2012 NBA Mock Draft: Teams That Will Fill Key Hole in First Round
The Miami Heat need a true center that can play 30 minutes a night, and they must make that their No. 1 priority in this draft. They won't get one of the premier bigs in the draft because of where they'll be selecting, but they don't need one.
The Heat need a space-eater, shot-blocker and rebounder that is at least 6'10". For all of Joel Anthony's effort, he's just too small and the Heat's lack of depth up front is one of the team's biggest weaknesses.
There are a few big men that should be available for Miami at the end of the first round, and if the pick belonged to me that would be my focus.
A few other teams are in line to address holes in their roster with their first round pick. Here is a look at those teams within a first round mock draft.
(Spotlighted players and teams will be italicized.)
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky - (scouting report here)
The Hornets need a star and some hope. Davis will bring at least one of those things. I'm not sold on the star part as of yet, though I'm sure he'll be productive.
This team is badly in need of a new face for their franchise. That face will have the most famous uni-brow in the world. Davis' defensive abilities will allow him to make an immediate impact.
The development of his offensive game will determine if he ever becomes a star.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn (scouting report here)
I'm still pushing Drummond in the No. 2 spot, but it's easy to see why MJ and company may go another direction. Drummond has his critics, and the Jordan administration can't afford another bust. Still, I believe Drummond has too much upside to ignore.
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky (scouting report here)
The Wizards desperately needed a defensive presence on the wing, and a running-mate for John Wall. The two Kentucky alums can team up in transition if Washington takes MKG. Check out MKG in transition in this video:
The Wizards would also benefit from his work ethic and excellent intangibles. This is a no-brainer in my opinion if he's still on the board.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
The Cavs need a wing player to accompany Kyrie Irving. They are right to target a shooting guard, but I don't like Beal this high.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas (scouting report here)
Robinson is one of the most NBA-ready players available, but I'm not sure how he and DeMarcus Cousins will mesh. His work ethic and approach is a definite plus for the wayward Kings locker room.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn Nets): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
The Blazers will be hitting the jackpot if they select Lillard. They need a point guard, but beyond that they need a playmaker on the perimeter. He is more of a scoring point guard, but he's too dynamic to pass on.
Lillard displays his dynamic gifts in this video:
Lillard could be a Rookie of the Year candidate if he lands in the Pacific Northwest, and the Blazers could return to the playoffs.
They have cap space and another pick in the lottery.
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina (scouting report here)
Barnes is an excellent pick for the Warriors. He would solidify their wing positions along with young Klay Thompson.
8. Toronto Raptors: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
The Raptors have built a strong crop of young big men, and they have a dynamic young two-guard. Adding Marshall would give them a quality young floor general.
9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor
If PJ3 is allowed to play the small forward position he'll be at his best. He's a very good athlete, but despite his 6'11" height, he is much more comfortable on the perimeter.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
The Hornets' star quest part two lands here. Rivers is a pure scorer and his talents fit the role of a sixth man, or a starter. If Eric Gordon is retained, then Rivers could give instant offense off the bench. If Gordon leaves then Rivers could be his replacement.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
The Blazers second lottery pick should be spent on getting LaMarcus Aldridge some help down low. Zeller isn't spectacular, but he's a true center that defends, rebounds and plays with energy.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina
Henson is a gifted shot-blocker and that should get him some tick early on. If he develops his jump shot, he could be a solid starter.
13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
The Suns need a lot of things, at this point taking the best player available makes sense. Lamb isn't a superstar, but he's an upgrade over what the Suns have on the wing.
14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State
The Rockets still need a young, athletic post presence. Moultrie could be that guy, but he needs to pay more attention to his development on defense.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Sully is a talented scorer in the post. His physical limitations will cause him to slip, but the Sixers will be wise to take him here. He could be Elton Brand's less expensive replacement.
16. Houston Rockets (from N.Y. Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Waiters could be the Rockets second pick in the first round. He has some potential as a high volume scorer, but his weight scares me.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
If the Mavs take Ross they will be upgrading their overall athleticism. He is one of the best run-and-jump athletes in the draft, and he'd be a great pick for the Mavs.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Jones has a ton of versatility, but something just doesn't click with me for him. It's possible he couldn't find himself amongst all of the Wildcats talent. If that's the case he could be a steal this late.
19. Orlando Magic: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
Taylor is one of my favorite players in the draft, but if the Magic trade Dwight Howard I'd package this pick as well to move up. Orlando may be headed for a major rebuilding project.
20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Miller is very talented, but he's also very thin. I wish he had given himself one more year at Baylor, but the first round and a guaranteed contract calls.
21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
I love Nicholson's fundamentals and touch around the basket. He isn't getting the love he deserves and he could be a steal in this draft.
22. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo isn't a dynamic player, but he does his job as a big man. He protects the rim, rebounds and finishes strong around the basket. When you aren't talking about an elite big, that's all you ask of a center.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless is another talented, but rail thin prospect that bolted school after one year. My rule as a freshman would be if I'm not a top 15 pick for sure, I'm staying another year. Then again, that's easy for me to say, I'm not the one staring at millions.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
The Cavs could add a young and athletic big to their roster with this pick. I don't think Leonard is NBA-ready at this point, but he has some upside. When he's ready he'll be a valuable asset for Cleveland.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
I have Wroten here for now, but he could definitely slip. He isn't a good shooter and his overall game needs refinement. He has some talent as a big point guard, but he isn't quite ready.
26. Indiana Pacers: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
Lamb is one of the best pure shooters in the draft. He is deadly from three-point range and from the free throw line. At 6'4" he's a little undersized, but he could be a valuable scorer off the bench.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
This could be the big man the Heat need to solidify their interior defense, and take some pressure off LeBron James to rebound. Ezeli certainly isn't a star, but he's a big, athletic and active big man.
He's still working out his understanding of the game, but he has the physical attributes and the approach the Heat need from a big man.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
The Thunder need a capable backup for Kevin Durant. At some point he'll need to conserve his minutes a bit, and Green is a solid and versatile player. He can play either forward spot, and he's a solid outside shooter and passer.
29. Chicago Bulls: Orlando Johnson, SG, UC Santa Barbara
The Bulls still need a shooting guard, and this kid could be the answer. He is a muscular 215 pounds on a 6'5" frame. He has very good athleticism, he can create his own shot, and make the deep ball.
Johnson's ability to score is apparent in this video:
There are questions as to whether his great scoring numbers will translate in the NBA. He played for UCSB which obviously isn't in a top conference, but in the pre-draft workouts Johnson has shined.
Here is what Jonathan Givony of Draft Express said about Johnson after the Nets' predraft workout:
"Johnson may have had the best all-around showing of any prospect in New Jersey, considering his strong measurements (6-11 wingspan) and the terrific scoring instincts he displayed in the five on five action.
"
He is 23 years old, and that's a little older than most teams would prefer, but at this point in the draft it would be a smart pick for the Bulls.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Curry's ankle is iffy and the Warriors need depth at the point guard spot anyway. Teague is a talented, but raw prospect. He'd be a safe and smart pick for Golden State.
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