2012 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Predictions

With the 2012 NBA draft less than one week away, it's time for final first-round predictions of the trades and picks that are going to go down on June 28th at 7:00 pm E.T, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

From speculating on the Charlotte Bobcats and the Cleveland Cavaliers swapping their lottery picks, to predicting which prospects will be drafted too high and which will fall further than originally projected, all your first-round predictions are right here.

Ahead is a first-round mock draft predicting everything from draft-day trades to which players will be drafted by which NBA teams. 

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

If Anthony Davis' name is still on the board after the Hornets use the No. 1 pick, I'll stop watching basketball.

The Hornets need a true, franchise player, and that's exactly what Davis is.

Davis is one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory. He's lanky, athletic, versatile and defensively-minded, which is a mix that doesn't come by all that often. The Hornets will start rebuilding their franchise around Davis, and that's a great place for them to be.  

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (Via Charlotte): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Rumors coming out of Charlotte are that the Bobcats and Cleveland Cavaliers are talking about swapping their lottery picks so the Cavaliers can have a shot at drafting the best shooting guard prospect in the draft—Bradley Beal.

The Bobcats won't just "swap" picks, though. The speculated trade will most like look something like this: Bobcats send 2012 No. 2 pick to Cavaliers for 2012 No. 4 and No. 24 first-round picks.

Assuming that trade actually comes to fruition, the Cavaliers will certainly draft Bradley Beal with this pick. He's the most NBA-ready shooting guard prospect in the draft, and he's the franchise player the Cavaliers need to put beside 2012 Rookie of the Year, Kyrie Irving. Talk about an impressive backcourt. 

3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

After trading away Rashard Lewis, the Wizards have a hole at the small forward position. What better way to fill that hole than by drafting the best small forward in this year's draft?

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an NBA-ready talent who can come in and make an immediate impact on a somewhat underwhelming Wizards' roster.

Kidd-Gilchrist is a mature player who not only can score the ball, he can also defend on the perimeter extremely well, which is something that the Wizards lacked last season. With Kidd-Gilchrist and John Wall on the court together, the Wizards will certainly be a better team next season. 

4. Charlotte Bobcats (Via Cleveland): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

After swapping the No. 2 pick with the Cleveland Cavaliers for this pick and the Cavs' No. 24 pick, the Bobcats will end up with the same player they would've taken at the No. 2 spot—Thomas Robinson.

Robinson is a physically gifted player who knows how to score the ball, while also outworking everyone around him on the court.

Of all the needs the Bobcats have, finding a legitimate post player is at the top, and that's exactly the hole they'll fill by drafting Robinson. The Bobcats will also benefit from drafting Robinson because of his ability to hit shots from the perimeter, which in turn will help the Bobcats spread the floor.

Who knows, with the right coaching and veteran mentoring, Robinson could end up being the most productive power forward coming out of the 2012 NBA draft. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Andre Drummond is the definition of a player with a lot of potential, but also a high amount of risk.

The fact that Drummond is 7'0'' and 279 pounds will help NBA front offices overlook the question marks surrounding his game, and it's at the foundation of why the Kings will draft him with the No. 5 pick.

With Drummond, the Kings can hopefully move DeMarcus Cousins to the power forward position, where he's better suited to play. If Drummond can develop at a consistent level alongside Cousins, the Kings will have one of the most exciting frontcourt tandems in the Western Conference.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (Via Brooklyn): Dion Waiters, PG/SG, Syracuse

No prospects' draft stock has risen quite as much as Dion Waiters' has over the past few months. What also helps Waiters stand out from other prospects is his 6'4'' and 215-pound frame, which is bigger and stronger than other guard prospects like Damian Lillard and Austin Rivers.

Waiters is such an enticing prospect because of his pure ability to score, his versatility and his relentless motor.

The Blazers would be foolish to pass on such a talent, as they need a player who can run the point effectively, score the ball and do that all at an efficient level. Waiters certainly can do that, and that's why the Blazers will take a risk on him so high. 

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes might be the most mature and NBA-ready player in the draft, but teams often fall more in love with potential than they do with developed talent.

That's good news, though, for the Golden State Warriors, who will be able to draft him at the No. 7 spot.

Drafting Barnes not only adds depth to the Warriors' bench, it also gives the Warriors some much needed athleticism out on the wing. The Warriors will also benefit from the maturity and work ethic that comes with the way Barnes approaches the game. 

8. Toronto Raptors: Austin Rivers, SG/PG, Duke

Austin Rivers being drafted at the No. 8 spot might seem like a bit of a stretch, especially with Damian Lillard still on the board, but if there's one team that could make a stretch in the draft, it's the Raptors.

Rivers is a prolific scorer who can also run the point, which is something the Raptors can benefit from.

While the Raptors have DeMar DeRozan and Jose Calderon on their roster, they can always benefit from having more production challenging them and coming off the bench. Rivers can do just that, and the fact that he learned the game from Celtics coach Doc Rivers certainly helps his case.

With some work on efficiency, Rivers can develop into a productive player in the NBA.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

With Greg Monroe holding down the center position for the Detroit Pistons, the Pistons need to find a player in the draft who can help solidify their frontcourt in the East.

There's on doubt that John Henson is the man for that job.

Henson is an incredibly mature, fundamentally sound and hard-working player who will be able to challenge those around him with his work ethic while also being able to earn solid minutes in the Pistons' rotation as a rookie.

Henson and Monroe could certainly develop into a productive frontcourt tandem rather quickly, which is exactly what the Pistons need. 

10. New Orleans Hornets: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Damian Lillard is quite possibly the most explosive offensive talent in this year's draft, and being able to draft him with the No. 10 overall pick would be an absolute steal for the New Orleans Hornets.

With the hype around Dion Waiters continuing to grow, there's a chance that Lillard could fall to the Hornets at this spot, and if he's available, they'll certainly use their second lottery pick on him.

Pairing Lillard and Anthony Davis would be a match made in heaven for the Hornets, and it would certainly create one of the most excited rookie tandems in recent memory. Lillard's offensive skills could certainly help the Hornets turn things around next season. 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

After drafting Dion Waiters with their first lottery pick, the Portland Trail Blazers will shift their focus to their massive need at the center position in their frontcourt.

The Blazers need a center to compliment LaMarcus Aldridge's game, and Tyler Zeller is the kind of NBA-ready center who can do just that.

Zeller might not be the most athletically-gifted draft prospect, but he is mature and has the ability to spread the floor a bit with his consistent mid-range game. With Zeller and Waiters coming out of the lottery, the Blazers could be a dramatically different team next year, which is good news for Blazers fans. 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

After trading Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis this past season, the Milwaukee Bucks left a gaping hole at the center position.

With Tyler Zeller coming off the board to the Houston Rockets just one pick ago, the Bucks don't have many other options other than Meyers Leonard at the center spot.

Leonard is a raw talent, but he's certainly capable of developing into a strong and productive seven-foot center. Leonard will certainly be a project, but the amount of potential that exists in his game is reason enough for the Bucks to pull the trigger on him. 

13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

The Phoenix Suns need to accept the reality of life without Steve Nash, and the best way to do that is to find his replacement in this year's draft.

Kendall Marshall is a very similar player to Nash. He's the truest point guard in the draft, but he also knows how to score the ball when his team needs him to.

If Marshall is on the board, and the Suns pass on him, I'll be completely shocked. Drafting Marshall is a win-win for the Suns because he's capable of stepping right in and having an immediate impact on the court, and he's also mature enough to take time on the bench learning from veteran talent—assuming the Suns can re-sign Steve Nash for another year or two.

Either way, Marshall is the Suns' man, there's no doubt about that. 

14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

The Rockets' biggest need in this year's draft is to add some serious depth and production off the bench, in the frontcourt.

They can do just that by using their lottery pick on one of the most versatile, athletic and skilled big men in the draft—Arnett Moultrie.

Moultrie is a well-sized, athletically gifted player, who's able to stretch the court with his versatile offensive skills. The Rockets would be wise to draft Moultrie, as he would add depth and immediate bench production to an underwhelming Rockets' second unit. 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

With Lou Williams entering free agency, the 76ers will need to find his replacement with their first-round draft pick. Absolutely.

If Terrence Ross is on the board when they pick in the first round, he's the player the 76ers absolutely need to draft.

Ross is a well-sized guard who can run the point or play at the 2-guard spot. Ross might remind some 76ers fans of Jodie Meeks, but in all honesty, he's a much more complete and versatile player than Meeks, which is good news for the 76ers. 

16. Houston Rockets (Via New York): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Just a few months ago, Fab Melo was projected by a number of experts to be a second-round prospect, but that's all changed as of late, as more teams are looking to draft a seven-foot center

The Rockets certainly need a productive center whom they can hopefully begin to build around.

Fab Melo will certainly be a stretch for the Rockets, but with Tyler Zeller and Meyers Leonard off the board, they'll have no other choice. Melo is certainly a "project player," but the high potential that exists in his seven-foot frame and raw offensive talents is enough for the Rockets to fall in love with, and hopefully build around. 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

With the top point guard prospects off the board, the Mavericks will look to fill one of their other needs with their first-round pick.

Behind Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks don't have too much depth. Luckily, they can change that by drafting Perry Jones III.

Jones is a ridiculously athletic and versatile power forward who has the ability to not only step in and produce for the Mavericks off the bench, but also work his way into the starting lineup at the center position. Jones is a lottery-quality pick who will fall out of the lottery area because of other team's draft needs—which is good news for the Mavericks. 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (Via Utah): Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

David Kahn doesn't have the greatest track record with draft picks, aside from Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, but that doesn't mean he'll make a mistake this year.

The Timberwolves need a shooting guard, but I expect them to fill that need during free agency, not the draft. In the draft, the T'Wolves will look to add a versatile player who can play multiple positions while also adding production off the bench.

Terrence Jones perfectly fits that mold. He can play in the paint as a power forward. But he can also take his game to the perimeter to expose defenders there. Jones could be great pick for a team looking for legitimate second-unit production. 

19. Orlando Magic: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

It might seem outlandish for Jeremy Lamb—a lottery prospect—to fall all the way to the No. 19 pick in the draft, but his lack of size and questionable effort at times could certainly detract teams.

With teams passing on Lamb for players with higher NBA-ready potential, the Orlando Magic will pull the trigger on Lamb and quite possibly make the steal of the draft.

Lamb is a special athlete who could certainly add some production to the court coming off the bench for the Magic, and he could undoubtedly find his way into the starting lineup beside Jameer Nelson at some point in the 2012-13 season. 

20. Denver Nuggets: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

The more Jared Sullinger's draft stock plummets, due to issues with his back, the better the chances are of a team outside of the lottery landing Sullinger's fundamental skills.

The Denver Nuggets need someone to come in and outwork opponents on the glass, while also bringing a level of consistency to their offensive production in the paint. Sullinger can do just that, and he can do it almost better than every other player in the draft.

Sullinger is a fundamental and efficient player, and that's exactly what the Nuggets need. 

21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, SF, St. Johns

There are a lot of areas the Boston Celtics need to improve in the draft, but above them all is the need to get more athletic and productive on the wing.

The Celtics need production off their bench at the wing, and Moe Harkless can step right in and do that. Harkless might not be the most efficient or consistent player in the draft, but he's certainly a player who can score the ball.

Harkless would be a great addition to a Celtics team trying to get younger and more athletic. 

22. Boston Celtics (Via L.A. Clippers): Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

A lot of experts think the Boston Cetlics are going to take a risk on Royce White with one of their two, first-round picks, but I think they're smarter than that.

Andrew Nicholson is a much more complete, mature and safer prospect than White. He's the kind of prospect that will work harder than almost everyone on the roster while also learning from the veterans on the team.

The Celtics need Nicholson, especially if Kevin Garnett decides to retire or re-sign with a different team for the 2012-13 season.  

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington

Tony Wroten Jr. is an oversized point guard who also knows how to score the ball. Those qualities are what will interest the Atlanta Hawks when they step up to the podium with the No. 23 overall pick.

Wroten also knows how to facilitate the offense to his teammates as well as, if not better than most other point guards in this year's draft.

With the established talent the Hawks have, that's all they'll need him to do, and he's certainly capable of that. 

24. Charlotte Bobcats (Via Cleveland): Will Barton, SG, Memphis

Here's the other first-round pick the Charlotte Bobcats get from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the trade I think they'll make to swap their lottery picks.

If the Bobcats do indeed decide to swap picks with the Cavaliers, they'll still need to find a shooting guard in the draft, and Will Barton should be the man for the job.

Barton is an athletically-gifted shooting guard, who can downright score. While Barton has growing to do, he'll be able to produce alongside Kemba Walker and D.J. Augustin next season. 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

The Memphis Grizzlies need production from their second unit, especially at the point guard position.

Aside from Mike Conley, the Grizzlies don't have anyone on their roster who can legitimately run the point while also adding offensive production to their lineup.

Marquis Teague is the kind of player the Grizzlies have needed for the past few seasons, and drafting him is their only first-round option. 

26. Indiana Pacers: Evan Fournier, SG, France

Evan Fournier is an interesting prospect. He's a lanky shooting guard, with an impressive ability to score from almost anywhere on the court.

He's the kind of player, though, because of a lack of scouting on him, that is high-risk/high-reward. While that will turn some teams away, it will certainly garner interest from others.

The Pacers, who need production at the 2-guard/small forward spots coming off the bench, certainly could benefit from taking a risk on Fournier. 

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

The Miami Heat certainly have enough talent on their roster to compete for back-to-back championships next season, but one area they need to improve on is consistent production coming off the bench.

Draymond Green is the kind of mature, NBA-ready player who can step in and provide just that for the Heat.

Green's ability to stretch the court will help him be a productive rookie, and it will make him one of the steals of the 2012 NBA draft. 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Royce White, F, Iowa State

With all the questions surrounding Royce White's maturity and ability to be a polished player in the NBA, no one knows where he will land in this year's draft.

White needs to mature, and he needs to figure out what position he'll play in the NBA, but even with those questions, he's still a prospect with a lot of upside.

The Thunder could certainly benefit from having White come off the bench to create some production for their second unit—as he's versatile enough to play a number of positions. 

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

The Chicago Bulls absolutely must draft a shooting guard with their first-round pick, and that's exactly what they'll do.

At this point, the Bulls will take the highest shooting guard on their draft board, and with Evan Fournier, Will Barton and Tony Wroten off the board, John Jenkins will be their man. Jenkins is an athletically gifted scorer, with an impressive ability to finish at the rim.

He's the kind of player who can step in and help the Bulls immediately. 

30. Golden State Warriors (Via San Antonio): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Quincy Miller shouldn't be in the 2012 NBA draft. He needed another year at Baylor to add some polish to his game, but unfortunately that's not going to happen.

After an underwhelming combine performance, Miller's stock has fallen, and while that's a shame for him, it's good news for the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors can get an athletic wing man, who could've been a lottery pick next year, with the last first-round pick of the 2012 NBA draft.