Best-Case, Worst-Case Scenario for Every 2012 NBA 1st-Round Draft Pick

In the NBA, being the new kid on the block can be bittersweet.

On the one hand, incoming rookies have the opportunity to live their dream, prove their worth and begin their path to potential stardom; but, on the other hand, they're faced with the ramifications of going bust.

A player's rookie term sets the tone for his development, his ceiling, and therefore, the tone for the rest of his career. It can be good or bad, promising or discouraging and hopeful or hapless.

And while this is the case for each of the Association's newest members, it holds especially true for the players held to higher standards—the first-round draft picks.

Those drafted in the first round are supposed to have a better grasp on the game than many of their peers. They're supposed to be the most refined talent of the draft class. They're supposed to be the most NBA-ready of the bunch.

And every single one of this year's top 30 prospects has the opportunity to prove they are just that.

But at the same time, they also run the risk of falling flat on their faces.

30. Festus Ezeli, Golden State Warriors

Best-Case Scenario: He relegates Andris Biedrins to the bench.

The Warriors took an enormous step forward when they brought Andrew Bogut into the fold. Doing so diminished the need to have Biedrins play important minutes.

However, Festus Ezeli now has the opportunity to obliterate any need for the severely-limited, borderline incompetent Biedrins.

If Ezeli can step in and play backup-caliber minutes immediately, Golden State will be much better off. The team doesn't need him to score; it needs him to do what he does best, which is patrol the paint, grab some rebounds and contest some shots.

Should he prove able to do that right out of the gate, the Warriors' playoff hopes become significantly stronger.

Worst-Case Scenario: He proves to be as limited as Biedrins himself.

Much like Biedrins, Ezeli does all of his damage on the defensive side of the ball.

But the Warriors are hoping that unlike Biedrins, Ezeli doesn't struggle to adjust to explosive genre of big men that are currently wreaking havoc throughout the NBA.

Ezeli is quite the defender—when he's healthy—but if he cannot keep pace with the league's bigs, he's of little to no value to Golden State on the court.

And if that proves to be the case, he'll be pulling up a seat right next to Biedrins on the bench.

29. Marquis Teague, Chicago Bulls

Best-Case Scenario: Helps alleviate the burden felt by Derrick Rose's absence.

Rose is the heart and soul of the Bulls—that's no secret—but the team cannot afford to harp on that. They must power through, and Marquis Teague has the ability to help them do that.

Though he's not as explosive as Rose, Teague is a great ball-handler with a penchant for strong finishes at the rim.

Given adequate playing time, the rookie point guard has the tools necessary to provide Chicago with the paint-slashing, ankle-breaking presence it now so sorely lacks.

Worst-Case Scenario: Crumbles under pressure, forces Bulls to overload Kirk Hinrich.

While Teague has the tools necessary to assume a backup-type role, Rose's absence provides some added pressure.

The Bulls are not especially deep at the point guard position. The 31-year-old Hinrich provides the team with a capable stopgap, but outside him, there's Nate Robinson, a notorious scorer, but underwhelming playmaker.

As a result, the Bulls need Teague to hone his playmaking skills immediately, so he can help them survive life without Rose.

If he proves to be a slightly taller version of Robinson, though, that puts more pressure on Hinrich's shoulders and depletes Chicago's hopes obtaining any glory without Rose.

28. Perry Jones III, Oklahoma City Thunder

Best-Case Scenario: Kevin Durant rubs off on the rookie immediately.

Durant already has plans to take Perry Jones III under his wing, which is huge for both the rookie and the Thunder.

Outside of Durant, Oklahoma City isn't exactly laden with talent at the small forward position. Jones, however, provides the team with an opportunity to change that.

Though he's not as prolific as Durant, he has shown he can get to the rim and score from anywhere on the floor. He's also deft at creating his own offense.

Take those already evident talents and add a healthy-dose of Durant's advice, and Jones could prove to be the biggest steal of the entire draft.

Worst-Case Scenario: Jones fails to grasp the Thunder offense.

While Jones is one of the most versatile scorers of his draft class, he has proven to lack the drive to exploit such attributes.

Oklahoma City prides itself on versatile offense, and if Jones cannot understand the urgency behind their run-and-gun scheme, he's liable to disrupt the pace and fall out of the rotation completely.

And from there, the Thunder risk overusing the already fragile frame of their franchise cornerstone.

27. Arnett Moultrie, Philadelphia 76ers

Best-Case Scenario: Adds productive depth to the power forward position.

The Sixers are not especially deep at the 4; so much so, in fact, that Spencer Hawes is poised to play a Pau Gasol-like role and begin the game out of position.

If Arnett Moultrie can come in and provide a rebounding and scoring spark off the bench, though, it will ensure as much separation as possible within the Sixers' logjam at front court.

And from there, Philadelphia will be able to utilize a wide array of different and equally effective lineups, helping solidify the team's status as a major player in the Eastern Conference.

Worst-Case Scenario: Moultrie proves to be too raw, and chaos ensues in the low post.

Lavoy Allen can only take the Sixers so far, and both Hawes and Thaddeus Young can only play out of position for so long.

If Moultrie cannot provide valuable minutes off the bench, Hawes and Andrew Bynum will find themselves on the floor together much more than they need to be.

Not only that, but we'll be liable to see more of Kwame Brown than Bynum's and Hawes' presences ultimately suggest.

And let's be honest, no one wants it to come to that.

26. Miles Plumlee, Indiana Pacers

Best-Case Scenario: He sees the light of playing time.

Miles Plumlee was a reach, so if he sees any consistent playing time, it's because he's brought more to the team than just his size.

If Plumlee shows any kind of competence on the glass, exhibits any sort of efficiency around the basket or winds up emerging as a any sort of defensive presence from the beginning, the Pacers should consider themselves lucky.

Very lucky, in fact

Worst-Case Scenario: The Pacers get what they drafted.

Plumlee was a mid-second round talent whom Indiana selected to help close out the first. So, the team must be prepared for the worst.

While Plumlee provides a monstrous presence in the paint, his lack of coordination and athleticism renders him a potential liability. 

The big man is not an efficient rebounder, doesn't strike fear in opponents on the offensive end and moves extremely poorly, even for someone his size.

So, in the Pacers' case, worst-case may be the actual case.

25. Tony Wroten Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Best-Case Scenario: A consistent combo guard emerges.

Tony Wroten Jr., much like the departed O.J. Mayo, can be a prolific presence on both ends of the floor.

Not only can Wroten put forth strong defensive sets, but he's an athletic fiend who can attack the basket constantly.

With Mayo out of the fold, Wroten will receive his due playing time. If he falls into line with the rest of the Grizzlies lineup by resisting the urge to go Rucker Park and take unnecessary gambles, he'll plug a hole in their rotation.

Worst-Case Scenario: Wroten fails to grasp the art of continuity.

The biggest knock on Wroten has always been his aversion to consistency.

He's an athletic freak who has great size for his position and can make an impact in all areas of the game, but he hardly does so on an everyday basis. His jump shot is broken, and his tendency to go for steals instead of move his feet can be detrimental on defense.

If the Grizzlies catch a glimpse of this type of Wroten on the floor, we won't be seeing much of him thereafter.

24. Jared Cunningham, Dallas Mavericks

Best-Case Scenario: Jason Kidd and Jason Terry who?

After losing both Kidd and Terry to free agency, the Mavericks picked up a starting-caliber floor general in Darren Collison and an underrated playmaker in O.J. Mayo.

And that's in addition to the ever promising Rodrigue Beaubois.

So, suddenly, Dallas' broken backcourt doesn't seem so broken anymore. And if Jared Cunningham can come off the bench and provide some minutes as a facilitator who is a threat to attack the basket, the Mavericks' latest offseason woes will soon be forgotten.

Dirk Nowitzki would certainly appreciate that.

Worst-Case Scenario: Deficient playmaking abilities prevent him from cracking rotation.

Cunningham's outside shot is in need of some refining, but his most pressing flaw is as a distributor.

Though he has proven capable of spending time at the point guard position, Dallas needs him to embrace the art of facilitating. If he's the primary ball-handler on the floor, he has to pass first, and look for his shot later. Not the other way around.

If Cunningham is unable to adjust to a combo guard role that calls for him to shift gears at a whistle's notice, then he won't be of much use to the Mavericks. 

23. John Jenkins, Atlanta Hawks

Best-Case Scenario: Emerges as another source of Joe Johnson-related relief.

John Jenkins is easily one of the best shooters to come out of the draft, which is great news for a Hawks team that traded away a bounty of offense in Johnson.

If Jenkins is able to knock down the open looks he receives coming off the bench while exuding a willingness to create his own offense, Atlanta's backcourt becomes that much stronger.

After all, Lou Williams was a start, but he can't be the only successor to Johnson's missing offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: Sub-par ball-handling hinders his effectiveness significantly.

For Jenkins to seamlessly transition into his role with the Hawks, he must tighten up his handle on offense.

Jenkins is a great scorer when coming over screens or spotting-up in transition, but his ability to create for himself remains underwhelming.

Jeff Teague has developed into an impressive facilitator, but Jenkins will see plenty of minutes alongside Devin Harris, who isn't what you'd call a gifted distributor.

For that reason, on more than one occasion, he's going to have to rely on himself to create space and open looks to exploit.

If he can't do that, then there's a better than good chance there isn't an everyday spot for him in the lineup.

22. Fab Melo, Boston Celtics

Best Case Scenario: He transforms his game like Brandon Bass did under Kevin Garnett.

Fab Melo is as versatile of a center as you could ask for.

The Syracuse alum has a nice touch around the basket and can also step out and hit the 20-foot jump shot if needed. His ability to hoard rebounds can be admirable as well.

Overall, Melo's game is not that much different from Bass', who had the tools necessary to throw his versatile weight around, but didn't know how to use them. Until Garnett.

If Melo can learn from Garnett's inside-out prowess on either end of the floor, he'll plug a huge hole that the Celtics have been looking to fill for a few years.

Worst-Case Scenario: An absence of dedication and lackluster conditioning renders him a non-factor.

Just because Melo has the tools necessary to succeed, and the mentor capable of forcing him to utilize them, doesn't mean he will.

Melo's dedication has always been questioned, as his dominant performances can be few and far between while his knack for giving up on plays can be more than prevalent.

If Melo doesn't embrace the "hard work pays off" mantra of Doc Rivers, he'll find himself buried on the bench, rapidly becoming a waste of potential.

21. Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics

Best-Case Scenario: Intelligence trumps a lack of athleticism.

Jared Sullinger is not a conventional big man, but when he's at full strength, that's okay.

Sullinger is a terrific rebounder who is great at scoring with his back to the basket. His above average basketball IQ also ensures he's no stranger to passing out of double-teams and hitting the open man on the perimeter.

For a Celtics team that preaches unselfishness and awareness, that's absolutely fantastic.

And as such, he could prove to be a major asset in their quest for another championship.

Worst-Case Scenario: The overwhelming red flags are triumphant.

Despite being a talented post scorer and rebounder, Sullinger is at a severe disadvantage.

Not only is he undersized, but he's battling back issues, lacks athleticism and spends most of his time playing below the rim.

More often than not, for a power forward or center to succeed in this league, they need to be able to throw down an authoritative jam and rise up and contest plenty of shots.

But Sullinger can't do that. So, unless his back holds up better than expected and he works on his conditioning and vertical leaping abilities, there's a chance he winds up washing out of Boston's rotation rather easily.

20. Evan Fournier, Denver Nuggets

Best-Case Scenario: No Arron Afflalo? No problem.

At 6'7", Evan Fournier has the potential to manhandle his opponents on both ends of the floor.

The oversized shooting guard is a stellar ball-handler who isn't afraid to attack the basket, and he's a stout defender on the perimeter, courtesy of, again, his size.

While Denver gained a versatile star in Andre Iguodala, they lost a dynamic shooting guard in Afflalo. But with a little fine tuning—specifically with regards to his outside shot—Fournier can fill whatever void turns out to have actually been left by him

Immediately.

Worst-Case Scenario: Rudy Fernandez part two.

Though the Nuggets are high on the French product, he could fizzle out the way Fernandez did during his stint in the United States, and most recently, his stay in Denver.

To succeed as a shooting guard in the NBA, you must, above all else, be able to score from anywhere on the floor.

Right now, Fournier's jump shot is underwhelming. He has to improve the mechanics on it if he wishes to make an immediate impact.

If not, he'll run the risk of assuming a purely situational role, or perhaps no role at all. 

19. Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic

Best-Case Scenario: An immediate replacement for Dwight Howard.

No, Andrew Nicholson is no Howard, but he's certainly got the tools necessary to assume the starting center position in Orlando.

In addition to an exceptionally honed post game, Nicholson has added an outside attack to his offensive arsenal, and that's the kind of versatility Howard never brought to the table.

And while at 6'9", Nicholson is severely undersized, but he makes up for it through his penchant for eluding defenders. Though he turned the ball over quite often at St. Bonaventure—mostly because they featured him so often—he is a stellar ball-handler for a big man; he can duck and weave his way in and out of the paint with little effort.

So, while Nicholson may be called upon to fill a shoe that simply cannot be filled, he has the offensive talent to make it as a starter.

Worst-Case Scenario: Unable to adjust to the NBA.

Nicholson attended St. Bonaventure for four years where he basked in the glory that was isolation.

Hardly anyone knew who this kid was coming into the draft, and his position on the board reflected that reality.

But now, Nicholson is no longer flying under the radar; he's made it to the pros, where the level of play is more intense than anything he's ever experienced. Especially at college.

If Nicholson is unable to adjust the reality of having to work for his points and go up against bigs stronger and more athletic than he, there's a good chance he tapers out of the Magic's rotation early in the season.

18. Terrence Jones, Houston Rockets

Best-Case Scenario: Takes the Rockets' frontline by storm.

Terrence Jones is an incredibly versatile athlete who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

The quintessential tweener is a fierce rebounder, can score from anywhere on the floor, has a great handle on the ball and has worked on his timing to become a legitimate shot-blocking threat.

On a Rockets team void of an identity or direction, Jones should receive ample playing time from the beginning.

And as a featured player right off the bat, he should be able to showcase his two-way prowess on a daily basis, contending for a spot in the starting lineup down the road.

Worst-Case Scenario: Unable to establish an identity.

Jones' greatest strength is also his greatest weakness.

While he is equipped to play both forward slots, he has no clear cut position. And in the NBA, that can be both a gift and a curse.

In theory, Jones is essentially adjusting to two positions as he makes his debut. It's a different game at the NBA-level, and Jones will be forced to learn the professional trades of two different slots because he is void of a niche.

Should such a task prove overwhelming, and Jones begin to make unforced errors on the court in an attempt to do too much, his value to the Houston organization diminishes substantially—to the point of insignificance. 

17. Tyler Zeller, Cleveland Cavaliers

Best-Case Scenario: Tyler Zeller works his way into the starting lineup.

No, I'm not kidding.

Though the Cavaliers already have a capable big man in Anderson Varejao, Zeller is the type of talent that can change the tide of a rotation very quickly.

The 7-footer's ability to score from both inside and out, run the floor extremely well and hold his own on the defensive end renders him an immediate asset.

While Varejao can do much of the same things on defense and in transition, he lacks the offensive prowess Zeller has.

So, if Zeller can establish himself as a consistent scorer and coordinated defender early on, Varejao's days as a starter could be numbered. 

Worst-Case Scenario: Lack of strength perpetually halts his development.

While Zeller comes in as a 7-footer, he's not exceptionally strong. 

The center relies on more of a finesse game to get the job done on offense, and he has a tendency to disappear on the glass as well.

If the big man commits to adding some much-needed muscle, he has the potential to thrive as a dominant post presence with a varying skill set.

If he doesn't, though? Well, then he'll simply be one of those centers who capitalizes off his height, and not his strength or abilities.

16. Royce White, Houston Rockets

Best-Case Scenario: A future star.

Royce White can handle the ball like a guard, shoot like a wing and post up like a big man.

Intrigued?

So were the Rockets.

Though he has no clear position in his future, he doesn't need one. He has such a wide variety of skill sets at his disposable that he could effectively play minutes at the 1-4 positions.

Couple his versatility with his exemplary court-vision, scoring prowess and passable defense, and you have a player who, in the right situation, could be a heartbeat away from stardom.

Worst-Case Scenario: An immediate bust.

Despite being able to do so many different things on the court, White is his own worst enemy.

Not only does he turn the ball over frequently, but his highly publicized anxiety issues can truly prevent him from reaching his full potential.

We saw it at times while he was at Iowa State, and there's a strong chance that under the bright lights of the NBA, we'll see it again.

Except for the fact that this time around, it could prevent him from making any kind of positive impact at all.

15. Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic

Best-Case Scenario: Eventual starter.

Moe Harkless is a dynamic wing who could theoretically serve as the perfect replacement for Iguodala.

While Orlando is laden with odds and ends, Harkless' abilities rival that of any of those already on the team.

Not only can Harkless distribute the ball and attack the rim, but he's an understated defender who can block shots, grab rebounds and clog passing lanes.

Should he ever add a consistent jump shot to his arsenal, he'd be a strong candidate for future All-NBA teams.

Worst-Case Scenario: NBA turns him into a one-sided contributor.

Harkless' jump shot isn't the ugliest of his draft class, but it needs some serious work.

If Harkless is unable resolve his inconsistencies on offense there, he becomes easier to defend, and at such a young age, is liable to be taken out of the offensive scheme altogether.

So, while his defensive value is unlikely to deteriorate, the NBA stands to break his often inefficient offensive game and relegate him to a specialty player if he doesn't adjust accordingly. 

14. John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks

Best Case Scenario: Carries Bucks interior attack to a playoff berth.

Milwaukee is a talented team on the outside as it boasts a wide array of players who can score from anywhere on the floor.

Inside the paint, though? That's a different story.

Enter John Henson, the defensive-oriented big man out of North Carolina who is easily more athletically inclined than Samuel Dalembert.

His penchant for protecting the rim and crashing the glass while maintaining enough mobility to step out and defend on the perimeter adds a refreshing dynamic to a defensively limited Bucks team.

And if he can lock down the paint and help stretch the floor on the offensive end—something Dalembert and Drew Gooden simply don't do—Milwaukee will find itself back in the playoffs sooner rather than later.

Worst-Case Scenario: Fails to evolve offensively, becoming no more valuable than Dalembert.

Just because Henson is more athletic than Dalembert doesn't mean he'll prove to be the better fit.

It's more difficult for big men to make the jump to the NBA because they're not used to facing the varying levels of explosiveness in college that they will in the pros.

For Henson to ensure as seamless of a transition as possible, he must further develop his offensive game, so that he can be of assistance on more than one end of the floor.

Because as stout of a defender as he is, if Henson finds himself void of offensive competency while struggling against NBA-level bigs, he'll be shown the bench.

And down the road, the door.

13. Kendall Marshall, Phoenix Suns

Best-Case Scenario: Balances prolific passing with aggressive scoring.

Kendall Marshall, without a doubt, is the best playmaker of this draft class.

The point guard's spectacular court-vision, seamless dribble penetration and precise passing abilities allow him to maximize the offensive potential of his teammates and break down any defensive scheme thrown his way.

What's missing? An aptitude for scoring.

Marshall is often too unselfish. But if he can look for his shot more, whether it be from the inside or out, he'll become an even greater offensive threat than he is now.

And while that would come as great news to the Suns, it would cause a migraine for opposing defenses.

Worst-Case Scenario: Marshall never stops being his own worst enemy. 

If Marshall develops a willingness to look for his own offense, he'll develop into one of the league's best floor generals.

If he continues his excessively passive ways, though, his ability to transform the culture of an offense will be hindered by his predictability.

Unlike many of his peers, Marshall not only has the tools needed to succeed, but the evidence that he knows how to use them.

Now it's just a matter of getting him to use them, or we'll wind up talking about what could have been. 

12. Jeremy Lamb, Houston Rockets

Best-Case Scenario: A perpetual matchup headache.

Jeremy Lamb can score from anywhere, and in so many different ways, that it's enough to make even the best perimeter defenders cringe.

He's an extremely efficient shooter who can exploit defenses with a timely pull-up, a drive to the rim or a contested jumper; he simply knows no bounds on offense.

And to make matters for his future even better, he's a passable defender who uses his long arms to bother his opponents.

But yeah, the scoring thing. He's perhaps the best scorer of his class and should be able to provide a substantial offensive pick-me-up for the Rockets immediately.

Worst-Case Scenario: Lamb channels his inner Keith Van Horn.

Though Lamb's offensive tendencies are prolific, he is not without fault.

When he has the ball in his hands or is making off-ball cuts, Lamb is a defender's worst nightmare. But it's the times when he can be found remaining idle and offensively stagnant that are a coach's worst nightmare.

While Lamb led UConn in scoring last season and is a sure-fire No. 1 scoring option down the road, he has a tendency to disappear for long stretches at a time.

Although failing to remedy that won't kill a career—again see Van Horn—it would prevent Lamb from becoming the star his offensive talents suggest he can be. 

11. Meyers Leonard, Portland Trail Blazers

Best-Case Scenario: A legitimately formidable starting center.

Meyers Leonard is fundamentally sound.

The big man doesn't turn heads on offense, but he provides the necessary rebounding and shot-blocking it takes to succeed at the NBA level as a center.

So, while there is nothing to suggest that Leonard is headed down the path to stardom, his defensive coordination and tested durability will allow him to potentially erase Greg Oden from the Blazers' memory en route to having a prosperous career in the low post.

Worst-Case Scenario: He proves to be too much of a project.

For all the talk about Andre Drummond being as raw as he is, Leonard has somehow skated. And as promising as he is, things could horribly wrong for him. Fast.

Though he possesses an impressive skill set on defense, his offensive awareness is below average and there's nothing intense about his on-court demeanor.

Thanks to his 7-foot stature, he'll never be without a home in the NBA. However, if he fails to evolve offensively and perfect his timing on defense, we could be looking at a less athletically-inclined version of Kwame Brown.

Yes, I went there.

10. Austin Rivers, New Orleans Hornets

Best-Case Scenario: Eric Gordon 2.0

Now, this is not to suggest that Austin Rivers will wind up being a better version of Gordon, but he certainly has the potential to match his effectiveness.

In fact, I take that back, he does have the potential to surpass Gordon's talent.

Not only is Rivers as effective of a scorer, but he's actually a more adept passer. No, he doesn't utilize this particular talent to his advantage nearly enough, but it exists.

If the Hornets can find a way to slightly alter Rivers' mindset, we'll have a future star combo-guard on our hands—one who is more well-rounded and explosive than Mr. Gordon.

Worst-Case Scenario: Never finds his niche.

It's much more difficult to be a successful combo guard than people give credit for.

We point to athletes like Jamal Crawford as an example of how it's done right, but even he isn't the pinnacle of backcourt versatility.

It's not only hard to balance passing with scoring, but it's extremely difficult to do both efficiently.

Sometimes, the lines become blurred and a player is unsure of his role and what exactly is expected of him. That can often lead to a complete demise, or at the very least, the absence of an identity.

And that's a reality Rivers is going to want to avoid if he wishes to remain a relevant fixture in the NBA.

9. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Best-Case Scenario: Superstar

I get that Andre Drummond is a major project, but he's one that has the potential to pay huge dividends.

The big man is an athletic freak, like the biggest athletic freak of the draft. He's incredibly raw on both ends of the ball, but his size coupled with his physical gifts indicates that he has one of the highest ceilings of any player in this class.

There's no denying that Drummond's development is going to take patience, especially on offense, where he has less than a clue. But when he's at his best, he's so fierce and dominant in everything he does that it's impossible not to see superstar potential.

And if the Pistons bring him along the right way—by remaining patient and steadily increasing the size of his arsenal—there's no doubt his star potential will be actualized.

Worst-Case Scenario: One of the biggest busts in draft history.

Drummond has the physical gifts necessary to become a superstar, but he's a high-risk prospect to say the least.

His basketball psyche is extremely fragile; he's so raw that one wrong turn could thrust him into oblivion, where that star potential of his will cease to exist.

8. Terrence Ross, Toronto Raptors

Best-Case Scenario: No. 1 offensive option.

Terrence Ross isn't a future superstar, but he has scoring prowess that will allow him to become Toronto's—or another team's—first offensive option down the line.

He's an excellent shooter who can knock down the three in transition and develop a rhythm as soon as he steps on the floor; he's not unlike a healthy Kevin Martin, in fact.

If Ross can hone his ball-handling abilities to become even more self-sufficient on offense, opposing defenses will be scrambling around the perimeter to no avail for years to come.

Worst-Case Scenario: Develops into no more than a spot-up shooter.

Though Ross has shown he can create off the dribble, he's turnover-prone and didn't take the necessary steps to resolve this throughout college.

If he cannot learn to protect the ball, his offensive ceiling comes crashing down.

Although there's plenty of room for skilled spot-up shooters in the league, one-dimensional scorers are a dime-a-dozen in the NBA. And if Ross is unable to separate himself from the rest of the league's sharpshooters, there's no way he'll carry more than a mediocre reputation, let alone the offensive burden of an entire team. 

7. Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

Best-Case Scenario: One of the most dominant two-way players in the NBA.

At first glance, Harrison Barnes doesn't look like much. But he is.

Barnes is one of the most deadly shooters of his draft class, with the ability to efficiently put up points in bunches. 

Just as importantly, though, Barnes is a tenacious defender. He has quick hands, superior footwork and is long enough to defend a wide array of positions.

If the Warriors allot him ample playing time, there's no way his two-way prowess doesn't run rampant; he's too intelligent, fundamentally sound and physically gifted not to let it.

Worst-Case Scenario: Potential star turned role player.

I don't see Barnes going bust by any means. In fact, he's too well-rounded not to experience some success at the NBA level.

However, there's no guarantee his star potential is actualized. He still has some defensive fine-tuning to undergo and some muscle to add, necessary adjustments if he wishes to cross the threshold into superstardom.

If he fails to do that, though, he won't be a bust, but he will be relegated to an understated starter or featured bench player.

Though that's far from horrible, it would be a waste of his potential.

6. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Best-Case Scenario: Top-5 point guard.

Damian Lillard is extremely talented, and by all indications, a future star at the NBA level.

He's lightening fast, can score from anywhere on the floor and continues to grow as a facilitator and perimeter defender.

His improvement as a leader was also evident at this year's summer league, where he was named the co-MVP.

The Blazers were in desperate need of a talented floor general to help bring their offense together, and provided Lillard lives up to his skill set, they've found they're answer.

Worst-Case Scenario: Poor decision-making relegates him to a backup role.

Lillard's skill set is prolific, but his logic is somewhat questionable.

The point guard has a tendency to make hasty and ill-advised decisions with the ball in his hands. He's also a bit of a wild card on defense, where he takes far too many risks that will either result in easy buckets or will put him in foul trouble at the professional level.

If he can evolve as a decision-maker and embrace the art of self-restraint and unselfishness, his future appears bright.

But if he is unable to clean up his me-first tendencies and below average decision-making, he'll find himself coming off the bench in due time.

5. Thomas Robinson, Sacramento Kings

Best-Case Scenario: A two-way Blake Griffin.

Thomas Robinson is athletic—like really athletic.

The power forward fueled his rise to collegiate stardom with ferocious rebounding and strong finishes at the rim. Despite a lukewarm summer league display, he's still one of the most NBA-ready rookies and stands to become a two-way powerhouse with a bit of offensive and shot-blocking refining.

Once Robinson has his timing down, though, his chiseled frame will take care of the rest. There are very few players currently in the league, if any, with the strength and tenacity to slow Robinson's motor.

He's much like Griffin in that he thrives when playing above the rim, but differs in his defensive conscience and willingness to pass out of the post.

Provided the Kings don't find a way to misuse him, Sacramento found a gem here.

Worst-Case Scenario: Athletic backup.

But let's say Robinson's career doesn't get off to a favorable start.

Let's say he fails to grasp the need to body up on the opposition defensively, is unable to develop a strong post game and can't find a way consistently contest shots.

What then?

Well, stardom certainly won't be in the cards, but his leaping abilities alone will be enough for him to crack whatever rotation he's trying to.

He just won't be starting or find himself being the first player called off the bench.

4. Dion Waiters, Cleveland Cavaliers

Best-Case Scenario: The guy behind the guy.

Dion Waiters is not going to be a superstar, but he does have the potential to develop into a competent No. 2.

The combo guard is at his best when he's attacking the rim, which is helped along by his quick first step. He's improved his outside shooting a great deal as well, allowing him to become a threat off the ball.

Waiters' abilities as a floor general are underwhelming, but he excels in transition and gives Kyrie Irving the running mate he so desperately needs in the open court, just like the guy behind the guy is supposed to.

Worst-Case Scenario: Straight-up bust.

Waiters can score, but that may not be enough to put him on the map.

His defense is suspect and he's yet to develop into an even halfway decent distributor, leaving him to roam the hardwood as an undersized shooting guard.

And in the NBA, it's difficult enough to be undersized as it is, let alone when you're essentially a one-dimensional athlete who hasn't shown a willingness to grow your game.

The Cavaliers took a risk here, one that has the potential to pay off in some way, but it also runs the risk of backfiring, as Waiters is hardly a future star and is liable to fade off into the sunset if he can't expand his methods of attack.

3. Bradley Beal Washington Wizards

Best-Case Scenario: A smaller, more two-way oriented Ray Allen.

Everything about Bradley Beal just screams future superstar.

The combo guard is the quintessential chameleon; he can fit any system, any style and any pace of play. He's also as versatile of a scorer as they come, able to take his man off the dribble or navigate his way to an open look off the ball.

His playmaking abilities are impressive as well. Despite primarily being considered a scorer, Beal has managed to establish himself as an unselfish floor general, who can shift his mindset at the drop of the dime.

Defensively, Beal has it covered too. His ability to make sharp lateral movements serves him well against even the quickest of scorers and he's proven to be a great help defender and extremely instinctive on rotations.

If he continues to evolve on both ends of the floor, he'll be a superstar in no time.

Worst-Case Scenario: Sixth man.

Beal is too talented to be rendered a complete failure. 

He's already proven to have his offensive timing down, and while he's still developing defensively, he's shown a willingness to correct his errors and improve.

That said, Beal's subpar athleticism could hurt his standing in the league eventually. He's not especially strong, nor does he finish at the rim with any particular flair.

Beal's a fundamentally sound guy, first and foremost, and sometimes these types of players are just best served coming off the bench. 

2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Bobcats

Best-Case Scenario: All-Star wing.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist doesn't seem like your prototypical cornerstone, but he is a stud in his own right.

The small forward is a superb athlete and a natural playmaker. He's at his best when he's attacking the rim, but can also exploit the defense as a facilitator as well.

On defense, though, is where Kidd-Gilchrist makes his biggest impact. He's a lockdown perimeter defender with above-average lateral quickness. He's adept at forcing turnovers and isn't afraid to contest shots or go up for rebounds.

If he can continue to hone those skills, he has the potential to reach Andre Iguodala-like status.

Worst-Caste Scenario: Defensive specialist.

Despite being an innovative playmaker on offense, Kidd-Gilcrhist boasts a wildly inconsistent jump shot.

For him to maximize his success at the professional level, he needs to turn that into a strength, as cuts to the basket and drive-and-kicks will only get you so far.

Should he be unable to expand his horizons on the offensive end, though, he'll make a name for himself as a defensive specialist with a volatile offensive game.

And that's not the kind of reputation that screams superstar, but rather a strong role player with limited effectiveness.

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets

Best-Case Scenario: Historically versatile big man.

There isn't anything Anthony Davis can't do.

The former Kentucky Wildcat is a defensive guru who can defend any position. He's a terrific shot-blocker, phenomenal rebounder and possesses the necessary quickness to step out on the perimeter and defend from beyond the arc.

Offensively, Davis' game is not as refined, but he's still got the potential to be a powerhouse. He's got a great touch around the rim, decent back-to-the-basket sets and the ball-handling skills necessary to face-up his defender and score off the dribble. He's also got some serious range to his game on that end as well.

If Davis can continue to develop his many skill sets, we've most likely got another Kevin Garnett on our hands; someone who can hurt the opposition on both ends of the floor from anywhere on the court.

And that's a rarity.

Worst-Case Scenario: Marcus Camby-like limitations.

Though Davis has the potential to become an offensive powerhouse, he is still relatively raw on that side of the ball.

But if he fails to evolve as a scorer, he always has his defense to fall back on, as his practices on that end of the floor should translate nicely into the NBA.

While it comes as good news that Davis will be extremely effective in at least some capacity, a failure to evolve offensively pits him among some of the league's most one-dimensional big men.

Guys like Camby and Tyson Chandler are great to have off slash-and-grab pick-and-rolls, but they're nearly void of a post game and consistent offense in general.

So, without an increased focused on offensive awareness, Davis is liable to end up just like them—a prolific defender, but an underwhelming offensive performer.

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