2012 Draft

Czvosec said:

This kind of sucks because I am zeroed in on MKG. All of these rumors that MKG could be there at 4 has really gotten my hopes up. The Cavs aren't going to land him, and I am going to be depressed, even though I shouldn't be.

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As of today, i really think he's going 3rd to the Wizards.

Ford has a new mock, anyone have insider?

MYoung23 said:

Most certainly the safest.

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the last thing the cavs need to do is take a safe pick with not a ton of upside. you've said it yourself - they are kyrie and a bunch of guys. they won't have tons of chances to draft really high upside players and to pass on that opportunity here would be real, real hard to swallow.

if they take barnes, i can't shake the feeling that the kings will rush up to the podium to take beal/drummond just like the raptors did last year.

i do find it a bit strange (read: discouraging) that the cavs are still so high on barnes after yet another unimpressive year. guess they didn't learn the first time?

KU_216 said:

Ford has a new mock, anyone have insider?

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Since putting up Mock Draft 5.0 minutes after the draft lottery order was announced, we've gotten six days of feedback from NBA teams. That means it's time for Mock Draft 6.0.

Things will continue to be really fluid for the next few weeks, especially with GMs and scouts in Chicago for the 2012 NBA Draft Combine; while the prospects' play on the court won't drastically affect their draft status, physical and athletic measurements, along with interviews and medical tests will. In other words, expect even more changes when we get to Mock 7.0 next week.

But for now, here's our best stab, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, about how the draft might play out on June 28.



1
New Orleans

Anthony Davis

PF
6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky

Analysis: Davis is the no-brainer choice for the Hornets at No. 1. The big question now is how quickly the Hornets can become a playoff contender. Once they add Davis' salary (around $5 million in Year 1) and the No. 10 pick (around $2.25 million), plus presumably re-sign Eric Gordon, they won't have much cash left to spend. But they have enough assets to add depth all around.


2
Charlotte

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

SF
6-foot-7
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 18
School: Kentucky

Analysis: There are three schools of thought here. One is the Bobcats go with Kidd-Gilchrist even though he's not really a player you build a team around. But his toughness and desire to win are contagious. He could bring a new spirit to the downtrodden Bobcats.

The second option is they could go with a big like Thomas Robinson or Andre Drummond. Robinson would add toughness, too, but perhaps with less upside. Drummond isn't very tough, but his upside is tremendous. The third idea is for the Bobcats to entertain moving down a few spots to pick up additional assets. With no real game-changers at No. 2 -- it might be the smartest move of all.


3
Washington

Bradley Beal

SG
6-foot-5
Weight: 195 pounds
Age: 18
School: Florida

Analysis: The Wizards are happy at No. 3 and I think it will come down to Kidd-Gilchrist or Bradley Beal. In this mock, MKG is off the board, so the choice is much easier. Beal would be a great get for the Wizards. The team could really use a dominant 2-guard to pair with John Wall. If the Bobcats take Beal, then landing Kidd-Gilchrist would add the toughness the team desperately lacks.


4
Cleveland

Harrison Barnes

SF
6-foot-8
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: North Carolina

Analysis: Thomas Robinson may be the best player left on the board, but he's not a great fit with Tristan Thompson. If both MKG and Beal are off the board, the choice will be between Harrison Barnes and Andre Drummond. Both fit needs and Drummond has crazy upside, but the Cavs loved Barnes at the No. 4 pick last year before he decided to go back to school. I think they'll roll the dice on him again this year. Watch out for Jeremy Lamb here as well. I hear he's the wild card at No. 4.


5
Sacramento

Thomas Robinson

PF
6-foot-9
Weight: 237 pounds
Age: 21
School: Kansas

Analysis: The Kings, if they keep the pick, will likely try to add some athleticism, size and toughness to their front line. Drummond is bigger and is an elite athlete, but Robinson is also an explosive athlete and actually produced in college. More importantly, Robinson is a winner. He could help Sacramento turn around the team's culture. The dark horse at No. 5? I'm hearing it could be UNC's John Henson.


6
Portland (via Nets)

Andre Drummond

C
6-foot-11
Weight: 275 pounds
Age: 18
School: UConn

Analysis: This could be a scary pick for Portland. At some point Drummond's rewards start to outweigh his risks. The Blazers need size and Drummond has the potential to be a dominant big man if he ever improves his motor. If not Drummond, I think the Trail Blazers have to start looking at players such as Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters. Maybe they can package picks Nos. 6 and 11 and move up to get a player such as Brad Beal.


7
Golden State

Terrence Jones

PF
6-foot-8
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky

Analysis: There was a month or two during his freshman season when scouts debated whether Jones was a potential No. 1 pick in the draft. That talk has faded, but it's clear that he has enormous potential in a very unique mold. If the Warriors could get him to play hard all the time, he could be the answer for them at the 4.


8
Toronto

Dion Waiters

SG
6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Raptors are filled with a roster of mostly soft jump shooters. What they really need is a tough player who can get to the basket and get his own shot at the end of games. They need a true scorer. DeMar DeRozan might get there someday, but Dion Waiters is there right now. The fact that Waiters can also play some point guard is a bonus. Damian Lillard and Jeremy Lamb are also possibilities at No. 8.


9
Detroit

John Henson

PF
6-foot-10
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina

Analysis: Greg Monroe has been a revelation in the middle for the Pistons, but they really need to pair him alongside an athletic shot-blocker. Although Henson is painfully thin, he rebounds, blocks shots and defends multiple positions. It wouldn't be a perfect solution in Detroit, but the Pistons don't have a lot of other options here.


10
New Orleans
(via Wolves)

Jared Sullinger

PF
6-foot-9
Weight: 280 pounds
Age: 20
School: Ohio State

Analysis: We've been assuming the Hornets would try to fill their hole at point guard here with a player like Damian Lillard or Kendall Marshall, and they might, but the last few days the buzz has been around Sullinger here. I could see why the Hornets would think pairing Davis and Sullinger would be ideal. They complement each other.


11
Portland

Damian Lillard

PG
6-foot-2
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 21
School: Weber State

Analysis: If the Blazers get Drummond at No. 6, their other big need is at the point. If Lillard is here, I think he'd be tough to pass on. Although he's not a pure point guard, he does so many things well and should be able to contribute right away. Jeremy Lamb is also a very viable option here.


12
Milwaukee

Perry Jones III

PF
6-foot-11
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 20
School: Baylor

Analysis: The Bucks gambled a few years ago on Brandon Jennings and it paid off big-time. At this point in the draft, Jones is less risk and more reward. The Bucks really need him to play some 4 ... not the 3 like he wants. But if he gets to play the way Ersan Ilyasova did (I expect the Bucks will lose Ilyasova via free agency) as a pick-and-pop 4, he should be happy.


13
Phoenix

Jeremy Lamb

SG
6-foot-5
Weight: 185 pounds
Age: 19
School: UConn

Analysis: I think the Suns would be thrilled if Lamb lasted this long on the board. He could go as high as No. 4 overall and I think this would be his floor. There's star potential there for Lamb if he ever revs up his motor.


14
Houston

Tyler Zeller

C
7-foot
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: North Carolina

Analysis: The Rockets' biggest need is in the middle and Zeller should be a solid option. Scouts don't think Zeller is going to be an All-Star someday, but he's big, he runs the floor very well and he has a great touch around the basket. Zeller should ultimately land somewhere between picks 8 and 14.


15
Philadelphia

Terrence Ross

SG
6-foot-6
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington

Analysis: The Sixers might have a tough choice here between Ross and Moultrie. The team needs size, but they also need shooting. Ross has very good size for his position and would give the Sixers a starting caliber sniper, which they've long lacked.


16
Houston (via Knicks)

Arnett Moultrie

PF
6-foot-11
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State

Analysis: The Rockets need size and Moultrie might be a great fit. He's long and athletic, he rebounds and he can stretch the floor with his jumper. Moultrie could be one of the real sleepers in the draft.


17
Dallas

Kendall Marshall

PG
6-foot-4
Weight: 188 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina

Analysis: With Jason Kidd 39 and a free agent and Rodrigue Beaubois more of a combo guard, Marshall would bring much of what Kidd brings to the table -- incredible court vision and size -- right away. He's not a great athlete or a great shooter, but he could keep Dirk and company happy.


18
Wolves (via Jazz)

Austin Rivers

SG
6-foot-4
Weight: 199 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke

Analysis: The Wolves' biggest need is at the 2 and Rivers could be a great get here. He can really shoot the basketball and has a killer crossover. He's going to have to get comfortable playing off the ball, but playing with Ricky Rubio could really help his game.


19
Orlando

Meyers Leonard

C
7-foot
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois

Analysis: The Magic are in serious danger of losing Dwight Howard in the next year. Leonard is a far cry from Howard, but he's big, he's athletic and he has shown some raw promise, especially on the defensive end.


20
Denver

Marquis Teague

PG
6-foot-2
Weight: 178 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky

Analysis: Andre Miller is heading into free agency this year and the Nuggets really lack depth at the point guard position. Had Teague stayed another year at Kentucky, he might have been a Top 10 pick. He's a value get here.


21
Boston

Moe Harkless

SF
6-foot-8
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 18
School: St. John's

Analysis: A lot of teams see similarities between Harkless and Trevor Ariza. He's widely considered one of the top upside players left in the draft and, for a team that's starting to rebuild from the ground up, the Celtics need a few guys like that.


22
Boston (via Clippers)

Andrew Nicholson

PF
6-foot-9
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure

Analysis: Nicholson is another draft sleeper who may really rise with workouts. He's a big stretch 4 who has drawn some comparisons to David West. He would be another welcome addition to the Celtics' summer makeover.


23
Atlanta

Tony Wroten Jr.

PG
6-foot-5
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington

Analysis: The Hawks have been cursed at the point guard position ever since they decided to pass on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams. Wroten is no Paul, but he may have the most raw talent of any point guard in the draft. He's big, he's athletic and he can get to the basket. If his shot wasn't broken, and if he had a better rep as a teammate, he'd be a top-10 pick.


24
Cavs (via Lakers)

Fab Melo

C
7-foot
Weight: 274 pounds
Age: 21
School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Cavs could really use more help at the 5. Anderson Varejao is around for a few more years but after that the cupboard is bare. Melo might need a few years anyway before he's ready to be a serious contributor at the next level.


25
Memphis

Evan Fournier

SG
6-foot-7
Weight: 206 pounds
Age: 19
School: France

Analysis: I'm hearing the Grizzlies are looking to stash a player over in Europe this year. Fournier, a scoring wing from France, is the best European prospect on the board.


26
Indiana

Quincy Miller

SF
6-foot-9
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor

Analysis: By virtually every account, Miller was a top-10 pick coming into his freshman season and would've been top 10 on most draft boards in 2013. But scouts aren't very high on him right now, and I wonder how differently they would feel had his knee been 100 percent this season. This is a steal for the Pacers if he slides this low.


27
Miami

Draymond Green

SF
6-foot-6
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State

Analysis: The Heat need players with experience who excel in bringing out the best in their teammates. Green can be a point-forward type who does a little of everything. Think of him as a better-passing Udonis Haslem.


28
Oklahoma City

Jeff Taylor

SF
6-foot-7
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 22
School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: An elite athlete, Taylor can be a lockdown defender and has range on his jumper. He's probably undervalued at this point, but that happens to seniors. The Thunder will capitalize.


29
Chicago

John Jenkins

SG
6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Age: 21
School: Vanderbilt

Analysis: The Bulls need a shooter and Jenkins has one of the best strokes in the draft. His super-quick release and ability to finish at the basket make him an interesting prospect here.


30
Golden State
(via Spurs)

Royce White

SF
6-foot-8
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Iowa State

Analysis: White, on talent alone, is a top-10 pick. But he's slipping a bit as teams worry that his anxiety disorder could disrupt his development. At pick No. 30, he's worth the risk.

i really want Doron Lamb or Evan Fournier if we take Barnes. Andy and TT are good enough to play 35 minutes a night. Both Lamb and Fournier could make an impact their first season (like Faried, he helped out the Nuggets a lot IMO)

1. Irving
2. D.Lamb/Fournier
3. Barnes
4. Thompson
5. Varejao

I believe Barnes has all star caliber potential with a great PG... Just look at Luol Deng. Luol Deng is a Barnes worst case scenario kind of player IMO.

We would be following OKC's formula with 2 defensive bigs and the 1, 2, and 3 spots scoring. If tristan can develop an offensive game like Ibaka does now (no one thought he was capable of it, shooting 11 of 11 in a playoff game, and they weren't easy dunks, they were long mid-range shots)

We could be a 41-41 8th seed type of team. Then Trade AV and 2013 pick for a "star-type player" like a LaMarcus Aldridge kind of name. Big name, Big game, low price at trade talk time...

Now I just realized I'm getting off topic so I'm going to end it here...:chuckles:

For my money, I don't think I could find a worse mock than Fords. I don't mind Barnes if we move down a couple spots, but at 4, that's bad value, and Melo....ugg. Do not want. The only thing I like about him is his shot blocking, but considering the talent available around there, that's just not enough. Maybe in the second.

Seriously we are not taking Barnes. We are just trying to raise his stock so other teams above us consider taking him with their picks. Yes I have to tell myself that so I don't cry myself to sleep.

Mdog1 said:

Seriously we are not taking Barnes. We are just trying to raise his stock so other teams above us consider taking him with their picks. Yes I have to tell myself that so I don't cry myself to sleep.

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My fear is that the smokescreen is too obvious.

It's not too obvious. The other teams likely think that we know something they don't, like maybe Barnes was holding back the previous two years. NOH is likely going to take Barnes, MKG is going to Charlotte, Beal to Washington, and we are getting Davis.

Mdog1 said:

Seriously we are not taking Barnes. We are just trying to raise his stock so other teams above us consider taking him with their picks. Yes I have to tell myself that so I don't cry myself to sleep.

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You should consider stepping away for a week or two.

I'd much rather take Barnes than Drummond's lazy ass. And I'm pretty sure we are not passing on MGK if he falls. So, is Beal really that much better than Barnes? I have as many concerns about Beal too. What about his size? His ability to guard the opposition on the next level? His lacking range (compared to Barnes)?

It's not like Beal is the next coming of MJ.

Triumph36 said:

the last thing the cavs need to do is take a safe pick with not a ton of upside. you've said it yourself - they are kyrie and a bunch of guys. they won't have tons of chances to draft really high upside players and to pass on that opportunity here would be real, real hard to swallow.

if they take barnes, i can't shake the feeling that the kings will rush up to the podium to take beal/drummond just like the raptors did last year.

i do find it a bit strange (read: discouraging) that the cavs are still so high on barnes after yet another unimpressive year. guess they didn't learn the first time?

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If the Cavaliers still like Barnes then they believe he will be better in the NBA than in college.

I don't think any team or any member of the media knows for sure who is going to be taken where or by what team 3 weeks before the draft. Cavs are a very secretive organization. I find it hard to believe a media member knows who they will definitely take. Also, many times today, one person reports something and then it's repeated by many other outlets. This doesn't mean there are multiple reports, just that one report has been repeated.

I'm sure the Cavs do like Barnes but it doesn't mean he's definitely the pick. If the top 3 goes Davis, MKG, Beal, then I don't have a problem with Barnes being the pick. He makes as much sense as anyone else left on the board. If Robinson sneaks into the top 3 then there are far better options than Barnes.

Jezzar said:

You should consider stepping away for a week or two.

I'd much rather take Barnes than Drummond's lazy ass. And I'm pretty sure we are not passing on MGK if he falls. So, is Beal really that much better than Barnes? I have as many concerns about Beal too. What about his size? His ability to guard the opposition on the next level? His lacking range (compared to Barnes)?

It's not like Beal is the next coming of MJ.

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I'll be stepping away for ever if this team drafts Barnes. At 6 he is a good pick, at 4 he is garbage. If all you want out of a top 5 pick in a supposedly deep draft is Shane Battier than more power to you, but i'd prefer to get a potential all star.

So you are happy with him at 6 and leaving the team forever if they draft him at 4? Lol glad you are taking a rational view of the draft.

Mdog1 said:

I'll be stepping away for ever if this team drafts Barnes. At 6 he is a good pick, at 4 he is garbage. If all you want out of a top 5 pick in a supposedly deep draft is Shane Battier than more power to you, but i'd prefer to get a potential all star.

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Mdog1 said:

I'll be stepping away for ever if this team drafts Barnes. At 6 he is a good pick, at 4 he is garbage. If all you want out of a top 5 pick in a supposedly deep draft is Shane Battier than more power to you, but i'd prefer to get a potential all star.

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So at 6 he's a good pick.....but at 4 he's such a bad pick then you'd step away from the team forever?

Please step away from the computer and hug your parents.