2012 NBA Mock Draft: Damian Lillard and Prospects on the Rise

Damian Lillard has done nearly everything right up to this point in the pre-draft process, and because of that, no prospect's stock has risen more.

The dynamic scoring point guard out of Weber State lit up the Big Sky conference with over 24 points per game last season. He's convincing folks that he's capable of having a big impact in the NBA as well.

Lillard has shined, but he isn't the only player gaining a lot of attention. Here is a full first-round mock draft with a spotlight on the players whose stock is on the rise.

(Spotlighted players and teams will be italicized.)

Combine numbers from ESPN

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky  (scouting report here)

No new information on the consensus No. 1 pick, but then again how much higher can you rise than the top of the draft? The Hornets may as well print the jerseys up, if they haven't already.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky (scouting report here)

I believe the Bobcats are going to trade this pick. If they do, it'll be one of the few smart things Michael Jordan has done as a member of the front office. If they keep it, they'll go safe and take MKG.

3. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, C, UConn (scouting report here)

Drummond is still the most physically gifted player in the draft. He showed off ridiculous athleticism and measurements at the combine. At 6'11" 280 pounds he had a 7'6" wingspan.

The Wizards would have a nice set of bigs with him and Nene. Drummond knows he has a lot to prove, and I think he's already started to do that.

Watch this interview:

He isn't quite comfortable with the scrutiny and the attention. That worries me, but I still believe in his talent.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida (scouting report here)

Beal measured at a little over 6'4" in shoes. This is just decent in my eyes, as he is not an explosive athlete. The Cavs need a two-guard, and Beal is perceived as the best. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas (scouting report here)

Robinson only measured a little over 6'8" in shoes. I think that killed any chance he had at being selected No. 2 overall. He could still have a solid impact in Sacramento.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn Nets): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State (scouting report here) 

Lillard shot the ball well at the combine. He was confident, competitive and completely in-tune with the seriousness of the situation.

He drew rave reviews from scouts at the combine. Sam Amico of Fox Sports tweeted:

"

NBA scout at Chicago draft combine says Weber St PG Damian Lillard looked "absolutely fabulous" in workout.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) June 7, 2012"

Lillard shot over 40 percent from three-point range in college, and he's very quick. Some may doubt if he's a true point guard, but he looks like a player either way. The Blazers can't pass on this kid.

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor 

PJ3 helped himself at the combine, and he also had great measurements. He's a legit 6'11" and some change in shoes, and I think the Warriors may give him a chance to play SF.

That is what he needs to maximize his potential in my opinion. I think he understands the criticism about his motor, and he'll do what he needs to work on this issue. Watch this interview with ESPN's Andy Katz:

If a team allows him to be himself, he could a special talent. If someone tries to make him play in the post, he'll turn into Brad Sellers.

Who is that?

That is exactly my point.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina (scouting report here)

Barnes is slipping a bit on my mock. He measured at a solid 6'8" in shoes, but he's appearing less and less special.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

This would be a big reach, but it's one I think the Pistons may make. Sullinger will score in the NBA, but he has a low ceiling. He and Greg Monroe aren't the worst low-post tandem, but I don't see him as a future star.

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Rivers measuring at 6'5" in shoes is huge. It ensures that he's a legit shooting guard, and not drastically undersized. I'm positive Rivers will score the ball in the NBA.

The Hornets would do well to lock him and Davis in. Rivers gives them some protection in the event that they can't re-sign Eric Gordon.

Sporting News is tweeting that Rivers may have received a lottery guarantee:

"

Austin Rivers might have late-lottery guarantee dlvr.it/1hkt0n

— Sporting News NBA (@sn_nba) June 10, 2012"

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

I'm not sure if the Blazers will keep this pick, but if they do, Waiters is definitely an option. He only measured at 6'4", but he is explosive in his first-step and a good leaper.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina

I still like Henson here for the Bucks. His ability to block shots and defend can help the Bucks right away.

13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina (scouting report here)

This could work out great for both parties. I think Lillard's reputation is pushing Marshall down the board a bit, but the Suns will likely need a PG. I don't think Nash is returning, and because of that Marshall could step right in and play.

14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State (scouting report here)

Moultrie has some talent, but I worry about his commitment on defense. He should have worked out at the combine to improve his stock.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

This could have been Sullinger, but I think he'll be gone by this time. Ross is very athletic, and he may make the 76ers finally trade Andre Iguodola.

  

16. Houston Rockets (from N.Y. Knicks): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

The Rockets need size, and Zeller is a true center. He's an active body, and he has a great motor. He isn't a star, but he's definitely a solid role player.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb looked terrible in his interview at the combine. He wasn't engaged, he didn't work out and for a guy with some questions surrounding him, he did nothing to improve his stock.

He is talented and a solid pick for the Mavs here. If he works out individually, he may be able to improve his stock.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Jones is a versatile player that can play either forward spot. I think he is better suited for the 3 in the NBA. He could be a solid player that pushes Derrick Williams for playing time .

19. Orlando Magic: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor is vastly underrated, but the Magic could do well by taking him here. He isn't going to be a star, but he could help start a new chapter in Orlando. I think Dwight Howard may be traded on draft day, and that would equate to an entire makeover for the team.

20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is a solid athlete with a high ceiling as a lockdown defender. The Nuggets would have to bring him along slowly, but he could wind up as a solid starter in two years.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

I love Nicholson for the Celtics. He can shoot the ball, which would ultimately work great in the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop with Rajon Rondo. He can play Kevin Garnett's role on the offensive end. He won't be as productive early, but the offensive potential is there.

22. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Selecting Melo here would add another big to Beantown's inevitable rebuilding project. The Celtics need size, and Melo is a true center prospect.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr. Washington

Wroten is an intriguing point-guard prospect, but he has a lot to learn. He could be a bust, but there is no doubting his upside. He must improve his shooting and decision-making, but the size and ability to get to the rim is apparent.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Taking Leonard would give the Cavs a young big that they can allow to develop. Leonard isn't NBA-ready right now, but he has legit size at over 7'0" in shoes and solid athleticism.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, SG, France

Fournier is a scorer with good size, but he may need to be stashed in France for a couple of years to further develop. He could ultimately offer some depth in Memphis' backcourt. If he's ready now, he could play O.J. Mayo's minutes if the Grizzlies don't retain him.

26. Indiana Pacers: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller has a ton of talent, but he needs some time to develop as well. He is 6'9", with long arms and a scorer's mentality. This is the type of player Larry Bird loves, and he could do well in Indiana.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Heat may win the NBA championship, but it's clear to me they need an inside presence. Ezeli is a true center, with the ability to be a defensive presence in the middle. The Heat would be even better if they had a big to protect the lane.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State 

Even a player as dynamic as Kevin Durant needs a capable backup. Green has great intangibles that should play well in OKC. This would be a great match.

29. Chicago Bulls: Orlando Johnson, SG, UC Santa Barbara

The Bulls need a 2-guard still, and Johnson is a solidly built but athletic player with the ability to score. He scored just under 20 points per game last year at UCSB. He would get minutes right away if he defends, which is a prerequisite in Chicago.

30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

The Warriors need some depth at point guard, and Teague could provide that. If Stephen Curry is injured again, Teague could step in and play, or he'd be a decent backup as well.

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