2012 NBA Mock Draft: Where Top Rebounders Will Land
When I say the word "rebound" in association with the 2012 NBA draft class, the person that comes to my mind first is Thomas Robinson. He has the glass-eating production to prove it. As a senior at Kansas, Robinson pulled down 11.9 rebounds per game.
He's built like an NFL tight end, and he has crazy desire and passion on the floor.
Robinson wants everything that comes off the rim, and he plays like that whenever he's on the floor.
At the NBA Combine, he measured at just under 6'9" with shoes, but his 7'3" wingspan helped calm any height concerns. I absolutely love his game, and if he were 6'10" in shoes, he'd have his share of supporters for the top pick in the draft.
There are other solid rebounders in this draft. I have spotlighted them in this full first round mock draft, as well as updated the picks based on recent trades and information.
(Spotlighted players and teams will be Italicized.)
Combine numbers from Draft Express.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky; scouting report here)
I'd give Robinson the edge as a rebounder, but Davis is outstanding in this area as well. He pulled down 10.4 rebounds per game in his lone season at Kentucky. Rebounding and shot-blocking are the two things Davis will do from day one in the NBA.
His rebound totals will be right up there with Robinson's in one year.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas; scouting report here)
Robinson looks like the No. 2 pick if the Bobcats keep their selection. They will want to go after a player with low-bust potential, and that is Robinson. In fact, he has the least chance of being a bust, barring injury, which every player is susceptible to.
His upside isn't as high as Davis', but most anyone will tell you, you can pencil in at least 15 points and eight rebounds for Robinson.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG (Florida; scouting report here)
I wasn't sure about this pick at first, but now that the Wizards have acquired Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from the New Orleans Hornets, it seems obvious that Beal will be the pick.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky; scouting report here)
MKG is a good, but not ideal, pick for the Cavaliers here. They could go for Harrison Barnes because they need a shooter, but it will be hard to say no to MKG's versatility and intangibles.
5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina; scouting report here)
Barnes has shown his athleticism, and I think he may be going into this season with a chip on his shoulder. That is a good thing, he needs to play with a little more of an edge.
The Kings could go for Andre Drummond here, but I don't like the idea of he and DeMarcus Cousins together.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn Nets): Andre Drummond, C (UConn; scouting report here)
Drummond could slip as the Blazers could opt for Damian Lillard here. I wouldn't fault them either way, but I'm keeping Drummond here for the time being.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, SF (Baylor; scouting report here)
PJ3 is an intriguing prospect. The Warriors would be a solid fit, but his position will definitely be affected by what happens with Drummond.
8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State; scouting report here)
If the Blazers don't take Lillard, he won't make it past the Raptors. He's too talented with the ball, and a great shooter.
9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF/C (North Carolina; scouting report here)
Henson fits the frontcourt that the Pistons are building. He would be a solid complement to the offensive-minded Greg Monroe.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina; scouting report here)
I've flip-flopped Marshall and Austin Rivers. Even though I believe the Hornets would still do well taking Rivers, even if they re-sign Eric Gordon, something tells me they will take Marshall.
They could use an upgrade over Jarrett Jack, and Marshall could represent that.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, SG (Duke; scouting report here)
That would put Austin Rivers here on my mock. The Blazers need a scoring 2 guard and that would be Rivers. He's the best shooting guard in the draft in my opinion.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois; scouting report here)
Leonard will rebound well in his rookie season, but once he learns the NBA game, he'll be even better. He averaged over eight rebounds per game last season for Illinois, and he's getting stronger.
He stands a legit 7'1" and some change in shoes, he has a solid motor, and he wants to be good.
That's more than half the battle for a 7-footer.
13. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse; scouting report here)
Waiters seems set to be rebuilding tool No. 1 for the Suns. He definitely has some potential as a scorer, but I worry about his conditioning.
14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C (Mississippi State; scouting report here)
Moultrie is a strong rebounder and that is one of the most underrated aspects of his game. He averaged 10.5 rebounds per game this past season for Mississippi State.
At just under 6'11," Moultrie has the height to play the center or power forward position. He needs to add a little muscle, but overall he can board effectively right now.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG (Washington; scouting report here)
Ross is second amongst shooting guards in this draft in my opinion. He is very athletic and has an excellent shooting stroke. He will surprise some folks in his rookie season.
16. Houston Rockets (from N.Y. Knicks): Jeremy Lamb, SG (UConn; scouting report here)
Lamb has the physical tools, but I don't see him as a big-time player. He needs to play for a team with a dominant scorer to ensure he isn't asked to carry too much of the load.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Moe Harkless, SF (St. John's; scouting report here)
Harkless has upside written all over him. His ability to defend and his budding offensive game would be a good fit for Dallas.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah): Terrence Jones, SF (Kentucky; scouting report here)
Jones is one of the most versatile players in the draft. He has a power forward's build, he can shoot it from distance and handle, but he's missing an it-factor in my opinion.
19. Orlando Magic: Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina; scouting report here)
Zeller knows his game and his limitations. He plays hard and he has a high basketball IQ.
He averaged just under 10 rebounds per game for North Carolina last year. Zeller is ready to contribute as a defender and rebounder in the NBA.
He doesn't have a ton of upside, but what he does well he can show teams right away.
20. Denver Nuggets: Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor; scouting report here)
Miller has unique skills and size. He came out too early, but there is no ignoring his upside. He had a serious knee injury in high school, if he is completely healthy he has a solid future as a scorer.
21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, PF (Iowa State; scouting report here)
22. Boston Celtics: Jeffery Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt; scouting report here)
I love Taylor's game. He has worked hard to improve on offense, but he hangs his hat on his stellar athleticism and defensive ability.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG (Washington; scouting report here)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers): Fab Melo, C (Syracuse; scouting report here)
Melo is a great fit in Cleveland. He could add depth, size and interior defense off the bench. All of those things are of value for a young and improving team.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, SG (France)
Fournier may not be ready to play in the NBA just yet, but he has some abilities as a scorer. The team that drafts him could stash him overseas for two years.
26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky; scouting report here)
Teague has shown tremendous athleticism at the NBA combine. He recorded a vertical leap near 40." He has a ways to go as a playmaker, but the potential is there.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt; scouting report here)
Despite the Heat's recent success, the biggest need they have is interior defense. If they had a big body or shot-blocker, their defense would be even better than it is now.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, SF (Michigan State)
Kevin Durant needs a solid backup. He plays too many minutes and Green would be a welcomed addition on the court and in the locker room.
29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG (Vanderbilt; scouting report here)
The Bulls need another scorer. They still haven't filled their hole at the 2-guard and Jenkins figures to be the best player available at that position.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure; scouting report here)
Nicholson could be a steal in this draft. He can shoot the ball out to 17 feet, he has solid footwork, and a huge wingspan. He could help the Warriors reserve unit immediately.
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