

Look for these 10 prospects to give their teams a huge energy boost next season.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist seems like a pretty mellow kid, but as soon as he steps on the floor he's like a wolverine doped up on Redbull and 5-hour Energy.

His game basically defines the term "motor," as he flies around the court like a man possessed.

He's got a relentless work ethic and competitive drive, which will be a positive influence on his teammates at the next level. He's also willing to do whatever it takes to win, be it rebounding or scoring or playing lockdown defense.

He has a few shortcomings, like his jumper and his ball-handling ability. But with his elite athleticism and unrelenting hunger, he will bring excitement and success to whatever team selects him.

Charlotte at No. 2 and Washington at No. 3 would both be smart to consider MKG.

Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

At 6'3", Beal is a little undersized for the 2-guard position. However, he makes up for his lack of height with his strong build, explosive leaping ability and constant energy.

He's a menace on the fast break and he can get to the rim whenever he pleases. He's also got a gorgeous shooting stroke, both in the mid-range and beyond the three point line.

Defensively, Beal has good fundamentals and he can guard multiple positions.

Cleveland should select him at No. 4 and give their promising young backcourt a boost.

Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

If that Thomas Robinson video didn't inspire you, then you're either a Missouri fan or you don't have a pulse.

Robinson backs up everything he said in those first few seconds, playing every game with passion, effort and desire.

He was second in the NCAA in rebounding last year (11.8 per game), a feat that isn't accomplished simply by being stronger and more athletic than everyone else. To pull down that many boards, you have to be more energetic, more willing to sacrifice your body than your opponent.

Robinson is a physical specimen, and with his positive mindset, he will be a valuable asset for whoever drafts him.

Charlotte, Washington and Cleveland should all consider selecting him in the top five.

Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Weber State's Damian Lillard is one of the most explosive scoring point guards in recent memory. 

Last season, he averaged 24.5 points per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the field. He's got a nasty crossover, elite offensive awareness and he can score from anywhere on the floor. He gets to the rim at will and he's a strong finisher in the paint.

He's also an excellent passer, despite the lack of assists in the highlight video above. He only averaged 4.0 assists per game last season, but when you can score whenever you want to, there's not too much incentive to pass.

At the next level, Lillard won't be able to put up points as easily. But with his vision, unselfishness and ability to make his teammates better, he will be the best point guard from this class.

I'm expecting Toronto to select him with the eighth pick.

Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Meyers Leonard isn't a household name yet, but the bouncy 7-footer could end up being one of the two or three best players from this class.

He has a massive wingspan, good leaping ability and he runs the floor like a guard. His mid-range jumper is smooth and he's quick enough to destroy opposing big man off the bounce.

On defense, Leonard's ceiling is limitless. With his instincts and physical tools, he could easily transform into the league's best shot-blocker in a few years.

Portland at No. 11 and Milwaukee at No. 12 will be prime candidates for Leonard's services.

Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Sometimes the substance doesn't quite match up to the swagger, but Duke's Austin Rivers is still one hell of a talent.

He has some vicious handles, a beautiful shooting stroke and a vast arsenal of floaters and flip shots in the lane. He's also got confidence by the boatload, and while some may perceive this as arrogance, I love his unwavering belief in himself.

He might not be as good as he thinks he is, but self-delusion often precedes greatness. I'm expecting Rivers to have an excellent NBA career.

The Phoenix Suns, who have the 13th pick and may be losing the face of their franchise soon, would be a perfect fit for Rivers.

Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

As you can see in the video, Terrence Ross is a highlight reel waiting to happen.

With his quick first step, explosive vertical jump and creativity at the rim, Ross will be an instant crowd favorite for whatever team selects him.

The 6'6" shooting guard is certainly more than just a dunker, though. He's mastered the art of moving without the ball, and when he catches it, his shooting stroke is pure.

He will definitely be a boost for somebody's offense, with the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers all being options in the middle of the first round.

Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

Like his teammate Ross, Tony Wroten is an elite athlete with a creative basketball mind.

His handle is wicked, his passing is gorgeous and he's not afraid to finish over bigger defenders at the rim.

At 6'5", 205 pounds, Wroten is also an imposing physical presence at the point guard position. He should be able to defend 1s and 2s at the next level, while creating major matchup issues for opposing teams.

His jump shot and his free throw shooting need some work, but Wroten will energize somebody's offense the instant he slips on their hat and shakes the commissioner's hand.

The Dallas Mavericks would be a perfect fit at No. 17, but Wroten could also go as high as No. 8 to Toronto or No. 10 to New Orleans.

Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Arnett Moultrie is similar to Meyers Leonard in that he is a very long, athletic big man with deceptive quickness.

He runs the floor exceptionally well, and as you can see above, he's relentless in attacking the offensive glass. He has a good skill set in the low post, but with his activity on the boards, he's not the kind of guy that you have to run a play for.

Despite swatting less than one shot per game last season, Moultrie has the potential to be an elite shot-blocker. With his length and athleticism, he's just a few good coaching sessions away from being a force on the defensive end.

The Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks will all take a long look at Moultrie in the middle of the first round.

Anthony Davis, PF/C, Kentucky

The top prize in the 2012 draft, Anthony Davis is far and away the most promising big man of the last few years.

With his pterodactyl wingspan, perfect timing and explosive leaping ability, Davis is a shot-blocking machine. Not only does he swat shots in the paint, but he also has the range to deny shooters on the perimeter as well. 

Although he's skinny, Davis' coordination and body control is impeccable. He's got the ball-handling and shooting ability of a guard, combined with the size of an All-Star big man.

Even better than his physical gifts, though, is his unparallelled tenacity and competitive drive. He brings his best effort every time he steps on the court, and you never have to worry about him getting upset with a lack of touches. As long as the team's winning, Davis is happy. 

The New Orleans Hornets were fortunate enough to win the draft lottery, so Davis will be bringing his impressive skill set and incomparable energy to Bourbon Street.