NBA Mock Draft 2012: 1st Round After Chicago Combine

There were some interesting news and performances at the 2012 Chicago Pre-Draft Combine that caused us to adjust our 2012 NBA Mock Draft. This didn't necessarily affect the NetScouts Basketball 2012 NBA Mock Draft, which is essentially a Big Board based on our scouting evaluations of the players.

Some of the news was who did not participate in the drills. Dion Waiters and Austin Rivers did not participate, allegedly based on the notion that a team guaranteed them to be selected during the lottery. We adjusted our selections based on that notion.

A few players (Arnett Moultrie and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) elected not to participate in the drills. That won't help them any.

Several players performed very well and improved their stock (Perry Jones III, Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard, Moe Harkless and Terrence Ross). Some participated and performed poorly (Tony Wroten and Quincy Miller).

Let's see how our latest first round 2012 NBA Mock Draft turns out with all this new information. We'll start with Golden State at No. 30 and work towards the No. 1 pick (Anthony Davis, of course).

No. 30 Golden State Warriors: Tony Wroten

Key 2011-'12 Stats: 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, .161 3FG%, .583 FG%

We don't think the Warriors are necessarily looking for a point guard with Stephen Curry on board. However, Wroten's stock is declining after his poor shooting performance at the combine. It will take a lot of work and time to make Wroten a decent shooter.

Wroten is strong, can penetrate and finish on contact or draw fouls. Last season he didn't show us the ability to create for others; he mainly created for himself. But he could play along with Curry as well as provide insurance in case Curry gets injured again.

We had him at No. 26 in our Big Board, so he's a decent value at No. 30.

No. 29 Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier

Key Stats: 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, .522 FG, .277 3FG% (France)

Fournier, a 6'7'' wing, got our attention at the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit. Fournier displayed solid athleticism, very good body control and explosiveness to the basket.

If he improves his shooting and defense, he has the potential to be an NBA starter within a few years. He needs to get stronger and become a more consistent shooter, but that should come with time.

What we like is that Fournier has been improving. He averaged 14 points per game this season with Union Poitiers Basket 86 in France, more than doubling his average from the 2010-'11 season.

He only shot 27.7 percent on three-pointers, so clearly that’s an area he needs to work on.

He can help the Bulls in transition and by adding scoring from the shooting guard spot.

No. 28 Oklahoma City Thunder: Jae Crowder

Key Stats: 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals, .345 3FG%

Jae Crowder is a perfect energy player for the Thunder and would fit in exceptionally well with their core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Crowder can shoot from mid-range, and we think he can develop into a decent NBA three-point shooter. This will further open up the floor for his teammates.

Crowder can also finish inside despite his height limitations (6'4.75" without shoes). He plays strong defense and will be a solid rebounder from the 2 or 3 slot. We think this is an excellent fit.

No. 27 Miami Heat: Draymond Green

Key Stats: 16.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, .388 3FG%

The Heat need complementary players to support LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Green is the perfect player for them. He's the type of guy who just "gets" it. He knows how to play and what's it all about—winning.

Green can shoot, pass and rebound. He might be short on the athletic meter, but he more than makes up for that in every area of the game. He'd be a great pick here for the Heat.

No. 26 Indiana Pacers: Quincy Miller

Key Stats: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, .447 FG%, .348 3FG%

No one can deny Miller's potential. But that's pretty much all you will get at this point. Miller was very erratic in his only season at Baylor and seemed to show intermittent effort. He performed very poorly in Chicago as his shot was not working at all.

On the plus size, Miller is 6'10" with shoes and has a 7'1" reach. He didn't shoot well during the season but didn't shoot as poorly as he did in Chicago. With his size and versatility, he can eventually play both forward spots. He's a project for two to four years out but worth the risk this low in the first round.

No. 25 Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague

Key Stats: 10.0 points, 4.8 assists, 2.7 turnovers, .412 FG%, .325 3FG%

Teague can step right in and be a solid backup point guard for the Grizzlies. He improved substantially during the year as he directed Kentucky to the national championship. He needs to improve his shooting, but he's a solid point guard who will make his teammates better while playing solid defense.

Teague is a few years away from being an NBA starter. The Grizzlies will have time to access his development to determine how to proceed at some point in the future.

No. 24 Cleveland Cavaliers: Fab Melo

Key Stats: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, .566 FG%

This is an important draft for Cleveland with two first-round picks and two early second-rounders. If they hold on to all their picks (and that's a big if), they can formulate their future core team.

An eventual replacement for Anderson Varejao makes sense here. Melo is 7'0" with shoes on and with a 9'1.75" standing reach. He needs work to develop an offensive game but will provide a rebounding and shot-blocking presence off the bench.

No. 23 Atlanta Hawks: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

Key Stats: 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, .493 FG%, .423 3FG%

The 6'7" Taylor, a native of Sweden, can provide the Hawks with flexibility at the SG and SF positions.

Taylor made himself into a good three-point shooter. His first two seasons at Vanderbilt he didn't have three-point range at all (he only attempted 0.3 per game his sophomore season). The fact that he's improved his shooting so much bodes well for the future.

Taylor can be an effective player off the bench for the Hawks if he's selected here.

No. 22 Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Key Stats: 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, .549 FG%, .444 3FG%

It's questionable if Moultrie drops down this far. However, with Waiters and Rivers moving up, Moultrie might be the player who drops.

For some reason Moultrie did not participate in the skill drills at the Chicago combine because his sessions were to be with the centers. It was a strange decision that won't help him come draft day.

We like Moultrie's ability and have him rated No. 15 in our Big Board. But with decisions like the one he made in Chicago, you've got to wonder.

No. 21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, Iowa State

Key Stats: 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, .333 3FG%

We really like White, a 6'8", 261-pound forward who can pass, rebound and score. He has ball skills and can serve as a point forward. He really has a unique skill set. We have him pegged at No. 12 in our 2012 NBA Mock Draft based on our scouting evaluations.

White has been held back from moving up on the board due to his anxiety disorder. However, his excellent interviews at the combine may have relieved those concerns.

No. 20 Denver Nuggets: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Key Stats: 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, .571 FG%, .434 3FG%

Nicholson measured in at a solid 6'9.5", 234-pounds with a 7'4" wingspan. He's a very intriguing, flexible player who can play inside and out. He's solid from the perimeter and can defend the post with his long wingspan.

Nicholson helped himself in Chicago with excellent outside shooting. His defense and rebounding were well known, but his shooting ability surprised some scouts.

He didn't surprise us, as we've seen him repeatedly over the last several years. He'd be a solid pick for Denver if he's still on the board.

No. 19 Orlando Magic: Terrence Ross, Washington

Key Stats: 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, .457 FG%, .371 3FG%

Ross is another player that helped himself in Chicago as he exhibited his athleticism and shooting ability. He was helped by Dion Waiters and Austin Rivers' non-participation.

His downside is that he is not long; a 6'7.25" wingspan is only 1.25" from his height without shoes. Still, Ross would provide offensive help both in transition and in half-court sets for the Magic.

No. 18 Minnesota Timberwolves: Moe Harkless, St. John's

Key Stats: 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, .452 FG, .215 three-pointers

Harkless would be a perfect fit for Minnesota to add to Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams. He clearly needs to improve his range, but his athleticism and rebounding ability for a wing will really help Minnesota.

Harkless may have performed too well in Chicago for the Timberwolves to get him at No. 18. But he'd be a great fit.

No. 17 Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Key Stats: 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, .500 FG%, .327 3FG%

Jones clearly has the ability, but his inconsistent play this season for Kentucky has dropped his stock a bit. We have him at No. 10 based on our scouting evaluations. His scoring averaged dropped by more than three points and his rebounding averaged dropped by more than 1.5 rebounds from his stellar freshman season.

Still, Jones measured in a 6'9.5" with shoes, 252 pounds and a 7'2.25" wingspan. The potential and body are both there. He just needs to harness his considerable skill.

No. 16 Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Key Stats: 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, .553 FG%, .808 FT%

The Rockets can use a center, and if Zeller is still available they should gobble him up. Zeller reminds us a bit of Tyler Hansbrough, a player who had a very productive college career, but one who many think would be limited on the NBA stage.

Zeller may not become an NBA All-Star but should be a solid starter, especially with the lack of good true centers in the NBA. His downside is that he has only a 7'0" wingspan versus a 7'0.5" height with shoes.

No. 15 Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Key Stats: 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, .433 FG%, .365 3FG%

Rivers apparently was notified that he will be a lottery selection, which is why he didn't participate in the skills sessions in Chicago. He did measure at a solid 6'5" with shoes, good height for a shooting guard.

Rivers should be able to develop to at least provide partial duty at the point. Rivers performed very well in his interviews, and teams obviously like his lineage. Most sons of NBA players understand the business and can relate better to the demands more quickly.

Phoenix may be another destination for Rivers.

No. 14 Houston Rockets: John Henson, North Carolina

Key Stats: 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, .500 FG%, .511 FT%

Henson would be a solid selection for the Rockets as they need to get some youth into their frontcourt. Henson has an extremely long reach, 7'5", eight inches over his 6'9" height without shoes. That will help him become an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder at the next level.

His obvious concerns are his shooting ability and his strength. He'll need to get stronger to battle inside in the NBA over the course of a long season.

We're not big fans of Henson's; we have him No. 20 on our Big Board. He has narrow shoulders, and we have concerns over whether he can add much weight and strength.

No. 13 Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Key Stats: 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals, .476 FG%, .363 3FG%

It surprises us a bit that Waiters has allegedly been promised to be selected in the lottery. We have him in the No. 22 slot in our Big Board. Waiters has an NBA body and may have an NBA game; at least that's what the team picking him thinks.

Phoenix could be a good destination for Waiters.

No. 12 Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, Illinois

Key Stats: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, .584 FG%

Next to Damian Lillard, Leonard was the player who helped himself the most in Chicago. Leonard measured as the tallest player at the combine at 6'11.75" without shoes and 7'1.25" with shoes. He showed surprising athletic ability and a nice touch out to 15-18 feet, plus he aced his interviews.

He'd be a great selection here for the Bucks.

No. 11 Portland Trail Blazers: Perry Jones III, Baylor

Key Stats: 13.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, .500 FG%, .303 3FG%

Jones helped himself in Chicago, unlike his Baylor Bear teammate Quincy Miller. Jones exhibited his versatility, athleticism and shooting ability. At 6'10.25" without shoes, Jones can create mismatches at the small forward position and is big and strong enough (234 pounds) to battle inside.

He'd be a good pick here for Portland assuming that they opt for Lillard at No. 6.

No. 10 New Orleans Hornets: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Key Stats: 8.1 points, 9.8 assists, .467 FG%, .354 3FG%

Marshall would be the perfect complement to Anthony Davis. Many mock drafts have him dropping down to the mid-to-late teens, but we just think he'd be a very good fit for New Orleans.

No. 9 Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Key Stats: 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, .519 FG%, .400 3FG%, .768 FT%

Sullinger is another player who has been dropping down on some 2012 NBA Mock Drafts due to his lack of athleticism and difficulty finishing inside against taller defenders.

However, we like the way he plays. He's very intelligent, will develop a consistent 15-18 foot shot and should end up as a solid power forward. We have him at No. 5 in our 2012 NBA Mock Draft, so we feel he'd be a good value at No. 9. Sullinger would be an excellent complement to Greg Monroe.

No. 8 Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Key Stats: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, .478 FG%, .336 3FG%

Assuming Jonas Valanciunas makes his way to Toronto for next season, the Raptors should go for additional scoring on the wing. Lamb is super-long. He has a 6'11" reach compared to his height without shoes of 6'4".

His play at UConn was inconsistent, but when he turns it on, you can see his potential. Even with his inconsistent play, he still averaged almost 18 points per game. They will like him in Toronto.

No. 7 Golden State Warriors: Andre Drummond, Connecticut

Key Stats: 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, .538 FG%, .295 FT%

Drummond is the ultimate high risk pick of the 2012 NBA draft. We've seen him projected as high as No. 2 in some 2012 NBA Mock Drafts.

On the plus size, Drummond is a freak athlete with an amazing body. He's extremely long, a 7'6.25" reach against a 6'9.75" height without shoes, a plus-8.5". He was the fastest player on the UConn roster this past season despite his 279-pound weight.

On the minus side is his lack of an offensive game. His field goal percentage was high because he didn't take any shots outside of the paint. His atrocious .295 free throw percentage is certainly something to worry about.

You can either love him or not, but he is a high risk pick. Can he develop into a Dwight Howard or even a Kendrick Perkins, or not? Take your pick.

No. 6 Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Weber State

Key Stats: 24.5 points, 4.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, .409 3FG%

Lillard was the player helped most by the Chicago combine. We've seen him play on numerous occasions and were not surprised. But many NBA general managers and scouts had never seen him in person.

Lillard measured out well, 6'1.75" without shoes with an outstanding reach of 6.7.75" (plus-6") and then proceeded to shoot the lights out of the ball. We think he's helped himself so much that Portland will call his name at No. 6.

No. 5 Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Key Stats: 17.1 points, 5.2 assists, .440 FG%, .358 3FG%

Sacramento appears to be getting tired of Tyreke Evans and may be looking for a replacement. Barnes may be the player. We think the Kings will pass on Drummond as a combination with Cousins may not work out so well.

We like Barnes better than Bradley Beal, although it appears that Beal will be picked prior to Barnes. Barnes is 3.75" taller than Beal, provides more flexibility on offense and even shot better than Beal from long distance.

He'd be an excellent pick for the Kings.

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal

Key Stats: 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, ,445 FG%, .339 3FG%

We're not big fans of Beal being selected this high. As noted in the Harrison Barnes slide, we prefer Barnes to Beal. In our 2012 NBA Big Board, we have Beal listed as the No. 13 player. Not bad, but not someone we'd take this high.

Beal should wind up being a solid pro: He's an excellent rebounder for his size and a good defender. But before you compare him to Ray Allen, shouldn't he make more than 33.9 percent of his three-pointers and more than 25 percent of his shots off the dribble?

We think Cleveland will try to move up and grab Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Let's see if they can do it.

No. 3 Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

Key Stats: 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, .491 FG%, .255 3FG%

Kidd-Gilchrist is a winner and has won at every stage of his short career, from a high school championship to a FIBA U17 world championship to a national title with the Kentucky Wildcats.

He's relentless, he runs the floor hard, he's tough and he plays with intensity all of the time. Kidd-Gilchrist is the type of player the Wizards can build a team around.

However, he shot only 25 percent from long range and was only the fourth leading scorer for Kentucky last season. Are his solid intangibles enough to offset his skills and size (he's only between 6'6" and 6'7")?

We think Kidd-Gilchrist will be an All-Star. He'd be perfect in Cleveland, and we're wondering if the Cavaliers will try to trade and move up.

No. 2 Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Key Stats: 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, .505 FG%, .682 FT%

We think Charlotte will trade its pick, but if they keep it Robinson will be their guy. We have him as the No. 2 player in our 2012 NBA Big Board.

Robinson came into his own this year, helping the Kansas Jayhawks to the NCAA finals. He was a terror on the blocks.

We saw Kansas play Kentucky early in the year at Madison Square Garden and were amazed at how much both Robinson and Kansas improved during the season. When we saw them in November we never thought they would be a championship caliber team.

The downside to Robinson is that he needs shooting improvement. Even though he shot 50 percent from the field this season, he only shot 35 percent from 10 feet and out. He's got a decent technique, so he should be able to improve his shooting.

The other question about Robinson was his height. In Chicago he measured out at 6'7.75" without shoes with a wingspan of 7'3.35". His impressive wingspan will reduce any concerns about his height.

No. 1 New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

Key Stats: 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks, .623 FG%

There's no sense discussing this. Davis is far above any other player in ability and potential. He's the No. 1 pick. There's no way the Hornets trade the pick or select anyone else.

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