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I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
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Twelve teams passed on drafting Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA draft, allowing him to fall to thirteen. The thirteenth team? The Charlotte Hornets.  

His agent at the time, Arn Tellem, expertly maneuvered Kobe to the Los Angeles Lakers on a draft-day trade in exchange for then-Lakers center Vlade Divac, citing that he would prefer to take his talents to a larger market where he could perhaps blossom into the second coming of Michael Jordan. 

Now, the Black Mamba is an astonishing talent, that is unquestionable. Kobe has five championship rings thus far in his illustrious career.  He has won Finals MVP twofold. He has won NBA MVP just once, but that is not indicative of his brilliance because he will without a doubt go down as one of the best players to ever play the game.

He has the ability to score from anywhere on the court. He oftentimes defies nature. He has us staring at the television, jaw-dropped in amazement thinking, “Did he really just do that?” His patented turn-around jumper from the baseline appears nearly impossible to convert at a high rate, but he continues to get it done. And even more impressive is that they fall in clutch situations with the game on the line.  

However—all five of his championships have come with the benefit of playing with a great big man while his opponents lacked the ability to counter the talent the Lakers put on the floor.

Contrary to what you are currently mumbling to yourself, this is not a slight to Kobe’s game, it is, quite simply, a fact. Shaquille O’Neal, the most dominant big man of all time, was in his prime during the Lakers’ three-peat to begin the 21st century. This was at an age where a dominant big man translated into success. The reason the term “Hack-A-Shaq” exists is because there was no other conceivable way to stop him, especially when Arvydas Sabonis and Vlade Divac were his main competition.  

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When fighting for his two most recent titles, Kobe had the benefit of playing with perhaps the best passing big man in the NBA, Pau Gasol. He is mostly known for his finesse game, but his ability to rebound and play a dynamic two-player game with Kobe allowed for the Lakers to win consecutive titles. It didn’t hurt that Lamar Odom had become the most feared sixth man in the league either, as he combined with Pau to provide the Lakers with the longest front court in the league (with an underdeveloped and often hurt Andrew Bynum).

The reasoning behind the boldness of my statement is simple: the NBA has drastically improved.  In a league that sorely lacked parity over the last twenty years, it seems more and more likely that there will be a different team raising a banner each year.

The Western Conference alone is so deep, the Lakers’ main focus now lies in finding a way to scratch and claw their way out of their own conference. The San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and dare I say it, the Los Angeles Clippers all pose a legitimate threat to the Lakers in the coming seasons. In years past it was simply between the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Jailblazers. I mean Trailblazers. 

The Nuggets just pushed the Lakers to seven games in the first round and Kobe was spectacular. He has quickly realized that he cannot win on his own in today’s game because opposing teams are too well balanced.  He put forth an unbelievable effort in a potential Game Five clincher as he found his Laker team down 90-75 late in the fourth quarter at home. He is the only player in the league who can do that without surprising his audience. He has spoiled us all because now we expect him to do it. He scored 14 points in the quarter to finish with 43, but came up just short because his teammates left him hanging.

Kobe still has it. He is fourth all-time in 40-point postseason games with thirteen. He is a genuine stud. The issue lies in the increased competition. Without a consistent team effort, he just cannot win another ring. The team he has around him does not work as hard as he does and it frustrates him. Andrew Bynum only exerts himself every other game when he finds time not to make headlines for the idiotic things he says. Pau Gasol disappears sometimes for no apparent reason and the bench is completely nonexistent. 

I’m Doubled, Get Open!
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The biggest factor is the absence of an effective crunch-time point guard. The trade for Ramon Sessions was supposed to ignite the Lakers and alleviate some of the pressure placed on Kobe’s shoulders night in and night out. However, in his first taste of postseason experience, Sessions has been far from effective. In eight games thus far, he has shooting splits of 37/19/69 (FG/FT/3FG). That just won’t get it done. 

Sessions was also to be counted on to make a defensive difference as the Lakers have had trouble with opposing athletic point guards in years past. Derek Fisher was too old to keep up with the likes of Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Ty Lawson. 

In Round One, Lawson completely dominated the point guard matchup, posting averages of 19 points, six assists on 51-percent shooting. 

Game One of Round Two? Westbrook put up 27 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in only 25 minutes. 

If he is unable to defend opposing point guards, it forces coach Mike Brown to ask Kobe to expend some of his precious energy on the defensive end, which affects his offensive production.  Regardless of who you are, defense requires the exertion of energy and if he over-exerts himself at the defensive end, his offensive game suffers.

You see? This article wasn’t what you thought it would be. It isn’t a hater piece, it’s a factual one.  The NBA is too deep for Kobe to add another ring to his collection. And you know what that means—one less than MJ. 

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If you haven’t heard about it yet, Derrick Rose is predicted to be out eight-12 months, says Dr. Brian Cole, who performed the surgery, as reported by ESPN.

Eight to 12 months? This has got to be like needles in the ears of every Chicago Bulls fan in the world. Missing an entire season is probably not what the Chicago homegrown superstar envisioned after he went down in the first game of the Bulls-Sixers series, but it is the hand he has been dealt.

The biggest question surrounding the Chicago Bulls franchise is the ever-so-deafening scream, “What do we do now?!”

Derrick Rose, ever since he was drafted to the Bulls, has always been Chicago’s great hope. He has always embodied the city in a working man’s fashion. The franchise as a whole represents the concept of everyday life in the city. Without Rose, what is the Bulls’ direction?

Where are they headed?

With this news, Coach Tom Thibodeau and the entire Chicago Bulls’ front office will be more involved in this summer’s free agency and 2012 NBA draft than they had previously planned to.

It is scary to think of how rushed their decisions will be in this year’s offseason due to the fact that their golden ticket will be cascading on the sideline in the finest Giorgio Armani his closet has to offer.

CJ Waston is not a viable replacement for Derrick Rose over the course of an entire season.

The praise he has received in Rose’s absence has been over a short period of time. Injecting him into the lineup for an entire regular season and maybe even a fraction of the 2013 NBA Playoffs will expose him in a new light for every way he does not mirror Rose’s influence over the game.

A lot of the Bulls’ lineup has excelled in Rose’s absence, but only with the notion that he would also return. There has always been an asterisk over their success because of the fact that Rose was “out for the moment”.

They were graded by the criteria of a backup plan. Now, with Rose sidelined for such an extended period of time, they are going to be studied as the first option.

Joakim Noah will be highlighted for his offensive shortcomings and his lack of full use of his athleticism and versatility. Carlos Boozer will no longer be able to daze in and out of his games.

Luol Deng will no longer have the privilege of being the second option.

With all of these massive changes coming into fruition, the roster will endure a massive overhaul. Chicago will likely have a knee-jerk reaction to the news that Derrick Rose is not coming through that door to save the day anytime soon and we, as fans, will see that through bad business moves, rushed exits and eyebrow-raising trades.

The Chicago Bulls that have grown to become a smooth, calculating bunch may turn into a melee of madness.

Chicago will be hit almost as hard as they were when Michael Jordan retired and that is not an overstatement.

When you think about the impact Derrick Rose has had on the game, the culture and the success of the Bulls, even the NBA as a whole, you will agree.

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Harvard’s prestige would plummet if Jeremy Lin signed with the Toronto Raptors.

Will NY re-sign Lin?

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Will NY re-sign Lin?

Yes

89.7%

No

10.3%

Total votes: 58

Such an unintelligent decision would be detrimental to the University’s reputation of superior intellect.

But in all serious, signing with the Raptors would be the worst decision Lin ever made.

Mitch Lawrence of the NY Daily News reported the NBA’s lone Canadian franchise is interested in signing the New York Knicks point guard in free agency.

While Lin doesn’t fit well in the same starting lineup as Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, a move across the border would be a crippling career move.

Since the 2002-2003 campaign, Toronto has put together only one winning season. They advanced past the first round just once in franchise history. And that occurred way back in the Vinsanity days.

In New York’s massive market, Linsanity flourishes. But a lack of success—an inevitable outcome in Toronto—would smother Lin’s popularity.

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Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan are solid players, but unless the Raptors hit big in the 2012 NBA draft—and I mean Anthony Davis, Michael-Kidd Gilchrist big—they won’t develop into a contender anytime in the near future.

New York, on the other hand, is one well-executed trade away from contending for a championship. Re-sign Lin and Steve Novak, swap Anthony or Stoudemire for a star that doesn’t demand the basketball in his hands to be effective and the Knicks will be well on their way to domination.

But even if the Knicks choose to pursue Steve Nash like the Los Angeles Times’ Chuck Schilken reports they’ll consider doing, Lin has better options than the Raptors.

Even Forbes’ Allen St. John speculated that Lin would fit right in with the new-look Brooklyn Nets if when Deron Williams leaves for greener pastures.

Nearly anywhere—New York, Brooklyn, the Portland Trail Blazers—would be a better landing spot for Lin than in Toronto.

 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels

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Anthony Davis – the consensus No. 1 pick.
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The 2012 NBA draft lottery is going to be an extremely important time for a number of teams. Fans of lottery-bound franchises will want to tune in on Wednesday, May 30 to catch the drawing on ESPN, which starts at 8 p.m. ET.

Most hoops junkies know just how much getting lucky in a lottery can change the future of an organization. The Chicago Bulls were fortunate enough to draw the No. 1 overall pick back in 2008 with only a 1.7 percent chance of winning. They used it to select Derrick Rose and the rest, they say, is history.

Let’s take a look at the teams that sorely need the luck this year.

 

Brooklyn Nets

This team could be a potential playoff contender or it could be a gutted shell of a roster depending on how the ping pong balls bounce.

Chris Chambers/Getty Images

Before moving to Brooklyn, the Nets decided to trade a top-three protected lottery pick to Portland in exchange for Gerald Wallace. If they can’t get their pick to land in those first three, the Nets are in trouble.

They will likely lose star Deron Williams to free agency and it’s a high probability Wallace signs with a contender as well.

On the other hand, if they get the top pick (7.5 percent chance they do), the Nets will be competing with Anthony Davis playing center, Brook Lopez at the 4, Wallace on the wing, MarShon Brooks at SG and D-Will running point.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers

It would be wild if Cleveland were to get lucky in back-to-back years. The Cavaliers have a 13.8 percent chance of winning this season, much better than the 2.8 percent shot they had last year with the LA Clippers’ selection.

They could use it to instantly bolster their frontcourt with Davis and give them a second straight Rookie of the Year candidate after Kyrie Irving ran away with it in 2012.

The Cavs would be right back in the playoff hunt if they were to luck out and win the lotto.

 

Sacramento Kings

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It seems that the Kings have been rebuilding for years. They have not made the playoffs since the 2007 season and haven’t had more than 25 wins in the past four years.

While things are finally looking bright in Sactown—due to the emergence of DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas, among other young players—adding a future superstar is their biggest priority.

Anthony Davis fills that requirement and would form a fearsome and formidable duo in the paint with “Boogie” Cousins. 

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This year’s NBA draft board is teeming with stars.

Anthony Davis, for example, has yet to play a single professional game and he’s already being heralded as the savior of Charlotte—if such a thing exists. The rest of his Kentucky teammates are still riding high on the momentum from their national championship, which has carried some of them all the way into this year’s lottery.

There’s good reason for the fact that scouts and GMs alike are excited for this year’s draft: The talent gives the impression that there could be several future MVPs scattered across the board.

Here’s a complete first-round mock draft that takes a special look at the MVP candidates of the near future. 

 

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

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It’s impossible to ignore Anthony Davis when you’re talking about players who have the ability to change the entire complexion of the NBA. What Davis proved with Kentucky this year was that there was no single player on his level who was capable of stopping him.

While he won’t be quite as powerful in the NBA, where he’ll be up against players his own size, he still has more potential to excel than anyone.

Given his size, his wingspan (7’4″) and his athleticism, Davis is a complete package and absolutely one of the most all-around skilled prospects to enter the draft in years. Despite the fact that his offense isn’t as explosive as one might expect from the NCAA’s best player, he uses every tool in his arsenal to produce on both ends of the floor, and his presence alone makes every single one of his teammates better.

 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

He may not fire off a ton of shots, but Gilchrist is excellent in transition and he plays with the kind of fire and physicality that makes it clear he’ll fulfill his potential to develop into a top talent at the next level.

 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Coming out of high school, Bradley Beal could’ve been a top draft pick. Now, after seeing him dominate the SEC for one year at Florida and carry his entire team through a longer-than-expected tournament run, his stock is soaring even higher.

In a draft class that is considered weak in the point guard department, Beal is leaps and bounds above the rest. His ball-handling skills are good enough to give him the versatility to play at either the 1 or the 2, and though he’s not a lights-out shooter, there is little doubt that he can grow into one.

Scouts really like to talk about Beal’s work ethic and desire to improve, which are what will truly help him take his game to the next level over the next several years. Though his impact may not be as immediate as that of a Davis or a Kidd-Gilchrist, he’ll be right up there with the best after a few years under his belt.

 

4. New Orleans Hornets: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Predicting Drummond’s impact at the next level is tough because despite the fact that he has an ideal frame at 6’10″ and 270 pounds, he hasn’t been dominant enough to conclusively prove that he’ll excel in the NBA. Still, good decision or not, his long-term potential will push him into the top five.

 

5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Robinson was terrific during his junior year with the Jayhawks and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant, complete players in the NCAA. He, too, has the perfect frame for the NBA, measuring at 6’10″ with a 7’1″ wingspan.

 

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

He led the Tar Heels in scoring last season with 17.1 points per game, but he hasn’t excelled as much as many expected from the 2010 top recruit in the nation. Once he starts to use his frame to create opportunities, he’ll be a threat.

 

7. Golden State Warriors: Perry Jones III, PF, Baylor

Jones is a very mature kid who had the foresight to return to school for his sophomore campaign because he knew he needed to grow more as a person. Though his production didn’t really improve, he’s an incredibly skilled athlete and just needs to shed his reputation for being soft.

 

8. Toronto Raptors: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Lillard is an incredibly efficient scorer and is also an excellent playmaker who will be a top-tier point guard as soon as his passing skills improve a little bit.

 

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Sullinger is the opposite of someone like Kidd-Gilchrist. While he boasts one of the most complete skill sets in the draft, scouts have never been able to shed concerns about his athleticism and his conditioning.

He tried to offset those concerns by electing to return to Ohio State for the 2011-12 season, slimming down and taking his team to the Final Four. And though he could’ve been a top five pick last year, there is just too much talent for him to go that high this year.

But although he didn’t get a championship this year, Sullinger’s return to the Buckeyes was worthwhile because he proved that he’s dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to be excellent. He’s already one of the best-shooting power forwards in the draft, shooting 60 percent from the field, and defensively, he makes up for any athletic shortcomings with sheer determination.

He may not be the most athletic prospect, but he has the most NBA-ready attitude.

 

10. New Orleans Hornets: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Before he broke his wrist, Marshall was well on his way to leading UNC to the Final Four. He’s one of the best passers in the college realm, and those skills will translate nicely to the next level.

 

11.  Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

For someone who’s seven feet tall, Zeller is a pretty athletic guy. He runs the floor well, he’s a good perimeter shooter and he has a high basketball IQ, all of which will make him an immediate asset next season.

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Henson has shown steady improvement each year at UNC, and despite tallying 13.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, he still has a lot of room to grow. Imagine how much of a force he’s going to be when he adds more muscle to his 6’11″ frame.

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13. Phoenix Suns:  Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

If Steve Nash leaves Phoenix, the Suns must come out of this draft with a guard, and Rivers has the versatility to play both backcourt positions. He’d like to think he has Kobe-esque star quality, but he simply needs to become a much better shooter before he has that kind of impact.

 

14. Houston Rockets: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

Jones has always been knocked for being inconsistent and playing with a sour attitude, but he helped to offset those concerns with a strong showing in Kentucky’s championship run. His versatility will compel some team to bite on him in the lottery.

 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

He might have played on an underachieving Washington team, but he was the star of it, registering 16.4 points per game. He’s very athletic and boasts an excellent jump shot.

 

16. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Like a lot of the big men on this year’s board, Leonard failed to truly dominate this season. Like Drummond, though, he has a very high ceiling because of his frame. He might not be worth a pick in the lottery, but he won’t fall far outside of it.

 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

He had a bit of a letdown year after UConn’s championship run in 2011, but he still led the Huskies in scoring with 17.7 points per game.

 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie has a little bit of a spotty history stemming from his transfer from UTEP to Mississippi State, and the fact that he only tallied 0.8 blocks per game despite being 6’11″ is troubling.

 

19. Orlando Magic: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington

At the moment, Wroten is most famous for missing four straight free throws against Oregon State in the Pac-12 Tournament, which essentially crushed the Huskies’ NCAA tournament dreams. Not exactly the best note on which to finish your college career, but he’s still a solid scorer and one of the best floor generals available.

 

20. Denver Nuggets: Dion Waiters, PG/SG, Syracuse

After an excellent sophomore season, Waiters established himself as an aggressive defender with solid transition skills that will serve him well in the NBA.

 

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

He showed up for his sophomore campaign in much better shape than last year and anchored the Orange defense with 2.9 blocks per game. His academic suspension from the NCAA tournament is a concern, but not enough to offset his upside.

 

22. Boston Celtics: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

As one of the older players in this draft, Taylor was a crucial component of Vanderbilt’s offense and SEC tournament win this season. He tallied 16.1 points per game and shot almost 50 percent from the field, so he’ll provide that boost of instant offense a team like the Celtics needs with Ray Allen likely headed for the door. 

 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Royce White, SF, Iowa State

White led Iowa State in almost every facet of the game last season—13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds. 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals—so he obviously is one of the most complete players available. Hopefully, concerns over his anxiety disorder don’t make him fall too far.

 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s

Harkless is already a proficient scorer, as he proved with 15.5 points per game last season, but he lacks consistency. Once he begins to use his athleticism to his advantage, he’ll be dangerous.

 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Where Teague excels is in directing traffic on the floor. This season, he grew out of his tendency to be a bit of a ball hog, which will help him monumentally in the NBA.

 

26. Indiana Pacers: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Lamb is a good athlete who will be an excellent asset off the bench next year. He was one of the best long-range shooters in the NCAA last season, sinking almost 47 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

 

27. Miami Heat: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Inconsistency is Miller’s biggest problem, but he has the ideal arsenal of physical tools to excel in the NBA.

 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

His production dropped toward the end of the season, which certainly wasn’t a good sign, and despite being a bit turnover-prone, he’s still a good perimeter shooter with a lot of athleticism.

 

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

He led the team in scoring last season with 19.9 points per game—no small feat on the nation’s No. 11 offense. His game translates to the NBA as well as anyone’s.

 

30. Golden State Warriors: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

He’s the perfect size for an NBA center at 6’11″ and 255 pounds, and though he failed to dominate top-level competition, he proved to be an asset on both ends of the floor last season.

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The 2012 NBA draft will be here before you know it, but as it draws closer, some prospects continue to rise and others slip down.

They’ll keep fluctuating up and down draft boards throughout the pre-draft process, as certain athletes will stand out in a major way during their workouts. 

Scouts will be keeping a watchful eye over the big-name prospects, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and figuring out if they’re truly ready for the next level or if they need time to grow. 

With that said, here’s my updated 2012 NBA mock draft with info on each pick and a more in-depth look at the college studs rising up draft boards. 

 

2012 NBA Mock Draft

 

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

The top prospect in the draft, Davis is going to be the No. 1 pick no matter which team wins the lottery. He’s a dynamic star who will thrive at the next level, and I know I’m not the only one who can’t wait to see him play. 

Which Player Will Have the Best NBA Career?

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Which Player Will Have the Best NBA Career?

Anthony Davis

100.0%

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

0.0%

Bradley Beal

0.0%

Thomas Robinson

0.0%

Total votes: 2

 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky 

Kidd-Gilchrist burst onto the scene this past season, quickly proving his worth and making a major impact. Teaming up with John Wall will help him get better, as well as help the Wizards win more. 

 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

A natural scorer, Beal will be an excellent addition to the Cavs. He and Kyrie Irving will give Cleveland an outstanding backcourt for many years to come. 

 

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

A dominant post man, Robinson is going to waste no time in making his presence known in the NBA. He’s a beast down low, and he’ll give the Hornets great power moving forward. 

 

5. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

Drummond is definitely a rising prospect. He’s being considered a high pick as is, but as the draft day gets closer, he’s going to keep rising on the boards. 

At 6’11″, 275 pounds, Drummond is turning heads and will give every high pick a run for his money, including Davis. 

He’s a monster player with amazing potential, which is why he will be so highly coveted. While Drummond is a risky pick, the chance of him being a huge star in the league is very high. 

Because of that, he’s going to rise up draft boards a great deal, and may just end up being the No. 2 pick when it’s all said and done. That, of course, will likely depend on the lottery. 

 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via NJ): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber St

Lillard can score and distribute, which makes him a big threat in the NBA. He’ll have to adjust to playing against much better talent, but he has the skills to win. 

 

Which Forward Will Have Better NBA Career?

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Which Forward Will Have Better NBA Career?

Perry Jones III

0.0%

Harrison Barnes

100.0%

Total votes: 1

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes is the real deal in my opinion. He can shoot well and is a great defender. The Warriors might not end up with their lottery selection, but if they do, they’ll quickly grab Barnes to help them contend. 

 

8. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones III, F, Baylor

Jones has had his fare share of ups and downs in college, but his potential is sky high, which is why the Raptors will love having him. 

 

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Henson is steadily rising up draft boards because of his ability to defend.

Some might consider this a reach for Detroit, but to get a sit-down defender like Henson would be huge for the Pistons. 

What’s more, the Pistons need a long athletic big man, and at 6’10″, 210 pounds, Henson fits the mold. His superb defensive skills are what make him an enticing prospect and will ultimately make him a high draft pick. 

 

10. New Orleans Hornets (via MINN): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Marshall is a fantastic facilitator who will instantly make those around him in New Orleans better. He knows how to run the show, which is something the Hornets really need. 

 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Zeller is a terrific rebounder. He’ll add great size and strength to the Blazers’ depth. Zeller won’t be a big star in the league, but he does the little things, and Portland needs a big man like him. 

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Sullinger will be a fine addition to Milwaukee, especially if Ersan Ilyasova leaves in free agency. Sullinger is a powerful big man who will use his strength to put up great numbers in his rookie campaign. 

 

13. Phoenix Suns: Austin Rivers, G, Duke

Rivers has a great deal of hype to live up to, but there is no denying his talents. He can be a bit selfish at times, but the Suns are in dire need to help at the guard position. I really don’t see Steve Nash staying in Phoenix. 

 

14. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard is a project prospect, but since the Rockets have two first-round picks, they can afford to take the risk here. As a seven-footer, Leonard is going to garner a great deal of attention, and joining the Rockets would be a good fit for him to continue to develop. 

 

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

The 76ers need better shooters on their team, which is why Ross would be a stellar pick. He can knock down the three-pointers and give Philadelphia a great burst of energy off the bench. 

 

16. Houston Rockets (via NY): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi St

Moultrie is another prospect on the rise, and rightfully so. 

The 6’11″, 225-pound power forward is a long, athletic big man who will really help a number of teams. Should the Rockets end up taking him, they’ll be glad they did.

He’ll give Houston even more size and strength to work with, making the Rockets’ depth that much better.  

Don’t be surprised to see Moultrie continue to climb. 

 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington

Jason Kidd isn’t getting any younger, so the Mavericks would be very wise to draft his replacement here. Wroten is a big sleeper in the draft, and in time, he has the talents to grow into a major star. 

 

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

The Timberwolves’ biggest need is at the two-guard position, and Lamb is the best available here. He and Ricky Rubio working together would be very fun to watch. 

 

19. Orlando Magic: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

The Magic have to draft a center as insurance for Dwight Howard. Who knows if he’ll still be with them in the next year or so, which is exactly why it makes perfect sense for Orlando to select a stud like Melo. 

 

20. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky

Jones drops a bit because of different team needs, but the Nuggets will be thrilled because of it. They don’t need any star players here, but rather help for the depth on the team. Jones can do it all, and there is no doubt that he would be able to come off the bench and give Denver a great spark. 

 

21. Boston Celtics: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Celtics need size and a shooter in this draft. With back-to-back picks, I have them drafting a shooter first. Lamb is underrated in this draft, and considering the fact Boston is aging in key positions, Lamb would be a warm welcome. 

 

22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Royce White, F, Iowa State

Here, the Celtics address their need for size and strength. White is a strong force who sees the floor well, is a great rebounder and also can handle the ball very well. 

 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Josh Smith’s future with the Hawks is up in the air, so it would be smart for Atlanta to draft a forward here. Taylor makes the most sense, but oftentimes the Hawks do strange things on draft day. 

 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s

Harkless is a true sleeper in the draft, and with extra work he could be special at the next level. Cleveland would be a strong fit for him as he would have time to work on his craft and become a better overall player. 

 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse

With O.J. Mayo surely departing from Memphis after this season, the Grizzlies will need to fill his void, and there’s no question Waiters would be a solid fit. 

 

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

The Pacers need help at the point guard position, and Teague is the best one on the board here at No. 26. He isn’t a pure point, but he has the talent to help push the ball up the court and challenge Darren Collison to be better. 

 

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

The Heat will be drafting strictly for depth here, and Green would an outstanding selection. He can do all the little things for Miami, coming off the bench and providing the team with great energy while the stars rest. 

 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Miller returned to school, but later changed his mind. With another year in college he would have helped himself become a sure-fire lottery pick. The Thunder won’t pass on his potential as they know he’ll help make the depth of the team so much better. 

 

29. Chicago Bulls: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Chicago would love to land a talented point guard here to have as insurance for Derrick Rose. Finding a veteran in free agency would probably be the Bulls best bet, and for the draft, selecting great size would be ideal. 

 

30. Golden State Warriors (via SA): Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson has the talent to grow into an elite player, but there’s no telling how long it will take him or if he will ever reach his full potential. For now, though, he’ll serve as a solid backup to David Lee. 

 

 

 

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All the attention is on the NBA Playoffs right now, but the NBA Draft is only a couple months away.

We already know the big names like Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will surely be lottery picks, but organizations like the San Antonio Spurs have achieved long-lasting success another way.

Teams like the Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks won’t have the luxury of making a lottery pick anytime soon unless they acquire one in a trade.

It’s the diamond in the rough that keeps these teams at the top.

Look at Manu Ginobili, picked 57th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft.  Players like Chris Herren, Obinna Ekezie, A.J. Bramlett, and Tim Young were taken in front of Ginobili.

Yeah, I haven’t heard of them either.

Meanwhile, Ginobili has become a star for a San Antonio Spurs organization that has gone on to win four NBA Championships.

Is there a Ginobili in the 2012 NBA Draft?  Who knows, but there are certainly some prospects flying under the radar that are sure to become stars.

 

 

Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

 

Taylor was the combo guard that helped Thomas Robinson advance the Kansas Jayhwaks to the National Championship game just a few months ago.

He struggled shooting the ball during the tournament but that is a problem that can be adjusted.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The real upside is his aggressive defense.  Taylor started all four years for the Jayhawks and proved to be a quick, in-your-face defender. 

That’s the kind of defender that earns valuable minutes as a rookie in the NBA.

If anything, a shoot-first point guard is looked down upon in the NBA, so the struggling jump shot won’t be a huge concern early on, especially if Taylor can provide valuable defense and effectively distribute the ball on offense.

Then, if the jump shot develops, Taylor could become lethal on both ends of the court.

 

 

Jae Crowder, Marquette

 

Jae Crowder is another player that could earn minutes in his rookie year because of his defensive skills.  His work ethic is among the best of any player in the draft and his motor never seems to quit during games.

Despite a 6’6″ frame, Crowder played well as a combo forward during his time with the Golden Eagles.

It would be difficult for Crowder to transition into the same position in the NBA due to him being a bit undersized.

However, he has a history of playing shooting guard and shot 34% from behind the arc during his senior year.

Once again, the San Antonio Spurs come into the picture.  Last year they traded away promising guard George Hill to acquire Kawhi Leonard, a very similar player to Jae Crowder.

Leonard has already earned a spot on the starting rotation and has become one of the Spurs’ premier defenders.

Jae Crowder’s future could be just as bright.

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The teams not in the 2012 NBA playoffs right now are not sitting at home twiddling their thumbs; they are getting ready for the draft.

As they prepare, so do we. In what will be just one of many mock drafts we do this year, let’s look at which second-round caliber players will sneak into the first round.

Note: NBA Mock Draft Standings are fluid—from lottery teams to playoffs, things will change. Order is based on mix of current standings and projected finish.

 

 

Which College Player Will Be the Biggest NBA Star?

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1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis

The Charlotte Bobcats need much more than Anthony Davis to be relevant, but it’s a good start.

 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Adding Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a team that already has John Wall is a move that screams future winner. It’s the Wizards, though.

 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Robinson

The best player coming out of this draft has to be star power forward Thomas Robinson. This man-beast is NBA-ready and will be a force in Cleveland. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team trade up to get this star at No. 3.

 

4. New Orleans Hornets: Jared Sullinger

New Orleans was at its most dangerous when they had David West down low. Jared Sullinger is the second coming of West in NOLA.

 

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5. Sacramento Kings: Bradley Beal

With Tyreke Evans’ time in Sacramento looking to be over, drafting Bradley Beal as the long-term replacement is the right move.

 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via Brooklyn Nets): Andre Drummond

From one overrated center project that didn’t pan out to another for Portland.

 

7. Golden State Warriors: Austin Rivers

With Monta Ellis out of the picture, the need for another reckless shooter will drive the Warriors to snag Austin Rivers at No. 7.

 

8. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes

The Toronto Raptors will not only be getting a solid shooter that can fill a stat sheet with rebounds assists and more, the team is getting the locker room leader that they need. Within one season, the Raptors will be Barnes’ team.

 

9. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Zeller

The Pistons need help at center and Tyler Zeller fits the style they play in Detroit. It may be a slight reach, but it will work out well for all parties involved.

 

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Kendall Marshall

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Kendall Marshall won’t come close to making up for the offense Chris Paul brought to New Orleans, but he can fill the stat box just like Paul in almost every other category.

 

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard

There are many questions about the relatively unknown Damian Lillard, but if he can show the same skills he showed as a shooting point guard in college, he can be a star.

 

12. Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

The Milwaukee Bucks need anyone who is defensively conscious at this point, so drafting UNC star John Henson at No. 12 is a no-brainer.

 

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb

With the probable departure of Steve Nash, the Phoenix Suns will look to Jeremy Lamb to be their new offensive heartbeat.

 

14. Houston Rockets: Tony Wroten

One of the biggest wildcards this season will be freshman guard Tony Wroten. It’s hard to tell where Wroten will fit in the NBA, but he will definitely be there in some capacity. Houston can’t pass on him at No. 14.

 

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones

The Sixers have an affinity for tweener forwards, but Terrence Jones has a serious chance to be a real NBA threat. If he falls to Philly at No. 15, this will be the steal of the draft.

 

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Meyers Leonard

As good as Tyson Chandler is, he is not a game-changing center that can impose his will on anyone. The hope is that over time that Meyers Leonard could be that guy.

 

17. Dallas Mavericks: Terrell Stoglin

After being suspended for the entire upcoming season, Terrell Stoglin decided just to enter the draft and avoid the college hassle. The Dallas Mavericks will hope that trouble doesn’t follow with him.

 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Terrence Ross

Arguably the best pure shooting guard in the entire NBA draft, Terrence Ross has the size and skill to be a force in the NBA.

 

19. Orlando Magic: Arnett Moultrie

If Dwight Howard does leave Orlando, a guy like Mississippi State Bulldogs star Arnett Moultrie wouldn’t be a bad beginning in the rebuilding effort. He has double-double talent.

 

20. Denver Nuggets: Perry Jones III

While there is no doubt that Baylor forward Perry Jones is offensively gifted, his lack of elite play in the NCAA tournament and his inability to get tough rebounds is concerning.

At 6’11” Jones should have dominated the glass. Instead, he averaged only 7.7 a game and was regularly pushed out by smaller but stronger players. His time in the NBA will be even tougher.

While I think that with the right training Jones could be a legitimate NBA player, he doesn’t have the ability and talent that he was thought to have out of high school. He’s a second-round pick on my board.

 

21. Boston Celtics: Quincy Miller

Boston will roll the dice here with freshman standout Quincy Miller who is very raw and will be better as the years go on. It’s obvious the Celtics are starting to shift into a rebuilding mode of sorts.

 

22. Boston Celtics (via L.A. Clippers): Fab Melo

Not since Kendrick Perkins was traded has the team had a solid center. Fab Melo is an easy pick if he is still available.

 

23. Atlanta Hawks: Dion Waiters

The Hawks haven’t had the kind of offensive force since Jamal Crawford left town, and drafting Dion Waiters would alleviate that burden left on others.

 

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via L.A. Lakers): Royce White

With the Cavaliers building for the long-term future, taking a raw product like Royce White is the kind of risk worth taking right now. If it pays off, the Cavaliers look like geniuses.

 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Moe Harkless

For those unaware of just who the St. John’s Red Storm star Moe Harkless is, this is one of those star players that has as much upside as any player in this draft. The only real questions are about how he will transfer to the NBA and where he will fit.

At 6’8” and 208 pounds, Harkless played at all positions on the court for his team. With a bigger, stronger NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies will have to find a role for him.

With a solid jump shot and rebounding skills to match, there is no question he should be on the floor as much as possible. The Grizzlies just need to find where he works best in the NBA.

 

26. Indiana Pacers: Jeff Taylor

While it’s hard to tell where Taylor will fit, the soon-to-be second-generation NBA player will be too big of a value for Larry Bird and the Pacers to pass on.

 

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green

The Miami Heat need character players that will not be shaken by big situations. With Draymond Green’s NCAA tournament history, this will be an easy pick by the Heat at No. 27.

 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyshawn Taylor

Tyshawn Taylor is a class act that will fit right into the Oklahoma City mold of respectful player. If he does get a little out of line, they always have Kendrick Perkins to straighten him out.

 

29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague

The need for a shooting guard and a player that can shoulder the load if Derrick Rose gets hurt again will have the Bulls snagging a solid player in Marquis Teague.

 

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Andrew Nicholson

Explicit Lyrics

With a lack of depth and defensive skill at the power forward position, drafting a potential second-round player at No. 30 with as much upside as St. Bonaventure’s Andrew Nicholson makes sense.

Golden State would find the kind of player that can put the extra work in at both ends of the court and is responsible defensively, which is something they need much more of.

Some experts may argue about reaching for Nicholson here, but this is the perfect time to take a risk with as much upside as this young forward has. This will be a very wise long-term investment for the Warriors.

 

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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With the NBA season over, it’s now time to hand out prestigious awards, and Ryan Anderson is the latest hoop star to be honored by the league, as he will reportedly be named Most Improved Player.

Brian K. Schmitz covers the Orlando Magic for the Orlando Sentinel, and he tweeted Anderson’s big news:

BREAKING: Ryan Anderson to be named Most Improved Player

— Brian K. Schmitz (@MagicInsider) May 4, 2012

 

Drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft, Anderson was traded to the Magic a year later in the Vince Carter deal. He continued to improve with each year, and now he is finally getting nationally noticed for his talents. 

In the 2011-12 season, Anderson averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. A year ago, Anderson averaged just 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

He started in only 14 games last year, but this season he played in 61 games and started each time for the Magic. 

Anderson’s production in the postseason has been subpar, so hopefully the news of him winning this award will give him and the Magic a spark. Seeing as how Orlando has lost the last two games in an ugly way, the Magic are in dire need of a big momentum-changer. 

The Magic won’t take on the Indiana Pacers until Saturday, so Anderson has time to enjoy his newest trophy. However, he must quickly turn around and prove he deserved this award by thriving in the playoffs for Orlando.

 

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The deadline for college basketball underclassmen to declare for the 2012 NBA Draft came and went on April 29th, but not before Maryland’s Terrell Stoglin slid under the door as one of the last (and most curious) early entrants in this year’s pool.

The junior-to-be considered testing the waters in March, before deciding to return for his senior season. But he later reneged on that notion once he was slapped with a season-long suspension for violating the university’s student-athlete code of conduct.

Rather than stick around, then, Stoglin decided to take his talents to the draft.

That might not be the smartest decision, to say the least.  

Stoglin grades out as a combo guard, if only because he’s small (6’1, 185 pounds) for a shooting guard and doesn’t have a game that’s all that well-suited to the point. There’s no doubt that he can score; he led the ACC in that department with 21.6 points per game last season, becoming the first Terrapin to do so since Joe Smith in 1995. But with the draft already overstocked with early entrants, particularly with skill sets similar to Stoglin’s, it seems unlikely that he’ll wind up as one of the lucky 60 to come away with some form of employment from draft day in late June.

When will Terrell Stoglin be drafted?

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Is he any better than Texas’ J’Covan Brown, another high-scoring ‘tweener who could go undrafted? Or Villanova’s Maalik Wayns, who’s one of the top point guards in a weak draft at the position but still figures to fall a ways into the second round? He’s certainly nowhere near the stratosphere of Weber State’s Damian Lillard, who looks like a surefire lottery pick at this point.

Of course, curious draft decisions are anything but unusual amongst underclassmen. This year alone, we’ve seen the likes of FIU’s Dominique Ferguson and Alabama’s Tony Mitchell opt for the NBA amidst issues at school, be it Ferguson’s desire to transfer or Mitchell’s outright dismissal.

Those two will have Stoglin at their side on draft day, though all three will likely have to find work in the D-League or overseas long before they can even hope to realize their NBA dreams.

 

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