2012 NBA Draft Order: Full List for All 2 Rounds
It's getting closer.
The 2012 NBA Draft is laden with depth, but while an emphasis is put on where the dominoes will fall after Anthony Davis, far less attention is paid to the entire picture.
While many can rattle off this year's lottery teams in no time at all, can they recount the order of the first round's last 16 picks? What about the second round and who will be in play there?
If a definitive outlook on this year's draft is what you crave, you've come to the right place.
1. New Orleans Hornets
1 of 60After dealing Emeka Okafor to the Wizards, the Hornets certainly need a big man.
That said, New Orleans could have finished the season with Dwight Howard on the roster and the course of action wouldn't change here.
Potential Selection: Anthony Davis
2. Charlotte Bobcats
2 of 60The Bobcats need help in all areas.
After missing out on the opportunity to bring Anthony Davis into the fold, there is no one player Charlotte is guaranteed to select.
Whomever the Bobcats ultimately decide to draft, though, must give the franchise at least a glimmer of hope.
Potential Selections: Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson
3. Washington Wizards
3 of 60John Wall needs help, and Trevor Ariza, Nene and Emeka Okafor simply aren't enough.
Given the chaotic nature of the Wizards, no single prospect will be the apple of their eye, nor is there a talent who is off-limits.
Here's to finding a fit for an oddly constructed supporting cast.
Potential Selections: Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
4 of 60Kyrie Irving cannot revive the Cavaliers organization by himself, rendering this pick of the utmost importance.
The Cavaliers have the option of parlaying their first-rounder into a proven talent. But should they decide to take their chances in the draft, finding a prolific partner on the perimeter for Irving is an absolute must.
Potential Selections: Harrison Barnes, Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
5. Sacramento Kings
5 of 60DeMarcus Cousins has suddenly emerged as the face of a troubled Sacramento franchise. But the burden in the low post is far too much for him to carry on his own for much longer.
If the Kings wish to reach the next level in their development—competency—selecting one of the many talented big men available is an absolute must.
Potential Selections: Andre Drummond, Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger
6. Portland Trail Blazers
6 of 60Both Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton crashed and burned in Portland, leaving the Blazers in dire need of a floor general.
And in a draft nearly void of talented distributors, the Blazers must forgo the temptation to find a running mate down low for LaMarcus Aldridge and focus on filling the gaping hole at point guard.
Potential Selections: Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers
7. Golden State Warriors
7 of 60Oh, Warriors.
With such an unstable roster, Golden State can opt to fill any number of needs, whether it be additional insurance down low, a backup for Stephen Curry or a competent wing.
Who the Warriors select here depends almost solely on who's available.
Potential Selections: Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb
8. Toronto Raptors
8 of 60Drafting a defensive-oriented big man is not out of the question for the Raptors, but selecting a prolific-scoring small forward may fill a more pressing need.
Toronto must decide whether it will enter full-fledged rebuilding or try to win now.
How intricate a project the Raptors select may give us our answer.
Potential Selections: Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb
9. Detroit Pistons
9 of 60The Pistons need additional size to pair with Greg Monroe.
While there will be no shortage of promising big men available here, finding the perfect fit to complement Monroe will prove slightly difficult.
That said, if Detroit wishes to make a play for a playoff spot, it has no other option than to try to find that fit.
Potential Selections: Meyers Leonard, Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zellar
10. New Orleans Hornets
10 of 60After adding Anthony Davis, it will be time for the Hornets to strengthen their perimeter offense.
Though Eric Gordon is more likely to return with Davis aboard, New Orleans can't take any chances.
That said, with Emeka Okafor now in Washington, the Hornets could also opt to bring in a center to pair with Davis.
Potential Selections: Jeremy Lamb, Meyers Leonard, Austin Rivers
11. Portland Trail Blazers
11 of 60Now it's time for the Blazers to strengthen their interior attack.
With Marcus Camby and Greg Oden out of the picture, LaMarcus Aldridge needs a bona fide center to pick up the slack down low if Portland wishes to avoid a repeat of this season.
Potential Selections: John Henson, Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller
12. Milwaukee Bucks
12 of 60Just as there is no shortage of promising big men in this year's draft, there is no shortage of teams interested in adding one, including the Bucks.
As talented as Ersan Ilyasova is, he in no way should be considered Milwaukee's most lethal big man. His playing style simply doesn't fit that bill, and Drew Gooden isn't equipped enough either.
At this stage, size is what most separates the Bucks from the playoffs.
Potential Selections: John Henson, Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller
13. Phoenix Suns
13 of 60Phoenix is unlikely to have given up on re-signing Steve Nash. But even if he returns, the Suns must plan on selecting their point guard of the future.
As Nash demonstrated this past season, a capable floor general can make all difference, as he nearly carried Phoenix to an improbable playoff berth.
Though the Suns are not likely to find the next Nash in this draft, having a potential pillar is better than not having one at all.
Potential Selections: Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers, Dion Waiters
14. Houston Rockets
14 of 60Retaining Marcus Camby or Samuel Dalembert is certainly an option, but neither is an anchor the Rockets can plan on having for much longer.
Regardless of who's available and how many big men have been taken, barring an unforeseen trade, Houston only has one play here.
Potential Selections: John Henson, Perry Jones III, Tyler Zeller
15. Philadelphia 76ers
15 of 60With the future of Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams in doubt, the Sixers could use this pick a number of different ways.
That said, Philadelphia's best bet would be to select an athlete it deems capable of making a strong impact from both inside and out. Such a prospect will help the team prepare to move on regardless of which players depart.
Potential Selections: Terrence Jones, Quincy Miller, Jared Sullinger
16. Houston Rockets
16 of 60For the Rockets, there's no such thing as too much insurance in the frontcourt.
Not only is the future of Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert up in the air, but who knows how much longer Luis Scola's production will hold up.
Yet another athletic power forward or center is a must here.
Potential Selections: Perry Jones III, Fab Melo, Arnett Moultrie, Jared Sullinger
17. Dallas Mavericks
17 of 60Jason Kidd and Jason Terry are unrestricted free agents, prompting the Mavericks to explore any avenues available to acquire a replacement playmaker, including the draft.
Though there is still the possibility that Kidd and/or Terry could return, neither represent the future of this franchise.
With the pursuit of Deron Williams becoming more problematic by the day, Dallas will be forced to take to the unproven ranks to find a solution at point guard.
Potential Selections: Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague
18. Minnesota Timberwolves
18 of 60Ricky Rubio has game and needs someone besides Kevin Love to help him.
The Timberwolves could opt to further strengthen their low post attack. But they have a more pressing need on the perimeter.'
An athlete who can drain outside shots and benefit from Rubio's perpetual drive-and-kick scenarios is the route Minnesota must explore here.
Potential Selections: Moe Harkless, Austin Rivers, Terrence Ross
19. Orlando Magic
19 of 60For one night, the Magic must put aside the headache that is Dwight Howard and focus on filling a potentially massive hole at point guard.
Jameer Nelson's return is anything but guaranteed. Orlando must operate on the assumption that no amount of money will convince him to remain with the Magic.
Though replacing Nelson is a tall order—especially considering the underwhelming talent available at point guard—it's a task the Magic must complete.
Potential Selections: Austin Rivers, Marquis Teage, Tony Wroten
20. Denver Nuggets
20 of 60What the Nuggets need is a superstar, but that's an issue for free agency and the trade rumor mill.
With Ty Lawson emerging as a capable starter and Andre Miller's future with the team in doubt, Denver would benefit most from finding an athlete who can make an immediate impact off the bench and handle point-guard duties as needed.
That said, with the free-agent market laden with veteran floor generals, the Nuggets may opt to roll the dice in the draft on a perennial collegiate scorer.
Potential Selections: Terrence Ross, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten
21. Boston Celtics
21 of 60The first of back-to-back picks will almost certainly be used to increase the depth of their thin frontcourt.
Though it remains the worst-case scenario, there is a possibility that neither Brandon Bass nor Kevin Garnett will be on the roster next season, leaving gaping holes in the low post.
Luckily for Boston, this year's draft presents endless opportunities in the paint.
Potential Selections: Arnett Moultrie, Andrew Nicholson, Royce White
22. Boston Celtics
22 of 60The Celtics could go one of two ways with their second pick of the first round.
With Ray Allen on the open market, there is a clear need for another shooter. Yet if Boston envisions its frontcourt becoming severely depleted with the potential departures of Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett, selecting another big man is not out of the question.
The selection here will speak volumes about the Celtics' offseason plans.
Potential Targets: Mo Harkless, Quincy Miller, Arnett Moultrie, Andrew Nicholson
23. Atlanta Hawks
23 of 60Joe Johnson's penchant for erratic play and Marvin Williams' perpetual unhappy demeanor make a strong scorer a necessity for the Hawks.
That said, the Hawks may need to move Al Horford from center to power forward, leaving the door open for Atlanta to select another big man.
The Hawks must address one of these needs in the draft and leave the other to free agency.
Potential Selections: Moe Harkless, Fab Melo, Quincy Miller, Royce White
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
24 of 60After opting to select a swingman 20 picks earlier, the Cavaliers will shift their attention to the low post, where Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao are in need of assistance.
Though Cleveland will have to opt for more of a work-in-progress player by this point in the draft, the team is not headed for playoff contention without an anchor in the frontcourt who has a deft shooting touch around the basket.
Potential Selections: Furkan Aldemire, Arnett Moultrie, Royce White
25. Memphis Grizzlies
25 of 60The Grizzlies are an incredibly deep team in need of some polishing, specifically behind Mike Conley.
Gilbert Arenas remains an option, but attempting to find a younger point guard or combo guard is a great way to add insurance and promise to the roster.
Conely has proven to be an above-average playmaker, but he can't play the full 48 minutes. Memphis needs a replacement for when he's resting on the bench.
Potential Selections: Doron Lamb, Tyshawn Taylor, Tony Wroten
26. Indiana Pacers
26 of 60The Pacers are a heartbeat away from contention and will look to push themselves over the championship hump by selecting a draft-day steal who will make an immediate—and even somewhat surprising—impact.
Unless a major development surfaces that has Indiana parting ways with one of its point guards or restricted free agent Roy Hibbert, another lethal shooter is the avenue most worth exploring here.
Potential Selections: Evan Fournier, John Jenkins, Doron Lamb
27. Miami Heat
27 of 60The NBA champions are not without deficiencies.
While it's impressive that the Heat managed to waltz their way to a title despite a lack of low post talent, they simply cannot move forward with just Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem holding down the interior.
Though Miami's first and second options may be off the board by this point, they must add size, regardless of whether it means tapping into the second-round pool of talent ahead of schedule.
Potential Selections: Festus Ezeli, Draymond Green, Fab Melo
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
28 of 60The Thunder are a championship-caliber team, but their temperamental offense could use another dose of offensive prowess.
A combo guard would suit Oklahoma City best, one who can shoot the lights out and who's also prepared to run the offense when called upon.
That said, don't be surprised if the Thunder instead decides to opt for a little insurance behind Kevin Durant.
As for the Oklahoma City frontcourt haters, the team shouldn't waste its time there. The Thunder fare much better with small lineups.
Potential Selections: Evan Fournier, Doron Lamb, Tyshawn Taylor
29. Chicago Bulls
29 of 60With Derrick Rose watching from the sidelines and Richard Hamilton remaining one of the biggest injury risks in the league, the Bulls are in dire need of added depth in the backcourt.
While Chicago will undoubtedly take to free agency and the trade market as well, a guard who can score, distribute and play solid defense remains the direction to go here.
That said, this could all change should the Bulls wind up moving Luol Deng or Joakim Noah prior to draft night.
Potential Selections: John Jenkins, Doron Lamb, Tyshawn Taylor
30. Golden State Warriors
30 of 60Golden State will look to close out the first round with a bang.
The Warriors will once again be tempted to add more insurance in the low post. But with yet another pick on the way after this one, bringing another shooter into the fold who can handle point-guard duties is their best bet.
Someone preferably taller than Nate Robinson.
Potential Selections: John Jenkins, Doron Lamb, Jeffrey Taylor
31. Charlotte Bobcats
31 of 60How the Bobcats open the second round will depend on who they draft with the second overall pick.
If Charlotte goes big, it will opt for a perimeter presence, or vice versa.
For the Bobcats, this position will be all about adding size in the post or a sweet-shooting touch on the outside.
Potential Selections: Draymond Green, John Jenkins, Darius Miller
32. Washington Wizards
32 of 60Per newly acquire teammate Trevor Ariza, John Wall's jump shot appears to be much improved. But that doesn't change how badly Washington needs to add shooters, regardless of whether it addresses the need in the first round.
Somewhat luckily for the Wizards, while the first round is headlined by future star big men, the second round has a wealth of efficient scorers.
Washington just has to select the player who best fits its uniquely unsettling offense.
Potential Selections: Will Barton, Darius Miller, Tyshawn Taylor
33. Cleveland Cavaliers
33 of 60For the Cavaliers, the second round will be about adding more size.
Anderson Varejao isn't exactly a pillar of consistency and Cleveland does not yet know what it has in Tristan Thompson. Even if the Cavaliers opt to go big in the first round, expect to see another inside presence on the way here.
Potential Selections: Furkan Aldemir, Festus Ezeli, Kevin Jones
34. Cleveland Cavaliers
34 of 60Okay, it's unlikely to be all about size for the Cavaliers in the second round.
Kyrie Irving has few shooters he can trust, so potentially adding another one here could go a long way in strengthening the flow of Cleveland's sometimes lethargic offensive sets.
Potential Selections: Will Barton, Darius Miller, Tomas Satoransky
35. Golden State Warriors
35 of 60Versatility. It's a luxury the Warriors lack, but obviously crave.
Golden State bet big just before the trade deadline, adding size and uncertainty in Andrew Bogut, but relinquishing offensive versatility in Monta Ellis.
Though drafting a star here is not likely, adding an athlete capable of playing multiple positions is not.
Potential Selections: Will Barton, Qalat Cajasol, Jae Crowder
36. Sacramento Kings
36 of 60Jimmer Fredette hardly panned out as an offensive weapon off the bench during his rookie season, a commodity the Kings should look to obtain here.
Though Fredette could have a complete turnaround his sophomore season, a second option to fill his role, should he prove incapable of assuming it, will only help Sacramento.
Potential Selections: Qalat Cajasol, Orlando Johnson, Darius Miller
37. Toronto Raptors
37 of 60DeMar DeRozan can score, but a team can never have too many scorers.
Though some additional size could also benefit the Raptors, it's difficult to imagine them forgoing the opportunity to grab one of the many scoring machines available this late in the game.
Potential Selections: Jared Cunningham, Kevin Murphy, Tomas Satoransky
38. Denver Nuggets
38 of 60There is no more Nene, but there is a Timofey Mozgov.
There's also a JaVale McGee. But should the restricted free agent be signed to an offer sheet the Nuggets cannot match, it would benefit them to have another big man not named Chris Andersen ready to play.
Potential Selections: Festus Ezeli, Kevin Jones, Kyle O'Quinn
39. Detroit Pistons
39 of 60Though it's essential for the Pistons to address their need for a power forward in the first round, they still need to inject size into their lineup.
Selecting another big man will also prove vital if Detroit opts to take an enormous risk on the now red-flagged Jared Sullinger with its lottery pick.
Potential Selections: Furkman Aldemir, Festus Ezeli, Kevin Jones
40. Portland Trail Blazers
40 of 60Even with two lottery picks, the Blazers are in danger watching a lot of offense walk out the door in Nicolas Batum, Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton.
Targeting another shooter who can help fill any one of those voids is not only a safe play but the right one, especially if they strike out on other potential targets in free agency.
Potential Selections: Jared Cunningham, Orlando Johnson, Kevin Murphy
41. Portland Trail Blazers
41 of 60Despite the bad luck the Blazers have had with big men, adding another one only improves their chances of finding a solution to their low-post deficiencies.
Game-changers are hard to find in the second round. But when you're as depleted up front as Portland, you don't need a game-changer.
Just a capable body.
Potential Selections: Furkman Aldemir, Kevin Jones, Kyle O'Quinn
42. Milwaukee Bucks
42 of 60Aside from size, the Bucks are in need of an efficient shooter.
With players like Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings who struggle to knock down 40 percent of their field-goal attempts, an accurate-shooting wingman would bolster a lineup that hopes to contend for a playoff berth next season.
Potential Selections: Jared Cunningham, Tu Holloway, Kevin Murphy
43. Atlanta Hawks
43 of 60Atlanta could use size, but that's an issue to address in the first round or via free agency.
The route for the Hawks to explore here is in the backcourt behind Jeff Teague, where Atlanta's most capable option this season was Jannero Pargo.
Though Pargo had his bright spots, the Hawks could use a younger, faster and more athletic guard to spell Teague, especially if they fail to plug such a hole via free agency.
Potential Selections: Tu Holloway, Scott Machado, Darius Johnson-Odom
44. Detroit Pistons
44 of 60After exhausting additions on its frontcourt, Detroit should look to upgrade its backcourt here.
Ben Gordon, Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey all have plenty of upside, but another option would further fortify the position.
Potential Selections: William Buford, Tu Holloway, Scott Machado
45. Philadelphia 76ers
45 of 60Athleticism isn't prevalent in Philadelphia's frontcourt, so the 76ers will look to add whatever depth it can find here.
With the future of Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes unclear, the Sixers must jump at whatever opportunity they have to improve their interior talent.
Potential Selections: Jae Crowder, Drew Gordon, Kyle O'Quinn,
46. New Orleans Hornets
46 of 60Despite the impending addition of Anthony Davis, the Hornets' frontcourt can hardly be considered stable.
Chris Kaman seems like a lock to leave, and New Orleans has already sent Emeka Okafor packing. That leaves the Hornets with multiple center-sized holes to fill.
They can take a step toward filling one of them here.
Potential Selections: Drew Gordon, Kyle O'Quinn, Herb Pope
47. Utah Jazz
47 of 60For the Jazz, assistance in the backcourt is essential.
Whether it be a point guard, combo guard or bona fide shooting guard, Utah needs someone who can pass, shoot and hold his own on defense.
Unless the Jazz score big in free agency or make unforeseen trades, this pick has the potential to become an integral part of their backcourt rotation
Potential Selections: J'Covan Brown, Scott Machado, Darius Johnson-Odom
48. New York Knicks
48 of 60Jeremy Lin is captivating, but he can't solve the Knicks' offensive woes by himself.
Though New York will undoubtedly chase every capable free-agent floor general on the market, it's limited in the type of offers it can make.
With Toney Douglas having fallen out of favor, any distributor chosen here may wind up playing a significant role in their offense.
Potential Selections: William Buford, Tu Holloway, J'Covan Brown
49. Orlando Magic
49 of 60Any success the Magic has will depend on how lethal the team shoots from beyond the arc.
Orlando would love to have Ryan Anderson back. His potential loss would be a crushing blow to an already unstable rotation.
In the event Anderson does opt to take his talents elsewhere, the Magic must be prepared. There isn't a better way to prepare than to select a swingman who can knock down jump shots.
Potential Selections: J'Covan Brown, Marcus Denmon, Alex Young
50. Denver Nuggets
50 of 60The Nuggets would be wise to abide by a specific strategy when drafting in the second round.
That blueprint is: Take the athletic scorers and run.
Potential Selections: Marcus Denmon, Kris Joseph, Alex Young
51. Boston Celtics
51 of 60A year ago, few people would have thought the Celtics would need another Avery Bradley, yet here they are.
Bradley's versatility, two-way prowess and prolific work ethic is enough to make a head coach blush.
Boston, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Ray Allen, would be wise to draft a player who fits a similar bill.
Potential Selections: Dee Bost, Marcus Denmon, Maalik Wayns
52. Golden State Warriors
52 of 60With Monta Ellis gone and Stephen Curry's ability to remain on the court up in the air, the Warriors couldn't draft enough scorers if they tried.
This particular pick will prove to be no exception as Golden State looks to add as much depth as it possibly can.
Potential Selections: Kim English, Tony Mitchell, Alex Young
53. Los Angeles Clippers
53 of 60DeAndre Jordan is hardly a threat to score in the low post, leaving the Clippers to search for someone who can.
With little cap space and even fewer options in the free-agent market, Los Angeles must look to upgrade its offense at center or just in the paint in general.
Potential Selections: Herb Pope, Mike Scott, Mitchell Watt
54. Philadelphia 76ers
54 of 60Should the Sixers retain the services of Lou Williams, they'll continue to have plenty of scoring options on the perimeter.
That leaves Philadelphia free to draft yet another big man who has shown he can do a little bit of everything at the collegiate level, but may require a longer than typical grace period on the professional stage.
Potential Selections: Eric Griffin, Mike Scott, Tornike Shenglia
55. Dallas Mavericks
55 of 60The Mavericks are in danger of losing two of their premiere backcourt players. While the door is open for Jason Kidd and/or Jason Terry to return, there's no guarantee either will opt to continue their career in Dallas.
Expect the Mavericks to draft a player who can make an immediate impact on offense.
Potential Selections: Dee Bost, Casper Ware, Maalik Wayns
56. Toronto Raptors
56 of 60There's no telling where Jerryd Bayless' offseason endeavors may take him, nor what the Raptors plan for Jose Calderon.
Subsequently, that will leave Toronto fishing for another point guard to take the reigns on occasion.
Though drafting a floor general this late is far from a safe pick, it is a necessary one for the Raptors.
Potential Selections: Dee Bost, Casper Ware, Maalik Wayns
57. Brooklyn Nets
57 of 60Dwight Howard isn't a member of the Nets. Kris Humphries is set to hit the open market, as is Brook Lopez, who is also now an injury risk.
Such realities warrant Brooklyn's pursuit of a body to simply help plug the middle—even if just on paper—until the Nets sign or trade for a more permanent solution.
Potential Selections: Eric Griffin, Tornike Shenglia, Mitchell Watt
58. Minnesota Timberwolves
58 of 60Luke Ridnour and Ricky Rubio are slight injury risks, making it wise for the Timberwolves to add insurance not named J.J. Barea to the roster.
With a talented athlete like Kevin Love aboard, Minnesota would be doing itself a favor by targeting someone with sound passing skills and a knack for dribble penetration.
Potential Selections: Dee Bost, Kim English, Casper Ware
59. San Antonio Spurs
59 of 60At this stage of the draft, the Spurs simply need to get younger. It doesn't matter where.
That said, selecting a fundamentally sound perimeter shooter has worked for San Antonio in the past, so it might be wise to follow the tradition here.
Potential Selections: Kim English, Tony Mitchell, Alex Young
60. Los Angeles Lakers
60 of 60The Lakers may be looking to break into the first round, But assuming they don't, they need to find someone who can fill in should they deplete their size in any future Pau Gasol trade.
Drafting another small forward to enhance the competition in the shallow pool of talent available to them is also a possibility.
The last pick is hardly a spot where the Lakers are likely to find a future star, or even a player who can make any impact at all. But at the rate their stock is deteriorating, they have to at least try to make their only selection—as of right now—count.
Potential Selections: Eric Griffin, Hollis Thompson, Mitchell Watt





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