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ESPN.com: Draft 2012   [Print without images]

Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Updated: June 28, 10:49 AM ET
Mock Draft, Version 10.0
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

Happy Draft Day. This year, I think the NBA has something really crazy in store for all of us.
Like every year, as of midnight ET a number of teams reported that they were still debating between three or four prospects on their boards. Agents and players are wringing their hands right now. No one knows who's going where.
So, this year's NBA draft should be fun. And the mock draft? It's hard to predict which players teams will select when they haven't decided themselves, but we're going to try. And then try again a little later in the day. And then try again right before the draft.
In other words, check back often for versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 as we continue to collect information on who will go where.
After talking to numerous NBA team sources, here's our best stab at how the draft will play out Thursday night.

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1. New Orleans

Anthony Davis

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Rejoice, Hornets fans. Players like Davis come along about once or twice a decade. You'll have to be patient with both him and the franchise, but the upside is there for some sort of Tim Duncan/Kevin Garnett hybrid. With plenty of cap room to sign Eric Gordon and another significant free agent, plus the No. 10 pick, the Hornets are building a rock-solid foundation.

Trade Scenarios: Are you kidding me?
Hornets' Big Board (team priorities, according to sources):
1. Anthony Davis

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2. Charlotte

Thomas Robinson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 21
School: Kansas
Analysis: The Bobcats need help everywhere. They don't have a starting-caliber player on their roster right now. Robinson will be the first. He's tough, physical and a winner. Remember, he led a very mediocre Kansas team to the national championship game.

Trade Scenarios: There are plenty. The Bobcats' asking price is high. They would love to get their hands on multiple young assets or a young veteran who could be a star. There are two scenarios in particular to watch: (1) The Cavs could offer their two first-round picks -- Nos. 4 and 24 -- for the No. 2 pick; (2) the Thunder could offer James Harden to move into the second spot. In either case, the Cavs or Thunder would select Bradley Beal at No. 2.
Bobcats' Big Board:
1. Trade
2. Thomas Robinson
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4. Harrison Barnes

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3. Washington

Bradley Beal

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 202 pounds
Age: 19
School: Florida
Analysis: The Wizards made the first big trade of the offseason, sending Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. With the deal, the Wizards essentially upgraded their front court -- Okafor likely will be their starting 5, Nene their starting 4 and Ariza their starting 3.

With John Wall running the point, that leaves them with one big hole at the 2. I think this makes Beal a no-brainer for the Wizards, who are lacking a lights-out perimeter shooter. He's a perfect fit for this new roster.
Trade Scenarios: If the Wizards believe they are in danger of losing Beal to a team moving up in the draft, don't be surprised if they offer the Bobcats the No. 32 pick to move up one spot. The Wizards might also entertain a James Harden offer from the Thunder for Beal. Finally, if Beal is off the board, the Wizards have talked to teams about moving down to Nos. 5, 7, 8 or 9.
Wizards' Big Board:
1. Bradley Beal
2. Harrison Barnes
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4. Thomas Robinson

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4. Cleveland

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 233 pounds
Age: 18
School: Kentucky
Analysis: The Cavs need both a starting 2 and a starting 3. This is a toss-up between Kidd-Gilchrist and Barnes. If they choose MKG they get a hard-working winner who can grow with Kyrie Irving. They were teammates in high school and won a state championship together. While Kidd-Gilchrist still needs a lot of polish on his offensive game, his motor, toughness, defensive pedigree and willingness to work on his game make him a great pick for the Cavs.

Trade Scenarios: Ideally, the Cavs would like to move up to the No. 2 spot to grab Beal. If they did that trade, the Bobcats would take Thomas Robinson here. But the price is high and the Cavs might not want to give up the 24th pick. The Cavs have also explored adding a second pick in the 8-to-12 range, according to sources. Dion Waiters and Terrence Ross are both candidates in that range.
Cavs' Big Board:
1. Bradley Beal
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
3. Harrison Barnes
4. Dion Waiters
5. Terrence Ross

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5. Sacramento

Andre Drummond

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 279 pounds
Age: 18
School: UConn
Analysis: The Kings aren't in love with anyone here if this scenario plays out this way. Sources say that the Kings are still confident they'll make a deal with the Rockets (who covet Drummond). If they don't, sources say GM Geoff Petrie is now leaning toward taking Drummond over Barnes. He feels it's a more tradable chip down the road and the team needs a shot-blocker (the one thing Drummond does well now) next to DeMarcus Cousins.

Trade Scenarios: By now the whole world knows the Rockets are aggressively trying to move up and get this pick. Houston's latest offer (Kyle Lowry and the No. 16 pick) was rejected. But you can expect the Rockets to keep plugging away until they get something done. The Rockets aren't the only team trying to get here. The Lakers and Hawks have also tried to convince Sacramento to part with its pick.
Kings' Big Board:
1. Thomas Robinson
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
3. Andre Drummond
4. Harrison Barnes
5. John Henson

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Portland (via Nets)

Damian Lillard

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 189 pounds
Age: 21
School: Weber State
Analysis: The Blazers need a point guard and a big man. They'll have an easy choice here if Drummond goes at No. 5. Lillard is a steady, athletic guard who can shoot the lights out and get to the rim. He had a stellar workout in Portland in front of Paul Allen that really sealed the deal.

Trade Scenarios: GM Neil Olshey told Portland reporters on Wednesday night that it's unlikely the team will trade either of its picks at Nos. 6 or 11.
Blazers' Big Board:
1. Damian Lillard
2. Dion Waiters
3. Andre Drummond

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7. Golden State

Dion Waiters

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 221 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse
Analysis: Still not sure which way this goes, folks. Jerry West is a big fan of Dion Waiters. Owner Joe Lacob isn't sure if they can pass on the size and potential of Andre Drummond, if he doesn't go at No. 5. GM Bob Meyers thinks Harrison Barnes would be a steal here. I usually pick the owner in these types of fights. … Then again, this is Jerry West you're talking about.

If it's Waiters, I think it's a great fit for the Warriors. Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are primarily jump shooters. Adding Waiters to their backcourt gives them a guy who can get to the basket at will. Sort of a Monta Ellis player at a fraction of the price.
Trade Scenarios: The Warriors have discussed moving both up and down in the draft. Here's the most compelling scenario: If Andre Drummond or Lillard falls to No. 7, don't be surprised if the Warriors trade No. 7 to the Rockets for pick Nos. 12 and 18. The Warriors believe there's still a lot of value down there, and the Rockets covet both Drummond and Lillard.
Warriors' Big Board:
1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
2. Trade
3. Dion Waiters
4. Harrison Barnes
5. Andre Drummond

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8. Toronto

Harrison Barnes

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 228 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina
Analysis: This is actually Plan B for the Raptors and it's a great one for them. They need shooting and looked at a number of veteran small forwards at this spot. They really like Barnes, and he's a very easy fit for them. This is a home-run scenario for Toronto.

Trade Scenarios: The Raptors have discussed getting a veteran small forward or point guard here. There has been talk that they would like the Rockets' Kyle Lowry, but they want to keep their salary flexibility going into the summer. They've also explored moving up to No. 5 to get their hands on Waiters or Barnes.
Raptors' Big Board:
1. Dion Waiters
2. Harrison Barnes
3. Damian Lillard
4. Austin Rivers
5. Jeremy Lamb

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9. Detroit

John Henson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 216 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Pistons, who desperately need size in the middle, are holding their breath that Drummond slides this far. If the Kings don't take him at No. 5, he just might. They like John Henson, too. They need length, athleticism and shot-blocking -- Henson provides all three.

Trade Scenarios: The Pistons have flirted with the idea of moving up to secure Drummond, but it's more likely they stay at No. 9.
Pistons' Big Board:
1. Thomas Robinson
2. Andre Drummond
3. John Henson
4. Tyler Zeller
5. Perry Jones

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10. New Orleans
(via Wolves)

Austin Rivers

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 203 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: Hornets coach Monty Williams is a fan of Rivers, and Rivers really wants to be in New Orleans. The question is whether he can play alongside Eric Gordon. The Hornets think Rivers can be a point guard at the next level and are willing to try it.

Trade Scenarios: The Hornets tried to move down a few spots and get multiple mid-first-round picks, but so far they've been shut down.
Hornets' Big Board:
1. Damian Lillard
2. Andre Drummond
3. Austin Rivers
4. Jeremy Lamb
5. Kendall Marshall

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11. Portland


Tyler Zeller

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-0
Weight: 247 pounds
Age: 22
School: North Carolina
Analysis: If the Blazers go with a guard at No. 6, don't be surprised if they go big with their other selection. Zeller isn't a sexy pick, but he is capable of playing right now, has solid size for his position and runs the floor well.

Trade Scenarios: See Blazers comment at No. 6.
Blazers' Big Board:
1. Dion Waiters
2. Austin Rivers
3. Tyler Zeller
4. Jeremy Lamb
5. Terrence Ross

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12. Houston (via Bucks)

Meyers Leonard

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-1
Weight: 250 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois
Analysis: The Rockets agreed to trade Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Shaun Livingston, Jon Leuer, Jon Brockman and the 12th pick, a league source told ESPN.com.

I seriously doubt the Rockets will actually be selecting here on draft night. However, if they do, I think they'll take the best big man available. Leonard may be a project, but there's upside here and the team really doesn't have anything in the middle.
Trade Scenarios: The Rockets are trying to package picks 12, 16 and 18 and Kyle Lowry to get multiple top-10 picks to offer to the Magic for Dwight Howard. The Warriors, at No. 7, could be a serious target with this pick.
Rockets' Big Board:
1. Tyler Zeller
2. Meyers Leonard
3. Perry Jones
4. Moe Harkless

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13. Phoenix

Jeremy Lamb

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 179 pounds
Age: 20
School: UConn
Analysis: The Suns need just about everything, so they can afford to take the best player available. But Lamb hits a sweet spot for them at the 2-guard position. They didn't think he'd be available here and he gives them length and shooting.

Trade Scenarios: It's been pretty quiet in Phoenix.
Suns' Big Board:
1. Dion Waiters
2. Austin Rivers
3. Jeremy Lamb
4. Kendall Marshall
5. Arnett Moultrie

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14. Milwaukee (via Rockets)

Terrence Ross

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 197 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington
Analysis: The Bucks have moved down two spots in the draft, but it shouldn't dramatically affect which player they take. In fact, now that they've added Samuel Dalembert, they have more freedom to draft a shooter at the wing positions. Ross worked out for the Bucks on Tuesday, and while I don't think it was a game-changer, they might opt to take him if Tyler Zeller and Lamb are gone.

Trade Scenarios: The Bucks just pulled off a trade to get Dalembert and move down two spots in the draft. Think they're probably done.
Bucks' Big Board:
1. Tyler Zeller
2. Jeremy Lamb
3. Terrence Ross
4. Terrence Jones
5. Meyers Leonard

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15. Philadelphia

Arnett Moultrie

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 223 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State
Analysis: The Sixers really need size and rebounding in their front court. Moultrie led the SEC in rebounding and is super bouncy. He also has a solid face-the-basket game. He should be a good fit in Philly.

Trade Scenarios: They've been looking for a spot higher in the first round to nab Terrence Ross.
Sixers' Big Board:
1. Terrence Ross
2. Jeremy Lamb
3. Arnett Moultrie
4. Perry Jones
5. Terrence Jones

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16. Houston (via Knicks)

Perry Jones III

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 234 pounds
Age: 20
School: Baylor
Analysis: Jones might be the toughest player in the draft to project right now. Everyone is both scared to take him and scared not to take him. (I've heard the same assessment from a number of NBA GMs the past few weeks.)

Whichever GM first overcomes his fear gets a super-athletic, 6-foot-11 forward who lacks the motor or toughness teams usually look for in a big man. But at some point, the reward outweighs the risk, and that calculation probably starts here.
Trade Scenarios: See comment in Pick 12.
Rockets' Big Board:
1. Perry Jones
2. Moe Harkless
3. Kendall Marshall

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17. Dallas

Terrence Jones

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 252 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
Analysis: It would be tough to pass on Jones here. His versatility, rebounding and shot-blocking would all be welcome in Big D.

Trade Scenarios: Dallas is another team that has been actively exploring moving up in the draft the past few days.
Mavs' Big Board:
1. John Henson
2. Terrence Jones
3. Kendall Marshall
4. Royce White

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18. Rockets (from Wolves via Jazz)

Moe Harkless

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 207 pounds
Age: 19
School: St. John's
Analysis: Adding Harkless to their stock of young players could be a smart move. Lots of teams have shown interest in Harkless. He's young, athletic, has great upside and can defend multiple positions. He's sort of a young Trevor Ariza.

Trade Scenarios: See comment at No. 12.
Rockets' Big Board:
1. Perry Jones
2. Moe Harkless
3. Kendall Marshall
4. Jared Sullinger

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19. Orlando

Marquis Teague

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 180 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Lead point guard Jameer Nelson is expected to opt out of his contract this summer, and given the rebuilding direction the Magic are going in, the team may not want to pay him.

Teague, had he stayed in school another year, would've been a likely top-10 pick in 2013. A team such as the Magic can't afford to pass on his talent here.
Trade Scenarios: Waiting on the Rockets to make their best offer for Superman.
Magic Big Board:
1. Marquis Teague
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Terrence Jones
4. Perry Jones
5. Andrew Nicholson

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20. Denver

Kendall Marshall

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 198 pounds
Age: 20
School: North Carolina
Analysis: Andre Miller's contract is up with the Nuggets this summer. In most every way, Marshall is the perfect replacement. They have similar builds and games. Although Ty Lawson is the clear starter in Denver, the Nuggets could really use depth at the position.

Trade Scenarios: Chris Broussard has reported that the Nuggets have talked about a swap of Wilson Chandler for the No. 7 pick and Dorell Wright.
Nuggets' Big Board:
1. Kendall Marshall
2. Royce White
3. Andrew Nicholson
4. Marquis Teague

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21. Boston

Royce White

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 261 pounds
Age: 21
School: Iowa State
Analysis: I think White is a good fit in Boston. As long as coach Doc Rivers can buy into what White is (a ball handling power forward) and figure out how to play him, he could be a steal at this point in the draft.

Trade Scenarios: It's Danny Ainge. He's talking to everyone. But I think the most likely scenario has them standing pat here.
Celtics' Big Board:
1. Royce White
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Andrew Nicholson
4. Quincy Miller
5. Draymond Green

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22. Boston (via Clippers)

Jared Sullinger

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 268 pounds
Age: 20
School: Ohio State
Analysis: I'm not sure when the bleeding will end for Sullinger, whose stock is falling now that concerns about his back have every GM in the league a bit skittish.

But since the Celtics have two picks, they can afford to take the risk here. It will be a good one. Sullinger can play and he may be the best low-post scorer in the game.
Trade Scenarios: See No. 21.
Celtics' Big Board:
See No. 21.

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23. Atlanta

Andrew Nicholson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 234 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure
Analysis: Nicholson's ability to score inside and outside combined with his defensive abilities should be a nice fit in Atlanta -- especially with Josh Smith now on the trading block.

Trade Scenarios: The Hawks are shopping Smith around the league, trying to move up in the lottery. They also have some interest in Pau Gasol, according to sources. The Rockets have also shown interest in Smith.
Hawks' Big Board:
1. Royce White
2. Jared Sullinger
3. Andrew Nicholson
4. Evan Fournier
5. Tony Wroten

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24. Cavs (via Lakers)

Fab Melo

Position: C
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 255 pounds
Age: 22
School: Syracuse
Analysis: If the Cavs go with a small forward with their first pick, Melo could be a nice get with No. 24. He's big, athletic and could end up being a terrific shot-blocker. The fact that they have fellow Brazilian Anderson Varejao to mentor him is a bonus.

Trade Scenarios: This pick could be in play if the Cavs trade up to No. 4.
Cavs' Big Board:
1. Jared Sullinger
2. Andrew Nicholson
3. Quincy Miller
4. Jeff Taylor

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25. Memphis

Tony Wroten Jr.

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 203 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington
Analysis: The Grizzlies lack great depth at the point guard position behind Mike Conley (unless you're the guy who somehow voted Josh Selby to the all-rookie third team).

Wroten has top-five talent, but he's wild and can't shoot. It might be worth rolling the dice on him. For a team like the Grizzlies, they can't afford to pass on the talent there.
Trade Scenarios: Grizzlies have talked with a number of teams about trading out of the first round.
Grizzlies' Big Board:
1. Marquis Teague
2. Tony Wroten
3. Evan Fournier

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26. Indiana


Draymond Green

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 236 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State
Analysis: I'm increasingly hearing that the Pacers are very high on Green. He's a smart, tough player who can come in and fill a need immediately for Indiana. Larry Bird has made similar picks in years past and done OK with them. I don't think Green slides past here.

Trade Scenarios: The Pacers have looked to try to get into the top 10. They have a pretty good chip, in Darren Collison, if they want to use it. Tyler Hansbrough is also in play.
Pacers' Big Board:
1. Fab Melo
2. Draymond Green
3. Marquis Teague
4. Will Barton
5. Kim English

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27. Miami

Jeff Taylor

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 212 pounds
Age: 23
School: Vanderbilt
Analysis: The Heat could use Taylor's elite athletic ability, lock-down defense and spot-up shooting. He can't create his own shot, but no one will ask him to in Miami, making this the perfect spot for him to land.

Trade Scenarios: Heat could be another team that trades out of the first round.
Heat Big Board:
1. Draymond Green
2. Fab Melo
3. Festus Ezeli

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28. Oklahoma City

Evan Fournier

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 206 pounds
Age: 19
Country: France
Analysis: Fournier is the type of player the Thunder easily could stash for a year or two in Europe. Or, given the high level he has played at in France, he might be able to come in and get minutes for them right away -- especially if the Thunder decide they can't afford to re-sign James Harden this summer.

Trade Scenarios: Thunder are exploring getting to the No. 2 or 3 pick to select Bradley Beal. They are also open to moving out of the draft altogether.
Thunder Big Board:
1. Evan Fournier
2. Kostas Papanikolaou
3. Furkan Aldemir

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29. Chicago

Will Barton

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 174 pounds
Age: 21
School: Memphis
Analysis: The Bulls are looking at a number of 2-guard options here, but Barton has separated himself from the pack in the past few weeks. He's a terrific scorer and can shoot with range. He just needs to add strength.

Trade Scenarios: The Bulls have been actively trying to move up, but have had no luck so far.
Bulls' Big Board:
1. Will Barton
2. Doron Lamb
3. Tyshawn Taylor
4. John Jenkins

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30. Golden State
(via Spurs)

Quincy Miller

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 219 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor
Analysis: There are a lot of concerns about his knee and what position he'll play in the NBA. But his upside is so high that it might be worth taking a gamble this low in the first round. There's very little risk and a lot of potential reward here.

Trade Scenarios: Warriors have been busy with lots of stuff.
Warriors' Big Board:
1. Quincy Miller
2. Kyle O'Quinn
3. Festus Ezeli