2012 NBA Mock Draft: Bobcats Shopping No. 2 Pick for James Harden? Trade talks are heating up as the June 28 NBA Draft gets closer, and if even half of the rumors turn out to be true, the first round is going to be shaped and reshaped throughout the night. The situation is compounded by the dramatic gap in talent between the top six or so prospects and the rest of the players in contention for a lottery spot. Depending on what trades actually get done, there are players that could see their selection moved up or down by as many as 10 spots. At the very least, this year’s draft should be exciting.
2012 NBA Mock Draft: Bobcats Shopping No. 2 Pick for James Harden?
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Power Forward, Kentucky
Amid all the rumors, this pick remains a lock. From the shot blocking and defensive presence to the improving offense, Davis is a potential franchise-changing player.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, Kansas
The word on the street is that Charlotte and Oklahoma City are talking about swapping the No. 2 pick for Sixth Man of the Year James Harder. The Thunder front office is less likely to make the move if OKC wins the title this season, but signing Harden and Serge Ibaka long term will be financially impossible. From that standpoint, a trade makes sense. If the deal is made, Oklahoma City will likely take Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal to replace Harden’s athleticism and perimeter scoring.
For Charlotte, the willingness to trade the pick shows that Michael Jordan is looking to add an NBA-ready player and avoid yet another draft bust. With that in mind, Robinson seems like the logical pick if the Bobcats keep the No. 2 pick. He has an arsenal of post moves, and while he may not have the highest ceiling, the double-double machine has a very low floor. Robinson will provide consistent scoring and rebounding at the NBA level for a long time.
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Small Forward, Kentucky
Rashard Lewis was just listed as the NBA’s most overpaid player. Washington desperately needs an upgrade at the small forward position. Kidd-Gilchrist adds athleticism and energy on both ends of the court, and his offensive game has plenty of potential.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, Center, Connecticut
Rumors are swirling around the pick, as well. Portland wants to move up and select Drummond to upgrade its frontcourt defense and rebounding. The Trailblazers also want a big body to help ease the pounding star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge takes while playing out of position to guard opposing centers. The cost will be the No. 6 and No. 11 picks, but Drummond is the best pure prospect at center in the draft.
If Cleveland keeps the No. 4 pick, Drummond will likely be there selection, as well. Although he is raw offensively, a player as big and as athletic as Drummond doesn’t come along often. While he develops, he develops a post game, he will be able to block shots, rebound and finish around the rim. The addition of Drummond will also allow Tristan Thompson to move to his natural position of power forward.
5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina
There are too many moving parts in the Kings’ starting lineup these days, and they desperately need a reliable perimeter scorer. Barnes may never be the superstar he was expected to be when he enrolled at North Carolina, but he can score in a variety of ways at the next level. At the very least, Barnes will provide stability at the small forward position for Sacramento.
6. Portland Trail Blazers: Bradley Beal, Shoot Guard, Florida
If no trades are made, Portland will likely grab Beal to upgrade its backcourt. The Trailblazers need perimeter scoring, and Beal offers that and more. His all-around game is the best of any guard in this year’s draft.
Of course, there are some scenarios at work. If Cleveland has this pick and Beal is available, they will gladly pair him with point guard Kyrie Irving to create a young, potent backcourt. If Portland has this pick and Beal is off the board, Weber State guard Damian Lillard will be the likely addition. Cleveland, on the other hand, would likely look to Connecticut shooting guard Jeremy Lamb.
7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, Power Forward, Baylor
With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the backcourt and Andrew Bogut and David Lee in the frontcourt, the versatile Jones is the perfect add. The 6-11 athletic forward can defend multiple positions, run the floor and shoot from the perimeter. He has lacked a killer instinct thus far, but outside of Anthony Davis, Jones has the best combination of physical tool and basketball skills in the draft.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, Shooting Guard, Connecticut
If Lamb is left when Toronto is on the clock, he will become a Raptor. Toronto needs a consistent backcourt scoring option, and Lamb is long, gifted shooter. He has NBA range and one of the smoothest jumpers in the draft.
9. Detroit Pistons: Terrence Jones, Small Forward, Kentucky
His versatility will make him an attractive option for a Detroit team that needs to improve in all facets. He has excellent range for a big man, above average passing skills, and isn’t afraid to bang bodies in the post. Jones is the type of player that will stuff the stat sheet.
10. New Orleans Hornets: Austin Rivers, Shooting Guard, Duke
A lot of mock drafts have the Hornets taking point guard Damian Lillard with this pick, but I’m not buying it. If New Orleans is going to go with a shoot-first guard that needs to develop as a distributor, Rivers is too enticing to pass up. He is a natural scorer with no fear and a ton of upside. Davis and Rivers could end up being the foundation of something special for the Hornets.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Arnett Moultrie, Center, Mississippi State
Whether Portland or Cleveland has this pick, both franchises will likely be looking at Moultrie. At 6-11, he is the defensive presence that both teams are looking to add in the middle of their defense. Moultrie’s athleticism will allow him to make an immediate impact blocking shots and finishing around the rim.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, Power Forward/Center, Ohio State
He is a below the rim player for sure, but Sullinger will provide bulk in the middle for a Milwaukee team that traded away center Andrew Bogut last season. Sullinger knows how to use his body and knows how to rebound. He also has an expanding offensive game that could make him a steal down the road.
13. Phoenix Suns: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Weber State
This is definitely the floor for Lillard, but the Suns will be happy to have them. From his NBA range to his ability to get to the foul line, he is the complete package as far as scoring goes. If Steve Nash sticks around, Lillard can play alongside him. If Nash leaves Phoenix, Lillard can step into the point guard spot immediately.
14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, Power Forward, North Carolina
Houston is looking for more of a defensive-minded big man, and Henson is one of the better shot blockers in the draft. Yes, he needs to add some serious muscle in order to hold his own with other NBA centers and power forwards, but Henson’s athleticism will allow him to hold his own in the meantime.
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