Round 1 | |||||
1 | New Orleans | Anthony Davis | PF | Kentucky | |
Best player in the draft bar none. Someone the Hornets can build around. This is a no-brainer. | |||||
2 | Charlotte | Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | SF | Kentucky | |
The second pick will decide where the rest of the dominoes fall in the remainder of the draft. Charlotte has a lot of options and needs a lot of help. They get the most versatile player in the draft. | |||||
3 | Washington | Bradley Beal | SG | Florida | |
The Wizards are looking for all sorts of help, and Beal provides them with a solid shooting touch along side John Wall. They would be happy with any top player in this spot. | |||||
4 | Cleveland | Thomas Robinson | PF | Kansas | |
A scrappy player with a ton of heart, the Cavs are ecstatic Robinson is here. He'll provide another option for Kyrie Irving to work with in his front court. | |||||
5 | Sacramento | Andre Drummond | C | Connecticut | |
Andre Drummond is raw, but he enrolled early at Uconn to show what he's got. What he's got is upside, and that's what tantalizes GMs in the top 10. The Kings probably need to win right now, so this might be a project they don't want to take on. Still, the skill set is there. | |||||
6 | Portland (from BRK) | Harrison Barnes | SF | North Carolina | |
A great all-around player, Barnes did not have as great of a sophomore season as he did in his first year. But he's athletic and he can shoot and Portland should be happy to nab him. | |||||
7 | Golden State | Jared Sullinger | PF/C | Ohio State | |
Back issues be damned, Sullinger is a dominant big man with a good mid-range jumper. People are questioning his health, but he produced a ton at Ohio State. That should carry over in the pros. | |||||
8 | Toronto | John Henson | PF | North Carolina | |
Long and lean, Henson will provide a defensive weapon for Toronto. He was stellar at blocking shots at UNC and will be asked to do the same at the next level. He can clean up around the rim also. | |||||
9 | Detroit | Jeremy Lamb | SG | Connecticut | |
Lamb is one of the more athletic players in the draft with a lot of range to his game. He's a little lanky but if he's on, he can hit some big shots. He was Uconn's most dependable player last year. He'll be an asset in any team's guard rotation. | |||||
10 | New Orleans (from MIN) | Damian Lillard | PG | Weber State | |
The first point guard comes off the board at 10. New Orleans continues to build around Davis by grabbing the most polished point in the draft in Lillard. The small school player can not only facilitate but he was a good scorer in college as well. | |||||
11 | Portland | Austin Rivers | SG | Duke | |
Rivers was Mr. Reliable for Duke as a freshman, and his upside is amongst the best in the draft. He's quick and can handle the ball. His decision-making needs to mature a little bit. He's probably not quite ready to start, but he'll be a valuable contributor before long. | |||||
12 | Milwaukee | Perry Jones | PF | Baylor | |
At one point, Perry Jones was considered the favorite to be the number one pick in the draft. His numbers slipped a little in his sophomore season, and his stock took a hit. If he can prove that he's ready and willing to play all out, he should go in the top 12. | |||||
13 | Phoenix | Tyler Zeller | C/F | North Carolina | |
The ACC Player of the Year was consistent for Roy Williams at UNC last year. He has a knack for getting to the ball and has great hands. Phoenix moves a step closer to filling the production void left by the departure of Amare Stoudemire. | |||||
14 | Houston | Meyers Leonard | C | Illinois | |
Leonard showed flashes of brilliance for Illinois this past season. At 7'0", he's a true center that can help provide a team with a post game. He is still not a complete player yet, and he has had some maturity issues. But you can't teach size, and Leonard has both size and touch. | |||||
15 | Philadelphia | Dion Waiters | SG | Syracuse | |
Waiters is a skilled two-guard who was productive coming out of Syracuse. He's fast and scrappy and a solid defender. He would add another piece to the puzzle in Philadelphia, who found somewhat surprising success this past season. | |||||
16 | Houston (from NY) | Terrence Jones | PF | Kentucky | |
Jones' athleticism is through the roof. The addition of Jones with Leonard really bolsters the front court for the Rockets. Jones has sometimes had his heart and his will questioned, but highlights of his thunderous dunks proves he can play. | |||||
17 | Dallas | Kendall Marshall | PG | North Carolina | |
Marshall broke the ACC assist record this past season before injuring his wrist. He has recovered and is ready to lead a team at the next level. He is probably the best facilitator in the draft, and will be the heir apparent to an aging Jason Kidd. | |||||
18 | Minnesota (from UTAH) | Terrence Ross | SF | Washington | |
Ross was the leading scorer on a Washington team that disappointed toward the end of the season. He's 6'7" and is sort of a tweener at the next level, so it would be interesting to see where he gets put. Minnesota needs to win games. Ross provides points. | |||||
19 | Orlando | Fab Melo | C | Syracuse | |
Melo had problems staying eligible at Syracuse, but it was obvious when he was not playing in games. Offenses operated differently if Melo was in the middle for the Orange. His shot blocking ability is his hallmark. He will have to improve his scoring numbers, but he's all upside. | |||||
20 | Denver | Jeffrey Taylor | SF | Vanderbilt | |
Taylor was a four-year player for Vanderbilt and their unquestioned leader this past season. He can also put the ball in the basket, and he is a great free throw shooter. He would be an ideal player and teammate in Denver's rotation. | |||||
21 | Boston | Moe Harkless | SF | St. John's | |
Harkless is one of the more intriguing prospects coming out of school this season. He was one of the blue chip members of Steve Lavin's 2011 recruiting class at St. John's. Harkless delivered. He was the team's second leading scorer and leading rebounder. He's a true boom-or-bust. | |||||
22 | Boston (from LAC) | Quincy Miller | SF | Baylor | |
Miller was part of that stellar lineup at Baylor along side Perry Jones. He is a good player that can be a force if he improves his game in all areas. His numbers don't dazzle you, so he will have to prove he can hang with the big boys in Boston. | |||||
23 | Atlanta | Evan Fournier | SG/SF | France | |
Fournier is the leader of the pack of international players. He averaged 14 points per game over in France. He's a skilled big man that probably needs to add a few pounds, but his experience at a pro level overseas should help his cause. | |||||
24 | Cleveland (from LAL) | Jae Crowder | SF/PF | Marquette | |
This would probably be along the lines of a surprise, but Crowder was the vital cog in Marquette's operation this past year. He is big-bodied and athletic with great court awareness. His toughness would be a great addition to any NBA squad. | |||||
25 | Memphis | Marquis Teague | PG | Kentucky | |
Teague performed solidly as a freshman for John Calipari's national champion Wildcats. He's a quick guy that can get end to end in a hurry. He needs to get better at his position and stay consistent, but Memphis could use him. | |||||
26 | Indiana | Tony Wroton, Jr. | PG | Washington | |
Wroton ran the point at Washington, and was good at doing it. He's got a great motor and can score as well as assist. He's got a good shooting percentage and should compete for a good chunk of playing time. | |||||
27 | Miami | Royce White | SF | Iowa State | |
White was the best player for Iowa State last year. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He's a bit older than most of these other players and his past has been in question. He can flat out play, and Miami would like some great complementary pieces for their superstars. | |||||
28 | Oklahoma City | Andrew Nicholson | PF/C | St. Bonaventure | |
Another small school player with big time game. Nicholson has long arms, so he can alter shots and snag rebounds as well as anybody. He would add a nice piece to an Oklahoma City team that needs to give Kendrick Perkins a solid backup. | |||||
29 | Chicago | Arnett Moultrie | PF/C | Mississippi State | |
Moultrie was the strongest player in a Mississippi State uniform last year. He's tall and he can move. He also averaged over 35 minutes per game, so he can provide some spark in the fourth quarter. He's a skilled shooter which adds to his value. | |||||
30 | Golden State (from SA) | Festus Ezeli | C | Vanderbilt | |
Ezeli was a man for Vanderbilt this year. He ruled the lane for them. He's a huge guy at 6'11" and 264 pounds. He's would be a great pickup alongside Sullinger as the Warriors get stronger at the 4 and 5 position. | |||||
Round 2 | |||||
31 | Charlotte | Tu Holloway | PG | Xavier | |
Xavier's go-to guy. Charlotte gets a quick, athletic guard to go with quick, athletic swingman. | |||||
32 | Washington | Kris Joseph | SF | Syracuse | |
The Wizards get some front court help. An athletic small forward that can add some depth. | |||||
33 | Cleveland | Will Barton | SF | Memphis | |
Cleveland gets Memphis' best player. Some added guard help for the back court. | |||||
34 | Cleveland (from NO) | Draymond Green | PF | Michigan State | |
Green was the ultimate senior for his team last year, leading them to the Big 10 title. He is the consummate team player and professional and should do well in Cleveland. | |||||
35 | Golden State (from BRK) | William Buford | SG | Ohio State | |
Buford was productive for the Buckeyes and was a big part of Ohio State's success last year. He can dictate tempo. Pair him with Steph Curry and you have a nice tandem. | |||||
36 | Sacramento | Doron Lamb | SG | Kentucky | |
Lamb is very fast player who can shoot the ball. Sacramento gets a speedy guard to match the length they got from Drummond in Round 1. | |||||
37 | Toronto | Hollis Thompson | SF | Georgetown | |
Thompson is a good player from a good Georgetown team. He is not exactly polished, but he has upside. He is an athletic addition to the frontcourt. | |||||
38 | Denver (from GS) | Kevin Jones | PF | West Virginia | |
Strong power forward from West Virginia that could do everything for the Mountaineers. | |||||
39 | Detroit | Tyshawn Taylor | PG | Kansas | |
Taylor was another steady point guard in the long line of great guards coming out of Kansas in recent years. Taylor is a four-year player and a seasoned vet ready for the next level. | |||||
40 | Portland (from Minn) | Mike Scott | PF | Virginia | |
Portland is loading up on great value in this draft. Mike Scott was one of the best players in the ACC last season, and they worked everything through him. He can be a solid contributor. | |||||
41 | Portland | Scott Machado | PG | Iona | |
Machado was one of the most productive small-school guards in all of the NCAA last season. He was a spark plug for Iona. Portland steadies its backcourt. | |||||
42 | Milwaukee | Bernard James | C | Florida State | |
Smart, scrappy center for the Seminoles is a smart addition to the Milwaukee front court. | |||||
43 | Atlanta (from PHO) | Ashton Gibbs | PG | Pittsburgh | |
Gibbs helps Atlanta and Joe Johnson stay in the hunt in the East with back court depth and the ability to handle the ball effectively. | |||||
44 | Detroit (from HOU) | JaMychal Green | PF | Alabama | |
Green was a tough player on the block and found the basket often. He had some electrifying plays last year for Alabama. Detroit could use a spark. | |||||
45 | Philadelphia | Trevor Mbakwe | PF | Minnesota | |
Mbakwe was the dominant player on Minnesota's roster last year. He adds size and rebounding ability to a tough Philly team. | |||||
46 | Washington (from DAL) | Kim English | G/F | Missouri | |
English was one of the best seniors in the country last season, and he provides more consistent guard play for the Wizards. | |||||
47 | Utah | J'Covan Brown | PG/SG | Texas | |
Brown's talent was evident when he took the court for Texas. He can facilitate and put points on the board. Utah will be excited to have him. | |||||
48 | New York | John Shurna | PF | Northwestern | |
Shurna would probably be a curious pick right here. He does not necessarily project to be a solid pro. But he is one of the most productive players in Northwestern history. New York has taken chances before. They can take another one here. | |||||
49 | Orlando | Robert Sacre | C | Gonzaga | |
Gonzaga seems to put players in the league every season. Sacre plays with heart and can be a force down low for Orlando. With Dwight Howard's future uncertain, Sacre is some insurance. | |||||
50 | Denver | Drew Gordon | PF | New Mexico | |
The New Mexico power forward is a quality shooter around the basket. He can add some punch to the Nuggets scoring rotation. | |||||
51 | Boston | Ricardo Ratliffe | PF | Missouri | |
Ratliffe was one of the most accurate shooters in the country last season. He can clean up around the basket and will inject youth into the Boston front court. | |||||
52 | Golden State (from ATL) | Darius Miller | SF | Kentucky | |
Miller is almost the forgotten player on the Kentucky roster, but he was the steady eddy. He's simply a solid basketball player. | |||||
53 | L.A. Clippers | Darius Johnson-Odom | SG | Marquette | |
The Clippers add some guard depth with Johnson-Odom. An all-out player, he will bring some energy to their team. | |||||
54 | Philadelphia (from MEM) | Jared Cunningham | SG | Oregon State | |
Oregon State's tough backcourt player adds to Philly's depth. Cunningham can be a solid rotation player. | |||||
55 | Dallas (from LAL) | Orlando Johnson | SG | UC Santa Barbara | |
Johnson is a seasoned vet who dropped over 19 points per game last season. He also averaged almost 35 minutes per game. He'll be a reliable guard for the Mavericks. | |||||
56 | Toronto (from IND) | Khris Middleton | SF | Texas A&M | |
Middleton will provide another athletic presence for Toronto on the wing. Middleton led a Texas A&M team that has overachieved since he's been there. | |||||
57 | Brooklyn (from MIA) | Henry Sims | PF/C | Georgetown | |
The Georgetown product will be strong on the block for the Nets. He needs to grow as a player, but he's a solid performer. | |||||
58 | Minnesota (from OKC) | Miles Plumlee | C | Duke | |
One of the few Plumlee boys that will be in the league in the next few years. Plumlee is smart and can rebound well. | |||||
59 | San Antonio | Kyle O'Quinn | PF/C | Norfolk State | |
Everyone knew who O'Quinn was after Norfolk's amazing performance against Missouri in the tournament. O'Quinn was a star, and San Antonio has a history of getting the most of their draftees. | |||||
60 | L.A. Lakers (from CHI) | John Jenkins | SG | Vanderbilt | |
L.A. will bolster their backcourt with the Vanderbilt shooting guard. Another quality contributor on a good Vanderbilt team. |
Dan Levine NBA Mock Draft - 20 June 2012
1. Anthony Davis 2. Michael Gilchrist 3. Bradley Beal 4. Thomas Robinson 5. Andre Drummond
Wed, 06/20/2012