2012 NBA Mock Draft: Players That Shined at NBA Combine
Meyers Leonard's skills may need to be honed, but, physically, he impressed scouts at the NBA combine. The early entrant into the 2012 NBA Draft was the tallest player measured. He measures over 7'1" in shoes, which is all that matters in my opinion.
I've always thought shoeless measurements were pointless.
Leonard isn't just big; he's pretty strong as well. He recorded the second-most bench press reps with 19. Only Jae Crowder of Marquette had more with 20.
I know this isn't football, but what the bench press numbers tell me about Leonard is that he has upper-body strength and he's competitive. He didn't have to kill it in this drill, but he apparently wanted to shine in every way possible.
That makes me think he'll work hard to develop in the areas where he's lacking. With that size and that work ethic, he can't help but be an asset.
Here is a spotlight on some other players that shined at the combine within a first-round mock draft.
(Spotlighted players and teams will be italicized.)
Combine numbers from Draft Express
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky (scouting report here)
Davis is one of five players that didn't participate in the athletic testing. I don't blame him, as he could only hurt his stock. There's nowhere to go but down for him.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky (scouting report here)
MKG would be a great addition to just about any squad. He is one of the few players in the draft that fits anywhere.
3. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, C, UConn (scouting report here)
Drummond displayed his amazing athleticism and measurements at the combine. He is 6'11", 280 pounds and has a 7'6" wingspan. Now take that monster-sized kid and give him a 33.5" vertical leap and the speed to complete the agility drill in 10.83 seconds.
To put that into the proper perspective: Bradley Beal, a 6'4" 2-guard that is believed to be the best at his position, did the drill in 10.95. Check out Drummond's leaping ability at UConn's preseason dunk contest:
This is a 280-pound kid that is more agile than a 6'4", highly touted 2-guard. Obviously there is more to the game than drills, but it's easy to see why someone would be high on Drummond.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida (scouting report here)
Beal is not my favorite 2-guard in the draft, but he does have a great shooting stroke and a NBA-caliber body, as far as muscle tone goes.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas (scouting report here)
Robinson may have alarmed some folks when he measured just under 6'9" in shoes, but he did ease some of those concerns with his 7'3" wingspan—one of the 10 largest measured at the combine.
The big man also showed off his pure speed. He had the second-fastest sprint time at the combine.
If you match that with his immeasurable heart and work ethic, T-Rob still looks like a top-notch prospect. He can't wait to get on the court, and we can't wait to watch him.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn Nets): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State (scouting report here)
Lillard is the kid that could do no wrong at the combine. He shot the ball great, and he proved he could handle it as well. He even interviewed well, take a look at this clip:
Beyond that, he proved he was a great athlete. He's a decent 6'2", but he also has a 39.5" vertical leap. I'm almost convinced that, unless someone floors Portland with an offer, they have to take Lillard with this pick.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor (scouting report here)
I'd love to see PJ3 land with the Warriors. If he's allowed to play the small forward, he, David Lee and Andrew Bogut could form a formidable frontcourt.
8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina (scouting report here)
Barnes may have received criticism for a less-than-stellar collegiate career, but he proved he's a hell of an athlete. He had the fastest sprint, the highest standing vertical and hit 15 reps in the bench press.
We shouldn't be surprised. Remember this dunk:
There is no question he has the run-and-jump ability to compete in the NBA. But I think those numbers are a bit deceiving for Barnes, at least as they relate to his offensive production.
Those are numbers that will come alive on defense, but Barnes is a bit stiff with the ball.
9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State (scouting report here)
Sullinger was the slowest at the combine in every speed-related drill, and only one player had a higher percentage of body fat. I would think long and hard before selecting him in the lottery.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke (scouting report here)
Sub-Zero is a perfect match for the Hornets, even if they retain Eric Gordon. He could provide instant scoring in a sixth-man role.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse (scouting report here)
Waiters was one of the five players that didn't do any drills. I think he may have received a promise from a team in the lottery. According to this report from Gery Woelfel of the Racine Sports Zone, that team is the Phoenix Suns.
But that doesn't mean he'll be there for them when they pick.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina
Henson would make a great frontcourt player for the Bucks. Milwaukee could be looking at Tyler Zeller here as well, that also per Woelfel, but I think Henson is the better pick.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina (scouting report here)
The Suns need a new start at point guard. Steve Nash is likely going to leave in free agency, and that would make this a great spot for Marshall.
14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State (scouting report here)
Moultrie has the length and athleticism to score anywhere from the post out to 15 feet. The Rockets could use a big with that skill set.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington (scouting report here)
Ross is one of my favorite 2-guards in the draft. He has great athleticism and the potential to be a solid scorer.
16. Houston Rockets (from N.Y. Knicks): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina (scouting report here)
Zeller is a true center, which gives him value right off the bat. He has a good motor and basketball IQ, and that makes him a fringe lottery pick.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn (scouting report here)
I'm a bit down on Lamb right now. He wasn't overly impressive in interviews or in the athletic drills. I once believed he was a top five pick, but not anymore.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky (scouting report here)
Jones' versatility is his best asset. He could have the most success at small forward, where he can use his strength to overpower most players.
19. Orlando Magic: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
Taylor is a tremendous defensive prospect. His offense is still coming around, but he is much improved from where he once was. I love his game, and I think he could really help a contender.
20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless has notable upside. He has long arms and he's very athletic. He is another prospect with tremendous potential as a lockdown defender.
21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, PF, Iowa State (scouting report here)
White is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft. He is 6'8" and 260 pounds, but he has great vision and good handle.
22. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Boston needs to add youth and size. Melo would hit both of those concerns and immediately help the Celtics' rebounding.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington
Wroten has to improve his shooting and decision-making. Of all the players in the first round, he has the best chance of either landing in the D-League or being a huge surprise. That's a big gap, but that's how big a wild card he is.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois (scouting report here)
I'm liking Leonard more and more every day. His personal story is easy to get behind, just like the Kidd-Gilchrist and Robinson stories.
It would be easy for Leonard to just want to be in the NBA, but it seems to me he wants to be good as well. He's willing to put in the work to become a quality player.
I wouldn't be surprised to see his stock start to climb.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, SG, France
Fournier has some talent as a scorer, but it seems as though he could be a candidate for stashing. The Grizzlies could select him now, give it two years, and then come back when he's more developed.
26. Indiana Pacers: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Miller is very talented, but his game isn't fully formed yet. Hopefully he can continue his improvement at the pro level.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Ezeli definitely raised his stock at the combine. He's a legit 6'11", but he showed he's far from a stiff.
He recorded the third-fastest sprint time of any player 6'10" or taller. That shows he should be able to run the floor effectively, and that's huge for a big man.
It would especially be big if he were to find himself in Miami next year.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
Green would be a great backup for Kevin Durant. He's smart, humble and versatile. Those traits make for great role players.
29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
The Bulls are still searching for a 2-guard. Jenkins is probably the draft's best shooter, and that may be what gets him a red, white and black jersey.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Teague is ultra-quick and the Warriors could use some depth at the point guard position. He could spot Stephen Curry or even step in for him if he's injured again.
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