NBA Draft 2012: Breaking Down Experts' Landing Spots for Top Prospects
The 2012 NBA Draft is just two weeks away, and many of the top prospects are still attempting to claw their way up to the top of the big boards.
Barring something extremely ridiculous happening, Anthony Davis is going to be the No. 1 overall pick and head to the New Orleans Hornets.
But what about the other elite prospects?
The top five on my big board include Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes and Thomas Robinson—in that order. Let’s see where experts Chad Ford of ESPN, SI’s Sam Amick and the team over at NBADraft.net have them going.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
MKG is an incredible defender that possesses perhaps the best motor of any prospect in years. He’s a great finisher at the rim and loves to run up and down the court, but his overall offense is raw and limited.
I think he’s a perfect fit with the Wizards at No. 3, as John Wall runs that team and they need a solid swingman to start alongside him. Charlotte doesn’t make as much sense, as they need an elite scorer.
Let’s see what the experts say:
Ford: No. 3 – Washington Wizards
Amick: No. 3 – Washington Wizards
NBA Draft: No. 4 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Bradley Beal
The Florida product is the best pure scorer in the draft. He’s got unlimited range, the ability to create his own shot and the body to absorb contact when driving to the hoop.
There is nothing not to like about his offense, which is why it makes perfect sense for the Bobcats to take a chance on him at No. 2. Let’s see what the analysts think.
Ford: No. 4 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Amick: No. 5 – Sacramento Kings
NBA Draft: No. 7 – Golden State Warriors
Harrison Barnes
Barnes is another great scorer that projects as a No. 3 in the NBA. He’s got the range, height and athleticism to play the position, but doesn’t have the versatility that the most desirable swingmen possess.
I think he’s a perfect fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 4 overall, but let’s get some other opinions.
Ford: No. 7 – Golden State Warriors
Amick: No. 4 – Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Draft: No. 5 – Sacramento Kings
Thomas Robinson
Robinson had an amazing junior year of college, but it’s hard to imagine him putting up that same type of production against NBA big men.
He’s got less upside than some of these other prospects due to his age, but he’s still going to be an above-average player at worst.
I think he’ll land with the Kings at No. 5, due to other teams having more pressing needs, but let’s see what the experts say.
Ford: No. 2 – Charlotte Bobcats
Amick: No. 2 – Charlotte Bobcats
NBA Draft: No. 3 – Washington Wizards
