NBA Mock Draft 2012: How Last-Minute Moves Are Reshaping Latest Forecast
The 2012 NBA draft is almost upon us and the moves—or at least rumored moves—are coming in fast and furious.
Chase Budinger has already changed hands as the Houston Rockets acquired the No. 18 pick in an effort to land Dwight Howard. That won't be the last move before Thursday night.
Each move that is successfully made has major ramifications that sweep through the rest of the draft proceedings. Read on for the latest update.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
The only last-minute move that New Orleans Hornets management and Anthony Davis will be making is a subtle adjustment to get more comfortable in their respective chairs at the 2012 NBA draft.
No one is stealing Davis away from the Hornets.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats are still trying to move down in the order a bit, attempting to parlay the No. 2 pick into a higher quantity of fresh faces. If they can't trade, though, the recent addition of Ben Gordon ensures that they go big.
Thomas Robinson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are both in play here, but the Bobcats could still use the scoring that the former Kansas Jayhawk will add to the team.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida
Something tells me that the Washington Wizards have been calling the Charlotte Bobcats every day in an attempt to convince them not to allow the Cleveland Cavaliers to move up in the draft to take Bradley Beal.
Although Beal, Thomas Robinson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would all fit in with the Wizards, Beal is the pick here because of his well-rounded offensive game and ability to replace Jordan Crawford at shooting guard from day one.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
If the Cleveland Cavaliers can't get their paws on Bradley Beal, it seems like Harrison Barnes is going to be the pick here. The small forward would add some significant scoring ability to the team and help Kyrie Irving shoulder the offensive burden.
The Cavs aren't done trying to steal Beal, though.
5. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the premier talents in the 2012 NBA draft, and the Sacramento Kings would have to thank their lucky stars if he managed to fall to them at No. 5.
Sacramento needs a true small forward so it can stop letting Tyreke Evans play there. The addition of MKG would also allow the Kings to trade Evans for a new piece as well.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn Nets): Damian Lillard, Weber State
There's still a chance that the Portland Trail Blazers ship off either the No. 6 or No. 11 pick in an effort to add a veteran or a better draft pick, but if they don't, Damian Lillard is the pick here.
The point guard is the clear No. 1 player at his position in this class and his nose for the pick-and-roll should make him an immediate threat during his rookie season, particularly when he runs it with LaMarcus Aldridge.
7. Golden State Warriors: Andre Drummond, Connecticut
The Golden State Warriors need a small forward and should still be attempting to move up the boards, but with Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist both off the table, size is key here.
Andre Drummond has a ceiling as high as anyone else in this draft class and could thrive with less pressure on him. Being drafted at No. 7 would definitely turn down the cooker a little bit.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
While Jeremy Lamb has done nothing to dispel the notion that he's a liability in the hard-work department and a potential locker-room cancer, the Toronto Raptors have done nothing to dispel the notion that they need a wing player.
For all his red flags, Lamb is a tremendously gifted offensive player who should be able to contend for Rookie of the Year if he lands in the right situation.
9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina
The shot-blocking presence of John Henson and the offensive game of Greg Monroe would make for a terrifying young frontcourt in Detroit.
Henson may not be too polished offensively, but his versatility on defense is invaluable. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has the quickness to shut down players on the perimeter and the length to contest shots on the blocks.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota Timberwolves): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Making it back-to-back draft picks who used to wear powder blue, Tyler Zeller gives the New Orleans Hornets a seven-footer and helps to completely renovate the frontcourt.
He and Anthony Davis complement each other quite well, as Zeller's all-around finesse game fits in perfectly with Davis' flair for the athletic.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
The Portland Trail Blazers have already selected Damian Lillard in this mock, so now let's have them select the combo guard out of Syracuse in an effort to completely remake the backcourt.
Dion Waiters has been rising up the draft boards for the last few weeks and appears to have all the physical tools and skills to become a poor man's version of Dwyane Wade.
12. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks): Perry Jones III, Baylor
While I highly doubt that the Houston Rockets end up with this pick, Perry Jones III would be the selection if they do. Houston is making a play for Dwight Howard and this is one of the picks that would have to go.
PJ3 is an incredible athlete and could be a major mismatch at small forward in the future, but he has to start playing with more consistency.
13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, Duke
This brash shooting guard would be the perfect choice to play in the desert because the Phoenix Suns need a go-to shooter.
Austin Rivers and his ridiculous ability to control the ball while getting into the lane at will would help ease the transition into the post-Steve Nash era.
14. Milwaukee Bucks (from Houston Rockets): Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Although Ekpe Udoh still has potential, the Milwaukee Bucks can't be satisfied with letting him hold down the fort at center. After trading away Andrew Bogut, it seems like a sure thing that center is the position of choice here.
With Tyler Zeller off the board, there are no better big men than Meyers Leonard, the insanely athletic 7'1" center from Illinois.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Tom Moore of Calkins Newspapers reports that the Philadelphia 76ers are considering Jared Sullinger here, but I highly doubt they select the big man with the troublesome back while Terrence Jones is still on the board.
The Sixers like to stockpile versatile players and that's exactly what Jones is, with the potential to play either small forward or power forward at an elite level.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York Knicks): Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State
Just like with the No. 14 pick, it's unlikely that the Houston Rockets keep the No. 16 pick. However, if they do, they'll be looking to add size.
Arnett Moultrie is the best power forward left on the board and he'll be able to play center if he can develop a bit more tenacity on the glass.
17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
The fourth and final North Carolina Tar Heel taken in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft, Kendall Marshall's job would essentially be to make Dirk Nowitzki's life as easy as possible.
I'm not talking about off-the-court stuff, but rather just passing him the ball at all times and creating easy scoring opportunities.
18. Houston Rockets (from Minnesota Timberwolves): Terrence Ross, Washington
Now that Chase Budinger has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 18 pick, the Houston Rockets have three picks within six slots in the draft. Most likely, they're trying to package these together in an effort to get Dwight Howard.
If they do keep the pick, though, drafting the defensive swingman with a smooth jump shot to complement Arnett Moultrie and Perry Jones III is the right call.
19. Orlando Magic: Moe Harkless, St. John's
Moe Harkless must add some weight to his frame if he's going to be successful at the next level, but his quick hands and ridiculous athleticism give him a lot of upside.
The Orlando Magic need help pretty much across the board (especially if Dwight Howard isn't going to return), which makes drafting the best player available a solid strategy.
20. Denver Nuggets: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Jared Sullinger's draft-day fall ends with the Denver Nuggets.
While the Nuggets don't need a power forward, they can afford to take one because their deep roster does't have any true holes. Taking a risk on a lottery-level player at No. 20 is too good to be true for the Denver management, especially if he pans out.
21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, Iowa State
Can you imagine how crazily versatile Royce White could become if Rajon Rondo showed him how to make a couple of his fancier passes?
The anxiety-ridden forward can play anywhere on the court and should be a triple-double threat as he develops. Although he won't be running the show like he did so often at Iowa State, his skills will still prove invaluable to a Boston Celtics organization in need of a Kevin Garnett replacement.
22. Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers): Andrew Nicholson. St. Bonaventure
While I highly doubt that the Boston Celtics wind up using both the No. 21 and No. 22 picks in the draft, they should roll with Andrew Nicholson if they do.
Transitioning from St. Bonaventure to the NBA will surely lead to some tough times, but Nicholson has the inside and outside skills to make it a successful journey.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The Atlanta Hawks could either go with a small forward, true center or point guard here. True center is the least of the priorities because Al Horford has proved more than capable of holding down the fort at the 5.
Between the upside of Marquis Teague and the fact that he and his brother would push each other to new heights every day, this point guard is too much to pass up.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Los Angeles Lakers): Fab Melo, Syracuse
The Cleveland Cavaliers have already added a scoring small forward in the form of Harrison Barnes, so now it's time to provide frontcourt depth by drafting Fab Melo.
Melo is a project player and only capable of contributing on defense right now, but he has high upside and he's the best true center left on the board.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, France
Look for the Memphis Grizzlies to draft Evan Fournier and then leave him in Europe to work on his jumper for another season.
Whether it's from a financial standpoint or a talent one, the Grizz don't need to add a mid-level rookie to the roster right now.
26. Indiana Pacers: Tony Wroten, Washington
The Indiana Pacers need a backup for Darren Collison, and it's impossible to find a better one at this stage than Tony Wroten.
A defensively skilled athlete with size and great passing skills, all Wroten needs to do now is reform his jumper while trying to become a better teammate.
27. Miami Heat: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
The Miami Heat aren't looking to upgrade at point guard or center, but rather to add a solid wing player, according to Chet Kammerer, a Heat draft expert:
"Heat draft guru Chet Kammerer said team more likely to draft wing player at No. 27, based on way Heat ended season.
— Michael Wallace (@WallaceNBA_ESPN) June 27, 2012"
Jeffery Taylor plays great defense and is an incredible athlete, making him an intriguing prospect in the latter portions of the first round.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State
Draymond Green is a great glue guy and a true winner, something that the Oklahoma City Thunder might be looking for after losing four games in a row in the 2012 NBA Finals.
More importantly, Green is a versatile forward who can contribute in a number of ways when he provides Kevin Durant with a brief respite from the on-court action.
29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
The fifth Kentucky Wildcat off the board in the first round, Doron Lamb is exactly the piece that the Chicago Bulls need.
He's a two-way shooting guard with a smooth offensive game and a winning mentality.
30. Golden State Warriors (From San Antonio Spurs): Quincy Miller, Baylor
Quincy Miller won't be able to truly live up to his potential until he adds some weight to his frame and hits the gym to straighten out his jump shot.
The Baylor small forward does have a lot of potential, though, and could eventually become the player the Dubs need at the 3.
