2012 NBA Draft Order: Bobcats' Want for Harrison Barnes Could Shake Up Lottery
The Charlotte Bobcats own the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NBA draft, and after working out Harrison Barnes last week, the lottery could see a potential shakeup come draft day.
The Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell reported this week that the Bobcats will be looking to add three-point shooting to the roster next season.
"Coach Mike Dunlap said his priority regarding #Bobcats roster is more and better 3-point shooting
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) June 25, 2012"
While that thought could change with the recent acquisition of Ben Gordon, Barnes could be a solid replacement to Corey Maggette, whom the team dealt to the Detroit Pistons.
One of the big questions here has to be, is Barnes worthy of the second pick in the NBA draft?
ESPN’s Chad Ford currently has the 6’8” small forward occupying the No. 4 slot owned by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Out of North Carolina, Barnes averaged 17.1 points and 5.2 rebounds as a sophomore a season ago.
His skill set is highlighted by his scoring ability, and after a season where the Bobcats finished dead last in points per game, he would be a welcome addition to their rebuilding roster.
His basketball IQ is high, his mid-range game is great and using his length, he can be an excellent defender on the perimeter.
However, when it comes down to judging top-quality picks, a prospect's spot in the draft is ultimately judged by his competition.
In this year’s ultra-talented class, Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Andre Drummond may prove to have higher ceilings.
No player in this draft is free of risk, but if the general notion becomes that Barnes is not a top-two prospect, it could be the draft order—not the mock drafts—getting the real shakeup.
A number of teams should be vying for that No. 2 spot, and the Bobcats could opt to trade down a few spaces if they feel Barnes will still be available.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had Beal on their radar for quite some time and could be willing to make a deal in order to get their guy.
Ken Berger of CBS Sports has reported that the Cavaliers have offered the “No. 4 pick and either the 33rd or 34th" to the Bobcats in exchange for their No. 2 pick.
The Cavs also own the 24th pick, which Berger believes the Bobcats would require in the deal in place of the 33rd or 34th.
The NBA draft order may be set, but that in no way means that it’s set in stone.
If the Bobcats decide to target Barnes come draft day, mock drafts and draft orders could see a big-time shakeup.
| 1. New Orleans Hornets |
| 2. Charlotte Bobcats |
| 3. Washington Wizards |
| 4. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 5. Sacramento Kings |
| 6. Portland Trail Blazers (From Brooklyn Nets) |
| 7. Golden State Warriors |
| 8. Toronto Raptors |
| 9. Detroit Pistons |
| 10. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota Timberwolves) |
| 11. Portland Trail Blazers |
| 12. Houston Rockets |
| 13. Phoenix Suns |
| 14. Milwaukee Bucks |
| 15. Philadelphia 76ers |
| 16. Houston Rockets (From New York Knicks) |
| 17. Dallas Mavericks |
| 18. Houston Rockets (From Minnesota Timberwolves) |
| 19. Orlando Magic |
| 20. Denver Nuggets |
| 21. Boston Celtics |
22. Boston Celtics (From Los Angeles Clippers) |
| 23. Atlanta Hawks |
| 24. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Los Angeles Lakers) |
| 25. Memphis Grizzlies |
| 26. Indiana Pacers |
| 27. Miami Heat |
| 28. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 29. Chicago Bulls |
| 30. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio Spurs) |
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