NBA Draft Projections 2012: Team-by-Team Needs and Ideal Targets

We are just one day from the NBA draft, and speculation as to who will draft which player is at an even higher boiling point than before.  Now that the Charlotte Bobcats have traded Corey Maggette for Ben Gordon, it's becoming clearer that they will most likely draft a forward like Kansas' Thomas Robinson (pictured).

Still, some teams' needs are a bit more complex than others.  Unlike in the lottery, some teams are drafting for the future and not necessarily immediate help, so there are a multitude of players they can take with their pick.

Each has certain needs and at some point in the draft, they'll certainly get the chance to fill them.

Atlanta Hawks: Depth at Small Forward

When it comes to the weakest link among the Hawks' potential starters next year, the obvious answer is forward Marvin Williams.  Despite having decent size at 6'9", 245 pounds, he just hasn't lived up to his potential since the team took him out of North Carolina with the second pick in 2005.

On top of that, Williams is injury-prone and last year, his being hurt forced teammate Joe Johnson to play small forward rather than shooting guard.  Since it's becoming more and more clear that Williams is better suited to coming off the bench, it's time for coach Larry Drew to put Johnson at the 2 permanently, make Josh Smith the starting power forward and for new GM Danny Ferry to use the team's pick, the 23rd overall, to add some depth at the 3.

At that point in the draft, there should be some talented and athletic options available.

Ideal Target: Jeffery Taylor, F, Vanderbilt

Boston Celtics: Help at Power Forward and Shooting Guard

Boston is about to usher in a new era, as free agent veterans Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are highly unlikely to return.  GM Danny Ainge is committed to a youth movement and fortunately for him, the Celtics have a great first-round situation.  The team owns the 21st and 22nd picks.

It's rare that a team has the opportunity to fill two needs back to back, but Ainge has been blessed with that this year.  If he can find a consistent scorer and a dynamic power forward who can also play center, then it could possibly be as though Garnett and Allen never even left and were suddenly back in the primes of their careers.

Ideal Targets: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky and Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Brooklyn Nets: Help All Around

The Nets are in one of the worst positions they could possibly be in at this point regarding tomorrow night's draft.  Their sole pick is in the second round and to add insult to injury, it's the 57th overall, fourth to last.

On top of all that, the team has virtually no assets to try and pull off a draft-night deal to land All-Star center Dwight Howard, who has wanted to be traded to the Nets since before this past season even began. 

The only real trade chip they have is shooting guard Marshon Brooks, and I just don't see GM Billy King putting him on the table.  Even worse, there's no guarantee that star point guard Deron Williams will be back next year.

Thus, the Nets will be forced to roll the dice when their turn comes.  Since rebound machine Kris Humphries is probably gone via free agency, something tells me they'll go after a big man.

Ideal Target: Kyle O'Quinn, PF/C, Norfolk State

Charlotte Bobcats: A Reliable Power Forward

The Bobcats are also a team that needs help in most areas, but they at least have a future star point guard in Kemba Walker.  That said, it's time to find him a reliable forward who can score just as well as he plays defense.

In this case, I'd say that power forward is a bigger hole that needs to be filled.  Nothing against Tyrus Thomas, but his game is pretty one-sided and he spends more time on the trainer's table than on the court. 

Seeing as how the team holds the No. 2 pick, I think it's pretty obvious who they need to select.

Ideal Target: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Chicago Bulls: Depth at Point Guard

Bulls fans are probably pacing back and forth regarding next season, as 2010 MVP and team star Derrick Rose could potentially miss the entire season as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered during the playoffs. 

That said, it'd be nice if GM Gar Forman could use the 29th pick on a floor general who doesn't necessarily have the same abilities as Rose, but the same drive and determination.

In reality, the Bulls don't really need a score-first point man.  They just need someone who is reliable when distributing the ball to his teammates and, when necessary, makes a sick play going to the basket every now and then.

Ideal Target: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Cleveland Cavaliers: A Solid Shooter

After the Cavs took him with the first overall pick last year, Kyrie Irving proved that he had what it took to be an NBA star, averaging 18.5 points and 5.4 assists, despite having just 11 college games under his belt.  Cleveland has the fourth pick this time around, and they should use it to draft Irving's go-to guy.

Looking at the team's roster, one hole that really needs to be filled is at shooting guard.  Anthony Parker manned that spot last year, but he's an aging veteran who will leave via free agency.  Daniel Gibson is also an option there, but his streaky shooting doesn't make him a candidate for the starting lineup.

That said, the Cavaliers should go after a player who can just plain score points in any way possible.  He doesn't have to be solely a three-point threat (though consistency there would be nice), but it is imperative that he and Irving build a solid on-court relationship so that the post-LeBron era can happen more quickly and in a smooth fashion.

Ideal Target: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Dallas Mavericks: Backcourt Help

Now that Jason Kidd and Jason Terry have hit free agency, the Mavericks are potentially going to be missing two things: a reliable shooter and a floor general who can get star Dirk Nowitzki the ball.  This would make two years in a row that the team has lost a key contributor to free agency, the first time being the loss of Tyson Chandler to the New York Knicks. 

Seeing as how Dallas went from being defending NBA champs to a No. 7 seed and first-round playoff sweep victim this past season, something tells me Mark Cuban is going to do all he can via free agency and the draft to ensure that the downward spiral doesn't continue.

Fortunately, the Mavericks have the 17th pick, a point in the first round where there's plenty of reliable talent remaining.  They could really just flip a coin and decide what they want more, a point man or a 2-guard. 

As long as it's someone who can share the ball with Nowitzki effectively and also take care of their own on-court duties, then the pick can be called a success.

Ideal Target: Tony Wroten, G, Washington

Denver Nuggets: Frontcourt Help

Denver is a decent team overall whose only real flaw is its youth.  In terms of team needs, the only real holes that seem to be there are in the frontcourt.  Kenneth Faried and Javale McGee are talented in their own right, but bench forward Al Harrington is basically just a shooter.

Thus, GM Masai Ujiri should look to add another forward who can spell both Faried and McGee, both of whom could probably get serious minutes next year.  Nothing against Kosta Koufos or Timofey Mozgov, but they aren't exactly reliable and consistent contributors.

Ideal Target: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Detroit Pistons: A Top Power Forward

Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe have the potential to be a deadly tandem in the Motor City.  They just don't have a reliable power forward to give them some help in the low post as well as provide some scoring.

Last season, guys like Jason Maxiell and Jonas Jerebko provided little consistency at the position, and Charlie Villanueva is just a big man who can shoot threes.

It's time to add some stability there, someone who can bring back memories of the Bad Boys of the '90s.

I'm not necessarily talking about the next Dennis Rodman or Bill Laimbeer, but just a player who plays tough defense and does it consistently.  Then, Detroit's trio of potential greatness could be complete.

Ideal Target: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Golden State Warriors: A Solid Small Forward

Golden State is starting to look more like a complete team with every passing day, especially now that they have a good two-way center in Andrew Bogut and a future star in Klay Thompson. 

On top of that, David Lee continues to be the automatic double-double that he was with the Knicks and Stephen Curry is turning into a fine young point guard.

The dead weight in the lineup is easily small forward Dorell Wright, who doesn't really do anything besides shoot threes.  Seeing as how GM Bob Myers has both the seventh and 30th picks to work with in the first round, he has the opportunity to essentially replace Wright and also add some depth in the frontcourt, particularly since Bogut tends to get hurt easily.

That said, it's really up to Myers as to which position he goes for first.

Ideal Targets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois and Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Houston Rockets: Center and Backcourt Depth

The Rockets struck NBA draft gold yesterday when they traded forward Chase Budinger (pictured) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 18th pick, giving them three selections in the first round tomorrow: the 14th, 16th and 18th.

Looking at the roster, the team could really use a reliable big man to help spell Samuel Dalembert, a pass-first point guard and, if necessary, a reliable forward.  Fortunately, should GM Daryl Morey hang onto these three picks and not use them to possibly land Dwight Howard, he'll have plenty of options to choose from when Houston's turn comes around.

Ideal Targets: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina; Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina and Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky

Indiana Pacers: A Distributing Point Guard

The Pacers went on a miracle run last season, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and even went toe-to-toe with the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs.  Yet, their youth got the better of them and going into next season, they will be better prepared.

All the team really needs is a point guard who will do more than shoot three-pointers, as do current point men George Hill and Darren Collison.  They need someone who's a better overall athlete than those two, and will let stars like Danny Granger take the lead.

Ideal Target: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Los Angeles Clippers: A Defensive Forward

The Clippers are definitely on the rise, as the mere addition of Chris Paul proved to be a godsend for the team.  Unfortunately for them, they don't have much to work with in terms of the draft, owning just the 53rd overall pick.

Still, what they need should be plentiful at that point.  I'm a firm believer of the old adage "Offense wins games, defense wins championships," and the Clippers could use a little support in the latter department. 

If they can draft a forward who can play both forward positions and get significant minutes to do so, they could very well find a key missing piece to the puzzle.

Ideal Target: Jae Crowder, F, Marquette

Los Angeles Lakers: Help at the Point

The Lakers are in a bit of a bind when it comes to this offseason.  They have little to no cap room to work with, and point guard Ramon Sessions is planning to test the free agency market.  Should he sign elsewhere, the team's only options at the point will be shooter Steve Blake and untested second-year player Darius Morris.

In terms of the draft, the team has one pick: the very last one and 60th overall.  No matter how you look at it, this selection is a complete roll of the dice and all that GM Mitch Kupchak can do is hope that the pick somehow pans out.

Ideal Target: Tu Holloway, PG, Xavier

Memphis Grizzlies: A Consistent Shooter

O.J. Mayo is about to become a restricted free agent, and since his shooting abilities will probably net him a few big offers, team management should use the draft to prepare for life without him. 

With the 25th pick, finding someone who just throws up shot after shot and makes them consistently shouldn't really be an issue.

More importantly, coach Lionel Hollins seems content starting defensive specialist Tony Allen at shooting guard, so it isn't essential that whoever Memphis drafts is ready to start in the near future. 

For now, a simple scoring threat will be just fine.

Ideal Target: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Miami Heat: A Dominant Center

Though the Heat just won a championship, their roster could use some fine-tuning.  Nothing against Chris Bosh, but he isn't the right man to be playing center on that team.  Udonis Haslem has the athleticism for the position, but is a bit undersized and better suited to coming off the bench. 

I won't even go into why Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman shouldn't start there.

Thus, as he gets ready to use the 27th pick, Pat Riley should be looking for three things: defense, toughness and dominance.  Once his turn comes around, one key big man could definitely still be available.

Ideal Target: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Milwaukee Bucks: Frontcourt Help

Now that Andrew Bogut has been traded and Ersan Ilyasova is probably going to have a new team next year, the Bucks are in dire need of some defensive help.  Nothing against Drew Gooden, but he hasn't exactly been super-reliable since coming to the team two years ago.  Also, at center, Ekpe Udoh just won't do in the long run.

Fortunately, Bucks GM John Hammond has the 11th overall pick to use this year—not a bad selection at all.  If he can find an athletic big man who can provide consistent defensive stops as well as provide some reliable inside scoring, then both holes could be filled simultaneously.

Ideal Target: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Minnesota Timberwolves: Help at Shooting Guard

Overall, the Timberwolves have a solid young team with a lot of potential and can go far once Ricky Rubio returns from his ACL injury.  The only real weak spot is at small forward, currently occupied by natural shooting guard Wesley Johnson.

Still, the team is in a tough position as it traded the 18th overall pick to the Houston Rockets for Chase Budinger, who could take over for Johnson at the position.  This gives Minnesota two options now: either put Johnson at shooting guard, his natural position, or use the draft to bring another shooter aboard.

Seeing as how David Kahn only has the 58th pick as of now, his only real choice is to roll the dice on an available player.

Ideal Target: Marcus Denmon, SG, Missouri

New Orleans Hornets: Tough Defense

In a move that can only be characterized as a salary dump, the Hornets recently traded forwards and defensive pests Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards for Rashard Lewis (who will likely be waived) and a second round pick. 

Still, all is not lost as the team holds the first overall pick and can fill its greatest need, defense, at the drop of a hat.

Long story short, I think we all know where this one is going.

Ideal Target: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

New York Knicks: Depth at Guard

The Knicks are going to be a very interesting team to watch next season, but they still have some holes to fill.  Shooting guard and defensive specialist Iman Shumpert is going to miss the start of the season recovering from ACL surgery, and Landry Fields is just too streaky to consistently start. 

On top of that, Jeremy Lin will need a suitable backup (assuming he returns).

Adding to the Knicks' issues is the fact that they only have a second round pick this year, the 48th overall.  If they want to make an impact in the draft and make the team more complete, they need a combo guard who can play both positions. 

In terms of a comparison, maybe a more versatile Nate Robinson?

Ideal Target: Tyshawn Taylor, G, Kansas

Oklahoma City Thunder: Bench Depth

The Thunder just represented the Western Conference in the NBA Finals, so they're doing fine in terms of a starting lineup.  All they really need is some more help off the bench that can gradually get significant minutes at some point down the road.

Looking at the roster, it couldn't hurt for team management to go after a small forward who can step in for Kevin Durant in an emergency.  Hell, anyone's a better option than Lazar Hayward, if you ask me.

Ideal Target: Quincy Miller, F, Baylor

Orlando Magic: A Talented Frontcourt Presence

If Dwight Howard gets his wish and is traded tomorrow night, then the Magic will instantly be in rebuilding mode.  Not only will they have to replace Howard, but they'll probably be looking for a way to unload Hedo Turkoglu's bad contract.

New GM Jeff Hennigan has the 19th pick at his disposal, but it's unclear how he'll use it.  Will he go for a big man, forward or a guard?  Orlando could use help at any one of those positions.

Yet, as I've mentioned before, defense should sometimes be first priority and such is the case with Orlando, who may be able to kill two birds with one stone depending on who they pick.

Ideal Target: Jared Sullinger, F/C, Ohio State

Philadelpha 76ers: A Better Center

Nothing against Spencer Hawes, but he isn't exactly the dominant center that the Sixers need.  Throw in the aging Elton Brand, and Philadelphia really needs some frontcourt help.

They have an interesting pick in the first round: the 15th.  Depending on the direction the team chooses to go, be it offense or low post defense, it could set the tone for how next year's squad finishes in the standings.

Given both Hawes' and Brand's tendency to get injured, bigger could be better in this case.

Ideal Target: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Phoenix Suns: A Top Shooting Guard

The Steve Nash era is likely about to come to a close in Phoenix, thus seeing the last member of Mike D'Antoni's high-scoring teams leave the building.  However, coach Alvin Gentry has kept up the fast-paced offense on the Suns and with the 13th pick, the team has the opportunity to draft a player who doesn't necessarily need to be Nash's successor, but one who can certainly keep up the fast offense with some good scoring from all parts of the floor.

Ideal Target: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

Portland Trail Blazers: A Good Guard-Center Combo

Nothing against J.J. Hickson, but he's better suited to backing up LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward instead of playing center.  The Blazers need to use the draft to pick up a reliable big man who plays reliable defense, as well as a point guard who can put points on the board and dish out assists.

A lot depends on how the draft chips fall, seeing as how Portland holds the sixth and 11th picks in the first round.  It all depends on which hole they choose to fill first.

Ideal Targets: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut and Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Sacramento Kings: A Reliable Sixth Man

Though extremely young, Sacramento's lineup has a lot of potential and could show great improvement next season if they can gel together.  The bench, however, is a different story. 

John Salmons and Francisco Garcia are completely unpredictable, and Jimmer Fredette's many flaws were exposed last year.

That said, the Kings need someone who can provide solid minutes and scoring off the bench, maybe gradually working their way into the starting lineup.  I'm not necessarily talking about a sixth man, but someone who has the talent and patience to start from the bottom and work their way up.

Ideal Target: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

San Antonio Spurs: A Reliable Backup Point Guard

The Spurs' system calls for the point guard to primarily be a scorer, but also dish out the assists when necessary.  This is a job that Tony Parker does well, but the team doesn't necessarily have a suitable backup in case he needs a rest.

That said, despite having the second-to-last overall pick in tomorrow night's draft, the team should look to acquire a guard who can score points, but also learn the passing game along the way. 

The draftee probably won't get significant minutes as a rookie, but could definitely start to make an impact in a couple of years.

Ideal Target: J'Covan Brown, G, Texas

Toronto Raptors: A Valuable Swingman

The Raptors have a decent young offense led by Jose Calderon, but are quite lacking in depth.  Save for Calderon, DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani, there really isn't anyone on the team who can be called reliable or consistent.

That said, GM Bryan Colangelo would be wise to use his team's pick, the eighth overall, to draft someone who isn't just a good player, but a phenomenal athlete.  Someone who can score points in any way possible and also provide tough defense. 

Should this road be taken, the Raptors may just be able to strike again in the near future.

Ideal Target: Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

Utah Jazz: A Reliable Small Forward

The Jazz have a pretty solid lineup, but there's definitely room for improvement.  Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap provide a good frontcourt, while Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward are suitable guards.  The only real problem is at small forward, as Josh Howard is practically a shell of his former self at this point.

Unfortunately for Utah and GM Kevin O'Connor, the team is without a first-round pick and doesn't make its selection until the second round, with the 47th overall selection. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of forwards available in this year's draft class, most of whom can play the No. 3 spot with ease.

Ideal Target: Kevin Jones, F, West Virginia

Washington Wizards: A Swingman Star

The Wizards are a fine young team sadly cursed by being a roster full of youngsters with no veteran leadership.  Now that Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor have been acquired and Rashard Lewis' awful contract dumped, said leadership has finally arrived.

Still, Washington needs a great young player who can eventually become John Wall's go-to guy.  Ideally, it would be a forward who can do it all, from scoring to rebounding and just playing hard 100 percent of the time. 

GM Ernie Grunfeld has the third pick to use tomorrow night, so there's really no reason to believe that he'll use it to pick a player who doesn't fit this mold or something close to it.

Ideal Target: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky