The 2012 NBA Draft figures to consist of a deeper, more talented group of prospects that the 2011 class. Team needs have NOT been taken into consideration with this 2012 NBA mock draft and the order is still based off the 2011 NBA Draft. Click on the players’ name for a complete, in-depth scouting report.
(By the way, The Sports Bank was graded as the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.)
UPDATED: 1/1/12
1. New Orleans (from LAC via MIN)- Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
The Wildcat freshman is an emerging talent with great length who has yet to even scratch the surface on how good he can become. He can play like a guard but needs to get much stronger.
2. Cleveland- Andre Drummond, C, UConn, 6-10, HS Sr.
He certainly looks the part with his size and physicality but Andre Drummond is still a work in progress in his understanding of the game and his offensive ability down low.
3. Toronto- Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, So.
Harrison Barnes has the ideal size for an NBA wing player and can score it in a variety of ways. He has the potential to be a special player if he develops that killer instinct.
4. Washington- Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State, 6-9, So.
A beast on the block, Jared Sullinger knows how to throw his big body around down low. He has also expanded his perimeter game which should help him at the next level.
5. Sacramento- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky, 6-6, Fr.
A versatile, all-around talent, MKG can guard multiple positions on the floor and has the potential to be an elite defender. He is dangerous off the bounce but his perimeter game is still developing.
6. New Jersey- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
As expected, Thomas Robinson has blown up at KU this season since he has become their go-to inside presence. He has an impressive combination of strength and athleticism that will serve him well at the next level.
7. Detroit- Perry Jones, F, Baylor, 6-11, So.
His length, versatility, and athleticism are an intriguing combination for NBA teams but Jones will have to become stronger and assertive before making an impact at the next level.
8. L.A. Clippers- Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn, 6-5, So.
Jeremy Lamb really came on during UConn’s run to the national title and has carried that forward as UConn’s go-to guy this year. He has a silky smooth outside shot and is also very long and athletic.
9. Charlotte- Terrence Ross, SG, Washington, 6-6, So.
The smooth shooting Terrence Ross has had a breakout sophomore season for the Huskies. He has also shown the ability to effortlessly rise at the rim.
10. Milwaukee- Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky, 6-9, So.
Terrence Jones is an inside/outside threat who can play either forward position. His consistent effort is some cause for concern but there is no denying the kid’s talent.
11. Utah (from GS via NJ)- Bradley Beal, SG, Florida, 6-3, Fr.
A talented shooter with good strength to offset his lack of ideal size, Bradley Beal is also effective attacking the basket. He has been somewhat quiet playing alongside ball dominant guards at Florida but is a big-time talent.
12. Utah- John Henson, PF, North Carolina, 6-10, Jr.
John Henson is insanely long and has nice athleticism but his rail thin frame will be his biggest obstacle in transitioning to the next level.
13. Phoenix- Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky, 6-2, Fr.
Marquis Teague has the size and quickness to be a starting point guard at the next level but he is still learning the position as his decision-making has been a problem thus far at UK.
14. Houston- Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas, 6-1, Fr.
Lightning quick with the basketball, Myck Kabongo is a pass first point guard with great handles.
15. Indiana- Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina, 6-2, So.
The lefty is an old school point guard who is an outstanding passer with tremendous court vision. He is not much a scorer and has been a liability on defense though.
16. Philadelphia- Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky, 6-4, So.
Doron Lamb can stroke it from the outside but is also capable of handling the basketball and getting to the rim.
17. Houston (from NY)- Mike Moser, SF, UNLV, 6-8, So.
Mike Moser has been an impact transfer for the Rebels due to his athleticism and ability to crash the boards.
18. Atlanta- William Buford, SG, Ohio State, 6-5, Sr.
William Buford has always possessed the talent and so far, he has been a consistent scorer for the Buckeyes during his senior season which earn him a spot in the first round.
19. Memphis- Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina, 7-0, Sr.
Due to his athleticism and fundamentals in the post, Tyler Zeller should get first round looks despite not being the most physical big man.
20. New Orleans- Arnett Moultrie, F, Mississippi State, 6-11, Jr.
The UTEP transfer is a physical presence in the post who crashes the glass and also has a decent mid-range jump shot.
21. Portland- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Sr.
In a league where Kwame Brown signs a one-year, $7 million contract, there is no reason that Festus Ezeli cannot be a productive back-up big man due to his size and strength alone.
22. Denver- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Sr.
An athletic wing player, Kris Joseph has improved his outside shooting which should earn him first round looks.
23. Orlando- Tomas Sotaransky, SG, Czech Republic, 6-6, 1991
The Czech is a talented all-around offensive player who can handle the rock, get to the basket, and also shoot it. Getting stronger will be a must before he contributes in the NBA.
24. Oklahoma City- John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt, 6-4, Jr.
A sharpshooter from distance, John Jenkins needs to improve the other areas of his game before being ready for the NBA.
25. Boston- Will Barton, SG, Memphis, 6-6, So.
Despite being as thick as a stick, Will Barton is an incredible scorer who is at his best when attacking the basket.
26. Dallas- Evan Fournier, SG, France, 6-6, 1992
A versatile scorer who can also handle the ball, Evan Fournier is a mature player who needs to improve his outside shot.
27. L.A. Lakers- Damien Lillard, PG, Weber State, Jr.
After missing most of last season with a foot injury, Lillard is the leading scorer in college basketball. He brings good size to the point guard position and also knows how to distribute the basketball.
28. Miami- Hollis Thompson, SF, Georgetown, 6-8, Jr.
After nearly making a huge mistake by declaring for the 2011 NBA Draft, Hollis Thompson has seen his stock rise this season particularly due to his ability to stroke it from deep.
29. San Antonio- Augusto Cesar Lima, PF, Brazil, 6-10, 1991
Augusto Cesar Lima is an athletic big who is still developing his all-around skill set but could be worth a late first round flyer for a team looking to stash a player overseas.
30. Chicago- Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt, 6-7, Sr.
Jeffery Taylor has ideal size for the next level and his athleticism is off the charts, but his game hasn’t blossomed enough to secure him a first round pick.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SECOND ROUND
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.
You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.