NBA Draft 2012: Second-Round Prospects Worthy of First-Round Consideration

During the 2012 NBA draft we will see higher ranked prospects fall and lower ranked prospects move up the boards.

It happens every year, regardless of sport, and this will be no different. Michigan State's Draymond Green has this capability, because the Spartans relied on him quite a bit. A rarity in college basketball, Green played out his collegiate career for Tom Izzo and brings a complete skill set to the pros.

Here, we'll take a look at Green later on and some other Round 2 prospects worthy of Round 1 consideration.

Doron Lamb: SG, Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats of this year's NBA draft are eerily similar to the Alabama Crimson Tide for the NFL; Lots of top prospects with first round potential.

That said, it's easy to overlook a guy like Doron Lamb because of Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Marques Teague, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Still, Lamb was a consistently reliable shooter that was 47.6 percent from downtown and 48.5 percent from the field during his career.

Lamb also improved at the free-throw line connecting on 82.6 percent last season, up almost four percentage points from his freshman year. His defensive contributions go rather unnoticed though, because Lamb simply locked it down when manned up.

Provided that he continues to develop more court awareness, Lamb will significantly increase his potential at each end of the floor.

Tony Wroten Jr.: Guard, Washington

He may only be a freshman but Tony Wroten has the tools to make some noise as a rookie in 2012-13.

Possessing great size and the fearlessness to drive the lane, Wroten averaged 16 points, five rebounds, and almost two steals per game last year. He's not your typical point guard that will consistently dish the rock elsewhere, but that will also come with maturity.

In addition, Wroten brings the potential to contribute as a shooting guard. Inside the arc Wroten is solid, but improving beyond it and on the free-throw line is imperative. The defensive side has more immediate potential because of his size alone.

As long as Wroten remains patient and learns to know when to attack, he'll be a great defender. At times he can get into foul trouble, so getting him acclimated to man defense before zone will speed up the development process.

Draymond Green: Forward, Michigan State

One of the more recognizable second-round prospects, Sparty's Draymond Green made impressive strides throughout his days in East Lansing.

As a senior, Green shot 44.9 percent from the field, 72.3 percent from the line, and averaged 16.2 points per game. Green also got 10.6 boards, one block, and 1.5 steals per contest as well.

He has a great feel for the game, anticipates and moves well off the ball, and is a danger to sleepy defenders. During his final three seasons, Green averaged 3.6 assists per year (4.1 in 2010-11), so finding the open man when on the perimeter or inside is what makes him such a versatile player.

Green's size and athleticism bodes well in the paint, on the wing, and he can man-up against anyone for defense. If anything, Draymond's experience and improved consistency makes him a viable Round 1 option.

John Rozum on Twitter.