2012 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st Round, Where Will Perry Jones Land?

This is one of the most talented draft classes we've seen in quite some time.

Whether or not you're a big college hoops fan, you can be sure that there will be some exciting games in the coming season with all the prospects we have.

Of course there are the top tier of players that everyone knows, but where those players land exactly remains to be seen.

Some teams will pick based on potential, while others look to production.

Guys like Perry Jones will have plenty to prove this season if they want to be considered this year's top talent.

As it stands now, here is how I think the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft will go down.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Andre Drummond

With the first pick in the draft, the Wolves have to go for Drummond. In addition to the fact that they already have the forward spots filled, Drummond has a huge upside. Many think he could be as good as Dwight Howard. I’m not sold on that yet, but hopefully he’ll demonstrate this season that he has the right mentality about the game. If he can do that, the sky’s the limit.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes

There’s no doubt that the Cavs are looking for their next franchise player. I don’t think they found that in Kyrie Irving. Instead they may get lucky and have the chance to draft Harrison Barnes. Some people thought he would be the next Kobe Bryant. I think that comparison is a hard one to live up to.

Keep in mind though, that it took Kobe a few seasons before he became the player we know him as today. Keep an eye on Mr. Barnes because if he continues to improve on his great play from the second half of last season, he might just be what the Cavs are looking for.

3. Toronto Raptors: Anthony Davis

The consensus thus far is that Davis is a Top Three pick. I don’t see any reason to change that at this point. He’s got the length to make him a matchup nightmare and should do well in his freshman season at Kentucky. If Davis is the reason the Wildcats go deep into the tournament this season, look for him to perhaps go higher. However, I think at this point he’s the No. 3 talent in this draft

4. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal

Now this is where the draft gets a little more interesting. There’s been a lot of talk about who should go after the top three, and I think at this point Beal should get the nod. Seemingly more developed offensively than many of the other prospects, I see him as a great pairing with John Wall.

A backcourt with those two could be deadly. With a ceiling along the lines of Ray Allen, I think Beal is a great pick here at No. 4. It might be a safer choice than some of the other prospects, but I think it’s the right one.

5. Sacramento Kings: Perry Jones

The Kings are a team that needs to take some risks. They already have a solid big man in DeMarcus cousins, but they need someone who will put fans in the seats. That guy could be Perry Jones. Coming out of high school, many scouts thought Jones was the top talent in the country.

After a rocky freshman year, the expectations haven’t been as high. He reminds me of a young Lamar Odom, a guy with incredible potential, but might not have the drive to be one of the best. Regardless, I don’t see the Kings passing up on the chance to draft a guy with this much upside.

6. New Jersey Nets: James McAdoo

I think the Nets will be more than happy to draft McAdoo here at the sixth spot. Quite frankly, there may not be a more NBA ready player in the draft. With a sound game, he’ll be ready to contribute right away for whoever drafts him, and that is a plus for a team looking to make a lot of noise in 2012.

I’ve heard the Tim Duncan comparisons and my mouth begins to water. Can he really be that good? I think if he has a big season and the comparisons continue, the Nets might not be able to grab him this late.

7. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger

The Pistons could use help at pretty much every position. That’s why I think they go for Sullinger here at No. 7. He had a great freshman season and looks to follow it up and silence all the critics. Yes, he’s a little big and could slim down, but he still has great mobility, a great motor and a proven talent. Scouts are worried about how he’ll translate into the NBA and I think those concerns are valid. Still, it’s hard to deny Sullinger’s production, and if it continues, scouts may warm up to him.

8. Los Angeles Clippers: Austin Rivers

Is this too high for Rivers? I don’t think so. Don’t be surprised if Rivers gets picked up here, especially when the Clippers need a point guard for the future. Keep in mind Austin’s father, Doc Rivers. When a point guard is raised by one of the NBA’s top coaches, you’re better off giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Mo Williams will not be around for very long if Rivers can prove himself and live up to the hype. I think Rivers could be one of the next great point guards in the league, and many people will look back on this draft shaking their heads.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

The fact that Gilchrist is still on the board just goes to show you how deep this draft is. Some analysts have Gilchrist much higher, while some have him much lower. I think a lot will come down to how much love he gets on a team paired with Anthony Davis.

It might be hard for the two of them to find a balance, but if they can, watch out. Gilchrist is a top talent who could go higher. Until he develops a more consistent perimeter game, I’m a little hesitant to put him in the Top 5.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Quincy Miller

Miller is a player with big upside, but has some health concerns regarding his torn ACL. If he has a big season he could go higher, but I expect him to fall right around No. 10. While the Bucks already have some solid pieces in place, they could use a forward with as much offensive capability as Miller has already demonstrated. If the health concerns continue, look for Miller to drop further down.

11. Golden State Warriors: Thomas Robinson

Robinson has been getting a lot of love recently and it’s for a good reason. Despite being given limited minutes in his first two seasons, Robinson seems poised to have a breakout season. Look for him to become a much bigger part of the Kansas offense and demonstrate the kind of player many think he can become.

12. Utah Jazz: Jeremy Lamb

There doesn’t seem to be much of a consensus yet on Mr. Lamb’s potential. However, if Lamb can fill some of that offensive void left by Kemba Walker, expect him to go here with the Jazz. The team needs a shooting guard that can produce and Lamb might be just the right guy for the job.

13. Phoenix Suns: Marquis Teague

Some might be surprised to see Teague this far down on the list, but the truth is I’m not all that sold on any of the point guards in this draft. For the Suns, they would be smart to get a young point guard that can learn under Nash (if he’s still around).

14. Houston Rockets: Patric Young

I’m prepared to take a lot of heat for this pick at No. 14. The truth is, I am not usually a fan of picking almost entirely on potential. However, I think by the end of the season we’ll have a much better idea of what Young will be capable of as a pro. Don’t be surprised to see the Rockets snag Young here.

15. Indiana Pacers: Adonis Thomas

This is the part of the draft when teams need to start taking risks. And few players have more upside than Adonis Thomas. Other than his awesome name, there are many reasons to believe this guy could be a great player in the NBA. For one, his athleticism will help him be effective early on, and for a team in need of a small forward (if Granger plays SG), it’s a risk worth taking.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones

Despite having a great freshman year, Jones decided to hang around for another year. This may end up hurting his draft stock as there are many talented players coming to Kentucky this fall. How Jones will play with Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has yet to be seen. Most likely one of those three players will have a hard time getting the ball. Don’t be surprised to see the player most hurt by the incoming freshman to be the sophomore.

17. New York Knicks: Le’Bryan Nash

Le’Bryan Nash will definitely be a prospect to keep your eye on. I think he is exactly the type of player the Knicks need. He’s a super athletic defender, capable of guarding the opponent’s best player. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in college, but if his reputation as a stopper continues, he should be taken here.

18. Atlanta Hawks: Myck Kabongo

After passing up on Chris Paul six years ago, the Hawks are still looking for a point guard for the future. I’m not sure that Myck Kabongo is the answer to their point guard woes, but he could be a formidable backup to Hinrich.

19. Memphis Grizzlies: John Henson

Henson had an impressive sophomore year that got some analysts talking. However, he’ll need to build on that success this season if he wants to break into the lottery. Otherwise, he could be a steal here for the Grizzlies at No. 19.

20. New Orleans Hornets: Khris Middleton

The Hornets really need a shooting guard here, but Khris Middleton is one of the best guys left on the board and should get taken. If Chris Paul sticks around, he could seriously help develop Middleton into a very productive player in the NBA.

21. Portland Trailblazers: Mason Plumlee

He’ll need to bulk up a little more if he wants to hang with the big boys in the NBA. However, Plumlee seems to have enough offensive skills where he can hold his own on the court and could be a nice role player in the league.

22. Denver Nuggets: C.J. Leslie

Mr. Leslie will have to develop a more consistent offensive game if he wants to stay in the league, but for now, his athleticism might get him there. Denver has seemingly gravitated towards guys like this in the past and Leslie could easily get picked up here at No. 22.

23. Orlando Magic: Tyler Zeller

Since giving up Marcin Gortat, the Magic are on the look out for a center to play behind Dwight Howard. Look no further than Mr. Zeller who has the ability to give quality minutes when called upon and is set to be a solid backup for years to come.

24. Boston Celtics: Trevor Mbakwe

I’m a big fan of productive, slightly undersized big men. I expect Mbakwe to follow in the footsteps of a guy like Carl Landry. Boston would be smart to pick him up here and help deepen their bench.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Buford

Coming into his senior year, Buford needs to prove that he can be an asset in the NBA. Should he continue to be productive, I think Sam Presti and the Thunder will grab him here as he has already showed an ability to produce.

26. Dallas Mavericks: Doron Lamb

At this point in the draft, teams no longer should draft based on need but on talent, and Doron Lamb is a great pick here at No. 26. The Mavericks are a team complied of great shooters and Lamb is on the right track to becoming a nice shooter in his own right.

27. Los Angeles Lakers: Joshua Smith

The big man!! Sorry I couldn’t help it. I’m a Bruin at heart. I love Joshua Smith and I don’t really know if he’ll get a lot of time on the Lakers, but he is a great big man and shouldn’t be passed up. I think a guy like Smith would be great for the Lakers to just bang around with guys like Dwight Howard when Pau and Bynum need a rest.

28. Miami Heat: Josiah Turner

Well it’s another case of the rich getting richer here. Josiah Turner could go much higher than this and if he pans out, he could be one of the top guards in this draft. If he falls this far the Heat would be crazy to pass on him. He could easily become their starting point guard in a few years.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Jeff Taylor

Taylor could fall into that category of draft steals that the Spurs have been able to pull off year after year. He may not be a polished player yet, but he has the athleticism and knack for defense that could make him a fixture in the league for years.

30. Chicago Bulls: Kris Joseph

Kris Joseph could go higher than this, but he has yet to prove himself as the top prospect many would like him to be. If he has a big senior year, teams may give him a look. I expect him to have a similar year to the last one, leaving him on the first-round bubble. In the end, I see the Bull taking a chance on him.