NBA Mock Draft 2012: Predicting Which Teams Will Make Surprise Picks

After the New Orleans Hornets select Anthony Davis to open the 2012 NBA Draft, nothing is written in stone.

This year's draft class is exceptionally deep, and while that bodes well for every team in need of players who can make an immediate impact, it also breeds indecisiveness.

Draft day is always chock-full of surprises, but with the bounty of talent located within this year's pool, we must prepare for more unforeseen picks than anyone could have predicted.

So sit back and strap in your seat belts as we explore which teams will shock us when they're on the clock.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

There is no room for surprises here.

The Hornets shocked everyone when they dealt Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor to the Wizards, but they'll surprise no one by taking Anthony Davis here.

Davis is an athletic freak, and while widely considered the most NBA-ready player in the draft, he is still considerably more polished on both ends of the floor than he receives credit for.

Truthfully, the only question here is whether Davis will opt to don the same New Orleans hat he did on the day of the lottery or add a second one to his collection. 

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Since the Bobcats can't have Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson is the next best selection.

Though Charlotte may consider bringing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist into the fold, Robinson's athleticism and ability to transform the direction of an entire team rival Davis'.

Charlotte isn't just searching for a future star, though, but also a consolation prize who has an outside chance at helping the team forget it missed out on Davis.

No other player in the draft is more likely to do that than Robinson.  

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Trevor Ariza's presence in Washington changes things for the Wizards to the point where they will opt to draft Bradley Beal over Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Beal is one of the most versatile offensive players in the draft and has a penchant for out-working big men for rebounds that even Dwyane Wade could appreciate.

Most importantly, though, his selection ensures that John Wall receives an opportunity to share the backcourt with another star-caliber talent, almost eclipsing the enigmatic decision of the Wizards to take on Emeka Okafor's contract.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucy

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist isn't exactly the prolific shooting talent Cleveland craves, but the Cavaliers will hardly balk at the opportunity to add a player with his motor.

Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the best perimeter defenders making the jump to the pros and plays with a chip on his shoulder that dictates he never quit.

If the swingman spends ample time in the gym improving his jumper before the start of his rookie season, the potential for a seamless transition into the pros, as well as an offensive revival in Cleveland, becomes much greater.

5. Sacarmento Kings: Andre Drummond, PF/C, Connecticut

The Kings will be tempted to forgo participation in the massive project that is Andre Drummond but will ultimately cave into the need for a low-post partner for DeMarcus Cousins.

While Drummond is incredibly athletic, his decision-making, anticipation and execution on both sides of the ball are rawer than raw. And free-throw shooting that would make Dwight Howard blush doesn't help his case either.

That said, the big man already has an NBA-ready body and has the potential to be a star.

But only if Sacramento—well, actually, the Maloof brothers—don't find a way to hinder his development.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Blazers aren't going to take any chances, and will select Damian Lillard five slots earlier than they were originally projected to.

Lillard is the most talented point guard in the entire draft. His ability to attack the rim is surpassed by no one, and he crashes the glass hard for a player his size.

While Lillard is also a precise passer, he was a score-first floor general at Weber State. And although there is plenty of room for point guards with this mindset in the NBA, Lillard must learn to toe the line between aggressive and selfish.

7. Golden State Warriors: John Henson, PF/C, North Carolina

The Warriors could certainly use a strong scorer on the perimeter, but with dead weight like Andris Biedrins and a health risk like Andrew Bogut on the docket, they'll opt to further shore up the middle.

Much like Biedrins and Bogut, Henson is extremely valuable on the defensive end. He's a superb rebounder and has shot-blocking down to a science.

Unlike his soon-to-be teammates, though, Henson can step out and provide help defensive on the perimeter. He's also a consistent factor on the offensive end well.

Drafting Henson would normally be considered overkill for a team structured like Golden State, but amid a slew of low post uncertainty, his presence is a necessity.

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes' stock took a significant hit this past year, but Toronto will pounce on him when he's still on the board here.

The Raptors are in need of a perimeter-shooting savant, with a jumper that consistently rips through the bottom of the net. And Barnes fits that bill.

As for his defensive transgressions, though?

Toronto will worry about that later.

9. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Zeller, PF/C, North Carolina

If you haven't dropped your jaw yet, you should have now.

Jared Sullinger's back issues have paved the way for Zeller to not only be taken in the lottery, but in the top 10.

Zeller gives Greg Monroe a running mate in the low post and provides the type of versatility Sullinger would, but Meyers Leonard can't.

While Zeller is a sound defender and aggressive rebounder, he is most important to the Pistons on offense, where he can hit the mid-range jumper, a look he'll receive often alongside Monroe.

He's simply a better fit for Detroit than an injury-ridden Sullinger or perpetually awkward Leonard.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

No Emeka Okafor? No problem.

Meyers Leonard is the perfect replacement for Okafor and sidekick for Anthony Davis down low. He's exceptionally athletic and one of the better finishers off the pick-and-roll. He's no slouch on defense either.

That said, for Davis and Leonard to co-exist, the latter must develop consistency. He can ill afford to exude clumsy footwork and ball handling, as Davis will likely dump off to him often when he's double-teams.

Despite the risk involved, this is an intriguing duo that could prove well worth it.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Merely minutes after replacing Raymond Felton, the Blazers will draft a replacement for combo guard Jamal Crawford.

Austin Rivers is as capable a scorer as there is coming out of the draft, and with a bit of situational tweaking, he can even handle the point guard duties when called upon.

While Rivers has a tendency to isolate his teammates, and his defense leaves much to be desired, he's a big-time shooter with the tools necessary to develop into a heralded two-way player.

And that's an evaluation Portland will be able to live with.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF/C, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger can take solace in knowing his documented back issues won't push him out of the lottery.

Milwaukee is in dire need of an inside presence after shipping Andrew Bogut off to Golden State.

Sullinger is a potent scorer and a tenacious rebounder, and after experiencing a wealth of controversy leading up to the draft, he'll ensure his conditioning is no longer an issue either.

Though he is only 6'9", Sullinger can play the 4 or 5, providing versatility that will leave the Bucks banking on low-post assistance coming in all shapes and sizes.

13. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, PG/SG, Syracuse

The Suns will ultimately follow through on their promise to select Dion Waiters at the prospect of watching Steve Nash walk out the door soon after.

Waiters has superstar potential written all over him, but his lack of leaping ability, subpar court-vision and questionable decision-making leave him susceptible to becoming a bust.

But Phoenix needs a point guard. Bad.

This is just a risk the soon-to-be Nash-less Suns are just going to have to take.

14. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb, SG/SF, Connecticut

This is not how it was supposed to play out for the Rockets, but they'd regret not taking Jeremy Lamb when he falls this far.

Lamb is a phenomenal scorer who can exploit defenses from the perimeter or when attacking the basket. And while his defense needs honing, he's got the lateral quickness necessary to turn it around.

The 6'5" Lamb is built like a shooting guard, but Houston won't hesitate to throw him in at small forward. He's so elusive on the offensive end that the size deficiency will wind up being a near non-factor. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, SF/PF, Kentucky

The Sixers need Terrence Jones more than most people realize.

Elton Brand is a little more than useless, and both Spencer Hawes and Lou Williams could be headed elsewhere this summer, leaving Philadelphia with potential gaps both inside and on the perimeter. Jones can fill both.

Though Jones can be erratic and disappear at times, he can score from anywhere on the floor. The mechanics on his jump shot are solid, and he's even adept at scoring with his back to the basket.

The Sixers may wind up having a slew of voids to fill, and the versatility Jones provides will be a welcomed commodity.

16. Houston Rockets: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

Perry Jones III may not be the original big man Houston targeted, but just like Jeremy Lamb, he will be a welcomed addition.

Jones has the size and athleticism to play at the 4 or 5 and the range necessary to spend time at small forward as well.

On a Rockets team that is built upon versatility, Jones provides insurance on the perimeter while allowing Houston to cut ties with Samuel Dalembert.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Kendall Marshall is the most fundamentally sound playmaker of his class.

The point guard lives to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His decision-making, as well as anticipation, exceeds a level beyond his years, and he can be quite crafty on the defensive end, an attribute few acknowledge.

As talented as Marshall is, though, he has a tendency to be too unselfish. Dallas may very need him to take the reins at point guard immediately, and he's going to have to inject a sense of self-assurance into his game if he wishes to succeed. 

18. Minnesota Tiimberwolves: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Sorry, Martell Webster.

Quincy Miller boasts a freakishly long wingspan for some his size and at his position, and he makes a calculated impact on both ends of the floor.

Though Miller is not as explosive as he once was, it's all about intelligence with him. He's an efficient shooter and extremely adept at moving with and without the ball, the latter of which is a prerequisite for playing alongside Ricky Rubio.

The Timberwolves are in need of a significant upgrade on the perimeter, and that's exactly what Miller is. 

19. Orlando Magic: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Questionable ball protection proved detrimental to Marquis Teague's stock, but curiosity will get the best of the Magic here.

As much uncertainty as Dwight Howard presents at center, Jameer Nelson's potential departure presents just as much, and Teague is a prolific floor general who is polished enough to make an immediate impact.

Should the wily distributor figure out how to cut down on the turnovers, that impact will only prove to be greater.  

20. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington

Unlike most other teams, the Nuggets don't have one pressing need they must address, leaving them free to explore the player with the most intrigue.

At this point in the draft, that player will be Terrence Ross, a crafty scorer who can put points on the board from anywhere on the floor.

Though excessive ball handling and shooting are both issues Ross presents, George Karl is the perfect coach to beat his ego into submission.

21. Boston Celtics: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Kevin Garnett may return to the Celtics yet, but a little youthful insurance is something Boston is going to be very interested in.

Arnett Moultrie is a big man with a variety of tools, but he doesn't know how to use them. He's wildly inconsistent on both ends of the floor, and despite having star potential, he first needs to develop a penchant for thoughtfulness. 

Doc Rivers, meet your newest project.

22. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, SG/SF, St. John's

It's all about intrigue with Moe Harkless.

After adding some size to their arsenal, the Celtics will opt to take on Harkless and his ever-impressive scoring and rebounding abilities. He's also got quick hands on defense and a level of athleticism that puts many picks before him to shame.

Maturity is certainly an issue for Harkless, as he must develop a consistent jump shot to be truly effective at the NBA level.

As previously noted, though, work-in-progresses are a specialty of Doc Rivers'—Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley, anyone?

23. Atlanta Hawks: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

The Heat are going to be fuming.

While Fab Melo remains as raw a prospect as there is, his ability to take on minutes at center allows Al Horford to spend more time as a power forward, where he'll find more favorable matchups.

Atlanta isn't known as a team that's hell-bent on shaking things up, but that's exactly what it will do here.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Royce White, SF/PF, Iowa State

You've already drafted Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, so what's next?

Adding more depth in the frontcourt.

Royce White can play both the small forward and power forward positions, presenting the Cavaliers with plenty of options.

White's size and versatility will only become more valuable if Antawn Jamison decides to take his talents elsewhere.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, SG/SF, Poitiers (France)

Memphis will opt to play it somewhat safe here.

Evan Fournier is a capable scorer, but what makes him a commodity is his ability to play the role of a point guard at 6'7".

That and he doesn't create any more cap or rotational issues for an already crowded Grizzlies team.

26. Indiana Pacers: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Pacers need a deadly shooter to shore up their three-point shooting prowess, and Doron Lamb does just that.

Much like the rest of Indiana's roster, Lamb adapts to his surroundings. He adjusts to the different offensive and defensive schemes thrown his way, and he doesn't shy away from big moments despite being nearly buried on a talented Kentucky team.

Lamb's numbers suggest he's a bit of a reach here, but Larry Bird will opt to chalk his lukewarm stat lines up to a lack of opportunity. 

27. Miami Heat: Andrew Nicholson, C, St. Bonaventure

Andrew Nicholson has plenty of upside, but his lack of explosiveness depressed the value of his stock significantly.

That said, after missing out on Fab Melo, the Heat will jump at the chance to plug the middle with a coordinated athlete like Nicholson.

After all, Miami would do anything to keep it from getting too empty down low.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas

Tyshawn Taylor is Jamal Crawford-streaky.

He can also be as painstaking to watch or coach as J.R. Smith, but yeah, the Crawford thing too.

The Thunder could use some added depth in the backcourt and a streaky shooter with a knack for attacking the rim is right up their alley.

29. Chicago Bulls: Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington

The Bulls need all kinds of assistance in the backcourt, so drafting Tony Wroten at this stage of the draft makes a lot of sense.

Wroten can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions and makes a sizable impact on either end of the floor.

The catch?

Consistency and self-confidence. Wroten must achieve both to make a difference, and Chicago will hope instill such virtues by example as the group prepares to persevere through life without Derrick Rose once again.

30. Golden State Warriors: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

John Jenkins is a deadly shooter who is beginning to excel at creating off the dribble as well.

Defensively, Jenkins leaves much to be desired, but his penchant for hitting big shots eclipses such a deficiency.

And while Jenkins is undersized for the 2-guard slot, he's such a strong scorer—a larger version of Nate Robinson, if you will—that we may actually see him spend ample time out of position so the Warriors don't have to bear witness to Richard Jefferson's declination quite as much.

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