The NBA Draft is tonight. The 2012 draft class is one of the deepest for talent in recent years. The only certainty is that Anthony Davis will be the first pick in the draft by the New Orleans Hornets. Beyond that, given the diverse talent available and needs of the higher drafting teams, it is anyone’s guess. Here are my reflections on some of the big names and where they could land.
Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky – Davis is a freak of a physical specimen with a sky high basketball IQ and limitless potential. He will come in and immediately be able to play competitive defense in the NBA. His offensive game needs a little work, but from all accounts about his work ethic and coachability, he will learn anything that he can be taught.
Possible destination(s): New Orleans Hornets
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| FEAR THE BROW! 1 |
Bradley Beal. SG, Florida – Beal’s stock has soared since the end of the last college basketball season. Beal’s stats were solid, but not stratospheric because he had to share the ball with upperclassmen guards Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker. As the season progressed his tremendous shooting talent became evident. The comparisons to Ray Allen have been rampant in the media during the past week.
Possible destination(s): Charlotte Bobcats, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas – Looking at his body, one could say that basketball met football. Robinson is a superb physical specimen. He will be a menacing post presence at both ends of the court. His perimeter shooting could use a little work, but how many big men don’t need work in that area?
Possible destination(s): Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky – Raw athletic power…. He will lock his opponents down on defense and under the glass on both sides of the court. He will make an instant impact in those areas. His only downside is that he can’t shoot the broad side of a barn from point blank range, let alone from the perimeter.
Possible destination(s): Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers
Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina – CRAZY potential…. Barnes can put it in the hole from anywhere on the court and was very tough as a one-on-one defender. He is a little smallish for the 3 position in the NBA, which will affect his rebounding and post play. Still, the game is won by the team that scores the most points, not the team grabbing the most rebounds. Barnes will expand those possibilities for any team.
Possible destination(s): Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Hornets
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| He can put it in your grill, too. 3 |
Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky – A big man who is a scoring machine…. He is going to be a dangerous offensive weapon for any team that drafts him. He needs to work on his “hustle factors” – rebounding, transition, post play, to be a star at the NBA level. No player is guaranteed to be a star, but with his dimensions and shooting range, he is guaranteed not to be a bust.
Possible destination(s): Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic
Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State – Sullinger is a living embodiment of the life lesson, “Strike while the iron is hot.” Sullinger easily would have been a lottery pick, possibly a top five pick, had he declared eligible for the draft in 2011. His status plummeted to that of a low first round pick in part because of the large crop of talented players declaring eligible this year and a red flag during medical evaluations regarding his back.
Sullinger has all of the tools and is a good shooter for a power forward. He was never the greatest player in transition and with the back issues that may not improve quickly. When you have a lottery ticket, cash it immediately.
Possible destination(s): Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks
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| I am sure his agent made the same face. 4 |
Austin Rivers, SG, Duke – I have heard nothing but Austin Rivers hatred in recent weeks. Here’s what you need to know. He is the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. He has a blue blood basketball pedigree. He was on a completely different, higher mental basketball level than his Duke teammates. He could have gone directly to the NBA if allowed.
Rivers equals instant offense and can put the ball in the hole from anywhere. He is not the greatest passer in the world and, while at Duke, his defense was touch and go. Much like Terrence Jones, the team drafting him may not hit the bull’s eye, but they won’t miss, either.
Possible destination(s): New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic
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| Austin Rivers (right) to his critics: "Do you know who my dad (left) is?" 5 |
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