NBA Draft 2012: 5 Players Who Can Win the Dunk Contest

OK, enough mock drafts, rumors, analyses and other flotsam about which none of us really know a thing.

Let's have a bit of fun with one of the most exciting plays in basketball.

The dunk.

There were dozens of slack-jaw worthy dunking moments in college hoops this past year, and several of them came from players who will be plying their trade in the NBA come this fall.

Any of these kids could hit up All-Star weekend in Houston next February and knock some socks off in the once magical, now anachronistic, dunk contest. Perhaps they'll even bring a little relevance back to an event that used to be something special.

Here's a handful of 'em.

5. Harrison Barnes

Barnes, the North Carolina small forward who's rumored to go somewhere in the top 7, can really sky.

The 6'8, 228 lb. three-man is incredibly smooth and can get to the rim without looking like it takes a lot of effort. He's not the most explosive player in the draft, but when he gets the basket in his sights, like in the video above, watch out.

ESPN's Chad Ford noted that Barnes really improved his stock, as far as his athleticism and explosiveness are concerned, at this week's draft combine in Chicago.

If that's true, look for Barnes in a dunk contest soon.

4. Tony Wroten, Jr.

Though just 18 years old, the University of Washington's Wroten is going to make a team in need of a point guard very happy thanks to his size and ability to penetrate.

Wroten stands 6'6 and has a reputation as a suspect jump shooter, making his drives to the basket all the more important.

When he gets there it's pretty much goodnight, as you can see with this ferocious throw down against Arizona State.

Not only can he get way up over the rim, he can take off and soar to the hoop from just inside the foul line.

What will the judges think?

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Gilchrist, a super athlete with endurance to spare, is a powerful, explosive player who proved over and over again during Kentucky's championship run that finishing was his best attribute on the offensive end.

When you have the combination of strength and athleticism that Gilchrist possesses, you're probably going to be a good dunker, and he certainly is that.

His similarly-sized teammate Terrence Jones may be a little more flashy, but streamlined and simplified Gilchrist gets the vote here.

2. Jeremy Lamb

Most projections have Lamb, a sophomore from UConn, as the second best two-guard in the draft, behind Florida's Bradley Beal, and project him as a potential top 10 pick.

Lamb apparently rolled an ankle while working out for Toronto earlier this week and DraftExpress has him cancelling upcoming workouts with Cleveland and Phoenix.

Still, once he's at full strength, it's hard to imagine him losing any of his athletic ability or hops. He can jump out of the gym and looks to still be growing. Imagine what a terror he might be going to the basket when he fills out some more.

Whoever gets him, regardless of the cancelled workout stories, is going to get a guy who can step in and not only contribute right away, but win a dunk contest as well.

1. Bradley Beal

Beal, by every account, is a top-three talent and the highest ranked two-guard in this year's draft class.

He's known for his shooting ability, deep range and high basketball IQ. But he can get up there in a major way as well. And when he does, it's an assault on the rim.

It should comfort whichever general manager who makes Beal his pick that if the mood strikes, the Florida product can put the ball on the floor and fly to the basket if he doesn't like what he sees from the perimeter.

After that, it's watch out.