2012 NBA Mock Draft: Which 1st-Round Picks Will Be Rookie Starters?

The 2012 NBA draft is just over two weeks away. Individual stocks are fluctuating, big boards are routinely being altered and everyone's plans could change at any moment in time.

The NBA draft is certain to bring along a new generation of stars. How long it takes these players to develop is a question in its own right, though the process of evaluating talent has become one that can be done with much more accuracy than in the past. 

So who will stand out from this year's draft? Most importantly, who will make an immediate impact? There are some rookies who are likely to start and others who will ride the pine until a future date.

With that, let's try to predict this bad boy and figure out which rookies could crack their starting lineups by the end of 2012. 

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'11", 222 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Pros

Never-ending length. Best shot-blocking prospect since Dikembe Mutombo. Crashes the boards as well as any. Elite interior and low-post defender. Respected motor and toughness. Solid ball-handler who can take opponent off the dribble.

Cons

Very frail. Can be bullied by stronger low-post defenders. Unreliable low-post scorer.

Starter Alert

There is no reason for the New Orleans Hornets to draft Anthony Davis first overall and start another player. Not when you have the potential to create one of the best interior defenses in the NBA from the opening tip when pairing Davis with elite shot-blocker Emeka Okafor.

Davis is an automatic front-runner for Rookie of the Year. His defensive prowess and length will translate to the NBA level instantly. His dominance in the paint will come as soon as he adjusts to the speed of the game.

Season Averages

35.71 PER, 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 4.7 BPG, 1.4 SPG

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'8", 233 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Pros

Has added more muscle to his frame yet maintained quickness. Lockdown perimeter defender. Very good rebounder. Outstanding in dribble penetration. Finishes around the basket as well as any. Infectious motor.

Cons

Inconsistent jump shot. One-dimensional on offense.

Starter Alert

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is not going to start right away, as Corey Maggette has done enough in his lengthy career to retain that right. He will remain a consistent rotational option, however, and eventually enter the starting lineup once he gets adjusted to the faster pace of the pro game.

Don't expect that to take very long.

Kidd-Gilchrist is likely to become the Bobcats' best perimeter defender from year one and will make for a nice complement alongside Gerald Henderson, who had a solid 2012 on both ends of the floor. MKG is a potential star, but he will need to put in some work.

Season Averages

21.94 PER, 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'5", 202 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Pros

Excellent without the ball in his hands. Lights-out shooter from any range. Beautiful form and posture with a quick release. Elite rebounder for his position. Solid ball-handler, facilitator. High basketball IQ. NBA-ready body. Killer in the clutch.

Cons

Questions about his true position.

Starter Alert

Jordan Crawford is a very talented scorer whose upside projects him as a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate. To properly utilize his talents, the Washington Wizards must begin the search for a legitimate starter at the shooting guard position.

There is no one who fits the bill quite like Bradley Beal, who is the consensus choice for best 2-guard in the draft.

Beal has a lot of Ray Allen in him, as he is brilliant at moving without the basketball and utilizes screens as well as any. His ability to free himself up will be the perfect complement to John Wall, who frequently draws double-teams. 

Beal will start early and contribute often.

Season Averages

21.17 PER, 14.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'8", 228 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Pros

Natural-born leader. Dominant perimeter defender. Consistent mid-range game. Can score from anywhere on the floor. Long wingspan. Sky-high basketball IQ. Very comfortable in half court and transition.

Cons

Struggles to create off the dribble. Not as explosive as other 3s. Could be stronger.

Starter Alert

Alonzo Gee made quite the statement in 2012, contributing as a consistent weapon on both ends of the floor. To say that he will have the advantage over Harrison Barnes, however, would be rather naive.

The Cavaliers made a splash by signing one of the most fundamentally sound players in the nation: point guard Kyrie Irving out of Duke. On draft night, the best possible complement may be Harrison Barnes, who is equally as dominant on defense and just as efficient with his jump shot.

Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes could be the next premier combo in the NBA.

Season Averages

22.70 PER, 17.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG

5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'9", 237 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Pros

Vocal, lead-by-example player. Well-developed low-post game. Very strong upper body. Dominates the glass. Not afraid of contact on either ends. Solid jump shooter. Able to penetrate off the dribble. Amazing motor.

Cons

Slightly undersized. Can fall in love with jump shooting. 

Starter Alert

The Sacramento Kings have one of the game's premier big men in DeMarcus Cousins, whose production was greater than nearly every member of the Western Conference All-Star team. What they don't have, however, is a legitimate starter at the 4 who can take the pressure off Cousins. 

Jason Thompson just doesn't fit the bill.

In landing Thomas Robinson, the Kings hit the jackpot in a big way. Robinson can be just as dominant a scorer as Cousins, as well as a ferocious rebounder. He should find his way into starting lineup relatively quickly.  

Season Averages

28.53 PER, 17.7 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height & Weight: 7'0", 279 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Pros

NBA-ready body. Explosive leaper. Highest basketball IQ of any 5. Underrated positioning skills. Dominates the interior when on his game. Controls the glass. Ferocious shot-blocker.

Cons

Commits far too many fouls. Inconsistent motor. Settles for jump shots.

Starter Alert

The Portland Trail Blazers have one of the game's elite power forwards in LaMarcus Aldridge. They also have a major void to fill at the 5 after the Greg Oden experiment came to a close and Marcus Camby was moved elsewhere.

Consider Andre Drummond to be the only rational option at this point in the draft.

Drummond may not become a star, but he has the fundamental knowledge and physical attributes to start for years to come.

Season Averages

22.15 PER, 28.4 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.7 BPG

7. Golden State Warriors: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'8", 252 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Pros

Incredible wingspan. Physical in the paint. Excellent shot-blocker. Solid on the glass. Versatility to play 3 and 4. Handles the ball well. Great passer. Good mid-range jump shot. Can score from post. Much better motor than given credit for.

Cons

Shot selection can be shaky. Falls in love with the three-point shot. Disappointing body language.

Starter Alert

This pick won't change for me.

Terrence Jones is a versatile forward who can kill from the perimeter, impose his will in the post and change games with his interior defense. 

In all likelihood, Jones will see most of his time at the 3. This open the door for him to start as a rookie, with his versatility to play the 4 enabling him to see the floor on a more consistent basis than most first-year players. 

Expect big things and big minutes from the former Wildcat stud. 

Season Averages

24.83 PER, 12.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.3 SPG

8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'3", 189 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Pros

Measured taller and longer than expected. Excellent jump shooter with limitless range. Very fast and quick. Strong and physical. Ridiculously high usage rate. Jaw-dropping efficiency. Respectable motor. Responsible ball-handler. High basketball IQ.

Cons

Court vision needs improvement. Questions about his true position. 

Why It Works

Jose Calderon will remain the starter on the Raptors, so don't doubt that. Calderon's quality of play will remain steady, but as he continues to age, his ability to hang with the younger point guards will decline.

Time to plan ahead and land a point guard of the future who could turn Calderon into a valuable backup after just one year in the league. If the Spaniard does not mind taking a backseat, he could help Lillard develop his court vision. 

Season Averages

33.58 PER, 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 SPG

9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'11", 234 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Pros

Can play the 3, 4 or 5. Runs the floor like a guard. Potential to be a point forward. Capable mid-range scorer. Solid low-post offensive attack. Improving shot blocker. Strong on the boards. Arguably the best athlete in this draft class.

Cons

Very passive. Questionable motor. Bullied by bigger opponents. 

Starter Alert

Perry Jones III could be Tayshaun Prince's understudy or Greg Monroe's frontcourt partner in crime. Due to this versatility, expect PJ3 to make his way into the starting lineup at some point during the regular season.

Expect Jones to develop into a better shot-blocker, making him a perfect fit for the Pistons, who have long thrived off do-it-all players.

Season Averages

21.95 PER, 13.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.6 SPG

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Wolves): Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'4", 198 pounds, 6'6" wingspan

Pros

Arguably the best facilitator on the board. Crisp and accurate passes. Well-developed court vision. Very good size for his position. Three-point shot much better than given credit for. 

Cons

Suffered a severe wrist injury during the NCAA tournament. Inconsistent jump shot. Not the greatest athlete.

Starter Alert

The New Orleans Hornets landed their franchise player in Anthony Davis, solidifying their interior on the defensive end of the floor. To take the next step towards stepping out of the NBA's basement, they must land a point guard who can create a true rhythm on the offensive end of the floor.

Fortunately for New Orleans, Kendall Marshall is still available.

Marshall is the arguably the best facilitator of the draft class, in part due to his size, which enables him to see plays before they develop. At the NBA level, expect that type of success to catapult him into the starting lineup early in the season.

Marshall and Eric Gordon could make for a dangerous backcourt.

Season Averages

16.50 PER, 8.1 PPG, 9.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.48 A/TO ratio

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'4", 215 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Dominant slasher. Powerful off the dribble. Finishes above the rim as well as any. Not afraid of contact. Infectious confidence. Vocal leader on the floor. Thrives in creating points off turnovers. Plays within his abilities. Dominant transition scorer. Developing mid-range game.

Cons

Lacks a consistent jump shot. Will gamble on the defensive end. Confidence can be construed as arrogance. Slightly undersized.

Why It Works

At Syracuse, Dion Waiters was a rare sixth man that could stake the claim that he was his team's best player. In Portland, it won't be long until Waiters can be able to claim something similar.

Wesley Matthews is likely to remain the starter, but Waiters will see a lot of minutes. He has the potential to play the point due to his elite ball-handling skills, but seems to be most comfortable at the 2.

With his versatility and ability to score off of the dribble, Waiters should see more playing time than the average rookie. 

Season Averages

24.4 MPG, 26.29 PER, 12.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Position: Power Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'9", 280 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Pros

Strong as a bull. Uses his body as well as any. A master at establishing position. Massive lower body and wingspan. Brilliant basketball IQ. Dominant low-post and face-up scorer. Very tough on the glass. Improving defender. Questions about motor have disappeared.

Cons

Undersized in terms of height. Concerns about conditioning. Strength and physicality might not transfer to NBA level. 

Why It Works

Jared Sullinger starting for the Milwaukee Bucks rests firmly on Ersan Ilyasova, who has a major decision to make as he enters free agency. Should Ilyasova return, Sullinger will likely spend the year as a consistent reserve. Should he opt to sign elsewhere, Sullinger's chances to start increase dramatically.

The former Buckeye is the best low-post scorer in this draft class and may be the best to emerge from the college ranks since David West. Sullinger is excellent at utilizing his body to get the necessary position to score, although he is more than capable of taking a step back and hitting his patented baby hook when the going gets tough.

Sullinger will be something special. The Bucks land a true steal here.

Season Averages

30.39 PER, 17.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'5", 179 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Pros

Scary wingspan. Elite athlete. High leap. Finishes well in traffic. Excellent mid-range jump shot. Stellar on-ball defender. Quintessential "smooth" wing.

Cons

Has a tendency to disappear. Not strong off the ball. Needs to add lots of strength. 

Starter Alert

The Phoenix Suns are always in search of a consistent perimeter scoring option, as they never fail to light up a scoreboard. What they have found in Jeremy Lamb, however, is a player who can also shut down opponents on defense.

Although Steve Nash could end up elsewhere, a player like Lamb would go a long way towards expediting the Suns' rebuilding process.

Season Averages

22.05 PER, 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG

14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'10", 216 pounds, 7'5" wingspan

Pros

Explosive leaper. Consistently dominant shot-blocker. Hits the boards as well as any. Good shot selection. Unbelievable length. High character. Elite on-ball defender.

Cons

Long history of nagging injuries. Weighed less than expected. Raw offensive game. 

Why It Works

Luis Scola is one of the most consistent players you will find in the NBA, but 2012 appeared to have been the beginning of his decline. Drafting a replacement has to be at the top of Houston's list.

To fill the void, the Rockets will select one of the most athletic players in this draft class. John Henson, who developed a strong rapport with former teammate and center Tyler Zeller, knows how to work with a partner in the paint.

Between him and a name that will soon be revealed, there will be elite athleticism in the Rockets' frontcourt. 

Season Averages

25.41 PER, 13.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.9 BPG

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'5", 203 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Stellar crossover. Finishes well in the paint. Solid mid-range game. Unlimited range. Measured taller than expected.

Cons

Over-dribbles. Poor shot selection. Body language is a concern.

Why It Works

The Philadelphia 76ers' biggest nightmare has become a reality: Lou Williams has opted out of his contract. While this does not mean that Williams is gone just yet, it does mean that planning for his absence is a necessity.

Austin Rivers may not be the most popular name in this draft class, but he is the best possible replacement. Rivers can handle the ball as well as any and light up the scoreboard when he is on his game. He is also capable of playing both the 1 and 2. 

Season Averages

16.85 PER, 15.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 43% FG

16. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Center

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 7'0", 250 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Pros

Mobile big man. Runs the floor well. Decent mid-range shooter. Can control the glass. Steadily improving on defense. Great motor. Respected leader.

Cons

Can get bullied in the low post. Not as strong as weight would suggest. Limited offensive skills.

Why It Works

Remember that center that John Henson developed a rapport with in college? Houston will keep the ball rolling as they re-pair the two in the NBA.

Tyler Zeller is not necessarily a star in the making, but don't think that he can't contribute. He will likely find himself in a consistent role in the Rockets' rotation and end up starting after a year or two.

Zeller will offer the Rockets a much better scoring option at the 5 than Samuel Dalembert. He will also offer a mobility at the 5 that the Rockets currently lack, something that Kevin McHale is likely to capitalize on to the fullest extent.

Season Averages

30.33 PER, 16.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 55.3 FG%

17. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

Position: Center

Class: Junior

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 7'1", 250 pounds, 7'3" wingspan

Pros

Very mobile. Plays well without the ball. Freakish athlete. Can finish above the rim. Great shot-blocker and better shot-alterer. Strong defensive fundamentals. 

Cons

Raw on offense. Passion often outweighs focus. Could be stronger.

Starter Alert

The Dallas Mavericks have utilized a weak starter-by-committee approach ever since Tyson Chandler made the decision to sign with the New York Knicks in 2011. There is absolutely no logical decision to make aside from selecting a 5 who can potentially start in Dallas.

While Roy Hibbert may be a target in free agency, Meyers Leonard has to be atop the big board come June 28th. Leonard is a mobile, athletic big man who can finish around the basket. He is also a strong shot-blocker who would complement Dirk Nowitzki quite well.

Season Averages

24.02 PER, 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 BPG

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'6", 197 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Elite jump shooter. Great vertical. Very quick for his size. Solid perimeter defender.

Cons

Can be too passive. Must add muscle. Struggles with shot selection and ball-handling.

Why It Works

In March, the Minnesota Timberwolves were supposedly targeting combo guard Jamal Crawford. Those plans fell through, and the T-Wolves are still in need of a secondary ball-handler with scoring abilities. 

Ross will offer Minnesota a legitimate scoring option from the perimeter with deep range on his jump shot. This will make Ricky Rubio's job much easier, as he can pass out to the perimeter rather than force entry passes to his interior scorers.

Season Averages

20.86 PER, 16.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG

19. Orlando Magic: Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'9", 207 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Pros

Height and wingspan measured better than expected. Dangerous length and athleticism. Finishes strong around the basket. Very good shot-blocker. Dominant in transition. Star potential. 

Cons

Could add some muscle. Lacks motor on defense. Inconsistent jump shot.

Why It Works

Moe Harkless can create for himself off the dribble, dominate defensively when focused and control the glass on both ends. He is a legitimate first option in terms of scoring the basketball. 

Depending on the situation he enters, Harkless could be a star within his first three years.

Season Averages

21.06 PER, 15.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG

20. Denver Nuggets: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 

Height & Weight: 6'6", 203 pounds, 6'9" wingspan

Pros

Measured taller than expected. Unbelievable size and length for his position. Powerful slasher. Highlight-reel passer. Finishes well around the basket. Sets up teammates well.

Cons

Struggles as a jump shooter. Forces shots and passes. Plays with a reckless abandon. Wingspan measured shorter than expected.

Why It Works

Tony Wroten Jr. is an enigma to say the least. He is an unbelievable playmaker with elite size for the point guard position and has true potential to play the 2. Consider him a more powerful version of Jamal Crawford.

In Denver, Wroten Jr. would be a solid replacement to Andre Miller. More importantly, he would be a legitimate threat to score in the half court. He can penetrate off the dribble and put up points where the Nuggets struggled most.

Season Averages

21.07 PER, 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.9 SPG

21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'11", 233 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

 

Pros

Very long. Extremely athletic. Can run in transition. Has made steady improvements across the board since entering college. Dominant on the glass. Intimidating defensive presence.

 

Cons

Relies too heavily on mid-range game. Not strong enough to handle interior grind. Inconsistent motor. History of struggles with fundamentals. 

 

Why It Works

Brandon Bass may have broken out in 2012, but he is poised to hit free agency. Even if he does re-sign, he is slightly undersized and may not be enough to overcome the potential loss of Kevin Garnett.

While Arnett Moultrie is not the most fundamentally sound player available, he is an outstanding athlete with a huge upside. Moultrie can finish well in the paint and runs the floor in a manner that would complement Rajon Rondo. 

Consider Moultrie the best-case scenario for Boston, as they add some major athleticism to a rather grounded core.

 

2011-2012 Season Averages

24.97 PER, 16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG

22. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange

Position: Center

Class: Sophomore

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 7'0", 255 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

 

Pros

Great size. Explosive leaper. Elite shot-blocking skills. Physical defender. Imposes will in the paint. 

 

Cons

Offensive work in progress. 

 

Starter Alert

Is there any question at all about what the Celtics need most?

Whether Kevin Garnett returns or not, Boston needs to find themselves a defensive menace at the 5. While Greg Stiemsma has shown the potential to be a dominant shot-blocker and a reliable offensive player, his upside is far less encouraging than Melo's.

 

2011-2012 Season Averages

20.40 PER, 25.4 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG

23. Atlanta Hawks: Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19 

Height & Weight: 6'10", 219 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Pros

Measured taller than expected. Elite athlete. Good interior defender. Can score from anywhere on the court. Huge upside. 

Cons

May not have recovered fully from knee injury. Must add bulk to his frame. Wingspan is shorter than expected. Bust potential. 

Why It Works

Marvin Williams has yet to live up to his potential and patience is no longer a virtue. It is time for the Atlanta Hawks to take a gamble at another option at the 3. Quincy Miller's athleticism alone could offer the Hawks a positional upgrade.

If Miller reaches his maximum potential, this kid could be close to the level of Kevin Durant.

2011-2012 Season Averages

24.4 MPG, 25.53 PER, 10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Doron Lamb, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6'5", 199 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Among best shooters in draft class. Measured taller than expected. Solid ball-handler. Can create off the dribble.

Cons

Could improve as a perimeter defender. Can disappear during games. Does not shoot as often as he should.

Starter Alert

Evan Fournier is an option here, but there is no reason for the Cavaliers to draft a player that will likely spend another year in Europe. 

Although this pick is a reach, the Cavaliers have to make up for missing out on Bradley Beal.

Doron Lamb presents a similar offensive skill set to Beal, as he is an excellent shooter with admirable movement without the basketball. Lamb can also create for himself and others, making him the type of player who would thrive alongside Kyrie Irving.

Although Lamb won't begin the season as the starter, he will make for a consistent rotational option who sees a lot of minutes. Don't be shocked to see him emerge as the starter over Alonzo Gee if he can consistently produce. 

Season Averages

18.94 PER, 13.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47% 3PT

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, France

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'7", 206 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Consistent mid-range game. Runs the floor well. Great rhythm on offense. Finishes strong around the rim. Strong slasher. Quintessential height for position. 

Cons

Lacks three-point range. Must add strength. Struggles on the defensive end.

Why It Works

O.J. Mayo is likely to test free agency and Tony Allen isn't getting any younger. To properly recover from a potentially significant loss, the Grizzlies must plan for the future and utilize this draft choice properly.

In landing Evan Fournier, the Grizzlies would find themselves with a mature 2 whose mid-range game is as developed as any in this draft class. Although he may spend a year overseas before joining Memphis, this is the type of "plan for the future" pick that every franchise needs to make at some point.

2011-2012 Season Averages

13.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 52.2 2PT%

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 6'10", 234 pounds, 7'4" wingspan 

Pros

Measured taller than expected. Larger wingspan than previously believed. Phenomenal turnaround jump shot. Low-post menace. Hustle player. Very good shot-blocker. Respected team leader.

Cons

Could improve on the boards. Can be bullied by stronger opponents. Little exposure to top competition. 

Why It Works

The Indiana Pacers own a clear advantage on the interior, but they resorted to perimeter shooting from inconsistent players as a formula for success.

The solution might be a commanding young presence who can score almost every time he is given the ball.

2011-2012 Season Averages

31.63 PER, 18.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 BPG

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 7'0", 264 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Pros

Muscular frame. Taller than expected. Wingspan much longer than past measurement. Powerful interior defender. Plays physical. Intimidating presence. Excellent shot-blocker. Solid rebounder. 

Cons

Lacks necessarily fundamentals. One-dimensional offensive game. 

Starter Alert

When you own just one draft choice, you better make the most of it. For the Miami Heat, that means selecting a center with legitimate starting potential.

Ezeli is eerily reminiscent of Kendrick Perkins, as both men contribute big blocks and an intimidating presence. This is exactly what the Miami Heat need, as their greatness weakness remains unaddressed.

2011-2012 Season Averages

23.2 MPG, 19.61 PER, 10.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 BPG

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Jones, West Virginia Mountaineers

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 6'8", 251 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Pros

Admirable motor. Can score from anywhere on the floor. Excellent rebounder. Pursues offensive boards. Big game player. Can shoot from the post or perimeter.

Cons

Wingspan measured shorter than expected. Undersized for position. Lacks explosiveness. 

Why It Works

Oklahoma City has one glaring weakness, and that is their inability to generate consistent scoring from their interior players.

In selecting Kevin Jones, that concern can be eliminated. Jones will likely utilize his strength and physicality to separate himself from defenders, only to step back and drop in a shot whenever he feels the need.

2011-2012 Season Averages

29.10 PER, 19.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 BPG

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'4", 212 pounds, 6'9" wingspan

 

Pros

Possibly the best shooter in this draft class. Unstoppable when in a rhythm. Deep range. Strong leadership.

 

Cons

Must bulk up. One-dimensional offense. Needs to improve defense. 

 

Why It Works

The Chicago Bulls are a shooting guard away from being legitimate title contenders, and John Jenkins is one of the best shooting prospects in the history of the draft. This kid will be something special and the Bulls would be lucky to have him.

Jenkins would join Kyle Korver and form the best three-point tandem in the NBA. While Jenkins must develop the rest of his game, it is hard to say anything negative about his ability to fill it up.

 

2011-2012 Season Averages

25.43 PER, 19.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 44% 3PT

30. Golden State Warriors (via Spurs): Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'0", 180 pounds, 6'2" wingspan

Pros

Among best passers in draft class. Great speed. Surprising athleticism. 

Cons

Undersized for his position. Gambles on defense.

Why It Works

Stephen Curry's constant injuries are cause for concern. Although the team drafted Charles Jenkins out of Hostra in 2011, one has to wonder if he will be a serviceable backup moving forward.

It wouldn't be too surprising to see the Dubs attempt to bolster the backcourt by adding Machado and giving him a chance to contribute.

2011-2012 Season Averages

23.48 PER, 13.6 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 49.5% FG