NBA Draft 2012: 5 Most-Hyped Players with the Highest Bust Potential

With so much pressure on young NBA draft picks, it is inevitable that some will crack and enter infamous "bust" status.

From Michael Olowokandi to Darko Milicic, an under-performing lottery pick can have severe implications for a franchise and its fan base. This year's crop is well aware of the pressure, and will hope to avoid the "bust" tag at the next level.

Here are the five most-hyped players with the biggest bust potential going into this week's 2012 NBA Draft.

John Henson, F, UNC

Despite his success at the college level, there is concern over North Carolina John Henson's NBA potential.

At 6'10", Henson is only 216 pounds. While he could play either forward position in college, his frame will limit his ability to become a dominant PF in the NBA. Alternatively, he could be too slow to keep up with quick wings like Carmelo Anthony and Andre Iguodala.

Noted for being a monster rebounder and shot blocker in Chapel Hill, Henson will not be able to rely on his physical skills to box out NBA big men like Serge Ibaka and Paul Millsap.

Few players of Henson's physical stature have made it in the NBA, and if he does not want to fall into bust status, he should hit the weight room ASAP.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, Kentucky

Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played both forward spots in college, but will likely have to prove his worth as a wing in the NBA.

At 6'7" and 233 pounds, he has the body to be a ferocious wing but his guard skills are worrisome.

Kidd-Gilchrist has a high motor and is known for leaving it all out on the floor. However, his ball-handling skills are mediocre and he could be a turnover machine in the NBA. His shot is also concerning, as he is not adept enough to fall into the sharp shooting category that most NBA teams require from their starting wing.

Make no mistake, Kidd-Gilchrist has all the tools to be a star in the NBA, but these deficiencies could severely limit his development and have him falling into bust status a few years into his career.

Jeremy Lamb, G, UConn

Like John Henson, UConn guard Jeremy Lamb would benefit from some added weight.

Lamb is 6'5" but only 179 pounds, disconcerting to NBA scouts. Unless Lamb bulks up, he will be pushed around by post-up guards on the block throughout his NBA career.

Just as a reference point, Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant outweighs Lamb by almost 30 pounds. Despite being five inches shorter, Clippers point guard Chris Paul has nearly the same weight as the UConn guard.

Lamb is known for using his athleticism to get to the basket, but his lack of strength could stymie his ability to deal with contact at the NBA level.

Some of this was evident in college, as he often elected to settle for a floater or pull-up jumper, rather than throw his body into a defender.

Unless Lamb deals with this issue soon, he could find himself on the bench early in his NBA career.

Austin Rivers, G, Duke

Duke's freshman tweener guard Austin Rivers will have to tighten up his offensive game at the next level.

Rivers is neither a pure point guard nor a dominant shooting guard; he is more like a Randy Foye than he is an O.J. Mayo. There will undeniably be a learning curve for Rivers at the next level, as he will likely struggle to find his identity on the court.

While he was the Blue Devils' motor last season, he also lacked poise at times on the court. For every big shot he hit, he also had an unnecessary turnover caused by a lack of patience.

Much of the nation will be rooting against Rivers for his history in Durham. The Duke complex has a nasty habit of fostering resentment among NBA fans.

Refining his game in the offseason and working closely with his coaching staff will be of chief importance for Rivers this summer.

Otherwise, NBA critics might salivate at the opportunity to group Rivers with all-time Duke bust Christian Laettner.

Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Expectations will be paramount next season for the consensus No. 1 pick Anthony Davis.

The Kentucky power forward will be playing with a target on his back all season as the front-runner for Rookie of the Year honors.

At 6'10" and only 220 pounds, Davis' bulk has to be of concern to NBA scouts. Without a strong core, Davis will have trouble maintaining post position against opposing big men and will be forced into tough off-balanced shots.

The pressure of being the No. 1 pick also comes with comparisons to the best and worst first picks in the history of the league.

A successful NBA career could have Davis in the same category as former No. 1 picks LeBron James or Tim Duncan. Alternatively, under-achieving will have critics calling him a bust fast and early.

Will Davis be the next Dwight Howard or the next Kwame Brown?

The possibilities are endless, as Davis prepares for his first NBA season.