Articles
Pre-Lottery - 2012 NBA Mock Draft
Thursday, 24 May 2012 00:27 Written by Van Coleman
We received an update on this year's 2012 NBA Draft from our good friend Shawn Powell of XOFan.com. He sent us his Pre-Lottery Look at this year's draft covering both rounds in detail. We hope you enjoy this bonus coverage, and you can check out his NBA Draft work by going to XOFan.com and clicking on NBA Draft.
SHAWN POWELL'S XOFAN.COM PRE-LOTTERY LOOK AT THE 2012 NBA DRAFT
1ST ROUND
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Anthony Davis, Kentucky, 6’10” Power Forward (pictured right)
The Bobcats need a player that can not only help turn the team’s fortunes around, but they need someone who can bring
fans to the arena! Davis is a no-brainer pick for the Bobcats.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Bradley Beal, Florida, 6’4” Shooting Guard
The Wizards need everything, but a Point Guard. They could use a 3, 4 or 5 in this draft, but Beal’s stock is rising and if the Wizards can secure him, they will have a dangerous backcourt tandem for years to come.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Andre Drummond, Connecticut, 6’11” Center/Power Forward
The Cavs did an excellent job in last year’s draft when they grabbed Kyrie Irving as their Point Guard and Tristan Thompson as their 4-man. They can add to their young crop of future stars if they take a chance on UConn’s Andre Drummond with the 3rd pick of this draft.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Thomas Robinson, Kansas, 6’9” Power Forward
The Hornets could take one of two players with this selection: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Thomas Robinson. The Hornets could use both, but with Marco Belinelli thriving at the 3-spot, the Hornets should take Robinson, who will add strength and energy to their anemic frontline.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
John Henson, North Carolina, 6’11” Power Forward/Center
The Kings could take Kidd-Gilchrist with the 5th pick in the draft, but they desperately need a shot blocking force in the middle. Henson has great upside, and has still not reached full physical maturation with regards to his size and strength. Henson is the sleeper pick at #5.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, 6’7” Swing Forward
The Trailblazers need size in the middle, but when you have a talent like Kidd-Gilchrist remaining on the board, the Blazers need to pull the trigger with the Wildcat wingman. By taking Kidd-Gilchrist the Blazers can now slide Nicolas Batum to more of a 4-man role on the team.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, 6’8” Swing Forward
The Warriors need some interior depth, but they also need a wing- who can put the ball in the bucket. Barnes fits the bill for the Warriors at pick #7.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Austin Rivers, Duke, 6’4” Point Guard/ Shooting Guard
Rivers would be an exceptional pick for the Raptors, because he can play both guard positions and he adds high energy on both ends of the court. Rivers will eventually become the starting PG for the Raptors, but until he is ready he would be a great compliment to Jose Calderon, and his presence could allow De Mar De Rozan to sneak over to the 3-slot on the floor.
DETROIT PISTONS
Terrence Jones, Kentucky, 6’8” Power Forward/ Swing Forward
Jones will become a matchup nightmare in the NBA. He will be able to play both the 3 or 4 slots for the Pistons and his energy will be infectious. He is a strong defender who would excel in the Pistons’ organization.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, 6’5” Shooting Guard
Lamb is a dynamic 2-guard who can shake things up on both ends of the court. He is not the most consistent wing performer in the draft, but when he is on, he is automatic. The Hornets need a player like Lamb to take over the shooting guard role on the team.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State, 6’11” Center
The Blazers have the ability to fill the big man need after all, as they select the 6’11” Moultrie from Mississippi State. Moultrie is still developing, but he will be instant offense compared to the other 5-men, the Blazers have tried to use over the past two years. The Blazers have not had a Center with springs in a long time.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, 7’0” Center
The Bucks have needs at the 3, 4 and 5 positions, but they are more desperate to get Drew Gooden moved back to the 4-slot and add a post player than anything else. Zeller is just what the doctor ordered for the Bucks. He is a gritty post man who can create his own shot and is heady on the offensive boards.
PHOENIX SUNS
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, 6’9” Power Forward
The Suns need to get more physical in the lane! Now that Marcin Gortat has turned the corner as a big man in the League, the Suns need to compliment him with a scoring Power Forward who can manhandle his opponents with brute force and intelligent post moves. Sullinger is a perfect fit for the Suns at this pick.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Meyers Leonard, Illinois, 7’1” Center
The Rockets have two aging centers in the middle of their offensive set with Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert. These two big men can hold down the fort for one to two more years, which would give the still-raw Leonard time to adapt to the NBA game. Leonard brings big promise to the 5-position in the League.
PHILADELPHIA 76’ers
Tony Mitchell, North Texas, 6’9” Power Forward
The Sixers need size in the lane, but should they go with an offensive pick or a defensive pick? Perry Jones gives the Sixers an offensive threat, while Tony Mitchell can defend and rebound with the best of the players in this year’s draft. Mitchell brings power and energy, which is what the Sixers need in the paint, more than the 10 points Jones could add per game.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Kendall Marshall, North Carolina, 6’4” Point Guard
The Rockets could use a little more help in the lane, but it will be hard for them to pass up on Marshall at this slot. He is a complete PG who can find the open man with much success. He would be a perfect backup for Kyle Lowry for a couple of years, before he is ready to take the reins as the Rockets' lead guard.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Damian Lillard, Weber State, 6’2” Point Guard/ Shooting Guard
The Mavs are in desperate need of a high-energy Point Guard who can run the offense and score if needed. He is more of a Jason Terry than he is a Jason Kidd, but this kid can put the ball in the hoop with the best of the players in this year’s draft crop. Lillard will add youth to the aging Mavs roster.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Moe Harkless, St. John’s, 6’8” Swing Forward
The T-Wolves are solid at the PF slot with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, and they are stocked to the gills with guards. They have Swings, but they are not producing the offensive numbers most people thought they would. So, do the T-Wolves go with the well-rounded Moe Harkless who can give an extra dimension to the wing position or do they go big? The answer- go with the best available, which is Harkless.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Perry Jones III, Baylor, 6’10” Power Forward
Jones is a long, lean athlete who will give the Magic added offense to go along with Dwight Howard in low. Jones is not the most gritty of competitors nor is he the strongest guy in the paint, but he will out-quick opposing 4’s and he is an outstanding weak side shot blocker and rebounder.
DENVER NUGGETS
Evan Fournier, France, 6’7” Shooting Guard
Fournier is a smooth operator who can light it up from downtown or with a pull up jumper off the dribble. The Nuggets already have a good mix at every position, but Fournier makes the most sense- besides it is hard to pass up on the talent he possesses. He is a steal at #20 in this draft.
BOSTON CELTICS
Quincy Miller, Baylor, 6’9” Swing Forward
The Celtics need an influx of youth and talent, and they need it now. Miller is a slick swing man who can score from the wing, or take his opponent to the bucket for a nasty jam. Miller injured his knee during his senior year in high school, and he is finally playing with the confidence he had during his prep days. Miller is a good choice at this slot for the Celts.
BOSTON CELTICS
Royce White, Iowa State, 6’9” Power Forward
With multiple first round picks, the Celtics can take a chance on a future contributor (Quincy Miller) and a big man who can contribute immediately. White is a versatile Power Forward who can rebound, pass and score. He will give the Celtics much needed depth in the front court. White’s rebounding strength will take some of the heat away from Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass in low.
ATLANTA HAWKS
Terrence Ross, Washington, 6’6” Shooting Guard
The Hawks need a Center in the worst way, but when Terrence Ross is available at this pick, it would be hard not to select him. Ross will give the Hawks a great back-up at the 2 or 3 slot. He has great size, length and athleticism on both ends of the court. He is a heady defender who will create offense with his defense.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt, 6’7” Swing Forward
The Cavs have a great opportunity to fill a big time void in their offensive set by selecting the aggressive Taylor from Vandy. Taylor plays defense, strokes the 3-pointer and is very heady in the offensive set with his passing and scoring instincts. The Cavs need Taylor!
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Dion Waiters, Syracuse, 6’4” Shooting Guard
The Grizzlies have great forwards and big men roaming the lane. They are currently operating with a 3-guard platoon set, with Michael Conley running the point, Tony Allen starting at the 2-guard slot and O.J. Mayo coming off the bench to spell the two. Mayo wants to be a PG, and could be trade bait. Allen is not the answer offensively, so it makes sense for the Grizz to take a look at a player who can guard like Allen, and generate offense like Mayo.
INDIANA PACERS
Marquis Teague, Kentucky, 6’2” Point Guard
The Pacers have great size across the board, and with the impressive development of players like Paul George at the 2-guard slot and Roy Hibbert in the middle, the Pacers have a great chance to add some explosion and speed off the bench with the lightning-quick Teague.
MIAMI HEAT
Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt, 6’11” Center
The playoffs have proven that the Heat are in dire need of a big man, especially when Chris Bosh is unable to perform. The Heat have two choices at this pick- Festus Ezeli of Vanderbilt or Fab Melo of Syracuse. Ezeli is an intelligent big man, who understands team chemistry and his role on the floor. Melo is probably more talented, but would he be a reliable on a daily basis for Miami? The answer is Ezeli- because, “What you see is what you get.”
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Tomas Satoransky, Czech Republic, 6’7” Point Guard/ Shooting Guard
Satoransky is a brilliant passer who sees the floor very well and makes wise decisions at all times- he is a perfect Thunder player. Satoransky has great size for a PG, and would be a huge contributor for the Thunder playing alongside Russell Westbroook.
CHICAGO BULLS
John Jenkins, Vanderbilt, 6’4” Shooting Guard
The Bulls need a sharpshooting 2-guard to run with Derrick Rose. Jenkins can spot up from deep and would be a tremendous kick out choice for one of Rose’s patented drive and dish attacks. Jenkins plays with great poise and is rarely rattled from the perimeter. It will be between Jenkins and Doron Lamb for this draft spot.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Fab Melo, Syracuse, 7’0” Center
The Warriors could use some depth on the front line, and at 7’0” and 260 pounds, Melo gives the Warriors a big man with big skills. Melo started to really show promise with the Orange before his suspension from the team. With the 30th pick, the Warriors can take a chance on Melo and the strength he could add in low for them.
2ND ROUND -
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Darius Miller, Kentucky, 6’7” Swing Forward
Miller will be a perfect complimentary player for the Bobcats, and the fact that he would be playing with his former Wildcat teammate- Anthony Davis is an added bonus for the Bobcats.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure, 6’9” Power Forward
Nicholson gives the Wizards a perfect pick and pop player. Nicholson could slide into a starting role at the PF slot, if he shows aggression on the defensive end of the court and on the boards.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Draymond Green, Michigan State, 6’6” Swing Forward
Green can do it all on the floor, he can rebound, score, pass and bump in the lane. He would be a tremendous selection by the Cavs IF he is still available at this point in the draft.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Doron Lamb, Kentucky, 6’4” Shooting Guard
Lamb could be the most unassuming player in the draft, mainly because he has played behind such tremendous talent in his last two years at Kentucky. If Lamb doesn’t go to the Bulls in the 1st round, look for the Cavs to gobble up another tremendous addition to their future playoff-contending squad.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Tony Wroten, Washington, 6’4” Point Guard
Wroten is too talented not to be taken at this point in the draft. He is a versatile defender who can guard a 1, 2 or 3. Wroten can run the point or slip off to the wing for a jumper or slash to the bucket. The Warriors would get an absolute steal with Wroten in the 2nd round.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas, 6’3” Point Guard
Taylor is a blur in the open court and the Kings need someone with his size, strength and speed running the break. Taylor is a tremendous defender who creates offense with his stingy defensive abilities. The Kings need someone to fight for their PG slot next season and Taylor would be an outstanding candidate to do so.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Drew Gordon, New Mexico, 6’9” Power Forward
The Raptors need a little more fire power in the lane, and with a selection of the aggressive 6’9” Gordon, they will have found their man. Gordon can rebound, defend and bang in the blocks. He can also score a little, which is a good thing.
DENVER NUGGETS
Cameron Moore, UAB, 6’10” Power Forward
Moore adds athleticism and hunger to the frontline for the Nuggets. Kenneth Faried made great strides as the Nuggets’ PF this past season, but Denver needs a little more size to team with Faried at the 4-man position.
DETROIT PISTONS
Khris Middleton, Texas A&M, 6’7” Swing Forward/ Shooting Guard
Middleton is a talented wing man who can add to the Pistons from two different slots on the floor. Middleton is more of a 3-man at this point and time, but with some hard work, he could make the transition to the 2-guard slot. He is worth the Pistons taking the chance in the 2nd round.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech, 6’7” Shooting Guard
Murphy’s stock is going through the roof! Everyone knows he can score, but is he an effective defender on the court? He is worth taking the chance on in the 2nd round, and the Trailblazers could always use another shooter to go along with Wes Matthews and Jamel Crawford.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Abdoulaye Loum, France, 6’11” Center
Loum is a shot blocking 5-man, who runs the floor like a deer! He is quick off the floor and can finish on the offensive boards with tip-ins and follow slams. He is a player who could work on his game for a couple of years overseas, then come to the States in 2014. You can’t teach size, length, wingspan and hops!
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Will Barton, Memphis, 6’6” Swing Forward/ Shooting Guard
Barton is a springy athlete who can explode in the open court for breath-taking slams or a sweet floater through the lane. He is a solid shooter, but the Bucks need someone to push their established swing men.
ATLANTA HAWKS
Xavier Gibson, Florida State, 6’11” Center
Gibson has all the tools, he just needs a fire lit under his gym shorts. If the Hawks believe in this kid, and can get in his head, they could have the “Big Man” steal of the draft. Gibson is athletic, mobile and long. He could be a strong backup post man for the Hawks.
DETROIT PISTONS
Nemanja Nedovic, Serbia & Montenegro, 6’3” Point Guard
Nedovic is a bully PG, who can guard like a Pit Bull. Nedovic is a solid playmaker in the half court set, but his court savvy and athleticism make him more dangerous than he appears. Nedovic can soar in the open court and he is not afraid to rattle some rims with his emphatic slams!
PHILADELPHIA 76’ers
Kevin Jones, West Virginia, 6’8” Power Forward/ Swing Forward
Jones is an athletic 4-man who can guard multiple positions on the court. Jones runs the floor very well and can finish in traffic. He can out-quick big 4’s and over power smaller 3’s on the drive. He is a mismatch problem off the bench.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Furkan Aldemir, Turkey, 6’10” Power Forward
Aldemir is a finesse 4-man on offense, and a rugged rebounder and defender on the defensive end of the court. He has a ton of talent, and could help the Wizards off the bench.
UTAH JAZZ
Josep Franch, Spain, 6’5” Point Guard
Franch is a heady floor general who can spot the open man with a crafty pass. His height allows him to see the floor, and he has great reaction times on his backdoor and alley-oop feeds.
NEW YORK KNICKS
William Buford, Ohio State, 6’5” Shooting Guard
Buford can knock down the perimeter jumper with the best of them in this year’s draft. He has deep range on his jumper, but he can also knock down the mid-range pull-up as well. He is an intelligent defender who will give the Knicks a go to guy off the bench.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Scott Machado, Iona, 6’1” Point Guard
Machado is a heady Point Man who will spell Jameer Nelson without fail. He sees the floor and makes pinpoint passes in the half court set or on the break. He is an underrated shooter who can knock down the long three or the pull-up off the dribble.
DENVER NUGGETS
Robert Sacre, Gonzaga, 7’0” Center
Sacre is a big body 5-man who can hold his own in the paint. He has great size and strength, and he is nimble enough to stay with quicker big men of the League. He is a solid Center off the bench.
BOSTON CELTICS
Kyle O’Quinn, Norfolk State, 6’10” Center
The Celtics will need some help in the interior, and O’Quinn is just the man. He is strong, burly and effective in low.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Ja Mychal Green, Alabama, 6’8” Power Forward
Green is a high energy 4-man who can block shots and run the floor with speed. He has solid forward skills, but needs strength to battle opposing NBA 4-men.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Kris Joseph, Syracuse, 6’7” Swing Forward
Joseph would be a tremendous pick up this late in the draft. He is a complimentary bench player who could make the Clippers’ squad, since their one serious need is a swingman who can knock down the open jumper from the perimeter.
PHILADELPHIA 76’ers
Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece, 6’8” Swing Forward
Papanikolaou can stroke it from deep range. He is also a solid rebounder and defender on the wing. He is not afraid to mix it up and is aggressive on the take and in transition.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Tornike Shengelia, Republic of Georgia, 6’9” Power Forward
Shengelia brings a ton of skills to the table. He can rebound and score in traffic. He is a solid passer out of the post and he is not afraid to take the ball to the rim off the drive.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Alex Young, IUPUI, 6’6” Shooting Guard
Young is a versatile swing man who gets to the bucket and finishes with sneaky flips and floaters. He can defend and he lives for the dunk off a steal.
BROOKLYN NETS
Bradford Burgess, VCU, 6’6” Swing Forward
Burgess is a strong 3-man who can defend and rebound from his position. He is a streaky shooter, but when he is on- he is really on!
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Garrett Stutz, Wichita State, 7’1” Center
Stutz is a possible backup 5-man. He has solid skills in low, and he has shown great improvement in four years.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Drew Viney, Loyola Marymount, 6’8” Swing Forward
Viney is a sleeper pick in this draft, and the Spurs are always picking up someone who no one else thinks can play. Then two years later, this under desired pick is playing in the NBA finals. Viney is one of these picks: He can stroke it from deep, and he has a high basketball IQ.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Chace Stanback, UNLV, 6’8” Shooting Guard
Stanback proved that he can play the game this past year with the Runnin’ Rebs, and the Lakers need a shooter off the bench.
Editor's Note: Shawn Powell worked for Marty Blake and his NBA Scouting organization for a number of yeaqrs and has earned a deep respect from NBA Coaches and GM's for his knowledge of College and International talent. He also runs the highly successful State Farm Tournament of Champions that kicks off the High School season in Washington, IL. You can find his NBA Draft coverage at XOFan.com...Just click on the NBA Draft Icon!
