NBA Mock Draft For 2012: Nine Days to the Draft
By Jason McIntyre
1. New Orleans Hornets – Anthony Davis, C, Kentucky.
2. Charlotte Bobcats – Brad Beal, G, Florida.
3. Washington Wizards – Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas. Desperate for 3-point shooting, so perhaps they grab Harrison Barnes. MKG’s in play, too. Is the Nene/T-Rob combo what they need?
18 Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah) – Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky. They need a shooter, and he’s probably the best one in the draft. Will they slide down a few spots and get him?
19 Orlando Magic – Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State. Takes over the point guard spot for Jameer Nelson?
20 Denver Nuggets – Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State. Previously had him going to Portland, but given the Greg Oden history, they’ll shy away due to the back issues. Nuggets lack inside scoring.
21 Boston Celtics – Fab Melo, C, Syracuse. Getting back the Kendrick Perkins-type center (but a better shot blocker) they traded away.
22 Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers via Oklahoma City) – Perry Jones III, F, Baylor. Only teams I can see taking a chance on the athletic but passive forward are those with two 1st round picks.
23 Atlanta Hawks – Tony Wroten, PG, Washington.
24 Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Lakers) – Andrew Nicholson, F, St. Bonaventure. Could he be a very poor man’s Antawn Jamison?
25 Memphis Grizzlies – Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor. Not nearly as high on at either end of the floor. Staying in school could have gotten him into the lottery.
26 Indiana Pacers – Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State. With West on the books for one more year, and Hansbrough limited offensive, Moultrie could be their future power forward alongside Roy Hibbert.
27 Miami Heat – Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky. Heat have one more year with Chalmers/Cole, and Teague might be better than both of them. Wouldn’t be shocked if, in four years, Teague was the 2nd best point guard in this draft (assuming Rivers is the 1st).
28 Oklahoma City Thunder – John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt. Insurance for James Harden? Obviously he doesn’t have the upside of Harden, but they need guys who can score and Harden could bolt after next season.
29 Chicago Bulls – Scott Machado, PG, Iona. Same pick as last time, with one change – Rose won’t be out two months; it could be 4-5.
30 Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green, F, Michigan St.. Best on board situation. Solid citizen, potential leader from the bench on a young, often clueless team.