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CHU Mock 2012 NBA Draft
CHU Mock 2012 NBA Draft (v120508)
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
1
  Anthony Davis PF 6-10/200 FR Kentucky
CHU Analysis: Charlotte is by far the worst team in the NBA and Anthony Davis is by far the best player in the 2012 NBA Draft. It is hard to think of a player since Bill Russell more capable of dominating a game without scoring a point than Davis. A unique, dominant defender from the post to the perimeter, Davis also sees the floor like a point guard, is unselfish and and never quits on a play. Still, as great as Davis is and will be, the Bobcats remain far from competitive. It can be argued Charlotte does not have a single player capable of starting on even an average team. Still, Davis would give Michael Jordan and company star power to completement developing rookies Bismack Biyombo and Kemba Walker.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
2
  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF 6-7/210 FR Kentucky
CHU Analysis: After - finally - purging an underproductive and immature roster, Washington needs to surround John Wall with talent. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a perfect pick for the Wizards and his high motor, defensive/rebounding prowess and offensive upside complement Wall well. Add that potential star power to still productive and grossly overpaid post Nene, developing bigs Jan Vesely and Kevin Seraphin, the scoring of Jordan Crawford and upcoming payroll flexibility and there is hope on the horizon for better days. Bradley Beal is a possibility here as well and would complement Wall nicely.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
3
  Bradley Beal SG 6-5/180 FR Florida
CHU Analysis: Cleveland hit a home run last year with Kyrie Irving and fellow rookie Tristan Thompson's upside is immense.With a commitment to youth and a present and future need on the wing, Bradley Beal is a perfect pick for the Cavs. He can stroke it from mid- to deep-range, run the offense when needed, lock down defensively and rebound like a forward. Cleveland does have a need up front, assuming Anderson Varejao and Antawn Jamison move on in the near future, but Beal is the perfect complement to Irving and brings high character and versatility.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
4
  Thomas Robinson PF 6-9/235 JR Kansas
CHU Analysis: When healthy, New Orleans is a borderline playoff team. The question is whether the Hornets build on the current roster or start from scratch. Either way, Thomas Robinson is legit NBA big forward known for his relentless work inside, emerging offensive game and toughness. He fits nicely to a cast that includes Eric Gordon, Emeka Okafor, Jarrett Jack, Trevor Ariza, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith and Al-Farouq Aminu or is a building block if things are overhauled. New Orleans could also use a dynamic point guard, but that's too far a stretch with the #4 pick.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
5
  Harrison Barnes SF 6-8/210 SO North Carolina
CHU Analysis: Whether talking about the Kings future in Sacramento or their on-court prospects, nothing is guaranteed. After three straight lottery picks - Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette - that have produced spotty results, Sacramento needs to get this selection right. Problem is, nothing is for sure at #5. Harrison Barnes is a gifted shooter and athletic wing who fills an immediate need, but his once shining star has dimmed considerably. The Kings could also go big to complement Cousins, but Andre Drummond would be yet another big gamble who might best be passed on.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 1
6
  Andre Drummond C 6-11/275 FR Connecticut
CHU Analysis: Right or wrong, Portland pulled the plug on 2011-12 and rebuild around LaMarcus Aldridge - if he decides to stick around long term. While point guard is the dire need, selecting Kendall Marshall or Damian Lillard with the sixth pick is a reach. Especially when you consider several point guards will be on the market this offseason and the Blazers own the 11th pick as well. So, despite their unfortunate history of spending high picks on centers - or more importantly who they have passed on - talented, raw Andre Drummond gets the nod. Drummond is an instinctive shotblocker/defender and has limitless upside with elite size and athleticism.
GOLDEN ST WARRIORS
7
  Perry Jones F 6-11/235 SO Baylor
CHU Analysis: If no one below Golden State moves into the Top 3, the Warriors hold onto this selection. If not, Utah assumes the pick. If Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry stay healthy, Golden State is a good bet to make the playoffs in 2013 and potentially do some damage. Perry Jones is the enigma of this draft and while few believe he will ever be the star his talent indicates, he is a do-it-all in-between forward capable of a big game every couple weeks or so. In fact, as a utility player on a team that includes Bogut, Curry, David Lee and Klay Thompson, Jones can find a niche in the NBA and develop as a gap filler and selfless teammate. Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger would also fit here as well, but maybe the Warriors take Jones and hope he realizes his immense talent.
TORONTO RAPTORS
8
  Kendall Marshall PG 6-4/195 SO North Carolina
CHU Analysis: With a loaded frontcourt and emerging star in DeMar DeRozan, Toronto would seemingly pinpoint an upgrade at point guard or swing forward. Kendall Marshall provides more upside than Jerryd Bayless and Jose Calderon and gets the nod over Damian Lillard because of his instant ability to run a team proficiently and make the likes of Andrea Bargnani, DeRozan and soon to arrive Jonas Valanciunas - not to mention Ed Davis, Amir Johnson, James Johnson and Linas Kleiza - better.
DETROIT PISTONS
9
  Tyler Zeller C 7-0/225 SR North Carolina
CHU Analysis: It's safe to assume Detroit will pass on a guard with Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey - and Ben Gordon - on hand. So, finding a frontcourt partner for Greg Monroe is the priority. While not a future star, Tyler Zeller was a four-year starter at North Carolina and is extremely capable on both ends of the floor. It's easy to see Zeller putting up a double-double nightly and he works comfortably from the post to perimeter. Jared Sullinger would also fit here, but Zeller gets the nod with his length, mobility and ability to play center and allow Monroe to play power forward.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS 2
10
  Damian Lillard PG 6-2/185 R-JR Weber St.
CHU Analysis: After taking Robinson with their first selection, New Orleans can now look at their future point guard. Marshall is a perfect fit, but Damian Lillard is a score first lead guard whose explosiveness can carry a team. It will take time for Lillard to develop into a distributor, but there is no reason he should not succeed.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
11
  Jeremy Lamb SG 6-5/200 SO Connecticut
CHU Analysis: Despite the aforementioned need at point guard, Portland should resist reaching and instead taking the best player abailable. With Drummond in tow, Jeremy Lamb offers a high upside scorer who can pair with Nicholas Batum and Wesley Matthews on the wing to form a solid wing trio for the future. Local wing Terrence Ross is also a nice fit with high upside and Jared Sullinger would bring a tough, skilled frontcourt player.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
12
  Jared Sullinger PF 6-8/270 SO Ohio St.
CHU Analysis: The Bucks are in a state of flux. They moved Andrew Bogut and emerging star Brandon Jennings could be next. Monta Ellis seems to be in the team's future plans and Ersan Ilyasova is developing into a solid NBA big man. If available, Jared Sullinger brings a no-nonsense attitude and skilled package to the court everyday. His game is well below-the-rim and requires a rim protector alongside, but Sullinger is a extremely versatile and has a high IQ. Other possibilities are forwards Terrence Jones and Arnett Moultrie and guards Terrence Ross, Austin Rivers and Jeremy Lamb.
PHOENIX SUNS
13
  Terrence Ross SG 6-6/190 SO Washington
CHU Analysis: With Steve Nash all but gone, Phoenix will be in rebuild mode, although they have solid frontcourt talent and depth - Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez, Markieff Morris and Channing Frye - to work with.Point guard is the obvious need, but taking Tony Wroten or Marquis Teague seems a reach, so Terrence Ross gets the nod over Austin Rivers. Ross is an explosive athlete capable of scoring in large quantities when hot and is a player on the rise. If they see Terrence Jones as a swing forward, the Suns may go that route also.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
14
  Terrence Jones F 6-8/245 SO Kentucky
CHU Analysis: Yet again Houston sits on the fence between mediocrity and contention. The roster is replete with average, if unspectacular, players and there is decent depth. Owning two mid-first rounders, the Rockets may look to deal either or both picks or move up. If they keep the selection, Terrence Jones offers high upside with somewhat minimal risk. The biggest problem with Jones is his penchant for being spectacular one night then disappearing for games at a time. Depending on the free agebt status of Goran Dragic, Houston may look point guard as well. John Henson, Arnett Moultrie, Austin Rivers and Tony Wroten are also potential targets.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
15
  John Henson PF 6-10/200 JR North Carolina
CHU Analysis: Depending on what happens with potential free agents Spencer Hawes and Louis Williams and the proverbial trade topic that is Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia could be a player away from serious contention. Elton Brand is long past his prime and with the possibility Hawes moves on, getting an intimidator the likes of John Henson is a steal here. Outside of Anthony Davis, no player has the shotblocking prowess of Henson. The 76ers could also go with Arnett Moultrie, a better offensive propsect at this stage.
HOUSTON ROCKETS 3
16
  Arnett Moultrie PF 6-11/235 R-JR Mississippi St.
CHU Analysis: See #14. If Houston goes big with their first pick, taking a guard makes sense here. Again, going for a potential high reward, the Rockets pass on backcourt fits in Austin Rivers, Dion Waiters and Tony Wroten, taking Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie. The long, athletic, active big forward is skilled and has enough upside to make an impact early.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
17
  Austin Rivers SG 6-4/170 FR Duke

CHU Analysis: From NBA champs to playoff first round knockout, the Mavs are in dire need of a youth movement and the question is whether they try to rebuild quickly around Dirk Nowitzki or take a longer approach. Knowing Mark Cuban, Dallas will try hard to get back on top this summer with Deron Williams and - if they can put together a package - Dwight Howard. Either way, there is a need for depth on the wings. As one of the more gifted offensive players, Austin Rivers can immediately provide scoring off the bench and a potential all star down the road.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 4
18
  Dion Waiters G 6-4/215 SO Syracuse

CHU Analysis: One of the NBA's more exciting young teams, Minnesota was in the playoff hunt this year until dynamic point guard Ricky Rubio went down with a knee injury. Add all star forward Kevin Love and a solid, young supporting cast and the Timberwolves are on the verge of something special. This pick could get traded for an experienced scorer, but if kept, Dion Waiters is a nice fit. An explosive and gifted scorer, Waiters fits a need and could prove a bargain here.

ORLANDO MAGIC
19
  Quincy Miller SF 6-9/200 FR Baylor

CHU Analysis: No team in the NBA could see their fortunes shift as much as Orlando depending on the status of Dwight Howard. As things stand now, it appears they'll take the best offer and deal the dominant big man. Does the potential package keep the Magic in the playoffs or restart the organization from ground zero? If Howard remains in 2012-13, there is an obvious need for athleticism on the wing. So, despite an uneven freshman season just one year off major knee surgery, Quincy Miller gets the nod. Long and athletic, Miller can really score and stretch defenses from arc.

DENVER NUGGETS
20
  Tony Wroten PG 6-5/200 FR Washington

CHU Analysis: Maybe no team in the NBA can match Denver's roster depth that goes comfortably 10 deep. But there is no go-to, star player and it can be questioned whether such a philosophy is conducive to making a deep playoff run. With the likely departure of Andre Miller via free agency, there is a need at point guard. By taking high upside power guard Tony Wroten, Denver can hope he develops into a star - as his talent indicates - but lose little if it doesn't work out.

BOSTON CELTICS
21
  Fab Melo C 7-0/275 SO Syracuse

CHU Analysis: With two - Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett - of the Big 3 free agents and past their prime regardless of contract status, Boston must finally rebuild. Question one is whether Rajon Rondo is the centerpiece of new Celts or gets dealt in an overhaul. With back-to-back picks, look for Boston to grab the best talent on the board and plug them into their system. While incredibly raw offensively, Fab Melo is a force defensively and with continued physical improvement, could potentially be an adquate starter. Meyers Leonard is also a center with upside who the Celtics might have interest in.

BOSTON CELTICS 5
22
  Evan Fournier SG 6-7/205 Int'l France

CHU Analysis: With their second pick, Boston adds French scoring guard Evan Fournier. The best international prospect this year, Fournier has NBA size, adequate athleticism and is a gifted scorer who can stretch the floor beyond the arc.

ATLANTA HAWKS
23
  Meyers Leonard C 7-1/245 SO Illinois

CHU Analysis: For what seems a decade, Atlanta has loomed as a playoff team incapable of getting over the hump of serious contension. This might be teh offseason where things are shaken up, with Al Horford likely the only players close to untouchable. There is a need in the backcourt, but if Meyers Leonard is still on the board, he is a solid big man who projects as a contributer in the NBA. Nothing special in any one area and raw offensively, Leonard is mobile and long.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 6
24
  Jae Crowder SF 6-6/230 SR Marquette

CHU Analysis: This is just another piece for Cleveland to add to is rebuilding project. Having taken Bradley Beal with their first pick, the Cavs can look to add frontcourt depth. If a viable center is available they would certainly be interested, but a versatile, underrated team-first swing forward like Jae Crowder is a great fit. Crowder can fill a stat sheet and is pure hustle and energy.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
25
  Doron Lamb SG 6-4/210 SO Kentucky

CHU Analysis: A tweak here, a tweak there is all Memphis needs to be a real championship threat. It is unlikely, anyone on the board this deep into the first round will make a big impact for the Grizzlies, but a pure shooter and solid defender like Doron Lamb could certainly carve a niche if and when O.J. Mayo is dealt. If Memphis decides to cut ties with Marreese Speights or Darrell Arthur, selecting a big forward is also a possibility.

INDIANA PACERS
26
  Andrew Nicholson PF 6-9/225 SR St. Bonaventure

CHU Analysis: One of the league's top overachieving teams, Indiana is established as a second tier team possibly one player from being a championship threat. But getting that one player might be the trick. There is a need for a lengthy frontcourt player to protect the rim when Roy Hibbert isn't on the floor. Tyler Hansbrough and David West are a solid duo at power forward, but neither does anything above the rim. Andrew Nicholson, is not quite John Henson or Arnett Moultrie when it comes to intimidation, but is an athletic, active big who would fit the Pacers' system well.

MIAMI HEAT
27
  Royce White F 6-8/250 SO Iowa St.

CHU Analysis: It is typical for teams at the end of Round 1 to have a bit more margin for error and Miami fits that description well. While a rim protecting center would be the Heats' biggest need, that won't get accomplished here. So, taking a gamble on big upside forward Royce White is a can't lose. A point guard in a linebacker's body, White can be a special player. But he also has a history of off court issues and a fright of flying that cannot be dismissed.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
28
  Moe Harkless F 6-8/210 FR St. John's

CHU Analysis: Oklahoma City is so deep and talented, this pick has nary a chance to get on the court with the Thunder anytime soon. Unless you're an active, hustling forward that can find a niche behind Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka. Enter Moe Harkess, a tweener who is long, athletic and capable of double digit rebounds any night.

CHICAGO BULLS
29
  Draymond Green SF 6-6/230 SR Michigan St.

CHU Analysis: It really is about Derrick Rose and Chicago is well supportive of their star across the roster. Outside of finding a two-guard who can shoot and create their own points, the Bulls can find a player who fits their scheme or trade the choice. Point forward Draymond Green is one of the draft's most versatile players and has proven the ability to produce on the biggest stage.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 7
30
  Darius Miller G/F 6-8/225 SR Kentucky

CHU Analysis: After taking a gamble on Perry Jones earlier, Golden State grabs a fairly sure bet - or as close as possible this deep into the draft - in four year, national champ wing Darius Miller. Underrated and highly effective on both ends of the floor, Miller can provide instant quality minutes and more upside than given credit for.

DETROIT
NBA Draft Transactions
1 - New Jersey owes Portland 2012 1st round draft pick (top 3 protected)
2 - Minnesota owes New Orleans Hornets (via LA Clippers) 2012 1st round draft pick (unprotected)
3 - New York owes Houston 2012 1st round draft pick (top 5 protected)
4 - Utah owes Minnesota 2012 1st Round pick to Minnesota (top 14 protected)
5 - Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City) owe Boston 2012 1st round draft pick (top 10 protected)
6 - Los Angeles Lakers owe Cleveland 2012 1st round draft pick
7 - San Antonio owes Golden State 2012 1st round draft pick (top 14 protected)

Other Transactions

- Golden St. owes Utah 2012 1st round draft pick (top 7 protected)
- Dallas owes Houston (via LA Lakers) 2012 1st round draft pick (top 20 protected)
- Houston owes New Jersey 2012 1st round pick (top 14 protected)
- Charlotte owes Chicago 2012 1st round draft pick (top 14 protected)
- Cleveland can swap 2012 1st Round pick with Miami
- Sacramento owes Cleveland 2012 1st round pick (top 14 protected)


2012 NBA Draft Countdown
   • Date: June 28, 2012
   • Time: 7:00 PM EST | ESPN
   • Location: Newark, NJ


NBA Draft Information
2012 Early Entrants


CHU 2012 NBA DRAFT PROSPECT RANKINGS
Tier 1 (Overall #1)
1) Anthony Davis PF 6-10/200 FR Kentucky
Tier 2 (Top 4)
2) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF 6-7/210 FR Kentucky
3) Thomas Robinson PF 6-9/235 JR Kansas
4) Bradley Beal SG 6-5/180 FR Florida
Tier 3 (Lottery)
5) Harrison Barnes SF 6-8/210 SO North Carolina
6) Andre Drummond C 6-11/275 FR Connecticut
7) Tyler Zeller PF/C 7-0/250 SR North Carolina
8) Kendall Marshall PG 6-3/200 SO North Carolina
9) Perry Jones F 6-11/235 SO Baylor
10) Terrence Jones F 6-8/245 SO Kentucky
11) Jeremy Lamb SG 6-5/185 SO Connecticut
12) Damian Lillard PG 6-2/185 JR Weber St.
13) Jared Sullinger PF 6-8/270 SO Ohio St.
Tier 4 (Lottery-Mid 1st Round)
14) Quincy Miller SF 6-9/200 FR Baylor
15) Arnett Moultrie PF 6-11/235 R-JR Mississippi St.
16) John Henson PF 6-10/210 JR North Carolina
17) Terrence Ross SG 6-6/190 SO Washington
18) Austin Rivers SG 6-4/175 FR Duke
19) Meyers Leonard C 7-0/240 SO Illinois
20) Dion Waiters SG 6-4/215 SO Syracuse
Tier 5 (Mid-Late 1st Round)
21) Fab Melo C 7-0/275 SO Syracuse
22) Royce White F 6-8/250 R-SO Iowa St.
23) Doron Lamb SG 6-4/210 SO Kentucky
24) Tony Wroten G 6-5/205 FR Washington
Tier 6 (Late 1st-2nd Round)
25) Marquis Teague PG 6-2/175 FR Kentucky
26) Jeffery Taylor G/F 6-7/225 SR Vanderbilt
27) Jae Crowder SF 6-6/235 SR Marquette
28) Evan Fournier SG 6-7/200 Int'l France
29) Will Barton SG 6-6/190 SO Memphis
30) Darius Miller G/F 6-8/225 SR Kentucky
31) Draymond Green SF 6-6/235 SR Michigan St.
32) Moe Harkless F 6-8/200 FR St. John's
33) Andrew Nicholson PF 6-9/225 SR St. Bonav
34) Scott Machado PG 6-1/180 SR Iona
35) Jared Cunningham SG 6-4/100 JR Oregon St.
Tier 7 (2nd Round)
36) Kevin Jones PF 6-8/260 SR West Virginia
37) Alex Young G/F 6-6/210 SR IUPUI
38) William Buford SG 6-5/205 SR Ohio St.
39) John Jenkins SG 6-4.200 JR Vanderbilt
40) Festus Ezeli C 6-11/255 SR Vanderbilt
41) Tyshawn Taylor PG 6-3/185 SR Kansas
42) Drew Gordon PF 6-8/245 SR New Mexico
43) Kevin Murphy SF 6-5/185 SR Tennessee Tech
44) Ricardo Ratliffe PF 6-8/240 SR Missouri
45) Rudy Gobert PF/C 6-11/225 Int'l France*
46) Marcus Denmon SG 6-3/180 SR Missouri
Tier 8 (2nd Round-Undrafted)
47) Henry Sims C 6-10/240 SR Georgetown
48) Darius Johnson-Odom G 6-2/180 SR Marquette
49) Mike Scott PF 6-8/240 R-SR Virginia
50) Kris Joseph SF 6-7/210 SR Syracuse
51) John Shurna F 6-9/210 SR Northwestern
52) Khris Middleton G/F 6-7/215 JR Texas A&M
53) Tomas Satoransky SF 6-8/225 Int'l Czech
54) Kyle O'Quinn C 6-10/240 SR Norfolk St.
55) Lucas Nogueira C 7-0/225 Int'l Brazil
56) JaMychal Green PF 6-8/230 SR Alabama
57) Eric Griffin SF 6-8/200 SR Campbell
58) Orlando Johnson SG 6-5/225 R-SR UCSB
59) Quincy Acy SF 6-7/225 SR Baylor
60) Bernard James PF 6-10/240 SR Florida St.
NA Tu Holloway PG 5-11/185 SR Xavier
NA Robert Sacre C 7-0/260 SR Gonzaga
NA Renardo Sidney PF 6-10/300 JR Mississippi St.
NA Herb Pope PF 6-8/235 R-SR Seton Hall
NA Tony Mitchell SF 6-6/220 JR Alabama
NA Justin Hamilton C 7-0/250 R-JR LSU
NA Nemanja Nedovic SG 6-3/200 Int'l Serbia
NA Mario Delas PF 6-9/225 Int'l Croatia*
NA Bradford Burgess G/F 6-6/225 SR VCU
NA J'Covan Brown G 6-1/180 JR Texas
NA Maalik Wayns PG 6-2/180 JR Villanova
NA Tornike Shengelia SF 6-9/220 Int'l Georgia
NA Rakim Sanders SF 6-5/230 R-SR Fairfield
NA Yancy Gates PF 6-9/260 SR Cincinnati
NA Hollis Thompson SG 6-7/205 JR Georgetown
NA Denzel Bowles PF 6-10/260 R-SR JMU
NA Mitchell Watt PF 6-7/220 SR Buffalo
NA Jordan Taylor PG 6-1/195 SR Wisconsin
NA Robbie Hummel SF 6-8/230 R-SR Purdue
NA Leon Radosevic PF 6-10/225 Int'l Croatia
* Has not declared declared for NBA Draft.



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