NBA Draft 2012: Point Guards with Goods to Lead a Team to Glory

With the 2012 NBA draft on Thursday, June 28, the excitement over the next big event on the basketball calendar is reaching epic proportions.

Players from all positions, schools and backgrounds will be drafted, but a select few point guards especially have the ability to walk right into the NBA and be difference makers.

All of the following guards will be able to run their NBA teams' point position and will be a steal for their respective squads in the first round.

Damian Lillard, Weber State

Arguably the best offensive point guard coming out in 2012, Weber State star Damian Lillard has all the intangibles to become a big-time player in the NBA.

At 6’3” and 190 pounds, Lillard has the size to play his aggressive style at the next level. For as sweet as his offensive touch is around the net, it’s his ability to make the proper reads and exploit the opposition’s defense that sets him apart.

While Lillard isn’t the best defender of speedy point guards, his length and toughness will be great tools for an NBA coach to utilize. For as raw as the young star is, there is no doubt he will be a star.

Prediction: No. 6, Portland Trail Blazers

Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels

While the Houston Rockets have a solid group of guards, the team lacks an elite ball-moving point guard who can run an offense and help execute plays.

Last season saw the Rockets struggle to find consistency at either end of the floor throughout the season. The hope is that the defensively sound Marshall will be able to inspire the rest of his teammates with his unwavering effort.

For as limited as he is offensively, the basketball I.Q., leadership and all around ball-handling skills of the young UNC star will have a team like Houston reaching just a bit for the potential NBA starter.

Prediction: No. 16, Houston Rockets

Marquis Teague, Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats ran all the way to a NCAA National Title in 2012, and Marquis Teague was manning the offense from the point guard position. While he doesn’t have the extensive experience of the other PGs in the first round, he has proved his worth in the biggest of moments.

While Teague doesn’t have the upside a player like Damian Lillard does, his big game experience is something you can’t train a player for. With Teague likely splitting time with a veteran guard to start, he will have a chance to get acclimated to the NBA quickly.

With Stephen Curry holding down the point in Golden State, Teague would offer the team the option to slide Curry to shooting guard at times and let the rookie run the offense. The combination could be dangerous long-term.

Prediction: No. 30, Golden State Warriors

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