NBA Draft 2012: First-Round Prospects with Most Explosive Athleticism
Explosiveness and athleticism can be two mutually exclusive traits when talking about an NBA Draft prospect, but the 2012 NBA Draft class is loaded with players who can easily claim to boast both traits.
An explosive athlete can take a nothing situation and turn it into a highlight that you will see on SportsCenter and posters for years to come. A player like Vince Carter had explosive athleticism in his prime.
Here is a look at the most explosive athletes in this year's draft class.
Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Robinson's development has been a treat to watch. He was not on anyone's radar coming into the season, then proceeded to go out and average 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, leading Kansas to the National Championship Game.
He is the definition of a great athlete who finally got everything to click. He is a game-changer at the power forward position.
Robinson has the ability to create his own shots, which is becoming more of a trend for power forwards in the NBA. Plus, he can get off the ground as well as anyone in this class. A potential double-double machine, Robinson proved to everyone what he is capable of at Kansas.
The scary thing is, he might be getting better.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
As far as pure athleticism is concerned, Kidd-Gilchrist is at the top of the list in this year's draft. He is so smooth and fluid with his movement, while at the same time understanding exactly when to attack the rim or pull back.
All that you need to know about Kidd-Gilchrist is that he was talked about just as much as his teammate Anthony Davis.
Kidd-Gilchrist is still fine-tuning some parts of his game—namely his outside shot—but he is so skilled already, and plays so physically with or without the ball, that he should have no problems adjusting to the NBA.
Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut
Unlike the first two names on this list, Lamb's actual performance on the court leaves a lot to be desired. There is no denying the athletic ability, which is why he is on this list, but he has work to do at the next level.
The biggest issue with Lamb is that he doesn't want to shoot the ball as much as he should. Normally we would praise a player for being unselfish, but when you have the talent to be a dynamic scorer, you should show it off.
Lamb makes things look so easy when he's on the floor that it's going to be a shock if he slides out of the lottery. He moves around so well and can contribute in so many different ways. He is going to be a hidden gem in this class.
