2012 NBA Mock Draft: All 30 First Round Picks, Who Goes No. 1 Overall?

The NBA and everything about it is in doubt right now. We still have yet to see the debut of this rookie class, and the collegiate and international players are already jockeying for position,

Austin Rivers is developing nicely in Durham, but he is one of four possible Blue Devils who could be drafted in June, if Andre Dawkins declared.

Dawkins, at this point, is best advised to wait until 2013 to declare, but Mason Plumlee, Rivers and Seth Curry could certainly be selected.

Here is a mock draft based on a prediction as to where teams will fall in the standings and player ranking. It is as precise as can be considering all the uncertainty around the NBA and the draft.

30. Miami Heat: PF Augusto Lima: Brazil

No one would be surprised if the Miami Heat end up with the best record in the NBA this season. With a year under their belt, more time to define roles. Whether that translates into a championship is a different story.

The Heat don't need to add a player at the SG or SF. They need young athletic bigs to add depth. Augusto Lima is very long and athletic, but he is indeed raw.

He is defensive minded, with some tools offensively, but the Heat can afford to draft him and allow him to mature, while surrounded by elite players.

29. Chicago Bulls: C Tyler Zeller: UNC

The Bulls should have similar success, but duplicating 62-20 will be difficult. The Bulls of course have a hole at shooting guard, but they will attempt to address that via free agency or in a trade.

That trade could cost them reserve big man Omer Asik. If they went that route, Tyler Zeller would be a sensible and smart selection. Zeller is decently athletic and a legit seven footer.

He is not as talented on the defensive end as Asik, but has a higher offensive ceiling. He has showed an ability to score on the collegiate level, but he has a way to go before he would be more than a garbage man offensively in the NBA.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: C DeWayne Dedmon: USC

The Thunder are set at nearly every starting position. There may be a mismatch in style with Russell Westbrook at point guard, but the Thunder will give it at least one more year.

At this point, they just need experience and depth. That depth is best served across the front line. USC's newcomer DeWayne Dedmon is a great match for OKC.

He is a good shot blocker, athletic, and his temperament seems like a good match for the Thunder locker room. Dedmond would make the Thunder a better defensive squad, something they could stand to add to balance out their offensive mentality.

27. Dallas Mavericks: PG Tomas Satoransky: Czech Republic

The Mavericks will have another strong season. They won't continue their 50-win season streak, with so much of the season canceled, but it will still be solid.

Jason Kidd is 39 years old, and his replacement may not be in tow yet. JJ Barea is a free agent and not a starter in my opinion. 

The large PG has worked well for them, and Satoransky is 6'6", a smooth athlete, though not incredibly explosive. The word is that he is a strong spot up shooter.

He is only 20 years old, so hopefully, they could sign Kidd back for another year or two to mentor him.

26. Los Angeles Lakers: SF/PF Draymond Green: Michigan State

The Lakers could possibly be retooling at this point, but they figure to go hard after Dwight Howard. Whether they are successful or not, Lamar Odom probably won't be back, as he is a free agent after this year.

The Lakers could use a player that can play either forward position. Green is not as versatile as Odom, but he is a great rebounder, especially for his size. He is only about 6'6", but he has a wide body and is incredibly strong.

Green has improved his ball handling, but his strengths are as a defender and rebounder.

25. Boston Celtics: SG Alex Young: IUPUI

The Celtics will have one last hurrah with this group. Both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are free agents, and I can't see Boston bringing them back for more than one more year.

They may choose to go elsewhere for two-year deals. Either way, the Celtics would benefit with going for a shooting guard that can step in for Ray Allen.

Young isn't a pure shooter; his game is more like that of Josh Howard. He is a slasher and a good defender with above-average athleticism.

24. Portland Trailblazers: PG Maalik Wayns: Villanova

The Blazers are a team on the rise. If they can get something out of Greg Oden besides a doctor bill, then they will be even tougher.

They must turn the corner on Brandon Roy, and Andre Miller was shipped to Denver. The Blazers need youth at the point, and Maalik Wayns could be a late round steal.

He is a tough, blazing fast point guard. I question his shooting ability out to the NBA three at this point, but he has great instincts.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: C Renardo Sidney: Mississippi State

The Grizzlies have good young talent and great coaching from Lionel Hollins. That is one of the best combinations any franchise can have. I believe they will build on their success from this past postseason.

Memphis has gotten more out of Zach Randolph than any other franchise he's played for in regards to overall team success. Z-Bo had only been to the playoffs twice before last year, and that was in Portland in his first two seasons; neither team made it out of the first round.

He was thought to be a problematic element in the locker room, but the Grizzlies made it work. Perhaps they could get the same out of another talented young big man.

Renardo Sidney is perhaps the most skilled big man in the draft. He isn't nearly as athletic as Andre Drummond or Anthony Davis, but he has great foot work, touch and vision from the low post.

He has had his share of issues, but he would fit a need for the Grizzlies, especially if they lose Marc Gasol to free agency. Even if Gasol stays, Sidney could be a nice contributor off the bench.

22. New York Knicks: PG Kendall Marshall: UNC

The Knicks roster is very top heavy; that will usually generate regular season success, especially in the second year with Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups together. The Knicks should win between 48 to 50 games..err, I'm sorry, that isn't possible anymore now, is it? They could win 35 games in a 50 game season.

Billups is going to be a free agent after this season. The Knicks need a young point guard and floor general to run Mike D'Antoni's system. It isn't a system I believe can ever win a championship, but it is best with a PG that runs it like clockwork.

Kendall Marshall is not a elite athlete, but he has good size for the point at 6'4" and an outstanding feel for the game and great vision. His jump shot needs improving, though; he shot 34 percent from the arc last year, but is down to under 15 percent so far this season. 

21. Orlando Magic: SG/SF Khris Middleton: Texas A&M

The Magic will likely have lost Dwight Howard by this time. If there is a season, they would be wise to aggressive seek a suitor, which shouldn't be hard. The Magic will likely receive a big man in the trade for Howard, so though they won't be a contender, they shouldn't fall apart.

Either way, where they will be selecting, there won't be a viable big man available to select. Khris Middleton is a lights out shooter; unfortunately, he partially tore his meniscus in his right knee last week.

He is expected to miss three to four weeks. He should be healed up by the time the draft arrives, but the way he responds after the injury will certainly impact his draft status.

If healthy, he is a nice piece to add to what will be a Magic team with a completely new identity.

20. Philadelphia 76ers: PF/C John Henson: UNC

The 76ers are a young, up-and-coming squad that is carving an identity as a tough defensive team. They need to transition out of the Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand era. This may be the year Iguodala is finally traded, and Elton Brand could be the 76ers amnesty casualty.

While Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner are ready to step up in Iguodala's departure, the 76ers could use a long, athletic and shot blocker to anchor the defense and get the team into transition.

John Henson reminds me a lot of Marcus Camby; their builds are very similar and Henson is already a formidable shot blocker. So far this season, he is averaging almost 17 points per game, 10 rebounds and a nasty four blocks.

He won't be much of scorer early, but his defense should be apparent sooner than later.

19. Houston Rockets: PG/SG Marquis Teague: Kentucky

The Rockets are finally able to move on without wondering what will happen when Yao Ming returns. They have assembled a decent crop of young talent, and Kevin Martin is an underrated, but primetime scorer.

There are not a ton of big man prospects here, so many people have Marquis Teague much higher, but to me, he is more of a scorer than a pure point guard. He will fall here because he is only 6'2". Still, his scoring instincts and next level athleticism can't be ignored.

18. Indiana Pacers: SG William Buford: Ohio State

The Pacers had a good showing in the postseason, though it was a losing effort against the Chicago Bulls. They acquired George Hill from the San Antonio Spurs. Hill is a combo guard, but at 6'2", he is a bit undersized. Their other two-guards are rather one dimensional or better suited for reserve roles.

In Buford, the Pacers would be getting a consistent performer who excels at shooting from distance and is a tough defender with long arms. A perimeter of Darren Collison, Buford and Paul George could be competitive for a long time.

17. San Antonio Spurs: PF Trevor Mbakwe: Minnesota

The falloff of the San Antonio Spurs began in the postseason and it will spill into the regular season, if there is one. The Spurs are forced to rebuild based on free agency, age and pending retirements.

The best way to stay respectable is to maintain defensive respectability. They won't be drafting at a great spot, but they should be able to find a contributor in the middle of the first round.

Mbakwe is an athletic power forward with great upside. He doesn't have a great deal of offensive skills at this point, but he is a very good rebounder and defender. He runs the floor very well and could make a nice forward tandem with Kawhi Leonard over the next three to five years.

16. Atlanta Hawks: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Kentucky

After the Hawks fail to land Dwight Howard, it will be time to finally give up on Marvin Williams. The Hawks are a bit handcuffed because of the the Joe Johnson contract, and they may have to make a trade to change what is a middle of the playoff pack team.

The Hawks need to improve defensively, and defense is MKG's specialty. He is a stat sheet stuffer; he is currently averaging 12 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks and steals. MKG is very athletic and plays with big time passion.

He is a winner. If he had a more refined offensive game, he'd be a top-five pick. 

15. Los Angeles Clippers: SF CJ Leslie: NC State

Yes, I am predicting the Clippers will make the playoffs as a seventh seed. They are obviously set at power forward, shooting guard and somewhat at center with Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan. If they make the playoffs, they will have had adequate to good play from Mo Williams at point. 

Al-Farouq Aminu was drafted to ultimately be the team's SF, but his development was a bit slow. Even if that trend doesn't continue adding another three would at worst, add depth to the position.

CJ Leslie was one of the most highly touted high school players in the nation. Leslie averaged 11 points and seven rebounds, but he seems primed to bust out in his sophomore season. He is very athletic and can score from various spots on the floor. 

He also has the length and frame to be a solid defender. He dropped 20 points in his season debut, but he is currently serving a three-game suspension for receiving improper benefits.

14. Golden State Warriors: PF Mason Plumlee: Duke

The Warriors back court is set, even if they move Monta Ellis as rookie Klay Thompson would presumably step in for him. The Warriors could stand to add athletic bigs that will defend and run the floor.

Mason Plumlee is an exciting PF prospect; he is very athletic and a legit 6'10" or 6'11". He is a good shot blocker with a raw but developing offensive game. Plumlee is going to be a sleeper of sorts.

13. Milwaukee Bucks: SG Doron Lamb: Kentucky

The Bucks will just miss the playoffs this season, as there are several teams set to improve. The only positions that the Bucks don't figure to draft are the point guard and center spots. A shooting guard would be a nice fit, as John Salmons is not a long term solution at that spot.

Meanwhile, Stephen Jackson is 33 years old and wasn't happy with the trade to Milwaukee from Charlotte

Doron Lamb is a nice all around talent, something that is necessity to play for Scott Skiles, even though he was a crappy defender himself. Lamb is a solid 200 pounds on his 6'4" frame. He can really shoot the three as well. In just over a season of college basketball, he has shot nearly 50 percent from the arc.

12. Denver Nuggets: SG Terrance Ross: Washington

The Nuggets will have an entirely different makeup by this time. So many of their players are free agents and most will likely relocate. Ty Lawson should return, and my sleeper pick for NBA rookie of the year, Kenneth Faried, will likely be a starter.

The Nuggets could add a SG to the mix. Terrence Ross is a potential big-time scorer, and he has near elite level athleticism and a nice shooting stroke. He is a great free-throw shooter.

He would be a nice compliment to Lawson's dribble penetration, as he is a slasher and good spot-up shooter. He is scoring over 16 points per game in this his sophomore season.

11. Detroit Pistons: SF/PF Perry Jones: Baylor

The Pistons do have some good young talent, but much of their future hinges on how good Brandon Knight turns out to be. The Pistons will have likely shed all of their attachments to their most recent glory days with the exits of Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace.

That will leave some holes across the front line. Perry Jones is one of the most talented players in the draft, but many question his desire. He is currently suspended for six games for taking improper benefits.

At 6'11" with great ball-handling skills, good athleticism and a decent shooting stroke, Jones could be a star. If the Pistons or any team could get him on the right page, they could have a gem.

10. Utah Jazz: PG Myck Kabongo: Texas

Utah has added Enes Kanter to patrol the middle, and they still have Al Jefferson. Gordon Hayward also showed some nice flashes at the end of the season, and the Jazz were buying into Tyrone Corbin's leadership as head coach.

I don't think Devin Harris is the type of point guard they want going forward. Myck Kabongo is a pure playmaker and the best point guard prospect in the draft in my opinion. Many have Marquis Teague ahead of him, but Teague is really an undersized shooting guard at this point.

Kabongo is a pure point through and through.

9. Phoenix Suns: SF Terrence Jones: Kentucky

The Suns could go for a point guard here, as Steve Nash will likely be gone by this time, but the team needs a new direction, and when that happens, you take the best player available.

Terrence Jones is a quintessential small forward prospect, with a little extra bulk. He has a future taking small forwards in the post, and he is already a very good three-point shooter. Jones rebounds and defends and excels in transition, which is a style Alvin Gentry loves to play.

Jones would be a solid pick for Phoenix here.

8. New Orleans Hornets: PF Jared Sullinger: Ohio State

This pick could change depending on what happens with Chris Paul. I believe he will be moved, so the Hornets will have a gaping hole at the PG position, but I can't see them passing up Sullinger here.

Sullinger is a tough bruiser, but he is the best low post scorer in the draft. The main problem with him is that he is undersized, but he can score and could easily replace the departing David West.

7. New Jersey Nets: SG Brad Beal

I believe the Nets will be able to retain Deron Williams, especially with the franchise moving to Brooklyn. Adding a pure scorer and shooter like Beal would be an excellent running mate for Williams. 

Beal is one of the best young scorers in the nation already. He has a nose for the rim and a great stroke on the jumpshot. He reminds me a little of Eric Gordon.

6. Sacramento Kings: SF Harrison Barnes: UNC

The Kings back court should be set. Even if they lose Marcus Thornton, they have Jimmer Fredette and the 5'8" dynamo, Isaiah Thomas, who will surprise this year.

A wing player that can score from the outside and will defend would create tons of balance and versatility. DeMarcus Cousins looked very impressive late in the season, and the Kings seemed to be building a nice young nucleus with he, Tyreke Evans and Fredette.

Adding Harrison Barnes to that mix would probably land the Kings in the bottom of the playoffs in 2013. Barnes is a good but not great athlete with amazing intangibles. He has a fluid stroke and effectiveness from the three.

He is strong and finishes at the rim well, even though he isn't an elite leaper. This would be a great pick for Sacramento.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: SG Austin Rivers: Duke

The Cavs made two smart draft picks in the 2011 draft, and they will be in position to add another major piece to their rebuilding plan. Going for another Dukie wouldn't be a bad strategy in this case. The Cavs figure to need everything except a PG and a PF. Rivers is the best one-on-one player potentially in the draft in my opinion.

We will not get to see his full potential at Duke, though he is currently averaging 13 points per game. He excels in isolation situations a style that is better suited for the pros. Rivers is a future 18 to 20 point per game scorer; Duke will help him balance his game.

This would help the Cavs a great deal, as he is very marketable and charismatic.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves: SG Jeremy Lamb: UConn

The T'Wolves have assembled some nice pieces; they are likely to have to choose between Derrick Williams and Kevin Love. Once they have done that, Wesley Johnson is better suited for the small forward spot; that will clear the space to draft Lamb.

Lamb is superbly athletic with a great shooting stroke and great defensive instincts. He is perfect to play off of what the T'Wolves hope Ricky Rubio will be.

3. Washington: SF Quncy Miller: Baylor

John Wall has his team going in the right direction for sure. He has grabbed control with his talent and leadership. The Wizards drafted Jan Vesely in 2011; he is athletic and raw, but will be a contributor.

Miller is much more refined player, even though he is only a freshman. Miller scan score, pass and he has elite size for a wing player at 6'9". 

He has shown no ill effects from the knee injury he suffered last year, and he has been among the most impressive young players so far this season. He is averaging 18 points per game this year.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Anthony Davis: Kentucky

The Bobcats are in for a rough year. Despite what I believe will be stellar play from Kemba Walker, the Cats are weak defensively and lack quality outside shooters.

Charlotte could draft an improvement at every position besides point guard. Anthony Davis is perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the draft and could be the best player when all is said and done.

Davis is a legit 6'11" with long arms and good athleticism. He has above average handle for a near seven footer, he passes well and he has been incredible as a shot blocker early on. Davis is blocking 4.5 shots per game so far this season.

Walker and Davis as building blocks would be exciting.

1. Toronto Raptors: PF Andre Drummond: UConn

The Raptors have not drafted well over the past five to seven years. The jury is out on Jonas Valunciunas; he will not join the club until after this season. The Raptors could feasibly put Drummond at the PF and use Bargnani off the bench or trade him.

Drummond is an absolute beast of a specimen. He is raw, but his upside is ridiculous. The comparisons to Amar'e Stoudemire are understandable, but I see a little more Shawn Kemp. Either way, he would launch the Raptors in the right direction.

A nucleus of Drummond, DeMar DeRozan and Valunciunas is interesting.