2012 NBA Draft Order: Teams That Should Move Up to Select Star of Future
NBA teams use the draft to fill holes in their rotation and, in some cases, select the new face of their franchise.
Some teams will be in position to add the player they desperately need. Others will face wishful thinking as they watch their potential star come off the board before they get a chance to choose him.
Addressing needs through the draft is one thing, but star-caliber players are rare commodities. A true star is worth forfeiting future assets to nab their services.
Let's take a look at three teams that would be wise to improve their position in this year's draft but, before we do that, let's look at the order of this year's first round.
| 1. New Orleans Hornets |
| 2. Charlotte Bobcats |
| 3. Washington Wizards |
| 4. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 5. Sacramento Kings |
| 6. Portland Trail Blazers (From Brooklyn Nets) |
| 7. Golden State Warriors |
| 8. Toronto Raptors |
| 9. Detroit Pistons |
| 10. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota Timberwolves) |
| 11. Portland Trail Blazers |
| 12. Milwaukee Bucks |
| 13. Phoenix Suns |
| 14. Houston Rockets |
| 15. Philadelphia 76ers |
| 16. Houston Rockets (From New York Knicks) |
| 17. Dallas Mavericks |
| 18. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Utah Jazz) |
| 19. Orlando Magic |
| 20. Denver Nuggets |
| 21. Boston Celtics |
22. Boston Celtics (From Los Angeles Clippers) |
| 23. Atlanta Hawks |
| 24. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Los Angeles Lakers) |
| 25. Memphis Grizzlies |
| 26. Indiana Pacers |
| 27. Miami Heat |
| 28. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 29. Chicago Bulls |
| 30. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio Spurs) |
Philadelphia 76ers
According to Alex Kennedy of hoopsworld.com, Andre Iguodala is on the trading block.
"The Philadelphia 76ers nearly traded Andre Iguodala in the days leading up to last year’s draft, but ultimately decided not to make a move. Now, league sources say Iguodala is on the trade block once again. The 28-year-old could be moved this week, with Philadelphia weighing their options and considering a move into the lottery. The 76ers met with several top prospects during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, including Andre Drummond, and they may be willing to part with Iguodala to acquire a top pick. Philadelphia seems ready to turn over the reins to their young core of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young, which means Iguodala could be on the way out.
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Moving Iguodala would be wise at this point. He's set to make over $30 million in the next two years, but his production doesn't merit his pay scale. He is one of the league's best perimeter defenders, but his offense hasn't lived up to expectations.
The 76ers are not far away from contending, but they must find a go-to presence in the frontcourt. Kennedy mentions Drummond, and he could be the perfect fit.
Doug Collins' hard-nosed attitude would motivate Drummond to play at full speed. His motor is the only real knock on his game, and Collins would neutralize that.
In terms of athleticism and potential, Drummond is among the draft's most intriguing prospects. He has an extremely high ceiling, and he would fit into Philadelphia's young rotation perfectly.
The 76ers could also target a less expensive wing or a power forward to replace Elton Brand, but Drummond is the ideal selection. He's worth the price of moving into the lottery.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors hold this year's No. 7 selection, but they should look to move higher. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would be an ideal fit, and he could be Golden State's missing link.
Any elite wing player would make sense, and the Warriors would have a chance to grab one at No. 7. But Kidd-Gilchrist's intangibles and defensive prowess make him a more attractive option than Terrence Jones or Perry Jones III.
The Warriors have four draft picks in this year's draft. They would be wise to package No. 7, No. 30, a second-round pick and possibly Dorell Wright to move up. They could possibly entice Charlotte to move back, but they will have to outbid other teams for the No. 2 spot.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have both backcourt spots locked down. Andrew Bogut is a talented but oft-injured presence in the middle, and David Lee is a solid power forward.
Small forward is the Warriors' one glaring weakness.
Kidd-Gilchrist would bring immediate leadership to the table, and he would fit Golden State's uptempo game. His defense would be greeted with open arms, and his winning attitude would be a welcome addition to the Warrior fold.
Standing pat at No. 7 is far from the end of the world, but Golden State should be intrigued by the players slated to go before them.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics need to find a running mate for Rajon Rondo. They could take two solid players at Nos. 21 and 22, or they could move up and grab an elite talent.
Boston would be best served to package these two picks, and a future first-rounder, to move up as high as they can. Possible targets should include Terrence Jones, Perry Jones III, Terrence Ross and Meyers Leonard, among others.
Because of their age, Boston could select anything but a point guard in the first round.
They desperately need size, and Leonard would be an attractive option. He's a long-term project, but his athleticism as a seven-footer is very attractive.
Boston could also select an eventual replacement for Paul Pierce or an immediate replacement for Ray Allen.
This draft is pivotal to Boston's future. They must find Rondo some help, and veterans can only plug holes for so long.
The Celtics could stay put and take someone like Royce White, Fab Melo, Moe Harkless or Andrew Nicholson. Or they could move up as far as possible to select a future All-Star talent.
Out of these choices, the latter is this aging team's best option. Rondo is a star, but you don't win NBA titles with just one elite player anymore.
Finding a capable long-term No. 2 option is vital to Boston's future success.
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