2012 NBA Draft Preview: Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger and the Top 30 Picks

The 2011-12 NBA season is up in the air right now, so why not look forward to the 2012 NBA Draft?

If the 2011 class was slighty...bare, then the 2012 class is going to slighty...not bare. 

With freshmen like Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger and Terrence Jones staying around, this draft will contain some of the most talented sophomores in recent years. 

Add that to a loaded freshmen class that includes Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers and James McAdoo, and there is an insane amount of talent.

So, here's a very early look at what the NBA draft could look like next June.

Just for the record, no international players are included, and neither is Andre Drummond, who's status is up in the air right now.

If Drummond does declare, he's a Top 2 pick, easy. 

1) Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

North Carolina's Harrison Barnes is a special talent. That is all.

OK, that's not all.

Returning for his sophomore season was a very smart move by Barnes, as he was just starting to come into his own near the end of the year. Now, he'll be able to build off that and establish himself as the top pick.

Barnes can score with ease, as he can light it from deep or take most defenders off the dribble. At 6'8", that's an impressive skill to have. He's a prototypical NBA small forward. 

He should start drawing Kevin Durant comparisons as the season wears on, and that's going to make any team scared to pass him up at No. 1. 

2) Anthony Davis, Kentucky

I haven't seen Anthony Davis play a whole lot, but his descriptions remind me a lot of Kevin Garnett.

According to his scout profile, the future Kentucky forward has the type of athleticism that would allow him to play any position if he wanted.

At 6'10", he is both a good inside scorer and defender but needs to add some strength to his body.

He appears to be a future point forward in the making. Throw in the fact that he still hasn't come close to his potential, and Anthony Davis seems like a lock for a top five pick. 

3) Austin Rivers, Duke

Austin Rivers just might be the best pure scorer in this draft. He can beat anyone, including John Wall, off the dribble, has incredible range and deceptive athleticism.

I've seen Rivers lower on most 2012 draft boards, and I realize that shooting guards aren't always the highest priority, but this kid actually reminds me a little bit of Kobe Bryant at that age.

Teams might end up regret passing on Rivers.

Kobe is a couple inches taller and was more explosive in high school, but Rivers has that similar, I-score-with-ridiculous-ease look about his game, and his jump shot even has that tiny little fade on it.

4) Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger was arguably the most dominant player in the nation as a freshman at Ohio St. last season, and he surprisingly decided to stay around for another year.

If Sullinger builds off of his freshman year, he is undoubtedly a top five pick. Big men are commodities, and you won't find many more consistent guys than 6'10", 281 pound Jared Sullinger.

Teams will have to hope Sullinger isn't the next Greg Oden—the last big man from Ohio St. to be touted this highly.  

5) Jeremy Lamb, UConn

Jeremey Lamb is long, athletic and a great shooter—all things that NBA scouts love, and all things that will make him a sure-fire Top 15 pick.

I have him this high, however, because I think he is going to have a breakout season for Connecticut this year.

With the departure of Kemba Walker, Lamb will have to step it up, and he showed during their national championship run that he could do just that.

I've heard lots of comparisons to former UConn guard Ray Allen, and if Lamb can bulk up a little bit, he'd be a great pick here. 

Marquis Teague, Kentucky

I originally didn't have Marquis Teague this high, but the lack of true point guards moves him up a bit.

At 6'1", Teague is blessed with incredible quickness, ball-handling and the ability to finish around the rim.

However, Teague doesn't shoot the lights out or quite have the court vision and awareness necessary for an elite NBA point guard. A year under head coach John Calipari should help that.

He's a lot like Bradon Knight (pictured), so Coach Cal should know how to utilize him.  

James McAdoo, North Carolina

This draft seems to be full of athletic power forwards, and James McAdoo adds to the list. 

With his skill set, McAdoo is ready to contribute at North Carolina right away but will the minutes be available?

Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller and John Henson are already in town, and it appears that McAdoo will be coming off the bench.

McAdoo pairs his terrific skill set with an intelligent, calm and smooth demeanor on the court. In that essence, his game sort of resembles Tim Duncan (pictured), and that will easily propel him into the Top 10.

Still though, the fact that he might not get starter's minutes may keep him from moving up further than that. 

Perry Jones, Baylor

Another tall, skinny forward, Perry Jones clocks in at 6'11", 235 pounds. 

During his freshman season at Baylor, Jones averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per game, while shooting 55 percent from the field.

Jones runs the floor, handles the ball well for his size and possess a nice jumper that extends to the three-point line. All the skills are there, but he never quite put it all together last season.

If he finally figures it all out, his stock might even move higher than this. 

Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Terrence Jones surprised a few people when he decided to stay at Kentucky for his sophomore season.

Jones averaged almost 16 points and nine rebounds per game but struggled at times shooting the ball both from the field and from the line.

Still though, he has terrific size and muscle for a small forward, has the ability to drive to the hoop or post up and could very easily end up as a more athletic Rashard Lewis. 

LeBryan Nash, Oklahoma St.

LeBryan Nash has the skills to become the second best Le-something in the league, just behind this guy. 

Nash possesses possibility the best physical tools of anyone in this draft. He is an elite athlete and a physical freak for his age. 

He is probably already on par, athletically, with some of the NBA's best athletes. 

His game is mostly as a slasher, as he effortlessly gets to the lane and finishes pretty much whenever he wants. His shooting is probably average right now, but the biggest thing holding him back is his attitude.

If Travis Ford can reel Nash in a little bit during his time at Oklahoma St., his ceiling is somewhere around the clouds. 

Mike Gilchrist, Kentucky

Michael Gilchrist has a skill set that is very similar to Harrison Barnes', minus the terrific jumper.

At 6'7", Gilchrist is a true slashing small forward. He can get to the hoop with ease and finish with the best of them.

He loves to compete and displays a true love for the game. If he doesn't improve the jump shot, he likely won't climb too much further on the draft board.

If he does improve it, however, he has the pure talent to be drafted in the top five. 

Quincy Miller, Baylor

Quincy Miller is 6'10", but he is still extremely athletic and handles the ball well for a big man. Even with these unique skills, Miller has a ways to go before he is ready for the NBA.

The best way I can describe his jump shot is awkward, and he seems a bit cocky. Miller might be in for quite a shock when he hits Big 12 play.

Still though, if he can harness his unique skill set, he is a Lamar Odom, point-forward type player in the making.  

Bradley Beal, Florida

First and foremost, Bradley Beal is a shooter. He can hit the three off the dribble or coming off the screen. That's what he does best, but he still has good athleticism and can finish at the hoop.

I'm not positive where he'll fit into Florida's rotation with Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton, but he should be able to showcase his abilities.

At 6'4", Beal is a pure shooting guard, and if he declares after his freshman year, he'll find himself very close to the top 10. 

Thomas Robinson, Kansas

On a per-minute basis, Thomas Robinson was the best rebounder in the country last year. 

Now, with the Morris brothers in the NBA, Robinson will be the go-to guy in the post for Kansas, and I believe he'll shoot up the draft boards.

He still struggles a bit on the offensive end, especially in the post, so he needs to improve that, but the rebounding, competitiveness and athleticism are all things that scouts like.

He's the perfect end-of-the-lottery pick. 

Josiah Turner, Arizona

Josiah Turner is one of many talented players for Sean Miller's 2011 recruiting class.

At 6'4", Turner is quite big for a point guard, similar to someone like Derrick Rose. In fact, Turner plays a lot like Rose with his ability to get into the lane and finish because of his strength and athleticism.

Like Rose in college, Turner still has to work on his jump shot, but he should make a big impact for Arizona. If he has a good year, he could easily move much further up the big board.  

Khris Middleton, Texas A&M

In his sophomore season, Khris Middleton doubled his scoring average up to over 14 points per game. He shot 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from three, both improvements over his freshman season.

At 6'7", Middleton plays more of a "small" small forward position, but he has the shooting ability of a shooting guard. 

He is very athletic and projects as someone who will play both positions. 

John Henson, North Carolina

John Henson was very highly rated coming out of high school, and as he enters his junior season, he is finally getting close to hitting his potential.

After just five points and four rebounds per game during his freshman season, Henson averaged a double-double to go along with three blocks last year.

If he continues his progression, he's got the length and talent to propel himself into the lottery.  

Patric Young, Florida

Patric Young is a force down low, possessing a strong body that is hard to move.

He can be dominant on the boards on both the offensive and defensive end, and he has an underrated post game on the offensive side of the ball. 

Young will have to put together a good season if he is going to declare for the draft, but I think he's in line for a breakout season. 

Joshua Smith, UCLA

If Joshua Smith lost about 10-15 pounds, he could easily be a lottery pick. 

Smith is a terrific rebounder and has a very polished offensive game for his age, but he doesn't have the stamina to stay in games for long enough.

If he gets into better shape, and if he decides to declare, the sophomore should land in the top 20. 

Mouphtaou Yarou, Villanova

Mouphtaou Yarou is pretty much built in the Kenneth Faried mold.

At 6'9", Yarou is similar in height and build to Faried, and he works just as hard.

Yarou's game is built off rebounding and hustle. His offensive game still needs work, but he would make a good pick for a contender. 

Doron Lamb, Kentucky

Doron Lamb can contribute on both sides of the ball. He is an electric scorer but still plays incredibly tough on-ball defense. 

He's a perfect early-20s pick, but I feel like there might be a good chance that he stays in Kentucky if his stock is somewhere around here. 

Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Made in the Tyler-Hansbrough mold, Tyler Zeller won't be jumping over anyone anytime soon. 

He's still an incredibly hard worker, a great rebounder and has very polished moves in the post. His mid-range is becoming more consistent, and his hook-shot is dead on. 

His ceiling isn't much higher than this. 

CJ Leslie, North Carolina State

C.J Leslie is long, athletic and displays the ability to play above the rim. At 6'9", this small forward is built in the Thaddeus Young mold. 

He has good ball-handling and terrific size, but his jump shot and defense still need a little bit of work.

Even though he is still a bit raw, this would be a good potential talent pick for any playoff team. 

Michael Snaer, Florida State

This one is all speculation. Michael Snaer was very highly touted coming out of high school, but he has been fairly disappointing in his first two years at Florida State.

Still though, the potential is there, and if Snaer finally puts it all together, he'll easily crack the first round, because he has all-around talent. 

If he disappoints again, however, he's a late second-round pick if even declares at all. 

Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

Festus Ezeli is the perfect late first-round pick. 

He's big, consistent on the offensive end, rebounds the ball well and plays very good defense in the post.

Ezeli averaged two-and-a-half blocks per game last year and would be a good pick to fill the role of enforcer off the bench.

John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

John Jenkins is a shooter with deadly range, and that's the role that he'll fill for a playoff team.

There's really not much to it. He doesn't have ideal size or athleticism, his ceiling isn't the highest and he's not a terrific passer, but he's the perfect shooter for some team's bench.

Think J.J Reddick. 

Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Tony Mitchell was a top-tier, 5-star recruit by Missouri but was declared academically ineligible, so Johnny Jones and North Texas scooped him up.

He is slated to play this upcoming season, and if he lives up to his potential, he'll be a first-rounder.

Mitchell is a very athletic small forward and would be very attractive for most teams. He has to prove he's ready to compete again, though.

Maalik Wayns, Villanova

Maalik Wayns jumps into the first round because of the lack of available experienced point guards.

He possesses good vision and ball-handling. Nothing too special, here. 

Draymond Green, Michigan State

This is around the time that seniors always get drafted, and all Draymond Green has done at Michigan State is contribute.

He is a triple-triple threat every time he walks onto the court, and while he doesn't possess out-of-the-gym athleticism, he's the prototypical, ultra-productive, late first-round pick. 

Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State

Renardo Sidney has the skills to be drafted in the lottery. He just has to overcome his poor attitude, first.

Sidney has had off-the-court problems and battles with laziness at times, but if he can get in the right mindset, he is a very large man with sneaky athleticism who might be a steal at the end of the first round.