2012 NBA Mock Draft: All 30 First-Round Picks, Can Andre Drummond Take No. 1?

After a little bit of a relatively weak class in the 2011 NBA Draft, the boys of 2012 are out to prove that they are indeed no slouch.

It starts with Andre Drummond. Hardly 18 years old and not even a collegiate contest deep, Drummond is out to prove to everyone that he's not just hype. Even though he's a freak athlete whose potential is off the roof, we're not sure if he's worthy yet of that No. 1 overall selection.

Read on as the next 30 slides will get you up to date on everything you need to know about the 2012 class, and a prediction from yours truly for the first 30 picks.

Enjoy! 

You should follow me on Twitter @JosephFafinski if that's your thing.

1. Los Angeles Clippers (By Way of T'Wolves): Andre Drummond, UCONN

For a kid whose skill levels come crashing through the roof, it sure is hard to find a picture of Andre Drummond.

Google adventures aside, the 6'11" Drummond, who doubles as a power forward and center, has a body and skill set that rivals that of an 18-year-old Dwight Howard (yes, I just made this comparison). He's strong, big, athletic, he plays adequate defense and he has incredible leaping ability.

Ladies and gentleman, you better educate yourself in these coming months of the wonder that is Andre Drummond. He's a perfect fit for the Clippers at No. 1. Even if DeAndre Jordan is supposedly ready for the future, I'd still get rid of him and train this guy. He's shaping up to be something special.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Alright Cleveland, it was a cute trade to snag Omar Casspi from the Sacramento Kings this summer and claim him as your starting small forward. But it's time to stop messing around, courtesy of the pictured Tar Heel who can potentially shake up the draft.

2011-12 might be the year of the Harrison Barnes in college basketball. He's a favorite to win the National Player of the Year based on his athleticism and his basketball IQ. He's a great kid who, at still only 19, will have a sexy name come draft time next June. 

Harrison Barnes is one of the best players available and he'll be simply impossible to resist for the Cavs. Casspi might be an okay pick for the starting spot, but Harrison would simply make a great selection. Even though he's just a teenager, he can still mesh with the best.

Just ask Clemson.

3. Toronto Raptors: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

The Toronto Raptors are certain of two things: one, Andrea Bargnani doesn't belong on the team; and two, there is a big void for post players down low on Canada's squad.

One baller who can ultimately fill that void is Anthony Davis. The 18-year-old unibrowed wonderboy is the anti-Bargnani. Two of Bargs' biggest weaknesses (defense and rebounding) are huge strengths for Davis.

In his first two years of high school prior to his growth spurt, Davis was a 6'3" guard before adding seven inches to his length. This proves he still has some guard-like traits, like an able jump shot and spectacular defense (which, after watching much film, might be his biggest strength). 

When looking for a 6'10" 215-pound power forward next summer, look no further than the world-class talent that is Anthony Davis. Let's just put it this way—if he was eligible to come out last year he would've no doubt been the No. 1 pick.

4. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

A 6'10" sophomore who nearly stuck it out until June's draft, Jared Sullinger is one of the more intriguing prospects of the 2012 class.

He would've been a top five pick last season no doubt, but where will he end up next summer? Obviously his sophomore season has much to do with where he ends up, but did he potentially screw up some of his lore after going back to college for another year?

I don't personally think so. With another year of college under the belt, Sullinger's draft status and his NBA-readiness can only improve after this year. He has far too much potential to just throw away.

5. Sacramento Kings: James McAdoo, North Carolina

Well, Jimmermania is set to take off after the curly-haired Fredette was traded this past June to the Sacramento Kings.

The question is at the fifth pick: are there NBA talents that can pair up with Jimmer and other young players like DeMarcus Cousins or Tyreke Evans?

I do have one in mind—his name is James McAdoo. Now why does that name sound so eerily familiar? Oh yeah, maybe it's because his uncle, Bob, was a Hall of Fame NBA player who averaged 22 points and nine rebounds per game throughout his illustrious career.

James might not be Bob, but his great size for a small forward (he's 6'9" and weighs 226 big ones) coupled with his jump shot and athleticism might be enough to propel him to the fifth overall pick.

6. New Jersey Nets: Michael Gilchrist, Kentucky

Michael Gilchrist is a mystery of sorts. Although NBADraft.net, among other sites, don't have him listed in the 2012 draft, it's hard to believe he'll stay more than a year as a product freshman of John Calipari's system. After all, he's produced lottery talent guards in the last four years (do Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall and Brandon Knight ring a bell?), so it's not out of the question for the talented Gilchrist to up and leave after just one campaign.

Although he's extremely gifted, Gilchrist must work on his consistency, most notably around the perimeter. Hopefully coach Cal fixes that. We know he can.

7. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones, Baylor

The first of two Baylor Bears in the first round (Quincy Miller is coming up), Perry Jones was a top five talent in 2011, only to realize he'd love another year at the collegiate level.

He has a huge upside (I knew his name more than three years ago even though I don't follow the national high school scene, if that's any perspective) and his wingspan is just downright ridiculous.

One of the biggest question marks of Perry's game is his suspect defense, but with a wingspan like his there's no reason to think he's peaked in that perspective at only 20 years old.

The Pistons would love to find another building block to line up alongside the talented Greg Monroe, and they would love to get rid of the worthless, punch-throwing Charlie Villanueva in the process.

8. Los Angeles Clippers: Austin Rivers, Duke

In a nutshell, Austin Rivers of Duke is what you want in an offensive-minded guard. He can play either backcourt position and excel at it. He's quick with his feet, is explosive when driving and is above average with his hands. What's not to like?

The Clippers already have a mini-logjam in the backcourt, but it's not like they wouldn't make any room for the wonder boy Rivers. Adding Drummond and Rivers, as I project in this mock, would be an insanely good draft for the Clips.

It doesn't hurt that he has a very close NBA connection in dad (and Boston Celtics head coach) Doc Rivers.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Brad Beal, Florida

Another 18-year-old who hasn't seen any college experience, Brad Beal will bring his talents from Chaminade High School in St. Louis, Missouri all the way to Gainesville for a detour before the real fun begins in the NBA.

Beal is a shooting guard who has drawn Ray Allen comparisons for his downright awesome jump shot (and if you haven't seen it, you're welcome).

The Bobcats don't have a dominate backcourt and are searching for an identity. Perhaps Brad Beal (he's got one of those names where you have to say the first and last, like Chris Paul) can help them acquire said identity.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

The third Kentucky Wildcat selected in the draft, Marquis Teague has the makings of a solid point guard and is very comparable with current Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry.

It's not like the Teagues are new to the draft process. After all, Marquis' brother, Jeff, is a point guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

But back to Marquis. If he wants to make a difference in the NBA he needs to improve his decision making, most notably in half-court offenses. He tries too hard at times to rifle a pass into a small end zone, only to see the Spalding in the hands of the opponent just moments later.

He's only 18 and yet, he has some great leadership skills. That's definitely something to dwell on, NBA scouts.

11. Golden State Warriors: Jeremy Lamb, UCONN

Man, is it going to be awesome seeing this kid play with Andre Drummond this season or what?

As a freshman last season, Jeremy Lamb was the second best player on a championship-winning team. That stat alone will get him drafted.

A shooting guard, Lamb will bring to the Warriors what incumbent Monta Ellis lacks—defense. If Ellis finds his way out of town (and there's a decent chance pending the lockout), Lamb would be the perfect replacement.

Who wouldn't want to see this athletic freak teamed up with Stephen Curry in the backcourt?

12. Utah Jazz: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

After missing out on the Jimmer sweepstakes by only two picks last June, the Jazz still made it clear that they aren't set at the point guard position.

Kendall Marshall, a 6'4" 197-pound North Carolina Tar Heel, might just be what they are looking for. He has several good qualities and has stepped it up in crunch time at the collegiate level (2011 NCAA tournament, anyone?).

He'll make a great point guard in the NBA if he works hard at it.

13. Phoenix Suns: Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota

Trevor Mbakwe is a guy who has a huge upside in the NBA.

The only problem is, he can't keep himself out of trouble. Whether he be assaulting women or violating restraining orders, Mbakwe needs to hold himself to a higher standard if he wants to be taken seriously on the hardwood or in draft talks.

He really is a good player, though. He's just got himself a big problem.

It should be noted, though (thanks to a reader's insight), that Steve Nash has openly supported Texas point guard Myck Kabongo, as they are both Canadian.

14. Houston Rockets: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

At just 19 years old and already one Final Four appearance deep, Doron Lamb is what you would call experienced. With another college season under his belt, it's hard to imagine this guy will slip out of the lottery.

If my prediction somehow held up, Lamb would be the last lottery pick of the 2012 draft.

The 6'4" shooting guard would make a nice fit in Houston and provide depth to Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry and the rest of the NBA's most underrated backcourt.

15. Indiana Pacers: Khris Middleton, Texas A&M

Khris Middleton's biggest NBA strength? His jump shot.

He has the ability to knock down any three, contested or not, which makes him a scary threat.

He doubled his points and assists per game last season, and it's not out of the question for the 20-year-old junior to scoot his way into next June's lottery if he improves during the 2011-12 season.

He also has the distinction of being the only non-lottery player in this slideshow with his own page.

Picks 16-20

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Quincy Miller, Baylor

I told you he was coming!

A small forward (and 18-year-old) out of Baylor, Quincy Miller could potentially fill the hole that Andre Iguodala might leave before next season commences.

Otherwise, he'd still be a solid backup to the veteran.

17. New York Knicks: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

The fifth (yes, fifth) first-round selection out of Kentucky, Terrence Jones is perhaps the most well-known and least-touted out of any Wildcat.

He's an athletic freak who can get to the rim, and he would produce solidly as a backup to Carmelo Anthony for the Knickerbockers.

No matter how the draft ends up, one thing is certain—Kentucky is going to be really good this season.

18. Atlanta Hawks: Myck Kabongo, Texas

Myck Kabongo is, simply put, a playmaker. He's as fast as they come, he's a thief on defense and is capable of making "Holy cow! Did you see that?"-esque passes.

What more do you need out of a point guard who is selected 18th?

Here, ladies and gentlemen, is the steal of the draft.

19. Memphis Grizzlies: Terrence Ross, Washington

A 6'6" 197-pound shooting guard out of Washington, Terrence Ross lives and dies by his jump shot.

He's an unselfish player with a good offensive frame. It's no wonder he's been compared to offensive up-and-comer Dorell Wright.

Ross is a good balance to the me-first O.J. Mayo (although he suddenly accepted his role this past postseason) and would provide good backcourt depth to one of the better teams in the NBA. That's something to be proud of.

20. New Orleans Hornets: Josiah Turner, Arizona

As everyday goes by, it seems more and more apparent that Chris Paul will not be sporting a New Orleans Hornets uniform by summer 2012.

Josiah Turner could potentially be a good replacement to CP3. But then again, pigs can fly.

Picks 21-25

21. Portland Trail Blazers: John Henson, North Carolina

Standing at 6'10" and weighing in at only 205 pounds, it's obvious that John Henson's biggest weakness is his size.

He does have positives, though. He is one of the best rebounders and defenders you will find in this draft. That's good enough for a first-round selection to me.

Plus the Blazers need youth down low. LaMarcus Aldridge and Nic Batum can't do it alone down low in the Rose City.

22. Denver Nuggets: Kris Joseph, Syracuse

If Wilson Chandler does not re-sign in the Rockies, the Nuggets should look to a Syracuse small forward (no, it isn't Carmelo Anthony and no, this isn't 2003) to help them out.

Joseph, while not maintaining the all-around game Chandler possesses, would be a great addition to the team for his sky-high ceiling and tremendous athleticism.

In all honesty though, he does need a lot of work.

23. Orlando Magic: CJ Leslie, North Carolina State

If reports are true about the Orlando Magic adding Josh Smith to the roster, then you might as well forget about this pick.

Nonetheless, CJ Leslie would still prove to be a solid selection for Orlando's finest. He simply has too much potential, speed and athleticism to forget about.

24. Boston Celtics: William Buford, Ohio State

As a lifelong fan of basketball, I know a decent talent when I see one. The Celtics, who are looking to ultimately replace 36-year-old Ray Allen in the years coming, might look to the explosive William Buford.

In Buford the C's would then possess a guy who, at 6'5" and 190 pounds, is ready to display his talents in the association.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

One of the biggest concerns in regards to the Oklahoma City Thunder was their lack of a true backup for star Kevin Durant.

Kansas' Thomas Robinson, who I've seen play on multiple occasions in person, could just be the perfect Jud Beuchler to Durant's Jordan (no, this isn't a comparison).

Picks 26-30

26. Dallas Mavericks: Draymond Green, Michigan State

A 6'6" small forward, Draymond Green will help fill the void for the world champion Mavericks that Rudy Fernandez left after he bolted for his homeland Spain this offseason.

The Mavs will be sure not to let this 21-year-old from Saginaw away when their pick is on the horizon.

27. Los Angeles Lakers: Mason Plumlee, Duke

I have a friend who goes to Duke by the name of Tim. Tim's been a Dukie since his high school days, and the one Blue Devil he doesn't stop singing praises for is Mason Plumlee. He's been touted Tim's "man crush" (by the way, mine is Aaron Rodgers, if you were wondering), and he's a guy who has been coveted by many professional teams.

I personally think he's a first-rounder that has some NBA potential and that he's without a question worth a selection in June's draft.

28. Miami Heat: Chris Johnson, Dayton

A 6'5" shooting guard out of the University of Dayton, Chris Johnson is a very athletic prospect who has a 6'9" wingspan.

He attended the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, is 21 years old and has great leadership skills.

Can you say first-round pick?

29. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

The San Antonio Spurs need (notice how it's italicized?) frontcourt depth.

Tyler Zeller out of North Carolina, a 6'11" long and strong power forward, might just be the guy that the team desires.

30. Chicago Bulls: Rodney Williams, Minnesota

At the moment, the Chicago Bulls have a plethora of shooting guards. Rodney Williams of the Minnesota Golden Gophers plays the two and three, so how exactly would this help?

Well, let's just assume for a second that the Bulls are, at the very least, going to get rid of Keith Bogans and perhaps another two. That would, in turn, open up room for younger players like Jimmy Butler and Williams, who actually has a great deal of NBA potential.

He's explosive, but he needs work on his defense and his ball-handling.