NBA Draft 2012 Grades: Breaking Down Every Top-5 Pick
The 2012 NBA draft began predictably, with the New Orleans Hornets selecting Kentucky big man Anthony Davis with the No. 1 overall pick.
The next four picks, on the other hand, were hard to peg down before the draft began.
Would the Charlotte Bobcats go with an explosive rebounder in Kansas' Thomas Robinson? Would they go with do-it-all Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist?
After Davis was selected, the dominoes began falling. Here's a look at how each team fared in the 2012 NBA draft.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Grade: A
How can you not give the Hornets an "A" for this pick?
Anthony Davis is the unquestioned top talent in the 2012 NBA draft, drawing comparisons to Tim Duncan based on his post defense and elite shot-blocking ability.
He's a work in progress on offense, but he will be explosive around the rim from the get-go in the NBA.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Grade: A
The Bobcats needed rebounding, but it's hard to fault them for going with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who does it all for you on the hardwood: scoring, rebounding and defense.
Beyond Kidd-Gilchrist's skills, he has unquestioned heart on the floor and will give his all for Michael Jordan and the Bobcats franchise.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Grade: A
It's going to be hard to stop John Wall and Bradley Beal.
By selecting Beal, the Wizards may have set themselves up for years to come in the starting backcourt. Beal is an explosive, inside-outside scorer who can be disruptive on defense, using his quickness to cause problems for opposing teams.
Of course, Wall and Beal still need to mesh together on the hardwood, but Beal's personality will make him a team favorite.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Grade: C-
Dion Waiters, with his explosiveness and ability to be disruptive on defense, could very well become a solid player in the NBA.
But I question the Cavaliers' selecting him at No. 4 overall.
There were several more promising prospects in the draft, and there are still questions about Waiters' character, his size as a shooting guard (6'4") and his perimeter game, which needs some work.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Grade: A
Wow, what a steal.
An elite rebounder and explosive big man to pair up with DeMarcus Cousins? Let's just say teams are going to have their hands full trying to contain the two.
The Kings have a very talented combo in the post now, and Robinson is sure to gobble up offensive rebounds with Cousins' drawing defenders all the time.
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