NBA Mock Draft 2012: First-Round Risks Teams Must Take
With the first round of the 2012 NBA draft scheduled for Thursday, June 28, it’s time to break which of the riskier picks will turn out to be stars.
From Jared Sullinger to Perry Jones, there are red flags throughout the first round, but teams that need a big help need to take a big risk. All of the risky players that will be stars are italicized.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
With the reinvention of what the New Orleans Hornets will be going forward, adding a great piece like Anthony Davis is a step in the right direction.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
Charlotte will still be angry about Anthony Davis on draft day, but they will find solace with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist becoming an offensive stud for them.
3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
With an amazing post-game already, the Washington Wizards will add NBA-ready forward Thomas Robinson to a team that is looking to make a splash in the Eastern Conference.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida
Adding Brad Beal to a Cavaliers backcourt that already features Kyrie Irving would be one of the most dangerous combinations in the NBA.
5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, Connecticut
After one of the most underwhelming performances from a star prospect in recent NCAA history, UConn star Andre Drummond has many scouts and teams dropping him down their boards on big-game performance alone.
While his lack of elite numbers and impact has organizations concerned, there is far too much raw talent to work with for a team to pass on. With that said, Sacramento will have to be very careful if they do indeed take Drummond at No. 5.
If they can find the right coach to maximize his potential, while not allowing him to fall into bad routines, Drummond could be a difference maker for the Kings.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Damian Lillard, Weber State
The Portland Trail Blazers need help all over the floor, but no player can offer the all-around versatility that Damian Lillard offers.
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
The need for a small forward in Golden State is obvious, but I think Harrison Barnes is a bit overrated this year.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
The Toronto Raptors need a player who can make his own shots, and that’s exactly what Jeremy Lamb can bring. If he adds some meat on his bones, he will be a NBA heavyweight.
9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
With the recent news that many team doctors have red flagged Jared Sullinger as a long-term injury risk, there are serious question about how far down in the first round he will fall.
Sullinger is a beast that can be a difference maker in the low-post. If a team needs help at the power forward position—just like the Detroit Pistons do at No. 9—they must take the risk.
For as many of these red flags that get put up every year, how many turn out to be true? If you want a contrarian argument, just look a DeJuan Blair and his lack of knees.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
New Orleans rebuilding process continues with the selection of Anthony Davis’ teammate Terrence Jones. Solid player at a good spot.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke
There is almost no offense coming from the backcourt in Portland, but adding Austin Rivers to an already picked Damien Lillard would be absolutely devastating going forward.
12. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks): Meyers Leonard, Illinois
After trading even more players and picks, the Houston Rockets are making a serious push to trade for Magic center Dwight Howard. If they don't get that center, they will draft Illinois big man Meyers Leonard.
13. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
With the likely departure of free agent Steve Nash, Phoenix needs a utility guard that can take the helm of the Suns from Day 1. That will be Syracuse star Dion Waiters.
14. Milwaukee Bucks (from Houston Rockets): Perry Jones III, Baylor
Arguably the most polarizing name in the 2012 NBA draft, Baylor star Perry Jones III, has all the tools to be star, but he has yet to put it all together at the college level.
With questions about his effort and work ethic, there is no better way to prove everyone wrong than by sliding down to a team like the Milwaukee Bucks with no low-post identity and taking the team over.
Houston has a long history of training big men to be stars, so Perry will have to hope they can work their Yao Ming magic on him as well.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: John Henson, North Carolina
The Philadelphia 76ers play a very fundamental style of basketball, and a sound player like UBC star John Henson will be a perfect addition.
16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Keeping with the development of big men in Houston, the Rockets will snag another potential center star who needs plenty of work in Tyler Zeller. One of them has to pan out, right?
17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
With Jason Kidd on his way to the retirement line, it’s time for the Dallas Mavericks to find their long-term replacement. That will be UNC point guard Kendall Marshall.
18. Houston Rockets (via Utah Jazz from Minnesota Timberwolves): Terrence Ross, Washington
With the acquisition of this pick, the Houston Rockets have made their desire to acquire Dwight Howard well known. If the trade doesn't happen, the rebuilding process will continue with a stellar guard in Terrence Ross.
19. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The need for a ball-moving point guard is of the utmost importance to an Orlando Magic team desperate to keep their star center. With Marquis Teague throwing lobs to Howard, he may not want to go anywhere.
20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, St. John's
There is no question that the need for a small forward trumps everything at this point for the Denver Nuggets. That’s where a rough prospect like Moe Harkless comes in and can be groomed.
21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
With Boston desperate for an heir apparent to Kevin Garnett’s power forward throne, Arnett Moultrie will be their man.
22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Quincy Miller, Baylor
With Paul Peirce not getting any younger, the Celtics need to find a player that can be a viable option off the bench. Quincy Miller could be the team’s future star.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Royce White, Iowa State
With Atlanta having no clear identity going forward, drafting a forward as versatile as Royce White will be the perfect solution for any system.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
With the need for a bruising force down low the Cleveland Cavaliers will take St. Bonnies’ star Andrew Nicholson and reap the reward for years to come.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, France
With the versatility to play guard or forward in the NBA, Evan Fournier has the skill set and raw talent to make an impact immediately in the league. That is whenever he finally decides to come to the United States.
26. Indiana Pacers: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
With the ability to defend his position with ferocity while showing no remorse driving the lane in the offensive zone, there is no way Larry Bird will pass up on a stud like Jeff Taylor.
27. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse
Miami needs a defensive center desperately, and Fab Melo will walk in and be an inexpensive fix for a fundamental problem. Perfect fit for all parties.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State
The Thunder need more presence down low, but they also need a character guy who can tell Russell Westbrook to pass the ball when he is being selfish. Draymond Green could be that man.
29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Derrick Rose’s injury proved Chicago needs to find serious depth at guard. That’s where Doron Lamb comes in.
30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Tony Wroten, Washington
Tony Wroten has the ability to play both guard positions and come off the bench. Golden State needs playmakers, and that’s exactly what Wroten brings.
Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NBA page to get your fill of all things basketball.
