Sunday, April 22, 2012

2012 NBA Mock Draft

Welcome to my 2012 NBA Mock Draft. I will be taking you on a pick by pick basis of what I think the results will be, my reasoning, and the NBA equivalent of said prospect at MAX POTENTIAL (This aint no 2003 draft, may look like it). My selections will most likely be based on draft need and I used the current league standings (4/19/2012) to determine draft order.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis - PF - Kentucky
The Bobcats need help, plain and simple. So this is just a situation of taking the best player on the board. That player looks to be Anthony Davis. Now, I'm a big critic in Davis. I'm not entirely sure how NBA ready he is. 6-10 220lbs. isn't going to fly as well in the NBA as it was in the SEC. Although do think his experience as a guard in high school could help him build more of a finesse game in the pros.
NBA Equivalent: Chris Bosh

2. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson - PF - Kansas
The Hornets are in the right direction with the recent transfer of ownership and team that has a fairly solid lineup of young guys. I think an upgrade at PG is due but it's unnecessary to reach to get that. Their next position with the most to be desired is PF. Their guys there now have done a pretty poor job of rebounding and Thomas Robinson can add to that along with being a physical offensive threat.
NBA Equivalent: Brandon Bass

3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - SF - Kentucky
This is a bit of a no brainer here. The Wizards have had some trouble finding a good SF and Kid-Gilchrist is the best players on the board also probably the most gifted in the draft. He can add that takeover ability at SF for the Wizards who already have a solid core of John Wall, Jordan Crawford, and Nene, among others. This is a perfect pick for the Wizards.
NBA Equivalent: Andre Iguodala

4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond - C - UConn
The Kings lack depth badly at the center spot. Currently, Chuck Hayes is the back up center. Don't get me wrong, Chuck is a good, physical player, but I don't care how physical and athletic you are 6-6 at the 5 spot is going to cut it. While putting Drummond on the same team as DeMarcus Cousins could turn to be an NBA-diva nightmare, it's the right choice to add some depth to your roster.
NBA Equivalent: DeMarcus Cousins (surprising, huh)

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal - SG - Florida
With Anthony Parker aging, the Cavs need to find a 2-guard who could be apart of a 1-2 punch with Kyrie Irving. Bradley Beal will be they guy and what a deadly backcourt that would be. Beal is extremely versatile at 6-5. He can do everything from playing point to rebound the ball and everything in between. Should be a good pickup for the Cavs.
NBA Equivalent: Jamal Crawford

6. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes - SF - North Carolina
The Warriors don't have any glaring needs so I think this is a spot where you take the best player off the board. In my opinion that Harrison Barnes. Some may disagree with his regressive Sophomore year but I don't have a doubt in my mind that the potential is there. I have no reason to think that with in a few years that Harrison can't become a force in the league.
NBA Equivalent: Rudy Gay (maybe a bit extreme?)
** A note on this pick. Was originally traded via NJ to the Utah Jazz in the Deron Williams trade, but it was only top 7 protected, so if they are drafting sixth it comes right back to them **

7. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Jones - PF - Kentucky
Terrence Jones is another versatile player in the draft. His versatility could be tested in Toronto. The Raptors have a good amount of young PF so Jones could be asked to slide up to the 3 spot on a frequent basis. Shouldn't be a problem because Jones is a great shooter and ball handler for a 4 man. Could be one of the next good tweeners in the league. Although I wouldn't be surprised if he made a full time move to being a SF, sliding down to PF on occasion.
NBA Equivalent: Carmelo Anthony (More Marvin Williams if he doesn't pan out as wel;)

8. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota*): Damian Lillard - PG - Weber St.
With the Hornets front court now pretty packed with the addition of Thomas Robinson. It's time to find the Hornets a new starting PG. Jack and Vasquez have done fine but who nows how long they can hold up. Lillard can add a good scoring complement to Eric Gordon as he led the entire NCAA in scoring for a lot of the year. He needs to work on his passing and floor vision so he's no Chris Paul, nonetheless a great scorer.
NBA Equivalent: Derrick Rose (eh?)
*CP3 Trade

9. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey*): Perry Jones III - PF - Baylor
The starting job may not be open for awhile but depth for Portland could be an issue down the road. Jones fits nicely here as learning under LaMarcus Aldridge could help unleash some of that supposedly untapped potential. Being 6-11 would help him here as a lot of his playing time would most likely be seen at the 5 spot with JJ Hickson also being on the bench along with him. If he starts to be a little more consistant and add some good weight he could be a force.
NBA Equivalent: Anthony Randolph
*Gerald Wallace Trade

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller - C - North Carolina
Sorry Perry Jones III, I'm not just giving you playing time! Zellar's 7-0 250lbs frame is probably one of more NBA ready bodies and that can be rare these days. With Przybilla getting old and more worthless by the minute. Tyler Zellar could potentially step in and have huge impact for Portland
NBA Equivalent: Tim Duncan

11. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger - PF - Ohio State
The Pistons are finally starting to show that they might be on the up and up. Jared Sullinger fits in perfectly on a team that only has one true PF on the team in Charlie Villanueva. With Greg Monroe finally starting to live up to his potential, him and Sullinger could be really good down low for the Pistons
NBA Equivalent: Carlos Boozer

12. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lamb - SG - UConn
The Rockets are probably looking for a SF or C for this pick. C isn't quite there and SF wont be there for a while so they need to take the best player off the board. Houston has two good 2-guards right now in Kevin Martin and Courtney. The addition of Lamb could open the opportunity to have Martin slide down to the 3 in a position where the matchup permits. Lamb and Lee would then be sharing time at SG.
NBA Equivalent: Ray Allen
** This pick was originally supposed to go to the New Jersey Nets for the Terrence Williams trade. However, the pick was Top 14 protected so it goes back to Houston **

13. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson - PF - North Carolina
The Bucks have good depth in their front court, but they could use an upgrade. John Henson looks like a good fit here. Henson is an extremely athletic, long PF with amazing defensive and shot blocking opportunities. If he can add on ALOT of muscle and weight, he's only about 210lbs, he can be just like......
NBA Equivalent: Amar'e Stoudemire 


14. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers - SG - Duke
The Jazz need an upgrade at the 2 guard. Rivers would bring some explosiveness and scoring to the Utah backcourt. He is another one of those guys in the draft that has that take over the game instinct. If he can be efficient and not launch up too many shots. Him and Devin Harris would be a nice compliment. Those two plus a starting lineup with Hayward, Millsap, and Al Jefferson could make the Jazz ready to compete.
NBA Equivalent: Allen Iverson


15. Philadelphia 76ers: Arnett Moultrie - PF - Mississippi State
The Philadelphia 76ers are another team that don't have any big needs that they need to address. I think they're going to go with adding some depth in their front court with the selection of Arnett Moultrie. Moutrie is an extremely quick big man who is a rebounding machine on both sides of the court. Should be a good backup to Elton Brand
NBA Equivalent: Andray Blatche


16. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters - SG - Syracuse
The core of the Phoenix Sun's backcourt is aging. Guys like Steve Nash, Grant Hill, and possibly even Michael Redd are nearing retirement. They need to start looking at getting guys now in hopes of reducing the rebuilding time when they do leave. Waiters can attack the basket at all times at will. His jump shot leaves a bit to be desired but he can still be a solid contributor in the league. 
NBA Equivalent: Monte Ellis


17. Houston Rockets (via New York*): Meyers Leonard - C - Illinois
This is the guy that Houston has wanted all along. Marcus Camby could be retiring at the end of the season. This would leave just Samuel Dalembert at the 5 spot. Bringing in Meyers would add some long term depth to the position. Leonard definitely needs to add some strength to his 7-0 240lb frame and his offensive game needs some work. But on the upside he's very quick and is a good defender and shot blocker
NBA Equivalent: Al Horford (Maybe even a little Camby plus an inch)
*TMac Trade


18. Denver Nuggets: Kendall Marshall - PG - North Carolina
The Denver Nuggets have turned out to be a team that's a bag of misfits of the NBA. They have a good, young starting lineup that should be in place for awhile. The only place that they are showing some age is in their backup PG. Andre Miller is 36 years old and is on the doorstep of retirement. Denver is going to be looking for a backup to point guard of the future and some might even call him the franchise player, Ty Lawson. Marshall would be able to add a different element at PG off the bench. Kendall is much taller than Lawson and is more of a pure point guard, as apposed to Lawson who tends to score more. Don't know if he would be starting soon but regardless, Kendall Marshall would be a key part to the Denver Nuggets in the future
NBA Equivalent: Devin Harris


19. Dallas Mavericks: Tony Wroten Jr. - PG - Washington
The Mavs are going to be looking for some help at PG pretty soon. Jason Kidd is 39 and there's no other true point guard on the roster. Tony Wroten is a very unique and versatile point guard. His 6-5 but he has the court vision and passing ability of any other point guard. His explosive offensive ability also gives him the option of playing shooting guards. So most scouts are calling him a combo guard.
NBA Equivalent: John Wall


20. Orlando Magic: Royce White - PF - Iowa State
Royce White is the most versatile player in the draft. He was the ability to player Point-Forward, Small Forward, Power Forward, and Center. I think Royce isn't quick enough for SF and is undersized for a center. Orlando is a perfect fit for Royce because they already have an offense that can utilize a point forward and they don't have a real physical PF. Needs to work on his jump shot and free throw shooting, which was atrocious at times. His anxiety disorders will bring up questions though in a world of the NBA where you travel up to twice a week or more.
NBA Equivalent: Josh Smith


21. Memphis Grizzlies: Fab Melo - C - Syracuse
The Grizzlies don't exactly need an upgraded at Center with Marc Gasol there. But Melo could be a good back up for him. The Grizz should jump on this pick because Fab Melo probably has the most NBA ready body at 7-0 274lbs. He's very raw offensively so it will take a few years to tap his potential but a guy his size could be very dominant in the NBA.
NBA Equivalent: Andrew Bynum


22. Atlanta Hawks: Terrence Ross - SG - Washington
The Hawks have Kirk Hinrich, Tracy McGrady, and Willie Green rotating as their SG in the lineup. This isn't going to cut it over the long term with Hinrich and TMac's age and Wille Green isn't a NBA caliber starting SG. Terrence Ross is a good all-around SG that can make immediate impacts. Ross has great range on his 3pt shot and can drive to the basket along with being a great. If he improves his ball handling he could be able to break the starting lineup once Hinrich and TMac are gone.
NBA Equivalent: Manu Ginobili 


23. Boston Celtics: Jeff Taylor - SF - Vanderbilt
The Bostons Celtics are starting some tough rebuilding years dead in the face. With their big three most likely one their way out pretty soon. So they need to start trying to replace them. The best player on the board is SF Jeff Taylor. Taylor is a great shooter and very explosive to the rim. He doesn't have the ability to create his shot like most scouts would like him to but that will come later down the road. Don't expect him to be snatching Paul Pierce's job out of his hands but he should contribute nonetheless.
NBA Equivalent: Landry Fields (with more size and driving ability)


24. Boston Celtics (via Clippers*): Festus Ezeli - C - Vanderbilt
Back to back picks for Boston. Just like I said before, it's all about retooling for the Bostons Celtics. Festus might be a bit of a reach here but with back to back picks for the Celtics is a risk they can take. Ezeli is a quick, long big man who is a good rebounder and excellent shot blocking abilities. His post moves and offensive abilities overall need a lot of improvement. He does however, has a chance to make large impacts once Kevin Garnett retires. Much like before, he's not taking any starting spots from anybody.
NBA Equivalent: DeAndre Jordan
*Jeff Green Trade


25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers*): Andrew Nicholson - PF -St. Bonaventure
The Cavs need to start looking at options for replacing Antwan Jamison, who is 35 years old and on the doorstep of retirement. They already have guys like Tristian Thompson but they're isn't a whole lot of good, young talent after that. Andrew Nicholson is a great all around power forward. He has abilities ranging from throwing it down in the post with range extending to the 3pt line. Very similar to Antwan Jamison himself, should be a good fit for the Cavs.
NBA Equivalent: Glen Davis


26. Indiana Pacers: Moe Harkless - SF - St. John's
The Pacers have great depth, and talent at all of their positions. With no aging players, only two guys are over 30. The Pacers are sent to make some hay in the future so all they need to do is just take the best man off the board and keep adding up their young talent. Harkless is an extremely athletic small forward. Tremendous rebounding and defensive abilities along with the ability to drive and finish at the basket at will. His 6-8 190lbs. frame isn't going to cut it so he needs to add strength. He also needs to improve his shooting. May not break the starting lineup for awhile but should be a good, reliable backup to star player Danny Granger.
NBA Equivalent: Al-Farouq Aminu (but probably a littler better)


27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green - SF - Michigan St.
I think it's pretty obvious that the Miami don't need a whole lot now. With what they have, all they could possibly need is a guy who can distribute the ball and can spot up in the corner and drill the three. Draymond Green can do that and more. If the Heat add Green, it could add an interesting twist to their lineup. Putting Wade, Green, LeBron, Bosh, and a big man on the floor at the same time could be deadly. It would allow Wade and LeBron to be more of a scorer and not have to initiate the offense. In a sense, Green would be their point forward. Although his defense could hamper the team as he would be guarding out of position it could still work out as Wade and LeBron can guard a wide variety of players. Would be a really good pick up for Miami
NBA Equivalent: Hedo Turkoglu (But much shorter)


28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Marquis Teague - PG - Kentucky
Much like most of the teams you've seen this late in the draft, they're good to go. They don't need a whole lot. Especially applies to the Thunder. They could use Marquis Teague though. Derek Fisher is probably going to be gone next season and Teague brings a much different element to the Thunder lineup. Russell Westbrook is obviously a pure scorer and is hardly considered a point guard. While Teague is a pure point guard and could help set up Kevin Durant off the bench. Teague has tremendous quickness and court vision that would fit right into the Thunder's up tempo game. He doesn't have much of a 3 point shot, but it shouldn't be a huge issue with Harden and Durant around.
NBA Equivalent: Darren Collison


29. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio*): Doron Lamb - SG - Kentucky
The Warriors took a huge risk this year when they traded away their franchise player, Monte Ellis to the Bucks. I'm sure they would like to draft someone to try and replace him. They already have sharpshooter Klay Thompson as their starting SG, but he's a different type of guard. Doron Lamb brings that scoring mentality back to the Warriors shooting guard position. He can shoot from all over the floor and brings the quick, attack the basket mindset like his predecessor. He's not going to have the exact same impact as Monte coming right out of college but the potential is there for sure
NBA Equivalent: Monte Ellis
*Stephen Jackson Trade


30: Chicago Bulls: Evan Fournier - SG - France
Our first international player of the draft. Fournier is a long athletic wing who can drive the paint and can pull up with a nice mid-range game. Doesn't have much strength or a three point game so those are some things he really needs to improve on if he wants to contribute in the Bulls lineup as they already have established sharpshooters are the team. A lot of his playing time might have to come in backing up Luol Deng at the three so I can't emphasize the strength issue enough as he's only 6-7 206lbs. Very raw but has potential.
NBA Equivalent: Ronnie Brewer

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