The 2012 NBA Draft figures to consist of a deeper, more talented group of prospects that the 2011 class. You know, if the league and players ever figure their issues out and there actually IS a NBA Draft this summer. Team needs and outstanding trades have NOT been taken into consideration with this 2012 NBA mock 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: 11/16/11
1. Minnesota- Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, So.
Harrison Barnes played like a top pick prospect at the end of his freshman season. He has the ideal size for an NBA wing player and can score it in a variety of ways.
Click here for more on Barnes’ development during his freshman season.
2. Cleveland- Anthony Davis, F, 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.
Click here for more on Davis.
3. Toronto- 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.
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 also has the ability to step out and shoot the threeball.
Click here for more on Sullinger’s impact as a freshman.
5. Sacramento- Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky, 6-9, So.
Terrence Jones is an inside/outside threat who can play either forward position. He would have been a lottery pick last season and should only help his stock with another year at UK.
6. New Jersey- Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn, 6-5, So.
Jeremy Lamb really came on during UConn’s run to the national title and will be the go-to guy this year. He is a great outside shooter and also very long and athletic.
7. Detroit- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky, 6-6, Fr.
A versatile, all-around talent, MKG can play multiple positions on the floor and has the potential to be an elite defender. His perimeter game is still developing.
Go here for more on Kidd-Gilchrist and his NBA potential
8. L.A. Clippers- Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor, 6-9 Fr.
A gifted athlete especially in the open floor, Quincy Miller has a well-rounded game as he can stroke it from deep.
9. Charlotte- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
Expect Thomas Robinson to blow up at KU since he will be their go-to inside presence. He has an impressive combination of strength and athleticism that will serve him well at the next level.
10. Milwaukee- Perry Jones, F, Baylor, 6-10, So.
Perry Jones surprised many by returning for his sophomore season and needs to show development this year at Baylor to be worthy of a top ten pick.
11. Golden State- Bradley Beal, SG, Florida, 6-4, Fr.
A talented shooter with good size, Bradley Beal can also attack the basket.
Go here for an in-depth profile of Beal
12. Utah- Austin Rivers, SG, Duke, 6-4, Fr.
A pure scorer who reminds me a little of Stephen Curry, Doc’s son can light it up from deep and is also extremely effective off the bounce.
Click here for more on Rivers.
13. Phoenix- 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.
14. Houston- Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky, 6-2, Fr.
Marquis Teague figures to be the next in line of John Calipari-coached point guards to be one and done.
Click here for an in-depth profile of Teague
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.
16. Philadelphia- Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas, 6-2, Fr.
Lightning quick with the basketball, Myck Kabongo is a pass first point guard with great handles.
17. New York- 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.
18. Atlanta- Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn, 6-0, Soph.
His size is a concern, but Shabazz Napier’s natural feel as a point guard, ability to shoot the ball, and peskiness as a defender is hard to overlook.
19. Memphis- 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.
20. New Orleans- Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas, 6-7, Fr.
Tony Mitchell has to wait until the second semester of the 2011-2012 season to become eligible at North Texas. His athleticism makes him attractive for the next level.
21. Portland- Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&M, 6-7, Jr.
The Aggie junior has a nice inside/outside ability, Khris Middleton made a solid jump during his sophomore season.
22. Denver- 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.
23. Orlando- William Buford, SG, Ohio State, 6-5, Sr.
William Buford is extremely talented but has been riddled with inconsistencies during his time in Columbus. He’ll need a steady senior season to solidify his status as a first round.
24. Oklahoma City- Tomas Sotaransky, SG, Czech Republic, 6-6, 1991
The Czech is a talented all-around offensive player but needs to get stronger.
25. Boston- Alex Oriakhi, PF, UConn, 6-9, Jr.
The Husky big man has the size and strength to be a solid post player in the league.
26. Dallas- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Sr.
An athletic wing player, Kris Joseph needs to become a better outside shooter and more assertive during his senior season to secure a first round spot.
27. L.A. Lakers- Evan Fournier, SG, France, 6-6, 1992
A versatile scorer who can also handle the ball, Evan Fournier could work his way up draft boards with steady development overseas.
28. Miami- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Sr.
A developing big man who should only improve in his senior year and possibly work his way into the first round in 2012.
29. San Antonio- Jordan Taylor, PG, Wisconsin, 6-1, Sr.
Arguably the best point guard in the country, Jordan Taylor had one of the top assist-to-turnover ratios in the country last year and can also shoot the rock.
30. Chicago- Lucas Noguiera, C, Brazil, 7-0, 1992
A raw talent, Lucas Noguiera will be drafted on size and potential alone.
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.