2012 Mock Draft (1-30)

[babyjax13]

***working on updates***

1. New Orleans - Anthony Davis
Insanely athletic, moves well with and without the ball. One of the most gifted shot-blockers I've ever seen and has some other nice fundamental skills. Gets pushed around a bit on the block, but his length makes up for what he gives up in strength. Incredible athlete and prospect.

2. Charlotte - Thomas Robinson
From a physical standpoint, Robinson is imposing. He has a great motor and good instincts without the ball. Defensively, he's very good.

3. Washington - Bradley Beal
His stock is rising pretty quickly. Beal has a great jump shot when he has space.

4. Cleveland - Michael Gilchrist
Great defensive player, very active. Finishes well in transition, tough as nails. He really has a consistant shooting form when set, I don't venture to say that it is one that will continue to be successful, though, as I feel like he tends to be off balance and doesn't always utilize the same shooting motion when under pressure. When he sets himself up,things improve quite a bit. He should just start over with his form, though. He has a lot of room for improvement, but his motor will make him an immediate impact player at the next level.

5. Sacramento - Andre Drummond
Fantastic athelete but still has quite a way to go with regards to basketball fundamentals. There is a lot that concerns people, but his athletecism should - at the extreme worst - make him into a rotational bit who can be an enforcer at the rim. I don't see much offensive skill there yet, he can pass - which is a positive sign - but outside of that he is pretty much limited to dunks/layups etc. There were rumors that he wouldn't return, but at this point with how bad UConn is, I'm not sure that's likely.

6. Portland - Harrison Barnes
Still not a believer. He doesn't have the fastest first step and possesses an awkward free throw release, but he has great strength when he is driving to the hoop. A great rebounder, who isn’t afraid to use his body, gets on the floor and hustles. Willing to give the ball up, shoots too many jump shots, really needs to develop that part of his game to become a “great” prospect.

7. Golden State - Jeremy Lamb
I had him pegged in the lottery before the tourney last year, and nothing he has done changed my mind. (Beal and Lamb have now switched positions). Has great ball handling abilities, a good rebounder, smooth jump shot. Not as athletic as many prospects but is good enough at the college level. I think that his athleticism will be passable in the NBA too. People may hate me for this, but he reminds me of Gordan Hayward coming out a few years ago.

8. Toronto - Austin Rivers
One of the best penatrators, if not the best, in the college game. Can pull up and shoot, extremely quick. He is also turnover prone, but is a good passer at the shooting guard position and has the size to play it. Can't really comment on his defense yet. I think that no matter where he is drafted, he's a steal. People may not like the comparison, but I see Monta Ellis all over again.

9. Detroit - Meyers Leonard
I can't imagine someone as big, fluid and mobile as Leonard not having success in the NBA. From a "measurables" standpoint he is an absolute freak, a rare blend of size and speed. He also has intangibles that you don't see in many centers. He is an excellent passer, has a passable jump shot for a center (with some slight changes in his mechanics it would be even better) and is usually in good defensive position. He also shows great effort on the court, always fighting for position on offense and anticipating well on defense. I think Leonard is - at worst - a top five talent in this draft.

10. New Orleans - Tyler Zeller
One of the more mobile big men in college basketball. He has a nice touch on offense and uses his large frame and soft touch well. I don't think he has the potential to be a top big-man in the NBA, but he could certainly turn into a very good starter.

11. Portland - Damien Lilliard
There are a ton of point guards in the Big Sky who's specialty isn't running an offense, but scoring. Will Cherry, Melvin Morgan and Kenny McGowan are all pretty good examples - but Lilliard is by far the best, and possibly (most likely) the only legitimate NBA prospect. He is extremely athletic, utilizing his speed well to penetrate into the lane, he also has some bulk which bodes well for his prospects at the next level. I have some major questions about his mental toughness, but he is NBA draft material. If he gets drafted in or near the lottery I think that team will regret their choice.

12. Milwaukee - Perry Jones III
Has great athletic ability, extremely gifted run-jump athlete; can sprint the floor like a guard with the height of a power forward. Not a horrible ball handler by any means, but that part of his game needs to improve if he wants to be a day-to-day small forward in the NBA. On offense he defers too much, being unselfish to a fault at times. With his physical talent and actual basketball abilities you expect more production. Extremely exciting to watch at times but at other times he almost seems to disappear, but will come back eventually with a bang. Many people think that once his jump shot improves he will translate as a small forward, but I think his real value would be as a power forward that can create matchup nightmares. He certainly needs to add some weight to withstand the rigors of NBA play, translates as a rich man’s (a very rich man’s) Anthony Randolph. I am absolutely in love with his potential, but I think that he is going to have to correct some things in his game to tap into that potential and not become the next Tyrus Thomas/Stromile Swift. I think that he should go a lot higher than he is currently projected on draft day.

13. Phoenix - Kendall Marshall
Not many players are as quick as Marshall or have his court vision. He is excellent at creating opportunities for his teammates and has a knack for finding the open man. What concerns me is that he is an unreliable shooter, and that will really hurt his stock come draft day. If he were as athletic as a guy like Rajon Rondo he would be a lock for the lottery, but he's not...so, he likely won't be a lottery pick (if he is, it will be fairly late).

14. Houston - Fab Melo
Extremely athletic and mobile. Actually has nice footwork in the post. Good instincts on offense off-the-ball. Willing to sacrifice his body to get his team posession. I like Melo, he looks like a legitimate NBA player. I'd say his ceiling is Tyson Chandler and floor is Ryan Hollins. He's not quite as athletic as either, but also has a better back-to-the-basket game than either did at this point in their careers.

15. Philadelphia - Dion Waiters
A very active player on offense, good at getting into the lane, finishes well with both hands. The late lottery is always a risk and I see Waiters as one of the 'safer' picks available.

16. Houston - Royce White
Yup - I think he's legit. Everyone knows about the anxiety disorder and his underdeveloped body, but if he spends some time in the gym over the offseason he'll be looking pretty good as an NBA prospect. Absolutely the best ball handler at power forward in the college game, I think he could be successful as a "post-up" small forward or at power forward early in his career. I can't really comment on his defense yet, but he seems like a very good rebounder at the very least. White has the potential to be one of the three best players in this draft, so I wouldn't be surprised if he rose quite a bit. EDIT: The more I see the more I fall in love with his game. White was the second most impressive player in college basketball (to me) behind Davis. If Sullinger's health issues are such a concern, White could easily find himself in New Orleans.

17. Dallas - John Henson
Extremely long and athletic, runs the court like few big-men in the college game and can finish with contact by contorting his body. There is a lot to be improved upon, right now he is a player that is limited to playing within a few feet of the basket, or where he has space to take one or two dribbles. Reminds me of Serge Ibaka/Jeremy Evans type player coming into the league.

18. Minnesota - Terrence Ross
One of the most fluid athletes I've ever seen. He can shoot, he can rebound and he is aggressive. I can't wait to see more out of this kid. He's one of those players that I just have a gut feeling won't work out in the NBA, I don't know why and I hope I'm wrong. Even with the risk his potential is worth it. Reminds me of Jason Richardson....

19. Orlando - Jared Sullinger
Nice little hook shot, seems a little undersized but makes up for it with his strength. Good at establishing position on the low block and better than average ability to put the ball on the floor for a power forward (but won’t be mistaken for a guard). Good at boxing out and nice footwork, usually players with good footwork do well transitioning to the NBA game. Great effort level, not the strongest finisher. He has a great body, he's not tall, but he is strong and thick; he's great at creating separation and he knows how to get good position in the post. The only thing I am really concerned about with him is if he will be able to block shots and get his shot off over taller defenders at the next level. He sort of reminds me of Chuck Hayes (build, not game) meets David West. He just silently gets his points and rebounds to help his team win.

20. Denver - Arnett Moultrie
I don't understand the hype; he can go long stretches without making any impact on the game and is often overshadowed by the play of RENARDO SIDNEY. He has talent and should make a good rotational big, but he isn't anything to get excited about.

21. Boston - Terrence Jones
The mental game needs to improve. When he is aggressive and tough he can hang with any player in the college game. He's a very good ball-handler at the four position and could possibly play some three, but I don't think that's an ideal situation for him (see Lamar Odom). His mid-range game is well developed for a power forward, but that isn't what is important for a post player. He desperately needs to become a consistant threat and be more assertive.

22. Boston - Moe Harkless
Just makes sense at this point in the draft if he is as good a player as the current hype suggests. I will admit to not seeing him play at all.

23. Atlanta - Jeff Taylor
Statistically he improves every year. He looks like a good pick late in the draft for a team that needs some depth.

24. Cleveland - John Jenkins
I love shooters and I think Jenkins is fantastic. He is an adequate ball handler and plays hard all the way down the court, but he also seems a bit....unathletic. Combine measurements could make his stock skyrocket as far as the late lottery, or drop until the end of the first round or the beginning of the second.

25. Memphis - Quincy Miller
I'm not sure what to make of Quincy. I was excited to see him in college, but was largely disappointed.

26. Indiana - Scott Machado
Sometimes stats don't lie. If you look back at a lot of second round steals, most of them had eye-popping statistics but dropped because of physical question: enter Scott Machado, NCAA leader in assists. He could rise dramatically after workouts or could drop completely out of the first round. I feel like this is a pretty safe spot for him.

27. Miami - Evan Fournier
Combine was a bit of a disappointment. Wouldn't be surprised if he rose because I know nothing about him.

28. Oklahoma City - Will Barton
If someone has a dramatic rise on draft day it will be Will Barton. His versatility just makes me drool.

29. Chicago - Tony Wroten
At this point, it's probably worth it to roll the dice on some potential....

30. Golden State - Mason Plumlee
Plumlee has every physical tool you could possibly want in a prospect. He is a project, but one that could become a very good NBA player. His rebounding skill should transfer really well to the NBA, and he has a frame that can stand to add some weight - so he should be a good pick for a competing team that wants to add someone with potential off the bench.

Khris Middleton
Most people have him translating as a small forward, but I think he is a shooting guard and a dang talented one at that. He has nice shooting form and moves great without the ball; he's not overly athletic or fast but passes the eye test on offense.

Darius Miller
Miller is a good shooter, good defender ... Miller is pretty much the perfect role player.

Mike Moser
Seems like a good athlete who knows how to position himself on defense. That's about all I know from limited viewing.

Doron Lamb
Very much fits into the Nick Young/CJ Miles role in the NBA. He's a bit of a loose canon sometimes on offense, but he can also light it up quick. A decent shooter that could stand some changes to his mechanics, Lamb should at least become a decent bench player.

William Buford
Buford is the perfect team player, he hits shots at the right time, is efficient and an excellent defender. I would not say he is "great" at anything, but he's good at everything, which is exactly what a team in the playoffs will be looking for. I could imagine him rising quite a bit on draft day.

Andrew Nicholson - Fluid offensive player; I think that his lack of size will hurt him because he has predominantly played center and seems a bit slow to be a power forward. This is from a pretty limited sample size, though.

Jae Crowder
One of the more underrated players in college basketball, he is tough, fun to watch and a great glue guy for a team drafting near the end of the first round.

Marquis Teague - I really don't like his jump-shot, but Teague can run a team, he's athletic (he's no Russel Westbrook, but still above average) and has all of the tools to become a successful point guard in the NBA. I think he'll be a backup at best, though.

Tu Holloway
I love his mixture of speed and strength. He is a very good ball handler, can shoot a bit and is a tank of a point guard. I see him having late lottery potential should a few players not declare.

Patric Young - He's strong, can finish inside, is athletic - but I don't see what has people so excited. Were he three inches taller he'd be a decent center prospect, but as a power forward I don't see why he's anything special.

Deniz Kilicli - A long shot, but with his size and the makeup of his team, Deniz is my pick for a "sneaky" first round pick. He moves extremely well for a player of his size, can finish with both hands, has good footwork and is very active on defense. He is too aggressive much of the time on defense and gets out of position, but he puts out good effort and once he improves on that end I see no reason why he can't be a good NBA role-player.

Festus Ezeli - Another player for whom I don't understand the hype. Does he have potential? Yes, but he's also so....well, I can't really put my finger on it. I don't dare to say unrefined or untalented, but that's how I feel...

Yancy Gates - Incredibly strong, decent footwork, good rebounder, tough. He's everything you look for in a backup big.

Chase Grabau - Chase is a guy who could sneak into the end of the second round if he is lucky. He has the talent to get drafted, he moves extremely well without the ball, scoring on a nice mixture of cuts and pull up jump shots. He is a decent ball handler for someone as big as he is (listed at 6-5, appears to be closer to 6-6) and a very good three point shooter. Grabau shoots 52% from the field and is a big reason why Idaho State went from being a joke in the Big Sky through the first half of the season to dominating Weber State and Montana State in the second half of the year.

Charles Odum - Another Big Sky point guard with the potential to get drafted late in the second round. He is one of the most athletic players in NCAA basketball - built like a tank at 6' and 205 pounds he can out muscle most players that guard him. He is also extremely quick, able to blow by defenders with relative ease. His issue is that he is not a "pure" point guard. I see him as a Portsmouth invite that could have a long, successful career overseas.

2013:
Aaron Craft - And I am moving him back into the 2012 draft. Right now it is a coin toss on whether or not he declares, but I still think that he is the best point guard prospect in this draft. He is a great defender, and can run an offense to perfection. His stroke isn't bad, but with a bit of work it could be better.

Quincy Miller - Haven't seen much of him, not enough to really comment.

Cody Zeller - Cody has great awareness on offense and a variety of moves that make him one of the best post-scorers in the college game. He has a nice jump shot and is another extremely mobile big. It's very likely he returns to school.

__________
This is completely independent of my mock and is a list of 20 players that I think will have an impact throughout their careers.

"Big Board"
1. Anthony Davis
2. Bradley Beal
3. Royce White
4. Andre Drummond
5. Meyers Leonard
6. Austin Rivers
7. Thomas Robinson
8. Jared Sullinger
9. Kendall Marshall
10. John Jenkins
11. Terrence Ross
12. Perry Jones
13. Dion Waiters
14. Jeremy Lamb
15. Harrison Barnes
16. Miles Plumlee
17. Jon Henson
18. Will Barton
19. Khris Middleton
20. Fab Melo

[Cammo101]

Harrison Barnes at #8 is crazy.

[babyjax13]

I'll be convinced when I see him improve during the season. Right now the only players above him I "might" take Barnes over are Gilchrist and Jones, but, obviously, it is pretty early in the process. Who knows, by the time next NCAA season is underway I might have him #1.

[Dr Positivity]

I'm not buying the Barnes thing either. He was a 3pt/defense guy like year, I'll believe he has star on ball potential when it happens. I think Marshall, McAdoo, Zeller will all have the ball a bunch, so it's not like he'll have an Alec Burks like dominant year with the ball. I think he's a 3pt shooting floor spreader next year

[babyjax13]

Updated.

[Vindicater]

Q. Miller over Barnes is reaching at this point. We are yet to see how Miller will come back from that injury.

You are unfair on Barnes who will not fall beyond 5th in my opinion.

[babyjax13]

I think it is arguable that he will go over Jones, Miller and Gilchrist. All four have great potential, but the last three are a year younger, and that might be all it takes (we'll see, Barnes could change my mind).

[Justwar]

Aaron Craft is just a good college player. Not a pro. He is a annoying defender but not particularly a pro defender. Against Brandon Knight he didn't impress me.

[Vindicater]

I am torn on Craft, I want to put him higher on my list but just can't bring myself to do it yet.

[babyjax13]

I'll be interested to see how he does. I think that of all the point guards in this class Craft is the "purest." With the Jazz having two lottery picks (most likely) I wouldn't be surprised if they were the team that picked him up. Kendall Marshall might be rising in my mock soon as well - right now it is pretty rough....

[Vindicater]

I cant see Austin Rivers falling to 14 at the moment.

[babyjax13]

It all depends on how he starts the season. I see him as a top 6-8 talent in this draft, but he's also the type of guy that could struggle in the college game. We'll see.

[glenclose]

rivers is an offensive beast but i think attitude will be whispered among scouts and gms

[Vindicater]

I think ayear at college will sort out some of those attitude problems. His talent is too good to drop to the end of the lottery/.

[glenclose]

i see craft staying for four years. i dont think hes taken anywhere near the lottery, especialy this year...

[babyjax13]

Updated.

[Vindicater]

Going top 30 this early in the mock draft season.

Thats ballsy babyjax

[babyjax13]

Going top 30 this early in the mock draft season.

Thats ballsy babyjax

This early in the game it means next to nothing, I'm just ready for some college basketball

[Vindicater]

And it begins. It's always fun to look back at these and see how off we all are by the time the draft comes around.

[babyjax13]

Updated. I'm starting to get a better idea on players I like, still a lot of change to be made.