2012 NBA Mock Draft – Projected Lottery Picks: For the NBA franchises that missed out on this year’s playoffs, their consolation prize is a lottery pick in the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft. While not every superstar has been a first-round draft pick, the lottery is a team’s best chance to land a franchise player to build around for the future. Since each team needs only five starters, a couple of lottery picks can turn a franchise around in a hurry. Here is an early look at this year’s potential lottery picks.
2012 NBA Mock Draft: Projected Lottery Picks – Davis, Robinson and Kidd-Gilchrist Top 3 Picks
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Power Forward, Kentucky
Davis will single handedly improve the Hornets’ defense thanks to his length and shot blocking ability. With his unusually smooth stroke for a big man and his improving post game, it shouldn’t be long before Davis becomes one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, Kansas
He is an NBA-ready big man with a nice combination of athleticism and physicality. Robinson was a double-double machine in college, and he will be an instant contributor for a Charlotte team that ranked dead last in scoring and second last in rebounding last season.
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Small Forward, Kentucky
With all his tools, adding Kidd-Gilchrist will be a much-needed upgrade for the Wizards’ small forward spot. He will use is athleticism and hustle to thrive in transition and on the defensive end while he develops the rest of his offensive game.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, Center, Connecticut
Drummond is the best pure center in the draft, and despite questions about his work ethic, Cleveland needs him. Drafting Drummond will provide the Cavaliers with a defensive presence in the middle of their defense and allow Tristan Thompson to move to his natural position of power forward.
5. Sacramento Kings: Perry Jones III, Power Forward, Baylor
Given his incredible skill set, Jones definitely underwhelmed in college. That being said, 6-11 guys that can run the floor, score from the perimeter and finish around the rim don’t come around that often. He will have to learn to assert himself on the offensive end, but Jones has as much potential as any player in this draft.
6. Portland Trail Blazers: Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina
Portland struggled to find consistent perimeter scoring all season, and while Barnes may not be the unstoppable force he was thought to be when he entered college, there is no doubt that he knows how to score. Barnes has a variety of moves on the offensive end, and even if he is a one-dimensional player, he will add the dimension the Trail Blazers need most.
7. Golden State Warriors: Bradley Beal, Shooting Guard, Florida
Unlike Klay Thompson and Dorell Wright, Beal can do more than just knock down shots from the perimeter. He is a much better rebounder and a better athlete in general. Golden State needs help in a lot of areas, and Beal is both an explosive scorer and a versatile contributor.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, Shooting Guard, Connecticut
With last year’s first-round pick Jonas Valanciunas set to join a frontcourt that features Andrea Bargnani, Ed Davis and Amir Johnson, the last thing Toronto needs is another big man. Lamb is a long, athletic scorer that has a very similar skill set to fellow former Huskie Rudy Gay. The Raptors need more perimeter firepower, and Lamb is a quick fix with a lot of upside.
9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Power Forward/Center, Ohio State
He isn’t overly athletic and is a little undersized, but Sullinger is a physical, savvy player. A blue collar, overachiever seems like a good fit in Detroit, and Sullinger should help on the glass immediately. He could also become a better offensive weapon than many expect of his outside shot continues to develop.
10. New Orleans Hornets: Austin Rivers, Shooting Guard, Duke
His ability to penetrate and attack the rim, get to the foul line and knock down clutch shots all scream of a successful NBA career. Pairing Rivers with Davis will give the Hornets to rebuild their franchise around two young, incredibly talented players.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Weber State
The Trail Blazers will continue their backcourt overhaul by adding one of the top all-around point guards in the draft. Lillard is a versatile scorer with plenty of range and the ability to get to the foul line. He should only improve as a distributor now that he will have the firepower around him that he lacked while at Weber State.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, Power Forward, North Carolina
Trading Andrew Bogut leaves the Bucks with a big hole in the middle that Henson can help fill. He is a great rebounder and shot blocker, and his mid-range jumper is solid for his size. Henson’s biggest impact will likely come on the defensive end, but he has enough athleticism and size to be an NBA-caliber starting forward for years.
13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, Small Forward, Kentucky
The forward position isn’t the biggest need for Phoenix, but Jones is an upgrade and a perfect fit for the Suns up-tempo attack. He is athletic big that can run the court and knock down 3-pointers. Jones was willing to be a role player on his crazy-talented Kentucky team, but has the tools to stuff the stat sheet at the next level.
14. Houston Rockets: Arnett Moultrie, Center, Mississippi State
Houston is weak at the center position, and while North Carolina’s Tyler Zeller is more polished, Moultrie is a physical beast with too much potential to pass up. His size, strength and athleticism will allow him to hold his own on the boards and on defense while he develops his offensive skills. In this draft, only Andre Drummond has a higher ceiling as far as centers go.
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