NBA Draft 2012: High-Risk Prospects Who Will Slip Down Draft Boards

As seems to be the story every year, the 2012 NBA Draft on June 28 is loaded with prospects who've surrounded themselves with a lot of question marks. 

With many teams in the hunt for lottery picks that are just one or two pieces away from being perennial playoff contenders, this year's draft is more important than it's ever been. Will these teams put themselves on the map with big-time picks, or are they just setting themselves up for disappointment down the road?

Let's take a look at the biggest high-risk candidates in the first round.

Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Connecticut big man Andre Drummond may have as much of an upside as anyone in this draft class, but he's also become one of the biggest question marks as well.

Sure, his size and athleticism needs to be considered, as those two facets of his game alone will most likely have him going in the top 10. But there's not much else to be admired.

He never truly broke out at UConn and his passive play was much of the story of the Huskies' season, as they were bounced in their first NCAA Tournament game last postseason despite being defending national champions.

As big men like Jared Sullinger and Thomas Robinson solidified themselves as top play makers, Drummond receded to the shadows. 

He's got a lot to prove in the NBA next year.

Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Ohio State stud Jared Sullinger would have no place on this list if it weren't for last week's reports.

He took college basketball by storm in his two seasons with the Buckeyes, notching two All-American honors and leading his team to the Final Four in the past year. But ESPN reported Tuesday that NBA scouts have red-flagged Sullinger due to a back injury that's been nagging him.

Every team needing a post presence that passes on Sullinger past the 10th overall pick will be making a catastrophic mistake. Injuries come and go, and Sullinger's impact on the game should last much longer than a bad back.

His fire, toughness and passion for the game will make him one of the most impacting players to come out of this draft.

Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Weber State standout Damian Lillard is another high-ceiling candidate who may very well become a bust in the NBA.

Lillard's undoubtedly the best scoring point guard in this class, but the rest of his game isn't fully developed and he hasn't had the benefit of playing against the quality that North Carolina's Kendall Marshall has.

In Weber State's 2011-12 season, by far the best teams they faced were BYU and Cal, both of which were losses. Their schedule other than that was pitiful.

Lillard will face a rude awakening in the NBA when he realizes the quality he's facing and the amount of shots he won't be able to take.