NBA Draft 2012: Teams That Made out Big in First Round
There wasn't as much drama as expected at the 2012 NBA Draft, but multiple teams should be more than happy with the way things transpired.
Whether they snagged one great pick or several solid ones, there were a few clear-cut winners from Thursday's first round.
The following teams came out on top of the annual event.
New Orleans Hornets
If you have the first overall pick and two in the Top 10, you better make this list.
The Hornets made the obvious selection at No. 1, drafting Kentucky big man Anthony Davis. Then, they surprised some by selecting Duke shooting guard Austin Rivers at No. 10.
The Rivers pick was a little questionable since they already have Eric Gordon, and there's no way Rivers can play the point. He's a relentless gunner who needs the ball in his hands to be effective.
Still, he's one hell of a talent, and along with Davis and Gordon, he gives the Hornets a very promising young core.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons picked ninth overall, but they may have gotten the most talented prospect in the draft.
Andre Drummond is raw offensively, and he's a little immature, but with his physical gifts, he is well worth the risk at No. 9. He's absolutely massive (7'0", 280 pounds, 7'6" wingspan), and men of his size shouldn't be able to move as well as he does.
Even if Drummond never improves his work ethic or refines his offensive game, he will be a quality NBA player because of his size and athleticism alone.
And if he does make some major improvements? Well, the rest of the league is in trouble. With Drummond and Greg Monroe, the Pistons have one of the most promising young frontcourt duos in recent memory.
I know Perry Jones III scared some teams with his knee injury, but there's no way a player with his talent should fall all the way to No. 28.
Everyone agrees that Jones has the potential to be a perennial All-Star. He's an insanely athletic 6'11" forward who can play multiple positions, and with his physical abilities, he could dominate the league one day.
Jones is unquestionably the biggest steal of the draft, and I can comfortably say that before he's even slipped on an NBA jersey. He is the perfect addition for the Thunder, who needed some interior scoring and possibly a cheap replacement for Serge Ibaka down the road.
Once again, Sam Presti and the Thunder made everyone else look stupid.
