2012 NBA Mock Draft: A Pre-NCAA Tournament Version
By Jason McIntyre
22. LA Lakers – Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky. The Lakers need a 3-point threat. Lamb shot 48 percent from three last year. He’s shooting 48 percent from three again this year.
23. Boston (via LA Clippers) – Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt. The next Paul Pierce? Ok, he’s obviously not, but he’s a damn good shooter who should be a solid pro.
24. Orlando – Patric Young, F, Florida. Less than zero offensive game. If Dwight Howard does stick around, Young would be a nice power forward who inhales rebounds. The next Brandon Bass?
25. Indiana – Scott Machado, PG, Iona. Absurd, right? Except that Collison is the weakest link on the Pacers.
26. LA Lakers (via Dallas) – Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas. The most important player on the Jayhawks has had an up-and-down career, but seems to be finishing strong.
27. San Antonio – Jeff Withey, C, Kansas. Last year at this time, had anyone even heard of Jeff Withey? Before Maui, did anyone even think he’d have NBA potential? I can see him flaming out very early or having a quiet 10-year career.
28. Chicago – William Buford, SG, Ohio State. How many shooting guards have the Bulls had in the last few years? Buford’s long, shoots the three well, and might finally be the answer.
29. Oklahoma City – Doug McDermott, F, Creighton. Midwestern game stays in the Midwest. Why couldn’t he have a Wally Szczerbiak-type 10-year NBA career?
30. Miami Heat – CJ Leslie, PF, NC State. Adds some offense to the second unit.