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: 4/20/12
31. Charlotte- Draymond Green, F, Michigan State, 6-7, Sr.
The Bobcats just need players and Draymond Green does a little bit of everything to help a team win.
Go here for more on Draymond Green
32. Washington- Will Barton, SG, Memphis, 6-6, So.
Depth at the two would make sense since Jordan Crawford is their only shooting guard under contract for next season.
33. Cleveland (from NO)- Royce White, PF, Iowa State, 6-8, So.
Due to his point forward ability, Royce White is a unique talent who could be a second round steal.
Go here for more on Royce White
34. Sacramento- Jae Crowder, F, Marquette, 6-6, Sr.
The Kings don’t have a long-term answer at small forward and could use someone like Crowder who can impact the game in so many ways.
35. Toronto- Tomas Sotaransky, SG, Czech Republic, 6-6, 1991
Raptors will likely go the foreign route with one of their second round picks.
36. Cleveland- Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Sr.
In trading Ramon Sessions, the Cavs don’t have a true backup point guard. I also think Tyshawn Taylor and Kyrie Irving could play together in the same backcourt if needed.
37. Golden State (from NJ)- Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia, 6-8, Sr.
The Warriors have a need for depth at power forward since trading Ekpe Udoh.
38. Denver (from GS)- Augusto Cesar Lima, PF, Brazil, 6-10, 1991
Since their core is under contract for next season, the Nuggets can afford to take a foreign talent and stash him overseas for a year or two.
39. Detroit- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt, 6-11, Sr.
The Pistons land the true big they didn’t get with their first round pick.
40. Portland (from Hou via MIN)- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Sr.
Kris Joseph could provide the Blazers with some athleticism on the wing and help replace Gerald Wallace. This is a solid, solid value this late.
41. Portland- Scott Machado, PG, Iona, 6-1, Sr.
This pick provides insurance in case free agent-to-be Raymond Felton is not back.
42. Boston (from MIL)- Henry Sims, C, Georgetown, 6-10, Sr.
Henry Sims provides more depth for a frountcourt in need of an injection of youth.
43. Detroit (from HOU)- William Buford, SG, Ohio State, 6-5, Sr.
In addressing their need for size with their first two picks, the Pistons turn their attention to adding depth on the wing. (This pick stays with Houston if is between #31-#40.)
Go here for more on Will Buford
44. Utah- Darius Johnson-Odom, SG, Marquette, 6-3, Sr.
DJO is a NBA level scorer but his lack of size hurts his stock.
45. Philadelphia- Alex Young, G/F, IUPUI, 6-6, Sr.
Alex Young is an under the radar prospect who knows how to score the basketball and could provide depth in case Jodie Meeks leaves via free agency.
46. Atlanta (from PHX)- Marcus Denmon, SG, Missouri, 6-3, Sr.
Again, the Hawks need depth all over since they only have six players under contract for next season. Marcus Denmon can contribute in a lot of areas and maybe find a spot off the bench.
47. New York- Maalik Wayns, PG, Villanova, 6-2, Jr.
With Baron Davis and Mike Bibby free agents, Knicks could use some options at the point especially in case Linsanity was a one-month wonder.
48. Denver- Hollis Thompson, SF, Georgetown, 6-8, Jr.
Since their core is under contract for next season, the Nuggets take the best available player.
49. Washington (from DAL)- Furkan Aldemir, PF, Turkey, 6-9, 1991
With three picks in the draft, the Wizards can afford to take a foreign player and stash him overseas for a while.
50. Orlando- Robert Sacre, C, Gonzaga, 7-0, Sr.
The Magic could use a big man to back-up Dwight Howard.
51. Boston- Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&M, 6-7, Jr.
With four picks in the draft, Celtics are just looking for talent that might be able to stick on the roster at this point.
52. Philadelphia (from MEM)- Leon Radosevic, F/C, Croatia, 6-10, 1991
The 76ers go the foreign route with their third pick of the draft.
53. Golden State (from ATL)- Kim English, G/F, Missouri, 6-6, Sr.
Adding some depth on the wing wouldn’t be a terrible idea in case the Warriors amnesty Richard Jefferson this summer.
54. L.A. Clippers- Ricardo Ratliffe, PF, Missouri, 6-8, Sr.
The Clips need depth on the wing and in their frontcourt and take the best available at that spot.
55. Dallas (from LAL)- Tu Holloway, PG, Xavier, 6-0, Sr.
The Mavs could use options at the point since Jason Kidd is a free agent.
56. Toronto (from IND)- Jared Cunningham, SG, Oregon State, 6-4, Jr.
A tremendous athlete, his inconsistencies from the outside make Jared Cunningham fall this low.
57. New Jersey (from MIA)- Jordan Taylor, PG, Wisconsin, 6-1, Sr.
The Nets need options at the point since Deron Williams is a free agent.
Go here for more on Jordan Taylor
58. San Antonio- Mitchell Watt, PF, Buffalo, 6-10, Sr.
A potential sleeper, Mitchell Watt is another set of fresh legs in the frontcourt to help cut down on Tim Duncan’s minutes.
59. Minnesota (from OKC)- Kevin Murphy, SG, Tennessee Tech, 6-6, Sr.
Kevin Murphy can shoot it from deep; just what the T-Wolves need.
60. L.A. Lakers (from CHI)- Kyle O’Quinn, C, Norfolk State, 6-10, Sr.
Lakers need to find frontcourt depth and Kyle O’Quinn could find a spot on their roster due to his size.
This mock is listed in the following databases: Hoop Doctors, Walter Football, DC Pro Sports Report
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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.