2012 NBA Mock Draft: Comparing Expert Mocks from Around the Web

The 2012 NBA draft is just hours away, with June 28th approaching ever-so-slowly for the prospective stars of tomorrow. As this approaches, dozens of mock drafts can be found across the Internet.

The important piece in evaluating those attempts at prediction is deciphering who is reliable and who is not. Fortunately for the B/R community, I've done such.

Three of the world's most respected journalists have put together a series of mock drafts. Their latest productions are under a tight scope, as each and every pick will be compared and evaluated. The following slides will inform you which picks are accurate and which couldn't be more far off.

Mock Drafts: Chad Ford, ESPN; Scott Howard Cooper, NBA.com; Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

Anthony Davis is the consensus pick for the No. 1 draft choice. From Chad Ford to Scott Howard Cooper to Sam Amick, heck, all the way down to Milton Waddams and his stapler! We all know who will be selected.

When you can dominate a game without shooting the ball a single time, that'll happen.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats (PF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats (PF)

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

In the words of Nick Offerman, the Charlotte Bobcats are a team with "more holes than a Swiss cheese donut." Due to this fact, any player selected at this point is an upgrade over their current situation.

In the eyes of both Chad Ford and Scott Howard Cooper, the selection will be Thomas Robinson. This offers the Charlotte Bobcats the presence of a low-post scorer, something they presently lack. Between Robinson and Bismack Biyombo, who was one of the better shot blockers in 2012, this selection would also present Charlotte with one of the better young frontcourts in the league.

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, meanwhile, sees the Bobcats taking another route. Amick has Michael Jordan's group taking Bradley Beal.

After ranking last in the NBA in three-point shooting, finishing as the first team in a decade to shoot worse than 30 percent as a team, Beal is a logical selection. He'd stretch the floor and offer Kemba Walker a perimeter shooter to boost the quality of his drive-and-dish game. And he'd offer a major upgrade in terms of perimeter defense.

Regardless of which way the Bobcats go, anything will help.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks (PF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators (SG)

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators

The tables turn with this pick, as both Ford and Howard Cooper go Bradley Beal while Amick has Thomas Robinson. Once again, either of these selections would improve the quality of the Wizards in a major way.

As for Beal, the selection of the versatile 2-man would be key to John Wall's development. While former Wizard Nick Young and Jordan Crawford have filled in as respectable perimeter scorers, neither possess the potential that Beal does. They also lack the pure shooting ability that comes with Beal's tenacious defense.

Tack on Beal's ability to move without the basketball and John Wall's job suddenly becomes a whole lot easier.

Should the Wizards select Thomas Robinson, an elite pick-and-roll game would develop. Robinson is excellent at finishing around the basket, has no problem taking contact and is more than capable of taking a step back for a mid-range jump shot. He's also a physical interior defender who would complement both Nene and Kevin Seraphin well.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks (PF)

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

For the second time in this young draft, our three experts have come to a consensus. This time around, it's the Cleveland Cavaliers passing up on Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and taking the best small forward prospect available: Harrison Barnes.

Barnes' elite jump shooting ability is reason alone for the Cavaliers to take him at this point in the draft, as their perimeter shooting is far too weak to properly complement Kyrie Irving's penetrating abilities. The former Tar Heels' elite perimeter defense is just an added bonus.

The only way this pick doesn't make sense is if Bradley Beal is still on the board.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels (SF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels (SF)

5. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

Once again, we have a consensus.

With the fifth pick in the 2012 NBA draft, the Sacramento Kings fill their greatest need by selecting one of the best perimeter defenders of this class: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. As a result, Tyreke Evans' future becomes rather bleak and the Kings' playoff chances improve mightily as years pass and chemistry builds.

The biggest issue the Kings faced in 2012 had nothing to do with abilities; it was entirely derived from their lack of effort. Isaiah Thomas' rookie season may have caught eyes due to his size and production, but the true reason for his greatness was how hard he played.

If anyone was on par with his level of effort, the Kings may have won more games. Considering Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has as great a motor as anyone in this class, this seems to be a match made in heaven.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats (SF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats (SF)

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Weber St. Wildcats

The Portland Trail Blazers have two outstanding needs: point guard and center. In the eyes of both Chad Ford and Scott Howard Cooper, the Trail Blazers will go with the former.

Damian Lillard is the selection here, as he ranks on almost every Big Board as the best point guard available. The reason for the praise is Lillard's elite scoring ability at the PG position, which is quite reminiscent of Monta Ellis'. The separating factor, however, is the fact that Lillard is one of the nation's most efficient players in more than just shooting.

Lillard is a responsible ball-handler with very good passing skills. While Lillard must improve his court vision, he's currently fit to run a team in a way similar to that of Brandon Jennings. The difference is that Lillard is actually a more NBA-ready player than Jennings was.

If not Lillard, Sam Amick has the Blazers selecting Andre Drummond—a pick that I agree with.

Portland has given up on Greg Oden and needs to put a player in the middle to replace him. Drummond can be that guy, as he's a much safer pick than people give him credit for. Drummond is a Marcus Camby-type player, as he can explode with his leap but is much more comfortable playing grounded.

He'll rebound, block shots and man the offensive glass. There's no reason to pass on Drummond at this point in the draft.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats (PG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats (PG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies (C)

7. Golden State Warriors: Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies

Once again, Chad Ford and Scott Howard Cooper are on the same page. Both have Golden State selecting Andre Drummond, thus adding athleticism to their grounded frontcourt.

With this selection, the Warriors puts themselves in a position similar to that of the Utah Jazz. Drummond would start as a reserve, as both David Lee and Andrew Bogut have firm grips on their starting jobs. This would open the door for Drummond to start out slow and build comfort with the accelerated pace of the NBA.

What's key to this selection, however, is that Bogut has a long history of injuries. Drummond would add some much-needed depth.

If not Drummond, Sam Amick has the pick being Dion Waiters out of Syracuse. This would offer the Warriors a slashing scorer who would complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson well. This would also place Waiters in a familiar position: sixth man.

An intelligent and safe pick, but probably not the best pick possible.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies (C)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies (C)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange (SG)

8. Toronto Raptors: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

One of the more trendy picks in this draft is to have Dion Waiters going to the Toronto Raptors, which both Ford and Howard Cooper agree on. The reason behind this is Waiters' elite slashing ability, Dwyane Wade-star potential, and ball-handling ability that enables him to run the point.

The question is, how beneficial would it really be to bring another slasher in alongside DeMar DeRozan when the Raptors' greatest need is perimeter shooting?

For Amick, that risk is too great. Instead of Waiters, who he had selected with the previous pick, Amick believes that the Raptors will take Austin Rivers, another trendy pick whose popularity may outweigh his ability.

Nevertheless, Rivers' perimeter shooting and crafty ball-handling would help the Raptors in a major way.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils (SG)

9. Detroit Pistons: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

Chad Ford has long had the Detroit Pistons selecting John Henson. It is his belief that the Pistons are in need of an explosive shot blocker to complement the offensive-minded Greg Monroe. Howard Cooper and Amick agree, just not on the player.

The NBA and SI writers both have the Pistons selecting center Meyers Leonard out of Illinois. It is their belief that his athleticism and shot-blocking abilities are close enough to Henson's to warrant this pick. They also feel Monroe is better fit for the 4.

Regardless of which way they go, Detroit is poised to improve their interior D in a major way.

Chad Ford, ESPN: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels (PF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini (C)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini (C)

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Wolves): Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

For the first time in the draft, all three writers differ on who they believe will be taken.

Chad Ford has Austin Rivers, Scott Howard Cooper has Kendall Marshall, and Sam Amick has Damian Lillard. Regardless of which whey they go, it's clear that New Orleans is thinking point guard.

Due to Monty Williams' familiarity with dynamic point guards (anyone remember Chris Paul?), the most likely selection is Austin Rivers. He's an outstanding ball-handler with elite scoring abilities. His ability to facilitate is questionable, but the Hornets are in a position in which the playoffs are out of reach to begin with.

Worst-case scenario is Rivers becomes a replacement for the potentially departing Eric Gordon.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils (G)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels (PG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats (PG)

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

And we're back to Ford and Howard Cooper sharing opinions.

Both have the Portland Trail Blazers selecting Tyler Zeller, answering their question in the paint. This is a solid selection due to Zeller's mobility, shot blocking and low-post scoring abilities. He's also an excellent offensive rebounder, which takes a load of pressure off of All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge.

Amick, meanwhile, has the Blazers taking the best facilitator available: Kendall Marshall out of North Carolina. This creates an excellent opportunity for pick-and-roll play between Marshall and Aldridge, as well as Marshall and Drummond.

This is another scenario in which any pick fits. Marshall just so happens to be the best option.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels (C)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels (C)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels (PG)

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm

Once again, we have a three-way difference. Ford has Meyers Leonard, Amick has Tyler Zeller, and Scott Howard Cooper offers up the most likely to be available, Moe Harkless.

Harkless would offer the Bucks a major upgrade at the 3, giving them yet another explosive perimeter player to wreak havoc on the offensive end. Although he, much like Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, leaves something to be desired on the defensive end, his explosiveness and elite potential cannot be passed up.

Harkless would change the Eastern Conference in a major way if he arrived in Milwaukee.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini (C)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm (SF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels (C)

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies

Once again, we have a consensus.

Jeremy Lamb out of Connecticut will fall no further than 13th, where the Phoenix Suns feel they'll have landed the 2 of their future. Lamb will benefit from playing alongside a top-tier center in Marcin Gortat, as well as his potential pairing with Steve Nash. Should Nash leave, all that will call for is a larger role for Lamb and a much more rapid period of development.

What's key for Lamb is that will be playing under Alvin Gentry, who has moved the Suns closer and closer to playing strong defense with each passing year. With Nash out of town, that goal may actually be achieved and Lamb's presence will fit right in.

His lockdown perimeter defending, unbelievable wingspan and smooth and consistent jump-shooting will make him a fan favorite early.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies (SG)

14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

For the first time in the 2012 NBA draft, we see Perry Jones III's name. Unfortunately for Jones, only Chad Ford has him projected to go this high, so his moment will have to wait.

Both Scott Howard Cooper and Sam Amick have John Henson going to the Houston Rockets at 14. Henson is an elite athlete, a consistent shot blocker and one of the most focused defenders I've ever seen coming out of college. The question for Henson will be, can he hold his own against physical opponents who will throw their weight around on the block?

Houston believes so and makes him the pick here.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears (F)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels (PF)

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

This pick is filled with Terrence. For Chad Ford, that's Terrence Ross. For Scott Howard Cooper and Sam Amick, that's Terrence Jones. Each pick has its benefits.

In the case of Terrence Ross, the Philadelphia 76ers could be dealt a fatal blow as Lou Williams exits for free agency. This opens the door for Ross to come in and play a key role in their recovery, as Evan Turner takes over as the secondary ball-handler and Ross fills in as sixth man.

Don't forget, Jodie Meeks is also testing the free-agency waters.

For Terrence Jones, the benefit is clear. The Sixers need both depth behind Andre Iguodala and security at the 4, where Lavoy Allen has shown promise but nothing more, and Elton Brand is aging. Jones' versatility, as well his ability to take over as a primary ball-handler, may just be enough to get him drafted.

While Ross is my selection out of these three, Jones is the winner by majority.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats (F)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats (F)

16. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

For the third time in 16 picks, the experts disagree. With Chad Ford going with Moe Harkless, Scott Howard Cooper choosing Austin Rivers, and Sam Amick selecting Perry Jones III, it remains up in the air.

Due to Jones III's potential to play the 3 and the other two's unavailability, PJ3 becomes the clear choice.

Perry Jones III will bring the Houston Rockets a versatility at the 3 that is certainly needed after the Chase Budinger trade. He'll also offer the Rockets what Marcus Morris was poised to bring: an ability to score from anywhere on the floor.

In drafting both PJ3 and John Henson, the Rockets add some explosive athleticism to their roster that may be able to land a trade for Dwight Howard.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears (F)

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Once again, we are faced with a situation in which all experts disagree. Due to the fact that Terrence Jones, who was selected by Chad Ford, is now unavailable, it comes down to either Terrence Ross or Jared Sullinger.

With Amick picking Sullinger, it will pain him to hear this—Scott Howard Cooper's selection of Terrence Ross is the best one.

The Dallas Mavericks are currently watching Jason Terry enter free agency. They're also well aware of the fact that their entire slew of consistent perimeter players are over 30 years old. Adding Terrence Ross cures both of those woes while adding something Jason Terry has never been able to provide.

Terrence Ross is an outstanding shooter, much like Terry, but is also an excellent perimeter defender, something Terry is not. Placing him alongside Shawn Marion may be the best way to spark the Mavericks' return to form.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats (F)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes (PF)

18. Houston Rockets (via Wolves.): Trade Piece

With the Houston Rockets' trade of Chase Budinger for the Minnesota Timberwolves' first-round pick, no experts have yet registered the updated selection.

Chad Ford, ESPN: N/A

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: N/A

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: N/A

19. Orlando Magic: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Sam Amick's selection of Moe Harkless works here. The issue is, we've already seen Harkless plucked off the board to Milwaukee at pick 12. This leaves the majority as the rulers with Jared Sullinger.

Both Chad Ford and Scott Howard Cooper have Sullinger going to Orlando, completely ignoring the fact that Glen Davis just burst onto the scene in the postseason. Regardless of Big Baby's contributions, Sullinger is a great fit as he's the pound-the-paint player that Orlando had been hoping to acquire.

Should Dwight Howard remain in Orlando, Sullinger's scoring and rebounding skills will work wonders alongside our era's best defensive player. The former Buckeye is the best and most polished low-post scorer in this draft class, and the competition isn't even close.

While he may not be a star, Sullinger is a safe bet to average 10-15 points a night for years to come.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes (PF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Moe Harkless, St. John's Red Storm (SF)

20. Denver Nuggets: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Chad Ford has Kendall Marshall going to the Nuggets, but Marshall is well off the board by this point. Sam Amick has Royce White going to the Nuggets, but he may not be the cure to the Nuggets' low-post scoring woes.

This leaves Scott Howard Cooper's selection of Arnett Moultrie as the best possible selection.

Moutlrie is an outstanding athlete whose back-to-the-basket sills have improved tremendously since he first went to Mississippi State. He's also established a solid face-the-basket game and improved mightily from the free-throw line.

While Moultrie may take some time to find his own and finish putting it all together, he will offer the Nuggets a much-needed half-court scorer.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels (PG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones (SF)

21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones

The Boston Celtics have two options at this point in the draft, as Scott Howard Cooper's selection of Perry Jones III is already off the board. This leaves Chad Ford's choice of Royce White and Sam Amick's selection of Andrew Nicholson.

Sorry, Amick, but Ford's got you beat.

Royce White is an elite prospect due to his upside alone. He's, arguably, the most well-rounded player in this draft class due to his ability to score from the post, mid-range and distance, as well as his ball-handling, facilitating and rebounding dominance.

Royce White can do it all, folks. Studying Paul Pierce for a few years could turn him into a star.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears (F)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies (PF)

22. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange

This time around, Sam Amick wins the battle of indecision.

Andrew Nicholson is an excellent player and a potentially elite low-post scorer, which is why Chad Ford has him here. John Jenkins, meanwhile, is the best pure shooter in the draft (a strong reason Scott Howard Cooper has him as his selection). There just so happens to be no greater need than the 5 for the Celtics, as KG will either leave in free agency or retire within the next three to five seasons.

That presents an opportunity to bring in an outstanding athlete and great shot blocker in Fab Melo to fill the paint and run alongside Rajon Rondo in transition. Two aspects of the game that few, if any, Celtic bigs can currently manage.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies (PF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt Commodores (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange (C)

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

The trend continues as we hit the Hawks, with each expert offering a different player at a different position. The most likely name is Tony Wroten Jr., as the Hawks bring in a more physical and athletic form of Jamal Crawford.

Consider him their Tyreke Evans.

While Jeff Teague played admirably this 2012 season, he clearly cannot shoulder the workload with such weak depth at the position. Wroten Jr. would solve that issue by providing the Hawks with a player who can alternate between the point and the 2, attacking the basket with his powerful dribble and also facilitating the offense in transition.

As long as Larry Drew can tame Wroten's wild play, the former Washington Huskie could pay dividends for Atlanta come the postseason.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies (PG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies (PF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers (SG)

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

So what do we do now? With Fab Melo and Arnett Moultrie both off of the board, the Cleveland Cavaliers are down to a pick in which no expert on this list will be able to say they've predicted. Instead, they will select a player who has yet to see his name arise.

Quincy Miller out of Baylor.

Miller has elite-player potential but a very low draft stock due to concerns about a knee injury that he suffered early in the 2011-12 season. The Cavaliers should not be afraid to pull the trigger on this pick, however, as Miller could be a Kevin Durant-type talent.

Even with Harrison Barnes as the first pick, it's worth taking Miller here. It's not worth reaching for a 2 or 5 when the Cavs have two early second-round picks to do so.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange (C)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Fab Melo, Syracuse Orange (C)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs (PF)

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats

Finally the experts can agree! Partially.

Both Chad Ford and Sam Amick choose Marquis Teague here, which makes perfect sense for the Memphis Grizzlies. Beyond Mike Conley Jr.'s excellent 2012 campaign, the Grizzlies lacked the presence of a secondary ball-handler. This thrust O.J. Mayo into a role he may not have always been comfortable with.

In landing Teague, Memphis finds a player who can push the pace and put up big points in small periods of time. Teague's jump shot has improved mightily, as evidenced by his stellar draft combine performance, and possesses beautiful court vision.

Had Teague waited until 2013, he'd have been a top-10 pick. He's just that good.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats (PG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt Commodores (SF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats (PG)

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

The experts disagree and so do I. Regardless of how great a fit Draymond Green, Quincy Miller and Miles Plumlee may have been, there is no better low-post scorer available at this point than Andrew Nicholson. That's exactly who the Pacers will take.

Nicholson has an excellent motor and the talent to dominate a game. He will do anything from diving for a loose ball to knocking down a mid-range jump shot. He'll also control the glass, block shots and force turnovers from the defensive low post.

Nicholson would be a great short-term replacement for Louis Amundson and an even better long-term replacement for both Tyler Hansbrough and the potentially aging David West.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Draymond Green, Michigan State Spartans (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears (SF)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Miles Plumlee, Duke Blue Devils (PF/C)

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores

Draymond Green is a great player who would fit well, Sam Amick is correct. The same can be said about Chad ford's pick of Jeff Taylor. Why would the Heat would select a player other than a center is beyond me, though.

Festus Ezeli out of Vanderbilt is the best center available here. He's a true enforcer in the paint, which Miami certainly needs, and thrives as a shot blocker and rebounder. What's best about Ezeli's game is that he doesn't need to see big minutes to contribute in a big way.

Ezeli would fit into Miami as well as any player. Instant playing time is almost a guarantee if his abilities pan out.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt Commodores (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores (C)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Draymond Green, Michigan State Spartans (SF)

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt Commodores

With the 28th pick in the NBA draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder should listen to Sam Amick and question what Ford and Howard Cooper are thinking.

In the case of SHC, it appears he's forgotten about Eric Maynor. While there's no guarantee he fully recovers from his injury, the Thunder are likely to offer him a chance to prove himself before bringing in a new reserve point guard.

As for Ford, adding the defensively-inept Evan Fournier seems counter-productive. Thabo Sefolosha is a much better option and James Harden being replaced is out of the question.

Amick, meanwhile, has some logic. His proposal of selecting Jeff Taylor out of Vanderbilt is the best selection here. Taylor would add depth at the 3, offering the Thunder yet another lockdown defender with elite athletic ability.

The issue here, of course, is that none of these experts addressed the Thunder's most pressing need: a low-post scorer. Due to the fact that trading back isn't an option in this mock draft, Jeff Taylor is selected by virtue of being the best fit.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Evan Fournier, France (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats (PG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt (SF)

29. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers

Both Chad Ford and Scott Howard Cooper have chosen Will Barton to be the Chicago Bulls' 2 of the future. Hardly a choice worth arguing.

Will Barton is an outstanding jump shooter, lethal penetrator and true threat to finish above the rim at any given moment. Barton is also a threat to break out in transition, something the Bulls will need with their floor general, Derrick Rose, sidelined for a majority of the regular season.

Sam Amick has Evan Fournier, which is another option, but it's hard to believe the Bulls will want to keep a player overseas for a year when the injury-prone Rip Hamilton is currently their best option.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers (SG)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers (SG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Evan Fournier, France (SG)

30. Golden State Warriors (via Spurs): Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

The Golden State Warriors are in a position in which none of their projected selections will be available. With Andre Drummond already under contract, however, a position of need has been eliminated.

Due to this fact, the best player available approach could be taken. I'm more of a gambling man myself, though, which calls for the first major reach of the draft: Scott Machado out of Iona.

Machado is the best facilitator not named Kendall Marshall. He's also a much-improved jump shooter with widespread court vision and crisp passing skills. Machado will be a threat for 15 and 10 on a nightly basis, making him a potential All-Star candidate for sure.

For now, just consider him insurance behind the injury-prone Stephen Curry.

Chad Ford, ESPN: Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears (SF)

Scott Howard Cooper, NBA: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies (PG)

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores (C)