SI.Com's 2012 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 Post Lottery Edition

[goodlookinout]

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

11 SG

Dion Waiters

Syracuse

So. 6-4 215

Once you get past Beal, opinions differ greatly on who's next at shooting guard. But Waiters' efficiency and ability to get to the rim and create his own shot are seen as major positives for his projection, and could give him the nod over the likes of Connecticut's Jeremy Lamb, Duke's Austin Rivers or Washington's Terrence Ross. Veteran combo guard Jamal Crawford, Portland's second-leading scorer, has made it clear that he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Raymond Felton will also be a free agent after his disappointing season, leaving an opening at point guard. Waiters doesn't fill that void, but the Blazers are expected to go for the best available player and he just might be it. Pass-first North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall or athletic, up-tempo Washington point guard Tony Wroten will likely get a look here too.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

12 C

Meyers Leonard

Illinois

So. 7-0 240

The Bucks dealt center Andrew Bogut to Golden State in mid-March, and Leonard could provide a younger, more athletic version of the Australian big man. He averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for Illinois after a freshman season in which he barely played. Zeller and Melo will likely be considered.

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13 SG

Terrence Ross

Washington

So. 6-6 195

There are rumblings that Ross is moving up the shooting guard ranks, and he could eventually be dynamic enough to qualify as the Suns' star for the post-Steve Nash era (whether that starts this summer or not). Ross, who averaged 16.4 points and shot 45.7 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range last season, is very athletic and more than capable of becoming a good NBA defender.

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14 SG

Jeremy Lamb

Connecticut

So. 6-5 185

Rockets shooting guard and leading scorer Kevin Martin has one more year left on his deal, and the fact that he was all but traded to New Orleans in December could have an effect on whether he wants to return (if he's not traded, officially, by then). Martin, who was part of the deal that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to the Rockets, might have competition if Houston grabs one of the many top-tier shooting guards remaining. (Reserve shooting guard Courtney Lee, by the way, will be a restricted free agent.) Lamb could wind up being a top 10 pick, but the smooth scorer would be phenomenal value here.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

15 PF

Terrence Jones

Kentucky

So. 6-9 252

Power forward Elton Brand, 33, is on the downside of his career and entering the final year of his contract, while free-agent center Spencer Hawes' future in Philadelphia is uncertain. In other words, it's time to get some help in the frontcourt. While Jones may wind up being a small forward in the NBA, he is a skilled, if inconsistent, big man who can stretch the floor. Jones could go much higher than here, too.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

16 PF

John Henson

North Carolina

Jr. 6-11 220

There's a bit of a logjam here, as the Rockets have a high-level power forward in Luis Scola and power forward Patrick Patterson showed some progress in his second season. But defensive difference makers are tough to come by, and Henson, who averaged 9.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season, would be a great get in this post. Shot-blocking Rockets center Marcus Camby will be a free agent this summer, and fellow big man Samuel Dalembert is owed $6.7 million for next season but can be bought out for $1.5 million.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

17 PG

Kendall Marshall

North Carolina

So. 6-4 180

He's no Deron Williams, but he might have to do for the Mavs. With Jason Kidd becoming a free agent and so much uncertainty at the position, Dallas could use the point guard who is considered the best passer in the bunch by far.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

18 SG

Austin Rivers

Duke

Fr. 6-4 203

His swagger is seen as a positive by some and a turnoff by others, but it's undeniable that Rivers is the sort of scorer whose skills should translate at the next level. The Wolves, who saw Wes Johnson continue to struggle at shooting guard/small forward this season, would make their compelling roster even more interesting with this addition.

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19 PF

Arnett Moultrie

Mississippi State

Jr. 6-11 230

The forecast is cloudy for the Magic's frontcourt, with the possibility that Dwight Howard could be traded back in play. And while Ryan Anderson and Glen Davis bring very different skills to the table, Moultrie's athleticism and ability to have a consistent impact on both ends would be worth investing.

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20 PG

Tony Wroten

Washington

Fr. 6-5 208

As good as the point guard combo of Ty Lawson and Andre Miller was for the Nuggets, Miller is a free agent and may not be back. Wroten has been criticized for his decision-making and ability to play under control, and he shot only 16.1 percent from three-point range last season. But he's also a potent player who has drawn comparisons to Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook for his aggressive style.

 

[goodlookinout]

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

21 C

Fab Melo

Syracuse

So. 7-0 244

Big men tend to crawl up teams' boards as draft day nears, and Melo could be a prime candidate. His size and defensive instincts are legitimate, even if his offensive game is nearly nonexistent. The Celtics aren't nearly as formidable in the frontcourt as they used to be and could use a player like Melo.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

22 SF

Royce White

Iowa State

So. 6-8 270

The well-chronicled anxiety disorder that has hurt White's stock is a real factor, but it will be interesting to see if he can dispel some of those concerns during workouts and interviews with teams at the draft combine. There aren't many players with his all-around skill set.

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23 SF

Moe Harkless

St. John's

Fr. 6-8 208

The athletic, versatile Harkless would give Atlanta another option at small forward, where shooting guard Joe Johnson started down the stretch this season while longtime starter Marvin Williams moved to the bench. The Big East Rookie of the Year averaged 15.3 points last season, but shot just 44.5 percent overall and 20.2 percent from three-point range. His impact elsewhere entices front-office types who watched him average 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

24 PF

Andrew Nicholson

St. Bonaventure

Sr. 6-9 225

Cleveland will lose a big chunk of its frontcourt scoring with Jamison's departure. Nicholson could provide some of that and help in other areas, too, after averaging 18.5 points (while adding a three-point shot) 8.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in leading St. Bonaventure to the Atlantic 10 championship and its first NCAA tournament appearance in 12 years.

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25 PG

Marquis Teague

Kentucky

Fr. 6-2 189

The Gilbert Arenas experiment never paid off for the Grizzlies, but it did manage to expose their need for a reliable backup to point guard Michael Conley. Teague is an aggressive floor leader on the offensive end and a strong defender, meaning team leader and defensive specialist Tony Allen would approve. While his overall numbers weren't spectacular (10 points on 41.2 percent shooting, 4.8 assists and 2.7 turnovers), he produced better when it counted most (13.3 points on 45.9 percent shooting, 4.8 assists and 2.5 turnovers in six NCAA tournament games).

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

26 SF

Jeff Taylor

Vanderbilt

Sr. 6-7 225

The Pacers could use depth on the wing behind Danny Granger, especially considering dogged defender Dahntay Jones is a free agent. Taylor could be a perfect fit, not only because he's viewed as a tough and talented defender who can guard multiple positions but also because he could become part of the Pacers' balanced scoring effort. Most of Taylor's scoring came from attacking the rim in his first three seasons at Vanderbilt, but he started developing three-point range as a junior and made it a weapon as a senior when he shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 16.1 points.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

27 SG

Will Barton

Memphis

So. 6-6 175

With Mike Miller and Shane Battier falling short of expectations on offense, the Heat could stand to get lucky with a high-octane scorer this late in the draft. They might get that in Barton, who averaged 18 points (on 50.9 percent shooting and 34.6 percent from three-point range), 8.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals last season. His accuracy improved greatly from his freshman season, when he shot 42.8 percent overall and 26.5 percent from beyond the arc.

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28 PF

Draymond Green

Michigan State

Sr. 6-7 230

Anyone who watched the first two games of the Western Conference finals knows that the Thunder need additional skilled big men who boast more than one specialty (see Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka). Green is that guy. He averaged 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists as a senior, including 17.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in three NCAA tournament games.

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29 SG

Evan Fournier

Poitiers (France)

--- 6-7 206

With point guard and 2010-11 MVP Derrick Rose sidelined 8-to-12 months after tearing his ACL in the playoffs, and with shooting guard Richard Hamilton showing his age (34) during an injury-filled season, the Bulls could use another scorer in their backcourt. There's no way of telling just yet whether Fournier can be the penetrating, playmaking perimeter threat in the NBA that he has been while playing for France, but he's worth gambling on here.

PICK TEAM POSITION PLAYER CLASS HEIGHT WEIGHT

30 C

Kyle O'Quinn

Norfolk State

Sr. 6-10 240

O'Quinn, who worked out for the Warriors last week, may not make the first-round cut. But he has improved his stock significantly in recent months, and Golden State is seeking depth down low (though the team may go in a different direction with this pick if Sullinger is, in fact, its choice at No. 7). O'Quinn first made headlines as the classic March Madness darling, getting 26 points and 14 rebounds to lead No. 15 Norfolk State past No. 2 Missouri in the first round. O'Quinn kept it going in April at a heavily scouted tournament for college seniors, the Portsmouth Invitational, where he was named MVP and showed off the skills that helped him average 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds as a senior. Not bad for a player who received a scholarship offer only from Norfolk State and didn't play until his junior year in high school.

 

[jaemooms]

Is Bradley Beal really that good?

 

[Livefromclayco]

SMH

Another 6'8 nigga with "potential"

That sounds like Josh Smith and Marvin Williams

 

[t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088]

Is Bradley Beal really that good?

I wouldn't say he's THAT good but he's the best sg in the draft due to his jumpshot. He's not tall and not that athletic, but he's a good kid and he's very good coming off screens and spotting up. Think eric gordon if he reaches his potential.... I still think Lamb has the potential to be better but no one is sold on whether or not he has the killer instinct and motor to be that good...

 

[ATTS]

one thing i know is my wizards will make a mistake.......thats a given

 

[twizza 77]

The Bulls are either trade that pick or Draft a Euro and stash him for a few years because of cap space. This Mock makes sense.

 

[detcatinva]

the pistons better not take zeller

 

[Co_Town_Michael]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

 

[t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

I would but I don't even wanna tell you the type of game that nigga has as a rockets fan(look at my name). Lamb was an easier sell last year when he looked like he could dominate if kemba wasn't the go to player. This year he still had the same talent but didn't look like he was a go to player. He's a risk but haven't we taken enough OKAY players in the draft to justify that>?

 

[detcatinva]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

he's a less talented joe johnson

 

[Co_Town_Michael]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

he's a less talented joe johnson

So basically...

He's just there, gets his, but doesn't have a real impact on the game.

Sounds like everyone else currently on the Rockets roster right now.

 

[will grimey]

Welcome to NC MKG...

 

[t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

he's a less talented joe johnson

thats a pretty good comparison. Just think of a mix between JJ and t-mac, his length/strength(7'1 wingspan, skinny frame, takes a lot of jumpers because he doesn't go to the hoop) and the way he plays reminds me of a less talented t-mac. The thing with lamb is you don't get a lot of players at 14 that have HIGH CEILINGS, lamb has a high ceiling....

 

[will grimey]

Lookin @t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088's sig you can tell who's the gun bussa between Meek and Kendrick...Da fuck he doin?

 

[t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088]

Lookin @t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088's sig you can tell who's the gun bussa between Meek and Kendrick...Da fuck he doin?

Ha ha. I think we all know meek bout that life. Anyways kendrick said it best, "I'm not no gangsta, no killa, I'm just your average joe/but one thing you should consider is I'm the realest you know.

 

[detcatinva]

Someone that fucks w/ UConn should sell me on Jeremy Lamb.

Because currently, I don't want my Rockets taking that nigga.

he's a less talented joe johnson

thats a pretty good comparison. Just think of a mix between JJ and t-mac, his length/strength(7'1 wingspan, skinny frame, takes a lot of jumpers because he doesn't go to the hoop) and the way he plays reminds me of a less talented t-mac. The thing with lamb is you don't get a lot of players at 14 that have HIGH CEILINGS, lamb has a high ceiling....

honestly i dont think his ceiling is that high. he has no passion no fire and i dont like that about his game. plus he doesnt have a great handle and his jumper is good not great. I best i can see him average about 12 points a game for a few seasons. but he's a pretty good pick if your selecting him at 14

 

[HustleThaDon]

Lamb & Henson huh? If that happens Scola is likely to be traded.

 

[lamontbdc]

one thing i know is my wizards will make a mistake.......thats a given

no bullshit i gurantee they draft a dude from Russia we've never heard of.

last year they drafted the 1st foreigner that can't shot at all. he can't even hit free throws.

 

[BlackAX410]

Man I'll be damned if we take Fab Melo's offensively challenged ass I want us to pick Nicholson from St.Bonaventure nd Moe Harkless he has SO much talent nd potential if we can get him or Royce white (both guys versatile) they can make an impact immediately nd possibly be steals of da draft