NBA DRAFT 2012: FINAL MOCK DRAFT

1. NO-ANTHONY DAVIS-PF-UK-Fr.
He's a lock as the top pick in the draft. He has the potential to be KG/Tim Duncan but right now he's somewhere between Marcus Camby and Serge Ibaka. Now the question becomes what do the Hornets do at #10.

2. WAS (PROJECTED TRADE w/CHR)-BRADLEY BEAL-SG-FLORIDA-FR.
Beal would be the perfect fit next to John Wall. The best part about Beal's game is his shooting touch and how he plays off the ball. He has a high basketball IQ and lets the game come to him. The Wizards will consider Robinson (who is from DC) and MKG as well. I think it would be smart for the Wizards to do the ever so famous one spot trade up. With the Wirads getting Trevor Ariza, they can afford to let last year's #18 pick Chris Singleton leave. Singleton is as good as any player the Bobcats would get at #24 if they traded with the Cavs. The deal also would save the Wizards money.

3. CHR (PROJECTED TRADE w/WAS)-THOMAS ROBINSON-PF-KANSAS-JR.
The Bobcats trade down one spot get a solid defender in Singleton and still get the guy they want in Robinson. Thomas Robinson will be an instant starter. He's mentally tough and very mature due to the tragedy he's faced the past two years. Andre Drummond is too much of a risk for Michael Jordan and his staff.

4. CLV-HARRISON BARNES-SF-UNC-SO.
Once again the Cavs are the winners in the draft. By getting the #4 pick, they are guaranteed Beal, MKG, Robinson or Barnes. Barnes is a great compliment to last year's #1 pick Kyrie Irving. Barnes and Irving are best friends off the court as well. They may still trad up to get Beal or draft MKG but I feel that Barnes is the smartest decision here.

5. SAC-MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST-SF-UK-FR.
I think that MKG will be the pick here. The Kings could then look to trade Tyreke Evans to get back into the lottery and draft a role playing PF/C such as John Henson, Tyler Zeller or Myers Leonard. It is also possible for the Rockets to offer their three 1st round picks for #5. The Rockets could then package MKG, Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola for Pau Gasol. MKG would be a great presence as a leader and a defender if the Kings keep him.

6. POR-DAMIAN LILLARD-PG-WEBER ST.-JR.
The Blazers have been burned in the draft when they take a risk on a big man (Sam Bowie and Greg Oden) so they elect instead to get a young man that they feel can become their floor general. Lillard will come in from day one and create offense for himself, star PF LaMarcus Aldridge and SG Wes Matthews.

7. GS-ANDRE DRUMMOND-C-UCONN-FR.
If Drummond is on the board the Warriors will draft him and listen to a lot of offers for him. If they don't like any of the offers, they can just keep him and develop him under current big men Andrew Bogut and David Lee. He would be a good defensive presence to compliment Lee. The Warriors and coach Mark Jackson want young athletes that can defend.

8. TOR-AUSTIN RIVERS-SG-DUKE-FR.
The Raptors need scoring and that's exactly what Rivers gives you. He's a streaky, volume shooter but he also attacks the rim similar to Russell Westbrook. The Raptors should draft Rivers, Dion Waiter or Jeremy Lamb. and then move Demar DeRozan to the three.

9. DET-JOHN HENSON-PF-UNC-JR.
I think they should go with Myers Leonard or Arnett Moultire here. But most think they will go with the skinny shot blocker out of UNC here. I would not be surprised though. This is the same team that took Darko over Carmelo, Bosh and Wade. This is also the team that drafted insanely skinny 190 pound Austin Daye a few years ago. Henson can block shots but he'll be pushed off the block going up against 240 pound power forwards in the NBA.

10. NO-TYLER ZELLER-C-UNC-SR.
If Lillard and Rivers are both off the board I think the Hornets will give Anthony Davis some help down low. Zeller is NBA ready and would be a great addition alongside Davis and Eric Gordon. If they draft a SG here, it may be a sign that they are open to trading Gordon this summer.

11. POR-MYERS LEONARD-C-ILLINOIS-SO.
I would love to see them throw a curve ball and draft Royce White here. I could also see them trading this pick for Paul MIllsap. Leonard is a work in progress that will need time to develop. Even if Portland goes big here, they could still spend big money this summer on a young center like Spencer Hawes, JaVale McGee or Jason Thompson.

12. HOU-JEREMY LAMB-SG-UCONN-SO.
Too good to pass up here. The Rockets will look to grab the best players available with their three 1st round picks in order to get more trade assets to get top veteran.

13. PHO-DION WAITERS-SG-SYRACUSE-SO.
The Suns need young athletic players. The Steve Nash era is coming to an end and the Suns need good versatile athletes to rebuild the team around. I don't believe the rumors that Waiters could go in the top five. He could go as high as #7 but I think that #13 is the furthest he could fall.

14. MIL-TERRENCE ROSS-SG-WASHINGTON-SO.
With the big's off the board, the Bucks address their need for a big guard to compliment Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings that measure at 6-3 and 6-1 respectively. Ross is 6-7 with a great mid range game.

15. PHL-ARNETT MOULTRIE-PF-MISSISSIPPI ST.-JR
The Pistons loss may be the 76ers gain. Elton Brand is 33 years old and will only be in Philly one more year. Big man Spencer Hawes is a free agent that will command big money (more than his actual value). The 76ers need help up front. Moultrie is an absolute steal here.

16. HOU-MOE HARKLESS-SF-ST. JOHN'S-FR.
Last year the Spurs traded up to #15 and took a long, athletic wing in Kawhi Leonard. Harkless' game is very similar to Kawhi and Paul George. Harkless may go #12 if the Kings trade down with the Rockets. Where ever he ends up, Harkless will be an impact player.

17. DAL-KENDALL MARSHALL-PG-UNC-SO.
The Jason Kidd era is over in Dallas and there is no guarantee that they will get Deron Williams in free agency. Marshall is the best passing guard to come out in a long time.

18. HOU-MARQUIS TEAGUE-PG-UK-FR.
The Rockets will need a backup PG if they trade away Kyle Lowry. I doubt Teague lasts past Denver at #20.

19. ORL-ROYCE WHITE-CF-IOWA ST.-SO.
The Dwight Howard era is ending so the Magic need to think about rebuilding and retaining the players they currently have. Stretch four Ryan Anderson won the NBA's Most Improved Player award and is the best player on the roster not named Dwight. They need to rebuild around him and White compliments his skill set very well. White is the a passing three in a power forwards body (6-9/260).

20. DEN-ANDREW NICHOLSON-PF-ST. BONAVENTURE-SR.
Al Harrington 2.0 anyone. The Nuggets could play him anywhere from the three to the five. He would be a nice addition in the frontcourt with Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee.

21. BOS-TERRENCE JONES-PF-UK-SO.
Jones is versatile lefty that can play both forward spots. Jones would be a perfect compliment to the current roster with his versatility and ability to do the dirty work. His game is very similar to Lamar Odom. Boston needs young forwards.

22. BOS-JARED SULLINGER-PF-OHIO ST.-SO.
Sullinger will slip due to his lack of athleticism and now possible back problems. But smart organizations like the Celtics make smart decisions on players with talent. He could become another Zach Randolph or Dejuan Blair.

23. ATL-JEFFERY TAYLOR-SF-VANDY-SR.
A soild player that can score, defend and has a NBA body. The best player available for the Hawks at #23.

24. CLV-PERRY JONES III-CF-BAYLOR-SO.
The big slipper of the 2012 draft. Very similar game to a player that slipped to the second round in 1998, Rashard Lewis. Someone may trade back into the first to get a player with the talent of PJ III. The Cavs could

25. MEM-TONY WROTEN-CG-WASHINGTON-FR.
Good slasher with some PG skills.  He'll need time to develop.

26. IND-FAB MELO-C-SYRACUSE-So.
Insurance in case Roy Hibbert leaves. If Hibbert stays, Melo would be a great defensive backup.

27. MIA-FESTUS EZELI-C-VANDY-SR.
He's a big and athletic man that can take up space, get boards and block shots. That's all the Heat will ask him to do.

28. OKC-EVAN FOURNIER-SG-FRANCE-INT.
A solid prospect that the Thunder can keep in Europe for a year or two and then bring him over in case James Harden leaves via free agency in 2013.

29. CHI-JOHN JENKINS-SG-VANDY-JR.
A pure shooter that will find a lot of open looks playing with Derrick Rose

30. GS-DRAYMOND GREEN-SF-MICHIGAN ST.-SR
Versatile NBA ready player that can do all of the little things. His ability to rebound and pass make him very valuable as a role player.

SECOND ROUND
31. CHR-QUINCY MILLER-SF-BAYLOR-FR.
Good talent that will need time to develop.
32. WAS-DARIUS MILLER-G/F-UK-SR.
Defensive shutdown wing that can hit the open jumper
33. CLV-JAE CROWDER-SF/SG-MARQUETTE-SR.
Crowder will carve out a niche as a physical defensive shutdown player that can hit
34. CLV-MILES PLUMLEE-C-DUKE-SR.
In Cleveland he can backup incumbent center Anderson Varejao and PF Tristan Thompson.
35. GS-WILL BARTON-G/F-MEMPHIS-SO.
Long wing defender similar to Corey Brewer.
36. SAC-KYLE O'QUINN-C/F-NORFOLK ST.-SR.
Ultra long backup big man
37. TOR-TOMAS SATORANSKY-PG-CZECH REPUBLIC-INT.
Euro backup combo guard with good passing skills
38. DEN-TYSHAWN TAYLOR-PG-KANSAS-SR.
Solid backup or 3rd string PG
39. DET-KRIS JOSEPH-SF-SYRACUSE-SR.
Solid backup with good length
40. POR-DORON LAMB-SG-UK-SO.
Sharpshooting guard that will be a good rotation player
41. POR-DDARIUS JOHNSON ODOM-PG-MARQUETTE-SR.
Best player available
42. MIL-ROBERT SACRE-C-GONZAGA-SR.
The Bucks need a big man
43. ATL-KEVIN JONES-PF-WVU-SR
Solid backup with game simialr to Udonis Haslem
44. DET-SCOTT MACHADO-PG-IONA-SR
Best passer in the draft not named Kendall Marshall
45. PHL-KIM ENGLISH-MIZZOU-G/F-SR.
Nice slasher/shooter
46. NO-Jared Cunningham-CG-OREGON ST.-JR.
Elite athlete that can get to the rack, can he play the point?
47. Utah-Khris Middleton-SF-Texas A&M-JR.
Solid scorer and slasher
48. NY-DREW GORDON-PF-NEW MEXICO-SR.
The Knicks need tough physical players
49. ORL-MARCUS DENMON-SG-MIZZOU-SR.
Elite athlete that can get to the rack
50. DEN-QUINCUY ACY-PF-BAYLOR-SR.
Strong energy player, a George Karl type of guy
51. BOS-JORDAN TAYLOR-PG-WISCONSIN-SR.
Very fast PG, good backup for Rajon Rondo
52. GS-FURKAN ALDEMIR-F/C-TURKEY-INT.
Energy role playing Euro big
53. LAC-HOLLIS THOMPSON-SF-GEORGETOWN-JR.
The Clippers need a SF
54. PHL-ROBBIE HUMMEL-SF-PURDUE-SR.
A top 20 talent before two bad knee injuries
55. DAL-JAMYCHAL GREEN-ALBAMA-SR
Strong, long and athletic yet undersized PF
56. TOR-HENRY SIMS-C-GEORGETOWN
Solid role playing true 7 footer.
57. BRK-BERNARD JAMES-C/F-FSU-SR.
 He'll be a 27 year old rookie, ready to possibly backup Dwight Howard
58. MIN-MIKE SCOTT-PF-VIRGINIA-SR.
A beast in college but too short in the NBA
59. SA-WILLIAM BUFORD-SG-OHIO ST.-SR.
Solid NBA ready role player
60. LAL-CASPER WARE-PG-LONG BEACH ST.-SR.
Local product can compete for a roster spot at a major position of need for the Lakers

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