The Official 2012 NBA Draft Talk Thread

[Malta]

If they can get that 24th pick I say its an easy decision for Charlotte. That way they aint got the pressure of botching that 2nd pick and they can go with whoever's there after 3....Beal, T Rob, MKG, or Barnes.

My question is though, if Charlotte does trade that 2nd pick to whoever, does that mean its definitely Drummond that goes 2nd?

He'll only go 2nd if the Blazers trade up IMO, there's a chance he might fall to them at 6 regardless though. The Kings seemed to want Drummond last week, now they're saying they will pass on him, which is good cause I think he'd be a bust in that cesspool of an organization.

 

[Heelmatic]

He'll only go 2nd if the Blazers trade up IMO, there's a chance he might fall to them at 6 regardless though. The Kings seemed to want Drummond last week, now they're saying they will pass on him, which is good cause I think he'd be a bust in that cesspool of an organization.

So if the Cavs trade up, they go for Kidd-Gilchrist or Beal then?

 

[Malta]

So if the Cavs trade up, they go for Kidd-Gilchrist or Beal then?

I think the Cavs like Beal, Barnes, MKG in that order as far as wing players go, they seem to want a scorer on the wing more than they want a swiss army knife like MKG.

I don't think they'll trade up though, if they can't get Beal they'll reach for Barnes or take Drummond and maybe trade him to the Blazers.

 

[tremonthustler1]

1. New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis, F, Kentucky #23

This is like Andrew Luck to the Colts. Nothing earth-shattering here. Just a matter of who surrounds Davis.

2. Charlotte Bobcats- Thomas Robinson, F, Kansas #0

This is a tricky pick because I have major doubt that the Bobcats keep this pick. It's either Robinson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Andre Drummond for this spot. From an upside standpoint, Drummond. From a BPA standpoint, MKG. For safety's sake, Robinson, and he has made a very convincing argument to be here. That being said, if they didn't have Bismack Biyombo, Drummond's a home run swing they'd need to make.

3. Washington Wizards- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, Kentucky #14

His stock has slipped slightly due to his now glaring weakness as a shooter. However, the work ethic and maturity he offers should rub off on a team that at times doesn't seem to care. He'd help the Wizards out in more ways than one. Beal's also an option, but they can nab a SG with their high 2nd rounder.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Bradley Beal, G, Florida #23

Beal's height and wingspan impressed scouts and he seems to be doing a good job convincing GM's that his subpar shooting season was merely a fluke. I remain skeptical, and for a team like the Cavs who passed up on Jonas Valanciunas, I feel they're passing up big time value to bank on Beal, but Beal and Irving would solidify their backcourt for a long time.

5. Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes, F, North Carolina #40

The Kings need to get better fast. Trading the pick for an established vet might be a good idea, but if not, get the safest possible player on the board, and that is Barnes. Is he going to be a superstar? Probably not. Can he start for them and be solid? Yes, and for a team that has banked on upside with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins, getting a safe player that can contribute now can make them better in the long run as opposed to a project.

6. Portland Trail Blazers- Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut #12

Drummond falls here, but I don't think he should fall this far. He could go as high as #2, but that team could be Portland if they trade up, and they should. They need a center, and while Drummond isn't the sure thing that Greg Oden was supposed to be, it's a helluva redo for a jinxed organization like theirs.

7. Golden State Warriors- Jared Sullinger, F, Ohio State #0

If the Warriors hadn't traded for Andrew Bogut, this clearly would not be the pick. What makes this selection murkier is that both Perry and Terrence Jones worked out for them this week and disappointed them. They could use a SF, but MKG and Barnes might be gone by now, so the Warriors can either shop the pick (which they are aggressively doing) or just draft BPA and figure out how to fill in SF later. Sullinger needs a personal trainer, but guys like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love are examples of how good a player can become through improved conditioning. Maybe Sullinger can be next.

8. Toronto Raptors- Damian Lillard, G, Weber State #1

After Lillard's workout at the combine, scouts have no further questions. Many think he is the real deal in any draft. The Raptors have a need at PG since Jose Calderon is entering the last year of his deal, and he also has SG ability which would allow them to use he and Calderon together for some stretches while moving Demar DeRozan at SF. He has solidified himself as a guaranteed top 10 pick.


9. Detroit Pistons- Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois #12
It's very arguable that Leonard was the big winner of the combine last week, because he is now receiving lotto guarantees from most GM's. He showed off his athleticism, his size and most of all, his shot blocking ability, which would be very much needed in Detroit. Now, I question his toughness and his motor, but Greg Monroe had the same issues and he's now one of the toughest young big men in the NBA. He could use a big that could make him even more dangerous as a PF.

10. New Orleans Hornets- Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina #44

This is a surprise pick. Reportedly, the Hornets are very serious about picking him 10th. They're also considering Austin Rivers, Kendall Marshall, Damian Lillard, and Jared Sullinger should they fall. They're also shopping this pick if they can shed Emeka Okafor or Trevor Ariza's contracts. I don't think that's a good idea. They can draft Zeller and have three shot blocking machines in he, Okafor, and Davis. Not a bad thing at all for the Hornets and new owner Tom Benson.

 

[dre]

I made one that should be posted to the blog soon...for the most part it's different but I can see the reasoning for your picks

 

[Heelmatic]

I pray Barnes doesn't end up in Sacramento. Ain't enough shots to go around as it is now. That would be worst case scenario for him, IMO.

 

[tremonthustler1]

11. Portland Trail Blazers- Austin Rivers, G, Duke #0

The Trail Blazers could opt to trade this pick in a package to move up in the draft, but if they don't, Austin Rivers could be that slasher that LaMarcus Aldridge desperately needs alongside him. Rivers is marketing himself as a PG to get scouts' attention. While he's not going to be that at the pro level, he does have good handles and could play PG in spurts. He'll never be what Brandon Roy was, but Drummond/Aldridge/Rivers along with Nicolas Batum is a very intriguing core.

12. Milwaukee Bucks- Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse #3

For all of the teams we have looked at that may have given promises, none of us have looked into the Milwaukee Bucks. They might be the team that made the promise. For those ready to rip me for this, think about it. Monta Ellis is obviously a very good SG, but he has one year left on his deal before he can opt out. Carlos Delfino is a free agent. They're stocked with young, raw, PF/C who can block shots. There's not much there at SG and not getting a PF opens the door to keeping Ersan Ilyasova. Getting Waiters is forward thinking by a team that tries too hard to stay on the treadmill.

13. Phoenix Suns- Kendall Marshall, G, North Carolina #5

May the post Steve Nash era begin. Marshall can instantly step right in and lead this team. He's not as good as Nash obviously, but in North Carolina, he was the guy that made that team operate well. Given what we've seen from pure pass first PG's like Rajon Rondo and Ricky Rubio, Marshall is of that ilk and can help this team enhance the talents of future young players they choose to join him.

14. Houston Rockets- John Henson, F, North Carolina #31

Kevin McHale and Daryl Morey can't help themselves. For all of the big men that they have accumulated, none of them provide the shot blocking that Henson can. They may have to start packaging the pu pu platter of Luis Scola, Patrick Patterson, Donatas Motiejunas, and Marcus Morris to balance things out (in Mac's world this is his starting lineup), but Henson could very well be their starter in a year or two.

15. Philadelphia 76ers- Arnett Moultrie, C, Mississippi State #23

Arnett Moultrie has quickly become one of the more overrated players in this draft, a sign most telling by his decision to skip the NBA combine. He couldn't have done that without a legit reason: perhaps a team is looking into drafting him his high. He can't block shots, but for a team with only Nikola Vucevic guaranteed to return next season, Philadelphia could use the size and rebounding.

16. Houston Rockets- Terrence Ross, G, Washington #31

Here's another player that has made major strides up mock drafts. He can't dribble, but he can do other things right, like shoot and defend, major things you want out of your SG. By most accounts, he has had very good interviews and is willing to work out for anyone. His agent thinks he can go higher, but Houston can be a great place for him to harness his craft. After all, Kevin Martin's in Kevin McHale's doghouse and Courtney Lee is an RFA.


17. Dallas Mavericks- Perry Jones III, F, Baylor #1

This is an unforeseen tumble for Jones. Many feel that his agents' decision to market him as a SF could backfire, but that's a smart move. Otherwise his stock would fall further. Perry wants to prove to GM's that his two seasons at Baylor were not indicative of what he can do, but his resume is not doing him any favors, and a disappointing workout for the Golden State Warriors only reinforces the doubt teams have of his skills. If Dallas can get the most out of him, he could be what they hoped Lamar Odom could be before he decided to quit on them.


18. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jeremy Lamb, G, Connecticut #3

Perhaps the biggest slide in the draft. If his disappointing sophomore season wasn't bad enough, he has absolutely been tanking interviews left and right. You almost want to sit him down and explain to him what he is doing wrong. He's got talent, top 5 talent even. We've seen what he can do with a strong point guard and a strong coach. Thankfully, Minnesota has both of those things, but with his attitude, he could find himself pinned to a team's bench if he doesn't at least pretend to care. Look out for the Wolves to consider Royce White or shop the pick altogether.

19. Orlando Magic- Fab Melo, C, Syracuse #51

Alert: Dwight Howard might not be back in Orlando past this season. 2nd Alert: Daniel Orton is a washout, gone after just 2 seasons. Whether Howard stays on not, they could use another big body. Melo is a project who could better his conditioning, but for a team that could be entering the lost world of rebuilding, Melo could be a decent first step towards that while they look to shed their other expensive salaries.

20. Denver Nuggets- Marquis Teague, G, Kentucky #25

The Nuggets have depth pretty much everywhere, so the need for another young player isn't as pressing, but Teague can step in and backup Ty Lawson if they opt to not bring back vet PG Andre Miller. They could also look to stash a player overseas, but this is an awful year for that. Teague's not ready to be a starter yet in this league, but he can learn a lot from coach George Karl.

 

[tremonthustler1]

21. Boston Celtics- Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky #3

Terrence Jones' stock is falling, not just because of his disappointing sophomore year at UK and his workouts, but also because teams don't know where they feel he fits best. Is he a 3 or a 4? If he is a PF, that will hurt because it is a loaded position. If he is a SF, it could help him go as high as #7 to Golden State, but he has to have better workouts than the one had against Perry Jones III recently. In Boston, he can fit in nicely as Paul Pierce's backup and can also play some PF in small ball situations. Make no mistake though. They'd love it if Fab Melo fell to them,

22. Boston Celtics- Andrew Nicholson, F, St. Bonaventure #44

A 6'9'' PF who can shoot 40% from 3. That describes Andrew Nicholson. He helped St. Bonaventure reach the NCAA Tournament this year and really raised his profile in the process. He had a good turnout at the combine and is viewed as one of the most NBA-ready prospects of this draft. With KG and Brandon Bass both free agents and no real centers to speak of, Boston will take a long hard look at Nicholson as a guy that can keep the Celtics in playoff contention.

23. Atlanta Hawks- Moe Harkless, F, St. John’s #4

The ultimate wild card of this draft. He can go as high as #8 to Toronto, but his stock is slipping because many GM's feel he declared a year too early. He's a project, but one that be a jack of all trades for any team. He can defend, shoot a decent mid range jumper and provide immense athleticism. Atlanta only has 6 players signed for next season, one of them being a disgruntled Josh Smith. Harkless gives them insurance and if he plays well, the confidence to trade the hometown Smith.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers- Royce White, F, Iowa State #30

OK, I know Cleveland has Tristan Thompson. But remember, Antawn Jamison is a free agent and Thompson's not projected to be a big time scorer. Royce White at Iowa State was their best player in five major categories. Whether he comes off the bench or starts, he can be the Swiss Army Knife that a team like Cleveland could use. If he could shed some weight, maybe he is the SF of the future. This is also a great place to control his anxiety as Cleveland, while depressing, is not a pressurized location for him.

25. Memphis Grizzlies- Tony Wroten, G, Washington #14

Tony Wroten cannot shoot. At all. However, it is tough to turn down a PG that is 6'5'' and can drive to the hoop at will (though his FT% is weak as well). It's a low risk move for a team looking to add an adequate backup for Mike Conley and perhaps replace RFA O.J. Mayo, and that's what late picks are: shots in the dark. In a weak PG class, I say this is a debate between he and Kansas G Tyshawn Taylor. For now, Wroten has more appeal, but that can change in 2 weeks.

26. Indiana Pacers- Evan Fournier, G, France #13

This was tough. Admittedly, I'm not a big Fournier fan, but he's the only European projected to go in Round 1. Fournier had an impressive showing at the Adidas Eurocamp, measuring out at 6'7'' with shoes and has a good shooting touch. He's soft mentally, which hurts his stock. With Leandro Barbosa and Dahntay Jones being free agents and Lance Stephenson not doing anything to get himself more PT, Fournier's a good inexpensive fit.

27. Miami Heat- Kyle O’Quinn, F/C, Norfolk State #10

Perhaps the most underrated player in the draft, Kyle O'Quinn doesn't do anything to doubt scouts. He's a raw offensive player who was a Senior at a small school, but he plays defense. He shined on the big stage when Norfolk State upset Missouri in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He has had very good interviews and he measured out very well with 7'4'' wingspan and 9'2'' overhead reach. He just needs to cut out the 12% body fat, but even with that, he can find a rotation spot on a team that still uses Juwan Howard at times.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeff Taylor, F, Vanderbilt #44

Thabo Sefolosha + a rookie scale deal = Jeff Taylor. He's a senior so scouts will find a reason not to pick him, but he has improved on every weakness he has had minus being able to go left (he can't do it). He can shoot very well from distance and for a guy with subpar measurements, he can lock down his man. There's no reason to think his skill set won't translate. Now teams can't be happy whenever Kevin Durant needs a short breather.

29. Chicago Bulls- Will Barton, G, Memphis #5

He's a guy I'd consider a can't fail prospect if he can add some weight. He only weighs 174 pounds, but this was a top 20 recruit. For a team like Chicago that has a gaping hole at SG and now PG with Derrick Rose out, the Bulls can draft another Memphis guard that can instantly come in and contribute. He shot especially well and can get to the line with ease. All the Bulls would need for him to do is eat a lot. Otherwise he's Ronnie Brewer 2.0, but that's the only major downside. He's a major steal at 29.

30. Golden State Warriors- Quincy Miller, F, Baylor #5

Golden State is looking to move this pick, perhaps to NY for Landry Fields or in a bigger package. I think they'd be delighted to see Miller fall this far, especially with the talent he has. His ACL injury has really hampered his workouts even now and probably regrets even declaring. The Warriors at #30 can afford to develop him slowly as he should probably recover athletically next season enough to utilize his 7'4'' wingspan on the open court.

 

[tremonthustler1]

Round 2:

31. Charlotte Bobcats- Draymond Green, F, Michigan State #23
32. Washington Wizards- Doron Lamb, G, Kentucky #20
33. Cleveland Cavaliers- Tyshawn Taylor, G, Kansas #15
34. Cleveland Cavaliers- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt #3
35. Golden State Warriors- John Jenkins, G, Vanderbilt #23
36. Sacramento Kings- Kostas Papanikolaou, F, Greece #10
37. Toronto Raptors- Jae Crowder, F, Marquette #32
38. Denver Nuggets- Furkam Aldemir, F, Turkey #14
39. Detroit Pistons- Orlando Johnson, G, UCSB #33
40. Portland Trail Blazers- Darius Miller, F, Kentucky #1
41. Portland Trail Blazers- Tomas Satoransky, G, Czech Republic #13
42. Milwaukee Bucks- Scott Machado, G, Iona #3
43. Atlanta Hawks- Henry Sims, C, Georgetown #30
44. Detroit Pistons- Jared Cunningham, G, Oregon State #1
45. Philadelphia 76ers- Kevin Murphy, G, Tennessee Tech #55
46. Washington Wizards- Nihad Djedovic, F, Bosnia
47. Utah Jazz- Hollis Thompson, G, Georgetown #1
48. New York Knicks- Drew Gordon, F, New Mexico #32
49. Orlando Magic- J’Covan Brown, G, Texas #14
50. Denver Nuggets- Leon Radosevic, F, Croatia #14
51. Boston Celtics- Miles Plumlee, C, Duke #21
52. Golden State Warriors- Tornike Shengelia, F, Turkey #20
53. Los Angeles Clippers- Kim English, G, Missouri #24
54. Philadelphia 76ers- Bernard James, C, Florida State #5
55. Dallas Mavericks- Dusan Cantekin, C, Russia #12
56. Toronto Raptors- Kris Joseph, F, Syracuse #32
57. Brooklyn Nets- Khris Middleton, G/F, Texas A&M #22
58. Minnesota Timberwolves- Nemanja Nedovic, G, Serbia #16
59. San Antonio Spurs- William Buford, G, Ohio State #44
60. Los Angeles Lakers- Kevin Jones, F, West Virginia #5

 

[tremonthustler1]

Chad Ford's latest

1) Hornets - Anthony Davis (PF)
2) Bobcats - Thomas Robinson (PF)
3) Wizards - MKG (SF/SG)
4) Cavs - Bradley Beal (SG)
5) Kings - Andre Drummond (PF/C)
6) Blazers - Damian Lillard (PG)
7) Warriors - Harrison Barnes (SF)
8) Raptors - Dion Waiters (SG)
9) Pistons - John Henson (PF)
10) Hornets - Jared Sullinger (PF)
11) Blazers - Jeremy Lamb (SG)
12) Bucks - Meyers Leonard (C)
13) Suns - Austin Rivers (SG)
14) Rockets - Tyler Zeller (C)
15) Sixers - Terrence Jones (F)
16) Rockets - Moe Harkless (SF)
17) Mavs - Kendall Marshall (PG)
18) Wolves - Terrence Ross (SG)
19) Magic - Perry Jones III (F)
20) Nuggets - Arnett Moultrie (PF)
21) Celtics - Andrew Nicholson (PF)
22) Celtics - Royce White (SF)
23) Hawks - Tony Wroten Jr. (G)
24) Cavs - Fab Melo (C)
25) Grizzlies - Evan Fournier (SG)
26) Pacers - Marquis Teague (PG)
27) Heat - Draymond Green (SF)
28) Thunder - Jeff Taylor (SF)
29) Bulls - John Jenkins (SG)
30) Warriors - Festus Ezeli (C)

 

[G.O.A.T Squad Spokesman]

With the 30th pick in the 2012 nba draft the Golden State Warriors select Jeff Taylor.

 

[Bruh Man 5th Flo]

i dunno man...i don't see lamb and pj falling that far.....PJ will be a lotto pick on athleticism/ potential alone

 

[mastermind]

The Wizards better take Drummond. I wont allow this

 

[triplehate]

Keep that Tony Wroten dude away from the Grizzlies yo

 

[The War Report]

Why would you want to pair John Wall with someone else who can't shoot?