The 2012 NBA Draft figures to consist of a deeper, more talented group of prospects that the 2011 class. Team needs HAVE been taken into consideration with this 2012 NBA mock draft and the order is based off the current NBA standings. Click on the players’ name for a complete, in-depth scouting report. Check out The Sports Bank’s NFL Mock Draft as well.
(By the way, The Sports Bank was graded as the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.)
Check out our ridiculously early 2013 NBA Mock Draft.
UPDATED: 3/19/12
31. Charlotte- William Buford, SG, Ohio State, 6-5, Sr.
Cory Higgins and Matt Carroll see minutes off the bench… Yeah, Charlotte needs to upgrade their depth at the two.
32. Washington- Darius Miller, G/F, Kentucky, 6-8, Sr.
Depth at the two would make sense since the Wizards traded free agent-to-be Nick Young. I really like Darius Miller and think he could be a useful role player off the bench.
33. Cleveland (from NO)- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Sr.
Cavs need to find some size in the middle and Ezeli takes up a ton of space in the paint.
34. Golden State (from NJ)- Scott Machado, PG, Iona, 6-1, Sr.
The Warriors signed Nate Robinson as a short term, back-up point guard so they could use somebody with Machado’s ability to distribute the basketball.
35. Toronto- Darius Johnson-Odom, SG, Marquette, 6-3, Sr.
Since the Raptors traded Leandro Barbosa, they could use somebody with DJO’s ability to score.
36. Sacramento- Jae Crowder, F, Marquette, 6-6, Sr.
A versatile talent who effects the game in just about every aspect imaginable, Jae Crowder would give the Kings a needed boost at small forward.
37. Detroit- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Sr.
Kris Joseph would be a solid second round value for a team like the Pistons needing an up-grade in talent in their frontcourt.
38. Cleveland- Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Sr.
With Ramon Sessions being dealt to the Lakers, the Cavs could use a back-up point guard behind Kyrie Irving.
39. Denver (from GS)- Evan Fournier, SG, France, 6-6, 1992
The Nuggets don’t have any pressing needs so they could afford to take a foreign talent like Fournier and hope he can help out in the future.
40. Milwaukee- Alex Young, G/F, IUPUI, 6-6, Sr.
With Carlos Delfino a free agent, the Bucks will need some depth on the wing.
41. Portland- Dee Bost, PG, Mississippi State, 6-2, Sr.
Bost gives the Blazers another option at the point in case Raymond Felton leaves via free agency.
42. Portland (from Hou via MIN)- Augusto Cesar Lima, PF, Brazil, 6-10, 1991
With four picks in this draft, the Blazers will take at least one player who they can hope will develop overseas and contribute down the line.
43. Utah- Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia, 6-8, Sr.
Kevin Jones could stick on a roster due to his nice inside/outside game and relentless work ethic on the board.
44. Atlanta (from PHX)- Drew Gordon, PF, New Mexico, 6-9, Sr.
Drew Gordon was a double-double machine for the Lobos and would add depth to a thin Hawks frontcourt.
45. New York- Orlando Johnson, SG, UC-Santa Barbara, 6-5, Sr.
Knicks signed J.R. Smith as a temporary fix for depth at the two, Johnson could be the long-term answer.
46. Boston- Henry Sims, C, Georgetown, 6-10, Sr.
C’s continue to look for depth all across the board and Sims would give them a versatile big man.
47. Detroit (from HOU)- Alex Oriakhi, PF, UConn, 6-9, Jr.
Because UConn can’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament next year, I think Oriakhi will leave early. He has massively under-achieved this season but still has the size and strength to add some depth inside for the Pistons. (This pick stays with Houston if is between #31-#40.)
48. Denver- Reggie Johnson, C, Miami FL, 6-10, Jr.
A big body inside, Reggie Johnson has a terrific feel for scoring inside.
49. Philadelphia- Marcus Denmon, SG, Missouri, 6-3, Sr.
Marcus Denmon is the type of all-around talent and hard-nosed player who could stick on a NBA roster.
50. Washington (from DAL)- Robert Sacre, C, Gonzaga, 7-0, Sr.
Size is always in demand in the NBA and Robert Sacre is one of the true seven-footers in this draft.
51. Golden State (from ATL)- JaMychal Green, PF, Alabama, 6-8, Sr.
JaMychal Green would give the Warriors another option at power forward behind David Lee.
52. Philadelphia (from MEM)- Ricardo Ratliffe, PF, Missouri, 6-8, Sr.
Because he is very efficient and physical low post player, Ricardo Ratliffe might be able to contribute off some team’s bench.
53. L.A. Clippers- Kyle O’Quinn, C, Norfolk State, 6-10, Sr.
“Lob City” could use some depth inside since Kenyon Martin only signed a one-year contract.
54. Toronto (from IND)- Furkan Aldemir, PF, Turkey, 6-9, 1991
The Raptors have three picks in this draft and would be wise to use one on a foreign player.
55. Dallas (from LAL)- Jordan Taylor, PG, Wisconsin, 6-1, Sr.
The Mavs could use options at the point since Jason Kidd is a free agent.
56. Orlando- Kim English, G/F, Missouri, 6-6, Sr.
Kim English is a versatile wing player who shoots the ball well from downtown.
57. San Antonio- Robbie Hummel, SF, Purdue, 6-8, Sr.
Though not a tremendous athlete, Hummel could stick on a roster due to his all-around ability.
Go here for more on Hummel
58. New Jersey (from MIA)- Mike Scott, PF, Virginia, 6-8, Sr.
Scott is an inside/outside forward who would give the Nets options at power forward since Kris Humphries will be a free agent.
59. Minnesota (from OKC)- Kevin Murphy, SG, Tennessee Tech, 6-6, Sr.
The T-Wolves need shooters on the wing… enter, Kevin Murphy.
60. L.A. Lakers (from CHI)- Herb Pope, PF, Seton Hall, 6-8, Sr.
Lakers need to find depth at every position and Pope is very effective down low though a bit under-sized.
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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.