With the 2012 NBA Draft quickly approaching following the Miami Heat’s championship run, the No. 1 selection is a sure thing.
However, that is the only sure pick in this draft.
When Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis hears his name as the No. 1 selection, which would be shocking if it doesn’t happen, the draft will really begin and could be a wild ride.
There are a lot of draft deals that could already be in the works and there are multiple teams looking to trade up or trade down. But for now, this is what the draft will look like on Thursday night.
1. Anthony Davis: The 6-foot-11 power forward captured the rare tri-fecta of awards in winning the freshmen of the Year, Player of the Year and National Championship in the same season. Davis brings his size and athleticism to a team looking to build a title-contending team for years to come. ________________________________________________________
2. Harrison Barnes-The smooth sho oting forward from North Carolina has seen his stock rise during his workouts. Charlotte owner Michael Jordan would love nothing more than to have a Tar Heels product leading the Hornets resurgence. Barnes will bring a perimeter presence to the Bobcats, but needs to be more consistent with his jump shot in the NBA.
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3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: The energetic Wildcats freshman will be a shot in the arm for a franchise that has little to cheer for during the last couple of seasons. The problem is figuring out where Kidd-Gilchrist will fit on the floor. He has the athleticism to play at small forward, but his perimeter game needs to be more consistent.
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4. Bradley Beal: The freshman guard can shoot from long range and also penetrate to the lane. Beal would be a nice fit in the backcourt with Rookie of the Year point guard Kyrie Irving. Beal doesn’t lack in the confidence department and he can play at both ends of the floor.
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5. Thomas Robinson: Sacramento would be ecstatic if Robinson falls to them at No. 5. With Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins, the addition of Robinson gives the Kings three talented players to build around.
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6. Andre Drummond: This is a risk pick for the Trail Blazers, but the upside for Drummond is too hard to pass up. However, he could be either dominant like Dwight Howard or be a bust like Kwame Brown. Portland can take the risk because Drummond is young and still improving his game.
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7. Terrence Ross: With the trade of Monta Ellis, the Warriors need a shooting guard and Ross fits that need. He has a quick first step and has a consistent perimeter game, which should open up the floor for Stephen Curry.
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8. Dion Waiters: The Syracuse swingman will bring muscle and aggressiveness to Toronto’s backcourt. Waiters can handle the ball and will attack the rim at every opportunity. The 6-foot-4 guard is the scorer the Raptors have desperately needed.
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9. John Henson: The 6-foot-10 power forward will bring a defensive presence and blocked shots for Detroit. Henson, however, will need to step up offensively and not be a liability.
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10. Jeremy Lamb: The smooth shooting guard would complete a solid draft for New Orleans. He can consistently hit the outside shot and has made plenty of big shots for the Huskies.
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11. Damian Lillard: This will be the sleeper pick of the draft and a huge pick up for Portland. His basketball IQ and long-range shooting will make him a good fit in the Trail Blazers offense.
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12. Terrence Jones: This Kentucky product has an all-around offensive game, similar to Lamar Odom. Jones can score from the outside or pound the ball inside the paint, which would give Milwaukee and nice inside-outside tandem with Brandon Jennings.
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13. Austin Rivers: With the possibility of losing Steve Nash to free agency, the Suns will need a scorer in the worse way. Rivers will bring scoring and hasn’t met a shot on the court that he doesn’t like.
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14. Kendall Marshall: With Kyle Lowry wanting out, the Rockets can plug Marshall into the lineup with rather ease. Marshall is a true point guard and is always looking to set up his teammates before looking for his shot.
