2012 NBA Mock Draft: How Washington’s Trade of Rashard Lewis Impacts the Lottery The stock of certain players continues to rise and fall as the June 28 NBA Draft approaches. Rumor has it that Austin Rivers and Dion Waiters are among the prospects that have a promise from a team picking in the lottery. Meanwhile, Jared Sullinger’s value is free falling after medical examinations revealed a problem with a disc in his back.
2012 NBA Mock Draft: How Washington’s Trade of Rashard Lewis Impacts the Lottery
Of course, the biggest news doesn’t even involve a draft pick but a trade between the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Hornets. Washington sent aging forward Rashard Lewis and a second-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. For the Wizards, the additions provide the added athleticism and defensive upgrade they desperately needed. As a result, Washington’s options for the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft have suddenly changed, and the entire first-round will likely be impacted. With that in mind, I will include any trades that I believe will take place in this latest mock draft.
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Power Forward, Kentucky
Any wheeling and dealing that is going to happen after this pick. Davis and his franchise-changing talents are headed to New Orleans.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Shooting Guard, Florida
With Washington clearly targeting Beal, Cleveland has no choice but to trade up in order to grab a running mate for Kyrie Irving. It will cost the Cavaliers the fourth pick and the 24th in the draft and possibly a future pick and an expiring contract, but there isn’t a player that will be available at pick No. 24 that will make an immediate impact anyway. Snagging Beal adds a ton of perimeter firepower to the Cleveland lineup and gives the Cavaliers an exciting young backcourt duo for years to come.
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Small Forward, Kentucky
Even though Washington wants Beal and just added Trevor Ariza at small forward, Kidd-Gilchrist isn’t a bad consolation prize. He is an elite athlete and excellent defender with a non-stop motor, and his ability to finish in transition will fit well with the speedy John Wall at point guard. He also offers a ton of upside on the offensive end that Ariza simply doesn’t have.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, Kansas
After struggling to score points and on the glass last season, the double-double machine is likely the player Charlotte wanted all along. Grabbing an extra pick or two in the process is icing on the cake for a team that set the record for the worst winning percentage in NBA history. Robinson is a polished post scorer with an improving jumper, and he is the type of reliable player the Bobcats have been lacking.
5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina
Sacramento’s starting lineup fluctuates on a nightly basis, and while Barnes may never be a superstar, he will provide stability at the small forward spot. He will also provide a reliable source of offense and add perimeter firepower. His upside is debatable but his ability to put points on the board is not.
6. Portland Trail Blazers: Andre Drummond, Center, Connecticut
The Trailblazers will be glad to scoop up Drummond. He will provide support on the boards for LaMarcus Aldridge and allow Aldridge to guard smaller opponents in the frontcourt. Drummond’s defensive impact will be felt immediately, and given his athleticism for his size, he could develop into a vicious post scorer.
7. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lamb, Shooting Guard, Connecticut
Philadelphia is looking to unload the Andre Iguodala and his contract, and Golden State’s only week position is small forward. Iguodala leadership, perimeter defense and all-around game are a perfect fit for a young Warriors’ bunch with high-volume shooters Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
With the No. 7 pick, the 76ers will add Lamb and his silky smooth jump shot to a lineup that struggled mightily to score. The gifted shooter will provide the perimeter punch that Philadelphia has been lacking and allow Evan Turner to slide over to small forward.
8. Toronto Raptors: Austin Rivers, Shooting Guard, Duke
With a bunch of frontcourt players in the mix already, Toronto will look to upgrade its backcourt scoring with this pick. Rivers has a dynamic offensive game, and he can shoot it from the perimeter and get to the basket. He is young and needs to polish his skills, but the Raptors won’t pass up on his explosive offensive potential.
9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones III, Power Forward, Baylor
On the downside, he is unselfish to a fault and doesn’t play to his potential. On the plus side, his upside is tremendous. Jones is 6-11, he is athletic, he can handle the ball, and he has excellent range. In terms of pure talent and skills, Jones is as good as any player in this draft, including Anthony Davis. At the No. 9 spot, Detroit can afford to gamble on his potential.
10. New Orleans Hornets: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Weber State
Teaming Lillard with Anthony Davis will give New Orleans an inside-outside combo to build the franchise around. Lillard is a score-first point guard, and he is an explosive, NBA-ready offensive force. He needs to develop as a distributor, but his scoring ability will come in handy, especially while Davis develops his offensive game at the NBA level.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, Point Guard, North Carolina
Raymond Felton was an epic failure at point guard, but Marshall is just what the doctor ordered for Portland. He is the best true point guard in this draft, and he will make life easier for his teammates. Marshall isn’t going to score a ton of points, but he will control the offense and get the ball where it needs to go when it needs to get there.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, Center, Mississippi State
Last year’s trade of Andrew Bogut left the Bucks with a defensive void in the middle of their defense. With his height and athleticism, Moultrie has the skills to be the shot blocker Milwaukee needs. His offensive game is raw, but he will have time to develop it while Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings take a majority of the shots.
13. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, Shooting Guard, Syracuse
Whether Steve Nash stays or not, Phoenix needs help in the backcourt. Waiters is a solid shooter, but his ability to slash and score is what the Suns need. Phoenix has a ton of spot-up shooters on its roster, and Waiter’s versatile offensive game will be a welcomed addition.
14. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard, Center, Illinois
Leonard is a bit of a project, but at 7-1, he has the size and body to play center at the NBA level. Houston can afford to take a chance on Leonard and allow him to develop behind current centers Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert. In the short run, Leonard is added size in the frontcourt. Down the road, he could be the Rockets’ starting center.
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