2012 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Picks and Projections for Entire First Round
Time is running out for the 2012 NBA mock draft season. The draft is just days away, and it is time to add the final tweaks to mocking efforts.
There are still a ton of question marks in this draft, and you don't have to slide very far down draft boards before reaching a decent sized pile of players whose draft position is essentially interchangeable.
Anyway, without further ado, here is my latest, but probably not last, mock draft.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Davis' greatness takes all the fun out of mocking the first selection.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
This pick could go in a number of directions, and Michael Jordan doesn't exactly have the greatest track record of overseeing successful draft picks. In the end, I think he will go with Gilchrist, because he will be the prospect who most reminds Jordan of himself.
Yes, they play different positions, but take a look at the similarities. MKG is supremely athletic. He uses this to be a great wing defender. It also helps him be a nice finisher who is deadly in the open court.
To be a complete offensive player at the next level, MKG will have to add consistency to his jump shot.
Still, there are a few prospects you could say this about, but what pushes MKG over the top is that he is insanely competitive. Does this remind you of anyone yet?
3. Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond, C, UConn
Drummond has to polish his game, but the guy's size/athleticism ratio is off the charts. If he puts it all together, he is a potential MVP-caliber center.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
The Cavs will be ecstatic if Beal lasts until No. 4. He will be a superb fit with Kyrie Irving and add scoring to the perimeter for the Cavs.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
The Kings need Thomas Robinson, and I don't just mean on the court.
This is a young team without a real identity. Their best player is DeMarcus Cousins, and he is not exactly the kind of player you want setting the emotional tone for a franchise.
Robinson will help offset Cousins' unpredictability (for lack of a better word, or at least one that is fit for print). Thomas Robinson works hard and is a natural leader.
He is also an outstanding basketball player. He is a good rebounder and a nice finisher around the rim.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
The Blazers are in need of a point guard, but they will roll the dice to get their guy with their next pick, grabbing the talented Barnes here.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor
The Warriors could use some length on the wings, and Jones will definitely bring that.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Lamb will be headed off to Canada after the Raptors peg him to help them ease their backcourt-scoring concerns.
9. Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Moultrie's athleticism will be a nice addition to the young Pistons. He is raw but has the tools to succeed.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Having landed Davis at No. 1, the Hornets will try to find a true center for him to grow with.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
After earlier passing on a point guard, the Blazers won't let Lillard get past No. 11.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Where Sullinger goes in this draft is going to be one of the big storylines this year. I do not see him falling as far as some are speculating.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
The Steve Nash era in Phoenix has likely run its course. They will take Marshall and hope he can carry the point guard torch.
14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
Houston has been trying to add some length to their frontcourt since they lost Yao Ming. Zeller definitely brings length.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Austin Rivers will give the Sixers some much needed shooting.
16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
The Rockets don't need backcourt help, but Waiters is a great value here, and this will give Houston the flexibility to pursue trades.
17. Dallas Mavericks: John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Dallas needs frontcourt depth. Henson is a hard-worker who will provide valuable minutes off the bench.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
Jones is a nice fit here. With Kevin Love bringing such a solid scoring presence from the power forward position, they won't have to lean on Jones for much scoring, and his defense will be invaluable.
19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington
The Magic don't need backcourt depth, but they could use a player like Ross. Orlando has plenty of guards ready to catch and drain a three.
This helps Orlando maximize the value they attain from Dwight Howard, as it helps them space the floor with his massive interior presence.
Ross is not a pure catch-and-shoot marksman like other Magic guards, but he is a good shooter. He is also athletic. Ross is not afraid to put the ball on the court to get to the rim.
He is also a very nice wing defender with good length.
20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless is athletic, can run the floor and is not afraid to play some defense. George Karl will love him.
21. Boston Celtics: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
The Celtics may or may not bring back Ray Allen. Either way, they have to start looking for a full-time replacement.
22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
See above, only apply to Kevin Garnett and Fab Melo. I'm not trying to say Melo is KG, but he has a chance to be a defensive presence down low.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
The Cavs can use some frontcourt depth, and Nicholson's athleticism is a nice fit as well.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
The Cavs need some help at SF. Taylor is an exciting prospect and could develop into a legitimate scorer.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Shooting guard is a position of strength for the Grizzlies, but the addition of Jenkins would free them up to make a trade to create a more balanced lineup.
26. Indiana Pacers: Royce White, PF, Iowa State
Royce White is a hard-working interior player who will fit right in with the young Pacers.
27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Ezeli is a serious project pick, but the Heat can afford to take a project.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington
Wroten has some similarities to a younger Russell Westbrook, and the Thunder need a backup point guard.
29. Chicago Bulls: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State
Green is a Jack-of-all-trades-, master-of-none-type of player. He is a nice fit for the Bulls.
30. Golden State (via San Antonio Spurs): Evan Fournier, SG, France
The Warriors need some new backcourt depth. Fournier is a bit of a risk, but he has a high ceiling.
