NBA Draft 2012: Predicting Rookies Who Won't Transition Well

Hopes for many prospects in the NBA Draft run high, and many teams bank on top selections in the draft to be the anchor for their future plans.

It doesn't always work out.

In a draft filled with raw talent and high-ceiling players, there's also a good chance they might never pan out at the next level.

Here's a look at some of those players in 2012.

Andre Drummond, Connecticut

There aren't many questions about his size and athleticism, as those are traits that could make him a very high pick in the draft.

However, there have been many questions about commitment.

Fellow draft prospect and former teammate of his at Connecticut, Jeremy Lamb, was the latest to address his work ethic.

With all the size and athleticism he has, he wasn't very productive offensively, averaging just 10 points and 7.6 rebounds in college.

It's always a tough call on prospects like this, as most of it will depend on if he goes into a situation that would nurture his development (like Andrew Bynum had), or if he'll be thrown into the fray immediately with the team on his back.

Drummond is only 18, and that might have played a role in his perceived poor work ethic at this point.

Still, these concerns are always red flags, and could result in a repeat of Kwame Brown.

Perry Jones III, Baylor

Jones is another pick with extremely high boom/bust potential.

Like Drummond, his ability on the court hasn't come into question, but his mentality has.

Jones was notorious for disappearing for long stretches and big moments during his time at Baylor.

He was initially considered a top-five pick, but after returning for another season at Baylor, he's seen his stock slip.

His willingness to take over games when his team needs him will ultimately decide whether he'll be worth the gamble for whoever decides to select him.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sullinger did nice things in college, but he doesn't seem like a player suited to make a huge impact on an NBA team.

Like Jones, Sullinger could have left school and gone very high in the draft, but opted to return to Ohio State for another season.

That did nothing for him.

He showed no physical improvement, and his production didn't go up a significant amount. Also like Jones, Sullinger has seen his stock fall after an extra year in school.

Sullinger doesn't have the build or athleticism NBA teams like, and that already puts him at a disadvantage in a league where freakish athleticism is rapidly gaining value.

Not getting invited to this year's draft—after being considered a top prospect the previous year—isn't a good start.

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Barnes is an extremely talented scorer, but he isn't as versatile as teams would like him to be.

He's a great shooter, but that's as far as he can go. Barnes hasn't shown much explosiveness by getting to the basket and drawing contact.

No doubt, Barnes can do well in a complementary role, but it could be a much different story if he's drafted and relied on as the main scoring option on a rebuilding team.