NBA Draft 2012 Live Stream: Biggest Storylines to Watch for on Draft Night
The 2012 NBA draft is just hours away, as the New Orleans Hornets are set to tip off the NBA's annual selection process by taking Kentucky power forward Anthony Davis No. 1 overall.
Davis is arguably the only franchise-altering prospect available this summer and, without question, the only one who can impact a game at the next level without even touching the ball.
Without further ado, here is everything you need to know heading into Thursday night's draft.
When: Thursday, June 28, 7 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN
Live Streaming: ESPN3.com
Will the Houston Rockets have enough to acquire Superman?
The Houston Rockets have been stockpiling draft picks for the past few days now and currently boast three first-round picks all within the Top 18. The Rockets possess picks No. 12, 16 and 18 and are reportedly hoping they can offer a plethora of potential to the Orlando Magic in return for Dwight Howard, according to ESPN.com.
Howard would surely be reluctant to sign an extension with Houston seeing that he is interested in teaming with Deron Williams in Brooklyn next season, but the Rockets are dead set on competing for an NBA championship next season, and Howard would certainly put them into contention to do so.
Will the Charlotte Bobcats part ways with the No. 2 pick?
According to ESPN.com's Andy Katz, the Charlotte Bobcats are currently weighing five different offers for the No. 2 pick in Thursday night's draft. The Bobcats have already acquired sharpshooter Ben Gordon from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for small forward Corey Maggette, so holding onto the pick is also still a very likely option.
Trading the No. 2 pick could provide Charlotte with some proven NBA talent in return, but then again it might cost the team the next great NBA superstar depending on what the future holds for the No. 2 pick in 2012.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers find a suitor for Pau Gasol?
The LA Lakers are shopping 7-footer Pau Gasol this offseason, according to ESPN.com. The Lakers are reportedly interested in a Top 10 pick in Thursday night's draft along with a proven NBA player in exchange for the power forward.
LA is looking to dump some money and change up its roster in hopes of challenging for the NBA title next season and for as long as Kobe Bryant continues to play at a high level. Getting younger, though, seems to be the Lakers' No. 1 goal moving forward, however, and that starts by acquiring an additional 2012 draft pick.
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