2012 NBA Mock Draft: Smart Money Picks for Every NBA GM

The day has finally come.

After months of speculation and anxiety, the 2012 NBA draft is just hours away. Top prospects are awaiting news of where they'll end up, while scouts and general managers are looking for any last minute information they can find to swing their decision one way or the other. The only questions at this point are simple: who should they pick and who will they pick?

On a day in which nothing is certain, there is always a safe route to take. The skilled players, proven leaders and high-energy prospects are often the same guys who you hear have had decade-long careers. As we know from experience, however, what a player can do in the future is often valued more than what they're capable of at this very moment.

So, who will go where? What will be the safe picks and what will be the reaches? For all of those answers and more, the following slides will offer you all the last minute information you could possible need.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Power Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'11", 222 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Why It Works:

Anthony Davis is your quintessential Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He gets his hand on every loose ball or rebound, alters every shot that comes his way and puts up blocks as if they were nothing.

You could argue that New Orleans needs something other than what Davis brings to the table, but you can't argue how much the team will improve with him on the roster.

Anthony Davis is a true game changer and will change the culture of the New Orleans Hornets. Consider AD what Monty Williams always wanted David West to be on defense.

Season Averages

35.71 PER, 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 4.7 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 62.3 FG%

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 228 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works:

As of this moment, the Charlotte Bobcats are weighing five offers for the No. 2 pick in the draft. In all likelihood, they will accept one of those deals and end up with multiple first round draft choices.

But who are we to assume anything rational will occur with the Bobcats?

To be safe here, the Charlotte Bobcats must go against the grain and select the player who many believe is undeserving of such a high selection: Harrison Barnes. Barnes is an elite prospect who can shoot, defend and lead a team on and off of the floor.

While Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's motor and work ethic may offer a greater benefit off the bat, Barnes' ability to spread the floor and direct a team seals the deal here. The fact that he's a local prospect, as well as an alum of Michael Jordan's school, just puts the icing on the cake.

As for Bradley Beal, the Bobcats now have Ben Gordon and a tremendously improved Gerald Henderson. No need to add another 2.

Season Averages

35.71 PER, 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 4.7 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 62.3 FG%

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida Gators

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 202 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Washington Wizards are a team with a solid front court for the future and a point guard ready to make the leap to elite. On the wing, they have a defensive-minded Chris Singleton and a talented but inconsistent Jordan Crawford.

To bring along John Wall's development in a major way, the best option here would be to add a consistent perimeter shooter to improve the quality of Wall's drive-and-dish tendencies. Bradley Beal offers just that, as well as the presence of a player who knows how to move without the basketball. These two abilities will offer the Wizards their first step towards true playoff candidacy.

Season Averages

21.17 PER, 14.8 PPG. 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 233 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a franchise point guard and a 2011 Top-5 pick at power forward. They also have a player that they (somehow) believe in at the 5, leaving two positions of dire need. Both of which happen to be on the perimeter.

Time to play a game called "best player available."

With Bradley Beal off of the board, the Cavaliers would be out of their minds to take any other 2-guard at this point in the draft. This leaves their best option at the 3, where Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky is available. His defensive tenacity and transition prowess will bode well for the Cavs, as highlight plays and improved team chemistry are likely to occur from day one.

Season Averages

21.94 PER, 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, Sacramento Kings

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 202 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works:

If you're the Sacramento Kings, you hit the jackpot.

Thomas Robinson is an elite interior player due to his uncanny ability to pair dominant offensive efficiency with impressive defensive prowess. This is what the Kings need alongside DeMarcus Cousins, who broke out in a major way in 2012 but is clearly more suited for the 5.

Between Robinson and Cousins, points should be at a premium. This will open up the perimeter game for Marcus Thornton, as well as the possession of two pick-and-roll options for Isaiah Thomas. The Kings just took a major step in the right direction with this pick.

Season Averages

21.17 PER, 14.8 PPG. 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Nets): Andre Drummond, Connecticut Huskies

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

Age: 118

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 279 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Portland Trail Blazers have two pressing needs: point guard and center. Considering the depth of players at the point stretches well-beyond their No. 11 draft choice, the best bet is to select the best center in this draft class.

Andre Drummond would offer the Blazers what Greg Oden was supposed to: tough interior defense and a sense of dominance on the glass. Drummond ranked first out of nearly 250 big men in terms of low-post defense efficiency, which is what the Blazers need to hear so they can take the pressure off of franchise player LaMarcus Aldridge.

Tack on Drummond's offensive rebounding skills and you have a dream player for Portland.

Season Averages

22.15 PER, 10.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG

7. Golden State Warriors: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'4", 221 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works:

Klay Thompson is an excellent jump shooter who some believe has star potential. Beyond Thompson, however, is a group of under-achieving and injury-prone players who hope to turn their fortunes around. As great of a feel-good story as that may be, adding depth at both guard positions should be the only thing in Golden State's mind.

Dion Waiters is the best slasher in this draft class and reminds many of a young Dwyane Wade. He gets to the basket at ease and finishes well in traffic. He's also an excellent ball handler who sees the court well, causing some to believe that he could play the point.

This is music to the Warriors' ears as they look to add security behind an injury-ridden Stephen Curry.

Season Averages

26.29 PER, 12.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 47.6 FG%

8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'3", 189 pounds, 6'8" wingspan

Why It Works:

Damian Lillard will fall no further than eighth overall.

The Toronto Raptors have one of the best facilitators in the NBA: Jose Calderon. What they don't have, however, is a spread the floor jump shooter who can change the pace of a game. Damian Lillard offers just that as a rookie and more as his career progresses.

The Toronto Raptors have been long-awaiting the arrival of their franchise player. Damian Lillard can be just that with his elite scoring abilities and pass-first approach of the game, making him one of the most difficult players to defend. Lillard also ranked second in Player Efficiency behind just Anthony Davis.

Season Averages

33.58 PER, 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 40.9 3PT%

9. Detroit Pistons: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'10", 252 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works:

A year ago today, Terrence Jones would have been a lock as a Top-10 draft choice. After a year in which his statistics declined but quality of play improved, however, Jones is questionable to be a lottery pick at all. Oh, the wonders of playing on a team like Kentucky.

Jones may have done the most for his draft stock of any player, as he measured taller than the expected 6'8". He actually measured in at 6'10", causing scouts and general managers to agree: the kid is big enough to play the 4.

What should be noted, however, is that Jones can also play the 3.

He was the lead facilitator and ball handler at most times while attending Kentucky. He also improved his shot selection as the season went on, improving his field goal and three-point shooting percentages in the process. This opens the door for Jones to play alongside Greg Monroe or replace Tayshaun Prince in the long run.

Two options are always better than one.

Season Averages

24.83 PER, 

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

Position: Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 203 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works:

The New Orleans Hornets landed the best player in the draft, Anthony Davis. To complement him, the Hornets need a playmaker who will put up big points and keep the defense on their heels. With Damian Lillard already off the board, the best candidate for that job would be Austin Rivers.

Rivers may not be the most popular player, but he's certainly one of the most dynamic. He's an outstanding ball handler who can get to the basket and hit a Tony Parker-esque floater. He's also a very good jump shooter who is never afraid to throw the ball up.

With Anthony Davis on the offensive glass, that doesn't sound too bad. Now does it?

Season Averages

16.85 PER, 15.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Point Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'4", 198 pounds, 6'6" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Portland Trail Blazers risked it all by taking Andre Drummond with their first pick, opting out of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes. Fortunately, their risk has paid dividends as they select the nation's best facilitator: Kendall Marshall out of North Carolina.

Marshall has excellent size for a point guard and utilizes it well. He has beautiful court vision and the knowledge of when to play physical and when to play finesse, making him an elite point guard prospect. Marshall has also improved his ball handling as his dribble is now much closer to his body.

Kendall Marshall won't put up 20 and 10, but he will put up the 10 assists. That alone makes him worth the pick.

Season Averages

16.50 PER, 8.1 PPG, 9.8 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG

12. Houston Rockets (via Bucks): Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

Position: Center

Class: Sophomore

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'1", 250 pounds, 7'3" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Houston Rockets traded Samuel Dalembert, their best option at center, to acquire this pick. If they're unable to translate this movement into Dwight Howard, there is nothing to do here but select a big man to put in the paint.

Meyers Leonard offers the Rockets just that, as the mobile big man offers Houston someone who can move, defend and finish well around the basket. His athletic ability will be a refreshing presence in the paint after spending time with so many grounded 5's.

Leonard may take some time to put it all together, but he's a defensive and transition asset right off the bat.

Season Averages

24.02 PER, 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 BPG

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut Huskies

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 179 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Phoenix Suns have long needed an athletic 2 who can spread the floor with his shooting, attack the basket off of the dribble and defend his position. Jeremy Lamb is capable of doing each and every one of those things, making him the right choice here.

Whether alongside Steve Nash or not, Lamb will thrive in a push the tempo or half court offense. He's excellent at penetrating off of the dribble, but is also a solid catch-and-shoot player who can finish anywhere from distance to above the rim.

If Lamb fits anywhere, it's Phoenix.

Season Averages

22.05 PER, 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG

14. Milwaukee Bucks (via Rockets): John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'10", 216 pounds, 7'5" wingspan

Why It Works:

Ersan Ilyasova is hitting free agency and the Milwaukee Bucks' next best option at the 4 is Drew Gooden. While Samuel Dalembert offers a temporary fix at the center position, the Bucks' interior defense remains a question mark and there is no way around their need to add depth and athleticism to improve it.

Enter John Henson.

Henson will not only improve the Bucks' interior defense, as he's one of the best shot blockers in this class, but he'll be able to run the floor with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. Henson certainly needs to add bulk to his frame, but as a finesse player looking to save the Bucks' porous perimeter defense, Henson is a dream pick.

Season Averages

25.41 PER, 13.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.9 BPG

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'7", 197 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Philadelphia 76ers may lose both Lou Williams and Jodie Meeks in free agency and cannot afford to go the entirety of the season without a scoring presence coming off of the bench. While a rookie may not be the ideal replacement, Terrence Ross may just be the most NBA-ready 2 in this class.

Ross has excellent size for his position and a stellar jump shot. He's also a great athlete and solid perimeter defender.

In Philadelphia, Ross' presence would be welcomed alongside another versatile 2 with great size: Evan Turner. The two would likely form one of the better perimeter combinations in the league, offering Jrue Holiday a great duo to grow with.

Season Averages

20.86 PER, 16.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG

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

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'11", 234 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works:

And here is where the bleeding ends.

Perry Jones III's latest setback has come the day of the draft, as it has been revealed that PJ3 has a meniscus issue. Regardless of that fact, Jones III's upside is far too high for the Rockets to pass up on and they will land their second athletic big man of the draft.

Jones III has the potential to play either of the forward positions and dominate at every turn. Whether or not he overcomes questions about his mental toughness has yet to be seen, of course, but there is no reason to believe he will fail in his attempts to improve.

That is, if you believe in the best case scenario.

Season Averages

21.95 PER, 13.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG

17. Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Center

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 247 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Dallas Mavericks have more holes than any playoff team you'll ever see. One thing hasn't changed, though, and that is the fact that their weakest position is in the paint at the 5.

Tyler Zeller falling to Dallas is a blessing, as the big man falls victim to the trials and tribulations of a late push by Meyers Leonard. Nevertheless, Zeller is in position to see immediate playing time in Dallas and contribute in a major way. His mobility, rebounding skills and low-post scoring abilities will separate him from the other Dallas centers right off the bat.

A tough pill to swallow for Zeller, as he falls further than he had expected, but a great situation as he learns from one of the best: Dirk Nowitzki.

Season Averages

30.33 PER, 16.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 0.9 SPG

18. Houston Rockets (via Wolves): Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'2", 180 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works:

Goran Dragic is hitting free agency and Kyle Lowry wants to be traded. How do you properly protect yourself from such a situation spiraling out of control? Add a point guard who could replace them both.

Marquis Teague has had questions about his draft stock due to the fact that he was lost in the Kentucky craze. Don't forget that he was considered to be one of the best point guards coming out of high school and has the skills necessary to thrive at the NBA level.

Teague is a burner in the open court who thrives in finishing around the basket. He's also improved his jump shot since the end of the season, causing scouts to believe that he will end up being a solid scoring guard after all.

Just keep in mind that he does have a solid pass-first approach.

Season Averages

12.41 PER, 10.0 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.5 RPG, 0.9 SPG

19. Orlando Magic: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Position: Power Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'9", 268 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works:

Even after Glen Davis' breakthrough, postseason performance, the Orlando Magic are in need of a bang down low 4. Jared Sullinger is just that, as he's arguably the strongest power forward with easily the best low-post game.

Sullinger can use both hands to score the basketball and knows how to utilize his massive lower body to impose his will and earn position on his opponents. This also enables Sullinger to control the glass, which he does at a very efficient rate.

This is exactly what Orlando needs alongside Dwight Howard or without him.

Season Averages

30.39 PER, 17.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG

20. Denver Nuggets: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'11", 233 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Denver Nuggets are in need of a half-court scoring option, as they were absolutely horrendous in that area in 2012. With the opportunity to pair two of the most athletic big men in the game, Arnett Moultrie and JaVale McGee, that need will have to wait.

Moultrie has come a long way since entering the college ranks, developing a nice face-the-basket game and becoming a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. This is something the Nuggets could use as they bolster their interior defense for a long postseason run in 2013.

Moultrie will fit in perfectly with premier point guard Ty Lawson, as the two develop a consistent pick-and-roll game.

Season Averages

24.97 PER, 16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG

21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones

Position: Small Forward

Class: Sophomore

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 261 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Why It Works:

Personal issues aside, Royce White is one of the best prospects in this draft class. He's great in multiple categories and elite as a point forward. This is something that could benefit the Celtics in a major way as they bring in a potential Paul Pierce protege.

White is an above-average jump shooter. What helps his case, however, is that he's outstanding from the low-post, thus causing any opponent to play cautiously in anticipation of his next move. This enables White to get more open looks than the average star prospect, something the Celtics will learn very quickly.

Tack on White's dominance on the glass, elite passing and solid defense and you've got yourself Paul Pierce's replacement, indeed.

Season Averages

22.05 PER, 13.4 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

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

Position: Center

Class: Sophomore

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 255 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Why It Works:

As a prospect, Fab Melo has the potential to be a top-of-the-line interior defender. He has a massive body, great height, excellent shot blocking skills and is a better athlete than most at his position. Unfortunately, for those in hopes of "right now" production, Melo remains a work in progress.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian would help the Celtics right off the bat. He's athletic enough to run in transition with Rondo, as well as big enough to play the role of intimidator in the paint. While Kevin Garnett re-signing is the goal, Melo would offer what Greg Stiemsma did but a whole lot more due to his size, youth and athleticism.

Season Averages

25.4 MPG, 20.40 PER, 7.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG

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

Position: Point Guard

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'6", 203 pounds, 6'9" wingspan

Why It Works:

When Jamal Crawford left the Atlanta Hawks, a glaring need for a lead facilitator off the bench presented itself. After another season of early exits, the Hawks now know what they must add.

Tony Wroten Jr. is a stronger, more physical version of Crawford. He'll bring the Hawks the point guard they've needed off of the bench, as he pushes the pace, wares down opponents and never backs down from the challenge of facing an elite competitor.

The series with Rondo and the Celtics may have gone a bit different had Wroten's size and athleticism been available.

Season Averages

21.07 PER, 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.9 SPG

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Doron Lamb, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'5", 199 pounds, 6'7" wingspan

Why It Works:

After missing out on Bradley Beal, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain in need of a sharpshooter at the 2. Doron Lamb provides the team with just that, as he excels in both the spot-up and catch-and-shoot approaches.

Lamb is not Bradley Beal in terms of hype, but don't be shocked to see a mirror image of production. Lamb moves well without the ball, can penetrate off of the dribble and finishes well in traffic. He's also a better shooter than Beal, at this point in their careers, making a fast start a true possibility.

Lamb is also a solid defender and a great transition option. Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes will love their new perimeter partner.

Season Averages

18.94 PER, 13.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 46.6 3PT%

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Draymond Green, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Small Forward

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'8", 236 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Memphis Grizzlies are in need of two things: a secondary ball handler and depth on the perimeter. Draymond Green provides the Grizzlies with just that.

Green is an excellent shooter with deep three-point range, top tier passing skills and solid ball handling. He's a very responsible player and a vocal leader on the floor, something that any team would benefit from. He's also an intelligent player who applies himself on both ends.

For a player of Green's caliber to learn from the likes of Rudy Gay and Tony Allen is scary. For a player of Green's caliber to be a secondary option is even more frightening.

Season Averages

25.53 PER, 16.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG

26. Indiana Pacers: Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

Position: Point Guard

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'2", 206 pounds, 6'4" wingspan

Why It Works:

Is this a reach? Most likely. Is Scott Machado a future starter in the league with star potential? Even more likely.

Whether George Hill signs elsewhere or returns to the Indiana Pacers, there's one thing that can't be denied: this team is absolutely horrendous on offense.

Every possession is a wasted possession with the Pacers, as they hardly ever seem to be on the same page about what direction they look to take their offense. They often over-dribble, over-pass or rush jump shots, ignoring the fact that there are two elite low-post players standing in the paint.

Scott Machado would change all of that and even offer the Pacers a consistent scoring option from the point guard position. This is a pick worth reaching for.

Season Averages

23.48 PER, 13.6 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 40.4 3PT%

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

7'0", 264 pounds, 7'6" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Miami Heat have one draft pick and one great need: center. Should the Heat pass up on their opportunity to select a center, they'd be all but guaranteeing another season of small lineups and struggles in the paint.

Festus Ezeli would offer the Heat exactly what they need. He's a tough, physical defender who thrives in altering shot attempts. He's raw on offense, but his defensive contributions and rebounding skills offer what the Heat were hoping to get out of players such as Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf.

Ezeli is a top center prospect and is the best possible selection for the Miami Heat.

Season Averages

23.2 MPG, 19.61 PER, 10.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 BPG

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Position: Power Forward

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'10", 234 pounds, 7'4" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Oklahoma City Thunder's greatest need is that of a low-post scorer, which Andrew Nicholson would undeniably provide. The St. Bonaventure alum would offer OKC with a player who can both post-up and take a step back for a mid-range jump shot.

Both of which are traits that Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins have failed to consistently display.

While Serge Ibaka's starting job is not in question, his potential departure in the 2012 class of free agency would be solved by the presence of Nicholson. Should he re-sign, the Thunder would simply have a new rotation to run and a better team to play with.

Season Averages

31.63 PER, 18.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 BPG. 0.7 SPG

29. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: Sophomore

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'6", 174 pounds, 6'10" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Chicago Bulls are in need of a 2 who can stretch the floor and knock down an open shot. They're also in need of a primary scoring option who can create shots for himself in Derrick Rose's absence.

Even as a rookie, Will Barton has the potential to fit both of those needs.

Barton is an elite scoring prospect due to his combination of those very traits. He thrives in dribble penetration, but is not afraid to rise up for a mid-range or three-point jump shot. Once he's entered the paint, the former Memphis Tiger can finish in traffic or take contact for the three-point play.

Barton is as close to a great scorer as you'll find in this class.

Season Averages

26.88 PER, 18.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 50.9 FG%

30. Golden State Warriors (via Spurs): Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

Position: Small Forward

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan

6'10", 219 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Why It Works:

The Golden State Warriors' greatest need remains at the 3. With no viable options available with their first pick, this leaves the San Francisco-bound bunch with one option: select the best possible small forward at this point in the draft.

The player who fits that bill best is Quincy Miller of the Baylor Bears.

Although Miller is more upside than ability, what he could potentially do is worth the selection. Miller has Kevin Durant upside as he can score the ball from anywhere on the court, all the while being athletic and long enough to be a nightmare matchup at any position.

Quincy Miller is an elite prospect who fits the Warriors' needs perfectly. Time to take a risk.

Season Averages

24.4 MPG, 19.85 PER, 10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG