2012 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting Which Teams Will Gamble on Draft Day

The 2012 NBA draft is officially less than a week away, with teams waiting anxiously to add young talent to their roster.

Some players like Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and others seem like sure-fire picks ready to be contributed immediately.

Other players such as Perry Jones III, Royce White, Jared Sullinger, Arnett Moultrie and others exhibit a great level of talent, but all come with a high amount of risk attached.

So which teams will roll the dice on a high-risk, high-reward player and which will choose to play it safe with a slightly less talented player?

Let's take a look.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.7 blocks

School: Kentucky

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'10", 220 pounds

The future of New Orleans basketball suddenly looks very bright.

The Hornets just saved themselves roughly $30 million in committed salary by trading Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to the Wizards for Rashard Lewis, so it's clear they're going into full rebuilding mode around Davis.

Picking Anthony Davis to pair with Eric Gordon gives them a core they can build around for a long, long time.

Davis represents the most upside of any player in the draft. His best qualities are his length and feel for the game.  His shot-blocking ability isn't too shabby, either.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists

School: Kansas

Year: Junior

Height/Weight: 6'10", 237 pounds

Charlotte misses out on Davis but gets a terrific consolation prize in Robinson, who had 18 points and 17 rebounds against Davis and Kentucky in the NCAA Championship game.

Bradley Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are nice, but neither could carry a team like Robinson has shown he can do.

Buried behind the Morris twins of Kansas last season, Robinson broke out and would have been the best player in college basketball if not for Anthony Davis.

A talented scorer from many areas and a tremendous rebounder, Robinson will start in the NBA from day one.

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists 

School: Florida

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'3", 207 pounds

With the recent trade sending Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to Washington, the Wizards biggest area of need continues to be shooting guard.

Enter Beal, the best shooting guard prospect in the draft.

ESPN's Chad Ford has Beal ranked third on his 2012 big board and for good reason. 

His game has been compared to that of Eric Gordon with a touch of Ray Allen, which any NBA team would love to bring on board.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SG/SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists

School: Kentucky

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'7", 232 pounds

Despite playing mostly small forward at Kentucky, Kidd-Gilchrist was often tasked with guarding the opponent's best perimeter player, even if it was their point guard.

This versatility on defense, coupled with a tireless work ethic and outstanding attitude, should only translate to continued success at the next level.

Paired with former high school teammate Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers could have an All-Star backcourt for years to come.

GAMBLE ALERT 5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks

School: UConn

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'10", 250 pounds

The first real gamble of the first round comes with the fifth pick.

In an interview at the Draft Lottery, Drummond was looking slim and revealed that he had dropped 20 pounds from last season's end, going from 270 down to 250.  This should help his explosiveness and ease the impact on his ankles and knees that so many big men struggle with.

Drummond has a very similar body type to that of Dwight Howard when he came into the league, and while he lacks Howard's athleticism and intensity right now, the comparison is there.

A huge risk, yes, but centers of his size and athletic ability don't come around very often.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Damian Lillard, PG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists

School: Weber State

Year: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 pounds

Lillard is a dynamic do-it-all guard who could inject some scoring into Portland's offensive attack. 

He would likely be pushed into a starting point guard role, as the Blazers struggled to find a full-time answer at the position last season.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist

School: North Carolina

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'8", 215 pounds

The Warriors need a small forward, and Barnes may be the best of the bunch.

Barnes didn't have the remarkable two seasons at UNC that many expected he would, but still did enough to warrant a top-10 pick in the draft.

A good catch-and-shoot player with an NBA frame and good defensive ability, Barnes might not ever be a superstar but should be a solid wing scorer for years to come.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists

School: UConn

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'5", 180 pounds

As good as Kemba Walker was at UConn, Lamb easily had the better first two years of college both in the box score and overall impact on the team.

Often overlooked when talking about the elite players in this year's class, Lamb has the size and skill set to turn into one of the best NBA players of the entire draft.

A great shooter with a tremendous wingspan, Lamb could be the next Rip Hamilton or Reggie Miller with the right system and team.

GAMBLE ALERT 9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks

School: North Carolina

Year: Junior

Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 pounds

Henson is a huge reach here, but his hard work on the glass and defensive prowess are something Detroit has certainly succeeded with in the past.

An athletic, lanky shot-blocker and rebounder, Henson would instantly become a defensive presence in the Piston frontcourt.

With some added muscle, Henson could see some time at center, but for now he projects as a power forward at the NBA level.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall, PG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists

School: North Carolina

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'4", 195 pounds

With Anthony Davis on board, the Hornets get their point guard of the future here in Marshall.

Marshall won't be an elite point guard by any stretch, but he is fundamentally sound and the best pure floor general in the draft.

His impact on the court was evidenced by UNC's struggles in the NCAA tournament after he went down with a fractured wrist.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Illinois

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 7'1", 245 pounds

With Damian Lillard on board as the point guard of the future, the Blazers main need now turns to center.

Leonard may take a few years, but could develop into an above-average center in the NBA. He already has the size to contribute immediately on the defensive end.

Drafting Leonard this high might be a bit of a reach, but his size and length could make for a very balanced Blazers lineup.

GAMBLE ALERT 12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones III

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Baylor

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'11", 235 pounds

Jones would no doubt have been a top-five pick in last year's draft had he declared, but he made no significant improvements in his sophomore year and this is a deeper class.

A terrific but inconsistent athlete, Jones should probably deserve to go in the mid-to-late first round with his somewhat disappointing college career.  Don't be surprised if a team like the Warriors selects him earlier, though, as his potential will be tough to pass on.

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists 

School: Duke

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'4", 200 pounds

Rivers is too talented to fall much farther than this. A pure scorer who never met a shot he didn't like, Rivers would provide instant offense for the Suns.

With Steve Nash likely on his way out, the Suns will need a new face for the franchise, and Rivers has the potential to be just that.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks 

School: North Carolina

Year: Senior

Height/Weight: 7'0", 250 pounds

Houston gets a true 7-footer with great post moves coming from one of the premier programs in college basketball.

Zeller is an excellent scorer and can run the floor with great athleticism for someone his size.  While his upside may not be that of other big men in the draft, Zeller should be able to contribute to an NBA team right away.

GAMBLE ALERT 15. Philadelphia 76ers: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 15.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists 

School: Mississippi State

Year: Junior

Height/Weight: 6'11", 230 pounds

A great athlete who some project to go in the first 10 picks of the draft, Moultrie would be a great fit in Philly with his size and rebounding skills.

By either backing up Elton Brand or being groomed into a starting center, Moultrie's upside is too great to leave on the bench for long.

GAMBLE ALERT 16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists 

School: Syracuse

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'4", 215 pounds

Looking at just the stats, some would wonder why Waiters could go this high over more experienced and polished shooting guards in the draft.

This is why we have scouts.

His game has been compared to that of Dwyane Wade and James Harden, due to his ability to split the double-team and provide instant offense off the bench.

A slashing sixth man for the Orange last season, Waiters was fourth in the entire Big East in Player Efficiency Rating at 26.1.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, SG/SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists 

School: Washington

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'6", 195 pounds

An excellent shooter coming off screens, Ross has great range and is a capable rebounder as well.

Despite being a tweener on the wing—a bit slow by shooting guard standards and slightly undersized for a small forward—Ross should become a solid contributor over the long haul.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Tony Wroten, PG/SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists 

School: Washington

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'5", 205 pounds

The Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Wroten is a great athlete who can do everything well except shoot from deep.

Going in the mid-to-late first round could be a steal for whichever team gets him. Minnesota could definitely use an impact shooting guard and should draft Wroten if he's still available.

19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Jones, SF/PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists 

School: Kentucky

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'9", 252 pounds

An athletic combo forward, Jones could start right away or contribute off the bench in Orlando playing either forward position.

With the right coaching and development, Jones could become a Lamar Odom-like talent with his versatile scoring and rebounding.

GAMBLE ALERT 20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists

School: Baylor

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'9", 210 pounds

Miller is making an extremely questionable decision leaving Baylor after only one season, as he could have really stood out as the go-to guy for the Bears next year.

Be that as it may, Miller still has star potential if a team develops him the right way.

21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists

School: St. John's

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'8", 208 pounds

A talented wing who plays a smooth all-around game, Harkless could be a steal at the end of the first round.

As a freshman, Harkless exhibited a nice mid-range game and put up great rebounding numbers.

The 18-year-old shows a feel for the game far beyond his age.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Jared Sullinger, PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists 

School: Ohio State

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'9", 265 pounds

Once believed to be a top-five pick, medical issues have Sullinger in danger of falling out of the first round altogether.

Sullinger plays a game very reminiscent of Kevin Love. He is an excellent rebounder and scorer around the bucket who can also step out and hit jumpers. 

If healthy, expect a double-double every night, as Sullinger has an NBA body right now and lost more than 30 pounds in college while improving his overall game.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Fab Melo, C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks 

School: Syracuse

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 7'0", 255 pounds

Atlanta needs a true center like Melo so it can move Al Horford back to power forward and use Josh Smith as a trade chip. 

Melo would give the Hawks a strong defensive presence inside and add some much-needed size to their frontcourt.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Festus Ezeli, C

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks

School: Vanderbilt

Year: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'11", 255 pounds

After taking a wing player in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with their first pick, the Cavs address their need at center with Ezeli.

A powerful dunker and shot-blocker, Ezeli doesn't have the highest of ceilings but he represents a good value at this stage of the draft.

His defensive contribution would be immediate, and Cleveland needs a backup for the fragile Anderson Varejao.

GAMBLE ALERT 25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, SG/SF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists (France) 

School: Poitiers, International

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 6'6", 200 pounds

Fournier, the first international prospect of the draft, is a crafty finisher around the rim and would provide the Grizzlies with another offensive weapon. 

The 19-year-old is leading his French team in scoring in just his second pro season.

26. Indiana Pacers: Royce White, SF/PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 13.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists 

School: Iowa State

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'8", 270 pounds

White recently worked out for the Pacers along with Draymond Green and others, so the interest is definitely there from Indiana.

White will most likely end up being an undersized power forward in the NBA, even though some of his skills resemble those of a small forward.

He had some of his best games of the season when matched up with the NCAA's top big men—something that should definitely help his draft stock moving forward.

27. Miami Heat: Andrew Nicholson, PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks 

School: St. Bonaventure

Year: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'9", 220 pounds

A good jump-shooter with a great motor, Nicholson has proved to be a capable defender and should immediately improve whatever second unit he lands on.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF/PF

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 16.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists 

School: Michigan State

Year: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'7", 230 pounds

OKC doesn't need much at this point, but a smart, well-coached player from a top college program certainly wouldn't hurt.

Green could play either forward position and bring it every day in practice. He would certainly work for and earn his minutes on the court.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, SG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists 

School: Kentucky

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 pounds

A tremendous shooter and a national champion, Lamb would provide the Bulls with great insurance at the shooting guard position.

In his only two years with the Wildcats, Lamb shot 48 and 46 percent from behind the three-point line during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Marquis Teague, PG

2011-12 Stats Per Game: 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists 

School: Kentucky

Year: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'2", 189 pounds

A score-first point guard with a quick first step, Teague is the latest Kentucky point guard looking to make some noise in the NBA.

A decent defender, Teague must improve on his low field-goal (41 percent) and free throw (71 percent) percentages to excel at the next level.