NBA Draft 2012 Results: Lottery Teams That Made Perfect Selections
Lottery picks are the most crucial selections to the future of a struggling NBA franchise.
That much is obvious. However, there is usually some uncertainty as to which prospects teams will choose to take a chance on.
There are good picks, bad picks and picks that make you scratch your head. There are also picks that make an entire fanbase jump for joy and turn teams from the laughing stock of the league to respectable basketball franchises.
Here are three perfect lottery picks not named Anthony Davis.
Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal—No. 3 Overall
Bradley Beal is absolutely perfect for the Washington Wizards.
He's the best pure shooter in this draft, which makes him a genius pick to insert into a John Wall-led offense. Wall loves to drive to the hoop but frequently had problems finishing last season because there were no other scoring options on his team to draw the defense's attention.
Now that Beal will be lurking out on the perimeter, teams will have to spread their defense out more often. If they neglect to do so, Wall will have an easier time finishing amongst the trees.
Wall loves to get out and running. The addition of Beal gives the Wizards a scary transition offense. He can rebound down low and start the break right away. He plays solid perimeter defense, which will further propel the Wizards' transition game with steals at the top of the key.
Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson—No. 5 Overall
What a blessing for Thomas Robinson to fall to the Sacramento Kings at No. 5.
Adding Robinson to the roster gives the Kings one of the best frontcourts in the Pacific division. Robinson will be playing alongside DeMarcus Cousins, which will cause huge problems for opposing teams on the offensive and defensive glass.
He's more athletic and explosive than Cousins, which makes him a perfect complementary piece to Run DMC. T-Rob will be able to run the fast break with Isaiah Thomas and Tyreke Evans but will also prove to be a go-to guy in the post and mid-range.
All the Kings need to do is figure out a way to create perfect chemistry between Robinson and the volatile Cousins.
Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes—No. 7 Overall
Barnes has the perfect frame for an NBA small forward. His strength and length will ensure that he becomes one of the position's best defenders, once he learns the tendencies of his opponents and puts on some muscle.
Defense is something the Warriors really need, just in case you've been living under a rock.
The former UNC star is a catch-and-shoot master but often has trouble blowing by his defenders. His patented move is a deadly step-back jumper than seldom fails to create space, but other than that he's not so creative.
That deficiency will be masked by Stephen Curry, who has become a great passer in his time in the league.
Barnes will be playing with Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee and Andrew Bogut. If Curry and Bogut can stay healthy, the Warriors won't be in the Western Conference cellar for much longer.
