2012 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting Perfect Fit for Every Prospect
Whether a team is looking to rebuild through the lottery or stock up late in both rounds, the NBA draft is a time to acquire assets.
With less than 24 hours remaining until the 2012 NBA draft, teams are making their lists and checking them constantly to make sure they choose the best fits for their organizations.
Whether it be in the rotation or in the locker room, finding the best for your team should be the ultimate goal for any group looking to improve moving forward.
1. New Orleans Hornets
1 of 60Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 14.2 PTS, 10.4 REB, 4.7 BLK
The No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA draft has been decided for quite some time.
The only way Davis wouldn’t fit in with an NBA roster would be if his team already had a dominant player at both the power forward and center positions.
Luckily for the New Orleans Hornets they don’t have either, making them a perfect fit for Davis next season.
2. Charlotte Bobcats
2 of 60Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 11.9 REB, .9 BLK
With the recent acquisition of shooting guard Ben Gordon, Thomas Robinson will be a good pick to begin building the frontcourt in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Bobcats have holes all over the roster, so taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is still an option.
For Robinson, though, a team that needs scoring in the frontcourt is ideal for his skill set.
A talented power forward, Robinson averaged 17.7 points—not to mention 11.9 rebounds—last season and is one of the more NBA-ready prospects from the 2012 class.
3. Washington Wizards
3 of 60Bradley Beal, SG (Florida)
2011-'12 Stats: 14.8 PTS, 6.7 REB, 1.4 STL
The Washington Wizards need talent all over the floor, and Bradley Beal may be the most talented player left at this point.
His shooting ability extends beyond the three-point line, and he’s never been one to shy away at the end of a close game.
John Wall has averaged 8.2 assists throughout his two-year career with the Washington Wizards, arguably without any great players to swing the ball to on the perimeter.
A backcourt duo of Wall and Beal could become one of the best that the league has to offer, as they should continue to make each other look good for years to come.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
4 of 60Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 11.9 PTS, 7.4 REB, 1.0 STL
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s numbers aren’t going to blow anybody away, but his elite athleticism and incredible motor are what propel him to success.
A physical defender and fantastic leader, Cleveland is a perfect spot for the 6’8” forward because they already have a No. 1 option in Kyrie Irving.
Kidd-Gilchrist lacks a consistent perimeter game, but his drive to win and willingness to attack the basket make Cleveland a spot where he can grow into the player they need him to become.
5. Sacramento Kings
5 of 60Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)
2011-'12 Stats: 10.0 PTS, 7.6 REB, 2.7 BLK
If the Sacramento Kings draft Andre Drummond with the No. 5 pick, the unpolished prospect will join the roster as the second-best big man on the team.
While that may not sound like the best situation for a rising young star, it’s a golden opportunity for a prospect—whose offensive game is extremely raw—to further develop behind another young player.
Ideal or not, Harrison Barnes is another option here for the Kings, and the team may even opt to trade out of this spot, as the Houston Rockets are reportedly looking to move up come draft day.
6. Portland Trail Blazers
6 of 60Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)
2011-'12 Stats: 24.5 PTS, 5.0 REB, 4.0 AST
Damian Lillard to the Portland Trail Blazers is a match made in basketball heaven.
The Blazers need a floor general, and if they opt to take Lillard with the No. 6 pick, he’ll likely find himself in the starting lineup at the beginning of the 2012-13 season.
Lillard is an athletic, scoring point guard who has the ability to finish both above the rim and beyond the three-point line—he shot 40.9 percent from the three-point line last year.
The questions are certainly there about his level of competition at Weber State and how well he’ll transition from a scorer to a facilitator.
However, having an All-Star forward in LaMarcus Aldridge on his side, the two could establish a two-man game that would remove the scoring pressures from each other early on.
7. Golden State Warriors
7 of 60Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.1 PTS, 5.2 REB, 1.1 STL
The Golden State Warriors need an upgrade at small forward, and Harrison Barnes could fill that role right away next season.
Having averaged 17.1 points during his sophomore season with the Tar Heels, his scoring ability and basketball IQ should propel him into Golden State’s starting lineup as a rookie.
Barnes is arguably a top-five talent, and if he slips this far in the draft, the Warriors should take him without a second thought.
8. Toronto Raptors
8 of 60Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse)
2011-'12 Stats: 12.6 PTS, 2.5 REB, 1.8 STL
The Toronto Raptors have a number of guards who can shoot the ball, but they lack a physical presence in the backcourt that Dion Waiters could provide.
Waiters is an excellent athlete who overpowers the competition on a regular basis.
The Raptors need toughness, and with Waiters’ ability to attack the rim, he could get in and make a big impact early on in his NBA career.
9. Detroit Pistons
9 of 60John Henson, PF (North Carolina)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 9.9 REB, 2.9 BLK
The Detroit Pistons were tied for 28th in blocked shots last season and could desperately use a defensive presence in this year’s draft.
Enter John Henson.
Henson is going to need to add muscle at the next level, but his shot-blocking ability is exactly what the Pistons covet.
The 6’10” post player has a great motor, too. If the Pistons grab him with the ninth pick, he could become a big-time stopper in the paint next season.
10. New Orleans Hornets
10 of 60Austin Rivers, SG (Duke)
2011-'12 Stats: 15.5 PTS, 3.4 REB, 2.1 AST
Having already drafted Anthony Davis with the No. 1 pick, the New Orleans Hornets will look to add a playmaker to their roster at this point in the draft.
Even though Rivers won’t be the star in New Orleans the way he might have been selected in other places of the lottery, this is a good situation for the former Duke Blue Devil.
Questions surrounding his style of play and inconsistent shooting have kept him out of the lottery in some mock drafts, and a top-10 selection would be a major victory for Rivers.
Alongside Davis—and potentially Eric Gordon—Rivers will be allowed to develop as the Hornets groom a number of young players over the next few years.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
11 of 60Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.3 PTS, 9.6 REB, 1.5 BLK
The Portland Trail Blazers need a big man and, quite frankly, Tyler Zeller is big.
At 7’0”, 247 pounds, Zeller doesn’t project to be a star in the NBA—but alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, the pressure of being a lottery pick would be virtually nonexistent.
Jeremy Lamb is another possibility here, as the team is still looking to fill the void at shooting guard left by Brandon Roy last offseason.
For Lamb’s sake, though, Portland might not be the best situation, as Lillard—drafted No. 6—could become all the playmaker the Blazers need alongside Aldridge.
12. Houston Rockets
12 of 60Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.6 PTS, 8.2 REB, 1.9 BLK
If the Houston Rockets are unable to trade for Dwight Howard, Meyers Leonard will step in and provide shot-blocking and rebounding in his first year.
It’s very possible that this pick could be gone by the time the draft finally comes around.
If they still have it, though, they’re going to need size moving forward, and Leonard gives them just that.
13. Phoenix Suns
13 of 60Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.2 STL
Jeremy Lamb is a big-time scorer, and he would have plenty of opportunities to show it with the Phoenix Suns next season.
The Suns are entering a stage of transition. Their roster for next year is up in the air, largely due to the impending free agency of point guard Steve Nash.
If Nash is there next year, Lamb has a Hall of Fame point guard to get him the ball in scoring situations.
If he’s not, the 6’5” shooting guard gets to put his athleticism on display and take over the offense as they transition into a new era of Phoenix Suns basketball.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
14 of 60Terrence Ross, SG (Washington)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 6.4 REB, 1.3 STL
The Milwaukee Bucks picked up Samuel Dalembert in their trade with the Houston Rockets, meaning their need for a big man is less important in this year’s draft.
A wing who can score along with Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings in the backcourt could be the goal here.
Terrence Ross is a player who can get to the basket with his quick first step or shoot from deep.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
15 of 60Arnett Moultrie, PF (Arkansas State)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 10.5 REB, .8 BLK
The Philadelphia 76ers could consider using their amnesty clause on Elton Brand and his $18 million contract this summer.
If this is the case, drafting Arnett Moultrie would be beneficial to both parties.
At 6’11”, 233 pounds, Moultrie is a very solid rebounder who uses his size and leaping ability to his benefit.
16. Houston Rockets
16 of 60Terrence Jones, Forward (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 12.3 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.8 BLK
If the Houston Rockets keep this pick, adding the best available talent could be the priority.
Terrence Jones is one of the most versatile players in the draft.
While there are questions about which position he’ll play at the next level, his rebounding, shot-blocking and overall athleticism would be welcome at either forward positions.
17. Dallas Mavericks
17 of 60Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)
2011-'12 Stats: 8.1 PTS 9.8 REB, 25.4 3PT%
The Jason Kidd era will be ending soon in Dallas, and there might not be a better prospect to replace the point guard than Kendall Marshall.
Marshall comes from the same mold as Kidd, in the sense that he is a pass-first, true facilitator.
If Kidd sticks around for a few more years, Marshall will have one of the best to learn from. If he doesn’t, he’ll have an opportunity to jump in right away and earn major minutes as a rookie next season.
18. Houston Rockets
18 of 60Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.5 PTS, 7.6 REB, 1.3 AST
Perry Jones III’s numbers won’t overwhelm anybody, but they also don’t speak to how talented he is.
Jones will continue to face questions about his motor and his position at the next level, but with such a versatile skill set to his name, he could be a perfect fit for any team choosing him this late.
19. Orlando Magic
19 of 60Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)
2011-'12 Stats: 7.8 PTS, 5.8 REB 2.9 BLK
The Orlando Magic may be preparing for life without Dwight Howard, and while Fab Melo’s game is about as raw as it gets, the big man from Syracuse isn’t a bad place to start.
A good rebounder and shot-blocker, Melo could step right in and make a difference in the paint if Howard finds himself on another roster next year.
20. Denver Nuggets
20 of 60Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)
2011-'12 Stats: 18.5 PTS, 8.4 REB, 2.0 BLK
The Denver Nuggets are a deep team, but the power forward slot is an area they could add depth.
With just Kenneth Faried and Al Harrington in the 4-spot next season, Andrew Nicholson could compete for minutes right away with his long athleticism and shot-blocking ability.
21. Boston Celtics
21 of 60Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.5 PTS, 9.2 REB, 1.1 BLK
Jared Sullinger is going to be a risk regardless of who chooses him, but at this point in the draft, the risk just might be worth it.
Sullinger is a low-post presence who can rebound and put the ball in the basket despite his extreme lack of athleticism.
If the Boston Celtics draft Sullinger, he could be in prime position to take over their aging frontcourt early in his NBA career.
22. Boston Celtics
22 of 60Royce White, SF (Iowa State)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.4 PTS, 9.3 REB, 5.0 AST
Royce White is another player who could benefit from falling into the late first round.
With the Boston Celtics Big Three potentially breaking up this summer, White could move in and make a name for himself during his rookie season.
He is a physical, athletic player who can handle the ball and score both at the rim and in the mid-range game.
23. Atlanta Hawks
23 of 60Moe Harkless, SF (St. John’s)
2011-'12 Stats: 15.3 PTS, 8.6 REB, 1.4 BLK
Moe Harkless is a long, athletic forward who can finish in transition with the best of them.
He may go higher than No. 23, but if he’s still around at this point in the draft, the Atlanta Hawks could have a hard time letting him slide.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
24 of 60Jeff Taylor, SF (Vanderbilt)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.1 PTS, 5.5 REB, 42.3 3PT%
The Cleveland Cavaliers need depth all over their roster.
Having already drafted Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with their first pick, Jeff Taylor will add defense and an improved shooting touch to the perimeter next year.
25. Memphis Grizzlies
25 of 60Tony Wroten Jr., PG (Washington)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.0, 5.0 REB, 3.7 AST
Tony Wroten Jr. is going to need time to work on his jump shot and improve his shot selection—in Memphis, he should be given that time.
While the Memphis Grizzlies don't have a ton of depth at the point guard position, Mike Conley Jr. isn't losing his starting spot any time soon.
Wroten will be forced to improve his game before earning major minutes, but if he makes the necessary improvements, he should be able to find a spot behind Conley.
26. Indiana Pacers
26 of 60Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 10.0 PTS, 2.5 REB, 4.8 AST
After the year that was had by George Hill, the Indiana Pacers could make Darren Collison expendable this offseason.
If the team selects Marquis Teague in the draft, they’ll be getting a quick point guard who is extremely fast with the ball.
This is a solid fit for Teague, as he could help push the tempo in Indianapolis, which just so happens to be his hometown.
27. Miami Heat
27 of 60Draymond Green, SF (Michigan State)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.2 PTS, 10.6 REB, 38.8 3PT%
The Miami Heat have a few needs in their rotation this summer, and while small forward clearly isn’t at the top of the list, depth at that position could be something to hit with the 27th pick.
Draymond Green is an efficient shooter, solid passer and surprisingly good rebounder for 6’8”, 239 pounds.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
28 of 60Evan Fournier, SG (France)
2011-'12 Stats: 14.0 PTS, 2.2 AST, 1.5 STL
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a big decision to make regarding the contract of James Harden, so it might be a good idea to have a shooting guard on the books if they can’t afford to keep him around beyond next season.
Evan Fournier may opt to stay in France another year, but with the Thunder roster constructed the way it is, there shouldn’t be any worry about stashing him overseas if it helps him develop.
29. Chicago Bulls
29 of 60John Jenkins, SG (Vanderbilt)
2011-'12 Stats: 19.9 PTS, 2.9 REB, 43.9 3PT%
The Chicago Bulls have been after a deep-threat shooting guard for a while now.
While Rip Hamilton stepped in and played decently last year, his health kept him quiet for a good part of the season.
John Jenkins is a deadly shooter who could prove to be just what the Bulls have been searching for.
30. Golden State Warriors
30 of 60Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)
2011-'12 Stats: 10.6 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.4 AST
If Quincy Miller lasts until the 30th pick of the first round, the Golden State Warriors should look at him for depth on the perimeter.
Questions about his position are valid, as the 6’10” forward may be a bit of a tweener; but having already taken Harrison Barnes at No. 7, they can afford to gamble on Miller’s talent this late in the draft.
31. Charlotte Bobcats
31 of 60Will Barton, SG (Memphis)
2011-'12 Stats: 18.0 PTS, 8.0 REB, 1.4 STL
If the Charlotte Bobcats draft Thomas Robinson with the No. 2 pick, they're going to need another piece to add to their backcourt next season.
Will Barton's stock has risen this summer, and he could very well be drafted in the first round.
If he slips to the second, however, the Bobcats should pick him up, as he could easily crack their rotation next season.
32. Washington Wizards
32 of 60Jared Cunningham, G (Oregon State)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.9 PTS, 3.8 REB, 2.8 AST
The Washington Wizards could look to add depth to the backcourt in the second round.
Jared Cunningham had a standout junior season at Oregon State, and he can play a little bit of both the point guard and shooting guard spots.
While he needs to add strength at the next level, his slashing ability and quick first step will be a great weapon to have behind the team's starting guards.
33. Cleveland Cavaliers
33 of 60Kim English, SG (Missouri)
2011-'12 Stats: 14.5 PTS, 4.2 REB, 45.9 3PT%
Kim English has seen his stock rise drastically heading into the 2012 NBA draft.
His deep-range shot and ability to make plays off the ball could land him in the first round, but if he's still available, the Cleveland Cavaliers could add to their backcourt with the 33rd pick.
34. Cleveland Cavaliers
34 of 60Festus Ezeli, C (Vanderbilt)
2011-'12 Stats: 10.1 PTS, 5.9 REB 53.9 FG%
At 7'0", 264 pounds, Festus Ezeli could help the Cleveland Cavaliers move Tristan Thompson down to the power forward position.
Ezeli is going to be a project early in his career, but his ability to run the floor and an improving offensive game will help bring more than just size to the Cavaliers frontcourt.
35. Golden State Warriors
35 of 60Kyle O'Quinn, C (Norfolk State)
2011-'12 Stats: 15.9 PTS, 10.3 REB, 2.6 BLK
Depth at the big-man positions should be a focus this summer for the Golden State Warriors.
Kyle O'Quinn made a name for himself in last year's NCAA tournament. Despite being slightly undersized for the center position, he is a very good rebounder and a solid defensive presence in the paint.
36. Sacramento Kings
36 of 60Miles Plumlee, C (Duke)
2011-'12 Stats: 6.6 PTS, 7.1 REB, 61.0 FG%
Miles Plumlee won't be a star in the NBA, but behind DeMarcus Cousins—and potentially Andre Drummond—the Sacramento Kings won't need him to be.
An inconsistent and raw offensive game will keep him from being great, but his pre-draft workouts are proof that a physical, athletic player does exist inside his 7'0" frame.
37. Toronto Raptors
37 of 60Scott Machado, PG (Iona)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.6 PTS, 9.9 AST, 4.9 REB
Scott Machado is an athletic point guard who has excellent speed. His assist-per-game average is exactly what you look for in a facilitator, and his 40 percent three-point shooting last year is an added bonus.
If the Toronto Raptors can't snag Damian Lillard with the No. 8 pick, they could look to Machado to add depth to the point guard position.
38. Denver Nuggets
38 of 60Kostas Papanikolaou, SF (Greece)
2011-'12 Stats: 7.8 PTS, 1.1 STL, 34.8 3PT%
The Denver Nuggets have a deep rotation and can afford to draft a player who may or may not contribute right away in the NBA.
Out of Greece, Kostas Papanikolaou is a smart forward who makes the right plays on both sides of the floor—but with the potential for him to stay overseas, he may not get a look at the NBA until a few years down the road.
39. Detroit Pistons
39 of 60Orlando Johnson, SG (UC Santa Barbara)
2011-'12 Stats: 19.7 PTS, 5.8 REB, 42.7 3PT%
With the Detroit Pistons expected to draft big in the first round, Orlando Johnson could be the target with the 39th pick.
His shot is deadly, and with solid workouts this summer, he could realistically hear his name called even earlier on draft day.
40. Portland Trail Blazers
40 of 60Jae Crowder, SF (Marquette)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.5 PTS, 8.4 REB, 2.5 STL
Without knowing exactly what next year's rotation is going to look like, the Portland Trail Blazers should target a high-energy guy to come off the bench next season.
Jae Crowder is a good rebounder, has a decent perimeter game and has the motor to make the physical plays on both ends of the floor.
41. Portland Trail Blazers
41 of 60Mike Scott, PF (Virginia)
2011-'12 Stats: 18.0 PTS, 8.3 REB, 56.3 FG%
With the Portland Trail Blazers' injury troubles the past few seasons, they can always afford to add size to their bench.
Mike Scott will turn 24 this year, but behind LaMarcus Aldridge, he could learn the ropes and provide rebounding and mid-range shooting when need be.
42. Milwaukee Bucks
42 of 60Tomas Satoransky (Czech Republic)
2011-'12 Stats: 4.8 PTS, 1.3 AST, .5 STL
The Milwaukee Bucks have one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA, so taking a player who you can develop—possibly overseas—isn't a bad idea.
Tomas Satoransky is a long, athletic guard. His shot needs improvement, but his athleticism helps him make plays on both ends of the floor.
43. Atlanta Hawks
43 of 60Kevin Murphy, SF (Tennessee Tech)
2011-'12 Stats: 20.6 PTS, 5.2 REB, 4.6 3PT%
If the Atlanta Hawks have added to their backcourt in the first round, they could look to add depth on the wings with the 43rd pick.
A number of perimeter players could fill the need here, but Kevin Murphy might be one of the best scorers remaining at this point in the draft.
44. Detroit Pistons
44 of 60Darius Miller, SF (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 9.9 PTS, 2.8 REB, 2.1 AST
The Detroit Pistons could be looking to replace a number of positions on their roster in the not-so-distant future.
With Tayshaun Prince reaching 32 years old this year, drafting a perimeter player with good size and shooting ability in Darius Miller makes sense.
45. Philadelphia 76ers
45 of 60Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 2.7 REB, 46.6 3PT%
The Philadelphia 76ers are in desperate need of shooting.
Doron Lamb was relatively quiet behind the other Kentucky stars last season, but his scoring ability and shooting touch will be great additions to a roster that needs both.
46. New Orleans Hornets
46 of 60Furkan Aldemir, PF (Turkey)
2011-'12 Stats: 8.2 PTS, 6.5 REB, 60.6 FG%
Following the Emeka Okafor trade and Chris Kaman's impending free agency, the New Orleans Hornets need size outside of Anthony Davis.
Furkan Aldemir is a good selection here. He provides size if he plays for the team next season, but if he stays overseas, the already youthful Hornets will continue to grow despite his absence.
47. Utah Jazz
47 of 60Tyshawn Taylor, PG (Kansas)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.6 PTS, 4.8 AST, 38.2 3PT%
The point guard position was a concern for the Utah Jazz seemingly all last season.
Consistency has been an issue for Taylor in the past, but a great first step and a high basketball IQ could be great starting points to becoming a good NBA player.
48. New York Knicks
48 of 60Henry Sims, C (Georgetown)
2011-'12 Stats: 11.6 PTS, 6.0 REB, 1.4 BLK
The New York Knicks don't have much behind Tyson Chandler, and adding a big body could benefit them heading into next year.
Henry Sims is a 7'0" center who proved he can defend and score around the basket during his breakout senior season.
49. Orlando Magic
49 of 60Darius Johnson-Odom, SF (Marquette)
2011-'12 Stats: 18.3 PTS, 3.5 REB, 38.5 3PT%
The Orlando Magic have an aging core on their perimeter heading into the 2012-13 season.
Darius Johnson-Odom is an undersized small forward, but with a deep-range shot and relentless athleticism on his side, he can make plays happen at just 6'3", 212 pounds.
50. Denver Nuggets
50 of 60Tornike Shengelia, SF (Georgia)
2011-'12 Stats: 8.3 PTS, 4.3 REB, 1.0 AST
The Nuggets have another chance here to draft someone who may or may not join right away because of their incredible depth.
Tornike Shengelia is a player who, despite his offensive deficiencies, can make a difference as a solid rebounder and a good athlete.
51. Boston Celtics
51 of 60Hollis Thompson, SF (Georgetown)
2011-'12 Stats: 12.8 PTS, 5.5 REB, 43.0 3PT%
With the likely subtraction of Ray Allen from next season's lineup, the Boston Celtics can look to bolster their backcourt with the 51st pick in the NBA draft.
Hollis Thompson won't make the team forget about Allen, but his good mechanics and deep-range shot will be welcome additions to Boston's perimeter next year.
52. Golden State Warriors
52 of 60Tu Holloway, PG (Xavier)
2011-'12 Stats: 27.5 PTS, 4.9 AST, 1.5 STL
If Tu Holloway is still on the board at No. 52, the Golden State Warriors should snatch him up without a second thought.
The point guard has a tendency to over-dribble at times, but as a great scorer with a quick first step, Holloway could become a threat at the NBA level.
53. Los Angeles Clippers
53 of 60Drew Gordon, PF (New Mexico)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.7 PTS, 11.1 REB, 1.0 BLK
Despite having Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordon on the roster, the Los Angeles Clippers finished just 22nd in the league in rebounding last season.
Drew Gordon is a player who will add rebounding and shot-blocking, as well as solid free-throw shooting—another category the team struggled with last year.
54. Philadelphia 76ers
54 of 60J'Covan Brown, PG (Texas)
2011-'12 Stats: 20.1 PTS, 3.8 AST, 3.4 REB
With Lou Williams testing free agency this summer, the Philadelphia 76ers might be willing to take a chance on Texas point guard J'Covan Brown.
Brown is an excellent penetrator and one of the nation's best scoring point guards, but questions about team chemistry issues could cause him to fall out of the draft completely.
55. Dallas Mavericks
55 of 60Khris Middleton, SF (Texas A&M)
2011-'12 Stats: 13.2 PTS, 5.0 REB, 2.3 AST
The Dallas Mavericks is a team that could see a lot of change over the next few seasons.
Not many current perimeter players are in their long-term plans, and taking Khris Middleton would give them a long, athletic wing to groom over the next few years.
56. Toronto Raptors
56 of 60Robbie Hummel, SF (Purdue)
2011-'12 Stats: 16.4 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.2 BLK
Robbie Hummel had a good senior season at Purdue, but concerns regarding two past ACL injuries should cause his stock to fall this summer.
If the Raptors are willing to be patient with him, he could take on a point-forward role with his high basketball IQ and solid court vision.
57. Brooklyn Nets
57 of 60Justin Hamilton, C (LSU)
2011-'12 Stats: 12.9 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.3 BLK
If the Brooklyn Nets are unable to obtain Dwight Howard, they are going to need size as insurance to a recovering Brook Lopez.
Hamilton never put up the best numbers at LSU, but his presence down low can be felt with his shot-blocking on defense and his soft touch on offense.
58. Minnesota Timberwolves
58 of 60Marcus Denmon, SG (Missouri)
2011-'12 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 5.0 REB, 40.7 3PT%
The Minnesota Timberwolves' biggest concern this summer is the shooting guard position.
Marcus Denmon likely won't be the answer to the problem right away, but his deep-range shot might be enough to keep him around as they search for their next big 2-guard.
59. San Antonio Spurs
59 of 60Kevin Jones, PF (West Virginia)
2011-'12 Stats: 19.9 PTS, 10.9 REB, 1.0 BLK
There's no reason Tim Duncan shouldn't return to the San Antonio Spurs next season, giving Kevin Jones time to earn his minutes in the team's rotation.
Jones isn't the best athlete, but as a good rebounder and solid shooter, he can play both forward positions.
60. Los Angeles Lakers
60 of 60Quincy Acy, SF (Baylor)
2011-'12 Stats: 12.0 PTS, 7.4 REB, 1.8 BLK
The Los Angeles Lakers will face questions surround their wings next year.
Quincy Acy may not last this long in the draft, but if he does, his athletic style of play and nose for the ball will be enough to convince the Lakers to take a chance on his raw offensive game.









