2012 NBA Mock Draft: Pre Draft Day Edition
The 2012 NBA draft is just a day away and it seems that nothing is set in stone yet, especially not with all of the trades and rumors being thrown around that likely will continue up to and during the event itself.
Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock, assuming that the draft order doesn’t change—although that is certainly uncertain.
1. New Orleans Hornets (21-45): Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Davis is extremely likely to go No. 1 overall, as he is by far the best prospect in this draft class in terms of ability and upside. It would take an act of God for this selection not to go down.
2. Charlotte Bobcats (7-59): Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
The Bobcats would love to move this pick and take Robinson at a more reasonable spot (like No. 4…), but should be happy just to land this exciting young talent. He can do it all and has a great work ethic and attitude, which is exactly what a rookie needs when they are about to be banished to Charlotte.
3. Washington Wizards (20-46): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Beal would be perfect next to John Wall after the Wizards swapped Rashard Lewis for Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor. A potential starting five of Wall, Beal, Ariza, Nene and Okafor would be quite potent and could compete for a playoff spot at the bottom of the East.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-45): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
Cleveland is hell-bent on landing a scorer in this draft and it will likely be Barnes or Beal, depending on if they make a deal or not and how the picks ahead of them shake out. Either way, it will give Kyrie Irving someone to defer to help shoulder the scoring load for a team that is on the cusp of contention.
5. Sacramento Kings (22-44): Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
MKG is perhaps the best value pick in the draft at No. 5. He could have gone as high as No. 2 in the right circumstances, but team needs have him falling here. He’s a great defender and doesn’t need to dominate the ball to dominate a game. That is perfect for a Kings team that has plenty of scorers and not enough hustle.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (via 22-44 New Jersey Nets): Andre Drummond, C, UConn
Drummond is a super athletic big with a massive frame, but his production leaves a lot to be desired. If he can harness his talents and body, Portland will have a franchise center on their hands. If not, well, this pick could easily bust.
7. Golden State Warriors (23-43): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Lamb was criticized during his sophomore season at UConn for not being aggressive enough and taking over the leadership role that Kemba Walker vacated when he jumped to the NBA. He won’t have to worry about being the most dominant player on the court if the Ws take him, as they already have Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
8. Toronto Raptors (23-43): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
If the Raps want to make a splash, they should look into drafting the freshman SG out of Duke. He’s got superstar potential and could be the franchise player they have been seeking since Chris Bosh’s defection to South Beach. Rivers can handle the ball and score from anywhere, although he’s got to get better at moving without the rock.
9. Detroit Pistons (25-41): John Henson, PF, North Carolina
Henson would be the perfect fit next to Greg Monroe to form a powerful frontcourt in the Motor City. While the team won’t be back to championship form anytime soon, they would have a nice, young core to build around.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via 26-40 Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
Marshall’s ability to see the floor and above-average size for the position makes him the perfect future PG in NOLA. This franchise is going to want to get Davis going early, so finding someone to create easy buckets for the franchise big man will be key.
11. Portland Trail Blazers (28-38): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
With the Blazers addressing their need for a center earlier, they can go with a multi-talented guard like Waiters towards the end of the lottery. The Orange product can slash with the best of them, shoot the mid-range jumper with great consistency and handle the ball when necessary.
12. Milwaukee Bucks (31-35): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
Zeller isn’t going to be a superstar, but he’s going to see the floor in the NBA. He’s got the experience to immediately contribute big minutes in the Bucks’ extremely thin frontcourt.
13. Phoenix Suns (33-33): Damian Lillard, G, Weber State
Steve Nash is an unrestricted free agent, and even if he elects to return to PHX, the Suns will eventually need to replace him. Lillard has a lot of upside and is a great scorer that can create his own shot when necessary. If he can learn to facilitate, the future is bright for this young man.
14. Houston Rockets (34-32): Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
While it seems the Rockets are stockpiling picks for a blockbuster trade (Dwight Howard…), they could very well choose to keep them all and rebuild. They definitely need size, which is exactly what Leonard would provide, although he is a few years from being a nightly contributor.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (35-31): Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky
Jones is a versatile forward that should be able to play the 4 at the next level given his talents. If he gets more consistent, the Kentucky man could challenge Elton Brand for minutes right away.
16. Houston Rockets (via 36-20 New York Knicks): Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's
Harkless is another high-upside pick for the Rockets, who clearly need to hit a home run if they plan on keeping all of these. The Johnnies product has to work on his jumper, but his athleticism and raw ability are insane and worthy of this selection.
17. Dallas Mavericks (36-30): Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor
PJIII’s poor workouts and terrible motor have significantly hurt his draft stock. The Mavs might be willing to stop his fall at No. 17, as his upside is still extremely high. Perhaps playing with someone like Dirk Nowitzki’s work ethic will get this kid to change his attitude.
18. Houston Rockets (via 36-30 Utah Jazz): Terrence Ross, G, Washington
Ross is a nice guard prospect that would make Kevin Martin expendable as part of the Rockets’ hypothetical youth movement. They could flip his contract for more young pieces or cap freedom if they make this pick.
19. Orlando Magic (37-29): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Sullinger’s medically flagged back is killing his stock, but the Magic should be willing to take a big risk on him, assuming that they plan on trading Dwight Howard. A few years (and possibly many more) of a healthy Sullinger is worth the No. 19 pick.
20. Denver Nuggets (38-28): Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Miller’s high school ACL injury is giving a lot of teams doubts, but the Nuggets can take a chance on his high upside due to their deep roster.
21. Boston Celtics (39-27): Royce White, PF, Iowa State
White has received a first-round guarantee, which may likely be from the Celtics. He has reportedly interviewed well and should find a way to overcome his anxiety issues and fear of flying.
22. Boston Celtics (via 40-26 Los Angeles Clippers): Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
Nicholson possesses experience, a mid-range game, defensive prowess and rebounding tenacity. He would make an ideal replacement for Kevin Garnett in Beantown.
23. Atlanta Hawks (40-26): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
This pick might have the most value in the class, as many scouts feel Moultrie is worthy of a lottery pick. He’s a super athletic forward that would make the perpetually unhappy Josh Smith expendable in ATL.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via 41-25 Los Angeles Lakers): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
Lamb proved his worth during the NCAA tournament and is now a fringe first-round pick. The Cavs would love to add someone with his solid overall scoring abilities and three-point range here.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (41-25): Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Washington
Wroten’s court vision and size are incredible for a late first-rounder, but his jump shot is downright terrible and he is allegedly a poor teammate. We will see if the good outweighs the bad during his pro career, as the knocks on his game are certainly fixable.
26. Indiana Pacers (42-24): Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Teague projects as an extremely solid backup and possible starter. He’s got great athleticism and knows how to push a fast break.
27. Miami Heat (46-20): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Melo’s stock may be steadily rising, but the Heat are hoping it falls on draft day. They would love to add a high-upside big man to their championship roster.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19): Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
Green’s ability to shoot the three-pointer, rebound, defend multiple positions and be a vocal leader is perfect for this young Thunder team.
29. Chicago Bulls (50-16): John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
Jenkins' smooth jumper makes him an ideal Chicago Bulls draftee. He’s got the experience to see the floor during his rookie season.
30. Golden State Warriors (via 50-16 San Antonio Spurs): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
At No. 30, the Warriors could not ask for a better player. Taylor can defend, has incredible athleticism and an improving jumper.
