After Anthony Davis, this draft is a crapshoot. Teams will be scrambling up until their pick to pull of trades in order to get the player that they covet most. Dion Waiters, Austin Rivers and Andre Drummond will be players that teams will trade n enormous package for if they slip out of the top 7. Don’t be surprised to see blockbuster deals either, the Rockets are doing everything in their power to bring in Dwight Howard and the Thunder could be looking to deal James Harden because they might not be able to re-sign him next summer.
1.New Orleans Hornets-Anthony Davis-PF-Kentucky
Davis is the clear-cut number one player in this draft. A 6’11 athletic PF who is a natural shot-blocker and can play great help defense beat. Davis was a shooting guard growing up, hit a growth spurt and is now a forward, playing all positions helped him develop a great I.Q. He is fantastic on defense and can knock down shots from the elbow, only 19 and continuing to improve all he needs to do is add weight.
2.Charlotte Bobcats- Thomas Robinson-PF-Kansas
The Bobcats want to trade this pick badly, but the asking price is astronomical. I feel that Charlotte is stubborn and refuses to trade unless it receives two first round picks (which Cleveland might do). Michael Jordan’s team needs production from his players and he will get that with a double-double machine in Thomas Robinson. Robinson is a high energy player who is great on both ends of the court, Charlotte can’t possibly screw this up.
3.Washington Wizards-Bradley Beal-SG-Florida
After going out and getting Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, the biggest hole in the Washington depth chart is a shooting guard. Jordan Crawford has shown decency at times but has been inconsistent thus far in his career. The 19 year-old Beal is a pure shooter who loves to run the fast break. John Wall needs someone to pass to; Beal is a perfect fit.
4.Cleveland Cavaliers-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist-SF-Kentucky
Cleveland seems to be reluctant to trade up to the no. 2 pick but they will get a phenomenal player at no. 4. MKG is defensively an athletically ready for the NBA and the NCAA champ is versatile. If the Cavalier’s cornerstone, Kyrie Irving, has any say in this and Bradley Beal is gone, he wants MKG. Irving and Kidd-Gilchrist played together on the same high-school team and won a state title. The 6;8 forward loves to run the floor and would be great in transition with last year’s Rookie of the Year.
5.Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes-SF-North Carolina
Harrison Barnes is a smooth small forward who has a certain swagger to his game. He can play one-on-one and can catch and shoot. It is looking like the no. 5 could be getting traded to Houston and then again to Orlando. No matter which of those teams end up with this pick, expect Barnes to be selected here. The Kings need a player who can slow the game down and they have a hole at SF with Tyreke Evans refusing to player there.
6.Portland Trailblazers-Damian Lillard-PG-Weber State
Watched him a lot in the 2011-2012 season, watched a lot of tape on him and he is one of my favorite players in the draft. Lillard is a fantastic scorer from the point guard position and that is just what the Blazers need. He has the speed to go coast-to-coast, a killer crossover and can get to the rim. Andre Drummond is a sexy pick here but Portland needs scoring, I don’t feel that Felton is the answer.
7.Golden State Warriors-Perry Jones III-PF-Baylor
Brandon Rush had an amazing year last year shooting the ball, delaying the Warriors need of going out and finding a replacement for Monta Ellis. Perry Jones III is a lanky, lock-down defender who can play all 3 positions along the front court if need be. PJ3 has been known to not “show up” for some games which scared some GMs away, otherwise he would have been a top 5 pick. Marc Jackson is easily one of the league’s most motivating coaches and he will find a philosophy to get the most out of Perry Jones III’s game.
8.Toronto Raptors-Austin Rivers-SG-Duke
The Raptors need three things: A player who can score, someone to bring in fans and a guy who can take over a game-Austin Rivers is all of that. Although I am not a huge Rivers fan, I do admit that he is a pretty darn good player given the circumstance that he is the go-to guy on a team. The Duke freshman showed he was cold-blooded late in games and that he could score against double teams and win games by himself. The Raptors roster would not look bad next year if they land Rivers: Calderon/Nash (rumored), Rivers, Derozan, Bargnani, Valanciunas (last year’s top pick).
9.Detroit Pistons-Dion Waiters-SG-Syracuse
After trading away Ben Gordon, Detroit has a gaping hole at shooting guard. Dion Waiters is a player who can come in, play defense, draw fouls and can get to the rim. Waiters is explosive, strong and extremely quick with his cuts; he needs to work on his jumpshot though. He is a bit over-hyped for me but a lot of teams like him. The former Syracuse star has drawn comparisons to Dwayne Wade and if he becomes a fraction of Wade it will make Brandon Knight happy.
10.New Orleans Hornets (from Minn)-Jeremy Lamb-SG-Connecticut
It doesn’t look like Eric Gordon is going to be re-signing with New Orleans leaving a need for a scorer. The Hornets will go to my favorite player in the draft. Jeremy Lamb. The sophomore out of UCONN is a player who shares the rock, defends and can score in a variety of ways. If he would have stayed another year he would have been a top 3 pick without a doubt. Still developing, Lamb is terrific at shooting off the screen and also pull-up and shoot. Jeremy Lamb is the silent assassin and is the ultimate team player.
11.Portland Trailblazers-Andre Drummond-C-Connecticut
Andre Drummond is the real wild card of this year’s draft. He poses the biggest upside and the biggest bust as many big men from UCONN have in the past (Okafor & Thabeet). Since the collegiate season has ended, Drummond has lost 20 lbs. and now moves quicker than ever. With his premier shot-blocking abilities and amazing athleticism he could get picked as high as number 5. Lacking an offensive game hurts his stock a little bit but players can develop a shot, a center that can run the floor is what every team wants nowadays. Portland fills their top two needs with these picks and have the best draft of any team in the last 10 years if they get Lillard and Drummond.
12.Houston Rockets (from Mil)-Tyler Zeller-C-North Carolina
The Rockets are doing everything in their power to draft Dwight Howard. If that fails, they could be taking the second best center in the draft in Tyler Zeller. Zeller is a mature player (4 years at UNC) and is NBA ready. He is not as athletic as Drummond or Leonard but is certain a better all-around player who will contribute on both offense and defense. The Rockets need a big man, especially after trading away Dalembert.
13.Phoenix Suns-Terrence Ross-SG-Washington
The Suns’ front office should be working on their 2013 draft because they will be picking which will most likely be center Nerlens Noel. There are a ton of holes on this roster, therefore the Suns need to draft a player who can carry a team. Terrence Ross is a great shooter who dominated the Pac-12, averaging 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The 6’6 guard is a bit under the radar right now, but could do a lot for the Phoenix franchise.
14.Milwaukee Bucks (from Hou)-Meyers Leonard-C-Illinois
After trading away Andrew Bogut, the Bucks are in search of their next center. Coming out as a freshman, Leonard has a lot of question marks, but also a lot of buzz. There is no question that he is a great athlete and will fit with the Bucks nicely, but he is a high maintenance player who is a big project moving forward. At 7’1, Leonard shows great athleticism by being able to run up and down the court on fast breaks but he fails to be consistent on defense. The hype for Leonard is unreal, but he will need to prove himself by playing his heart out. Milwaukee fans will fall in love with Leonard immediately if drafted there.
15.Philadelphia 76ers-John Henson-PF-North Carolina
Henson is the player with the highest reward in the 2012 NBA Draft. The UNC power forward is 6’10 with the quickness of a shooting guard and smarts of a point guard. With a long wingspan, Henson is a great shot blocker and on offense he has a hook shot that is automatic. The Sixers could lose Elton Brand do to the amnesty clause. Henson is an upgrade on defense and is a great fit with the Sixers’ athleticism. I don’t think Henson will fall this far, but who knows with the possible reaches on all of the shooting guards.
16.Houston Rockets-Moe Harkless-SF-St. John’s
If Houston keeps any of their first round picks it will be used on the Big East’s Rookie of the Year. Moe Harkless showed great upside after posting great numbers in the Big East as a freshman. Harkless is a 6’9 small forward who shows power when driving but can also create his own shot. Great dribbling skills, getting to the rim, shooting over defenders and running the floor are all great features of his game. He has a lot of growing to do, especially on the defensive side, but at only 19 the potential is unreal.
17.Dallas Mavericks-Kendall Marshall-PG-North Carolina
Jason Kidd is a free agent and even if he goes back to Dallas it won’t be for long. This year’s draft is short on point guards and Dallas can’t pass one up. Marshall is the best assist-man in the draft and his court vision is unbelievable. Dallas is a team that likes to shoot a lot and Marshall will keep everyone on the squad happy.
18.Houston Rockets (from Minn)-Arnett Moultrie-PF-Mississippi St.
Moultrie is an athlete who excelled at the combine and drew interest from a ton of teams. A great size at 6’11, 223, he is a great defender but needs to work on his offensive game. It would be nice to see him develop some low post moves but Moultrie is going in the first round for his defensive play.
19.Orlando Magic-Terrence Jones-PF-Kentucky
Orlando doesn’t really know what it wants to do right now between having an unhappy superstar center and a bunch of free agents (Jameer Nelson & Ryan Anderson). Terrence Jones has had a bit of an attitude problem in the past but has shown maturity after playing two years with Coach Calipari. At 6’10 Jones could play either small forward or power forward. Speed, power and grind are all adjectives that come up when talking about this kid. Once Jones gets in the zone there is no stopping him. The Magic need help rebounding if there is no Dwight and Jones is great on the offensive glass. I don’t see him sliding past 19.
20.Denver Nuggets-Tony Wroten Jr.-PG-Washington
An 18-year-old, 6’6 point guard whose athleticism is off the charts?- Sign me up. I saw a lot of Tony Wroten through recruiting and skills competitions and he is going to be something special. Not a great shooter…yet, but his ability to find open teammates is unreal. You instantly fall in love with him when you watch him play, the past couple years Denver has been drafting pure athletes; Wroten foots the bill. Not to mention, Andre Miller’s contract is expiring.
21.Boston Celtics-Royce White-SF/PF-Iowa State
With the Big 3 (or what is left of it) aging and breaking down, the Celtics need playmakers for Rondo to dish to. Royce White is a point forward who loves to have the ball and can muscle his way to the basket. He doesn’t necessarily need to start right away with Jeff Green and Paul Pierce still in the lineup, which will allow White to figure out if he is a power forward or a small forward. He averaged 13.1 points per game 9.2 rebounds per game and 5.1 assists per game at Iowa State. This pick makes too much sense for the Celtics, especially if Lamb, Waiters and Rivers are all gone. 
22.Boston Celtics-Jared Sullinger-PF-Ohio State
Sullinger is by far the scariest player in the draft. I fear that the Celtics fall into this trap and end up selecting the injury prone question mark. Sullinger is 6’9 and plays too small to be a power forward but too slow to be a small forward. His play resembles Glen “Big Baby” Davis who the Celtics selected several years ago. I don’t think Sullinger will be in the league long between his back problems and his lack off skills but I could be wrong. Would have been a lottery pick a year ago, don’t be surprised if he slides to the second round.
23.Atlanta Hawks-Marquis Teague-PG-Kentucky
With all of the top big men off of the board the Hawks look to add depth to their back court. What better way of doing that is there than drafting your point guards little brother. Teague is only going in the first round via lack of PG play in the draft but he will add depth to the backcourt of the Hawks. Teague is speedy and has deceptively active hands on defense, could grow into a solid point guard.
24.Cleveland Cavaliers-Fab Melo-C-Syracuse
The Cleveland frontcourt is very thin and is filled with underperforming forwards. Anderson Varejao is potenatiallya 15 and 10 guy but they need to improve on defense. The controversial seven-footer out of Syracuse will help the Cavs right away. Fab Melo is a skilled shot blocker and would produce coming off of the bench.
25.Memphis Grizzlies-Evan Fournier-SG-France
O.J. Mayo is a free agent and Tony Allen is the offensive equivalent to a vocational high school player’s. Evan Fournier is a crafty shooting guard who can shoot the three ball consistently. Memphis is known for drafting foreign players and there is a risk they run with drafting a player that could possibly stay in France but they can’t pass up on the 6’7 shooting guard in my opinion.
26.Indiana Pacers-Will Barton-SG-Memphis
Will Barton is an athletic shooting guard who can score in a variety of ways. Averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds a game at Memphis, Barton would have a chance to take Paul George’s starting position. A lanky defender who can force turnovers is a great value this late in the first round.
27.Miami Heat-Festus Ezeli-C-Vanderbilt
The Miami heat are very old on the frontlines (Howard & Anthony) and have seen little growth in Dexter Pittman. The senior out of Vanderbilt makes perfect sense. Not only is the former Commodore a get defender but he does not need the ball on offense, allowing the big 3 to do their thing. Although this may not be a sexy pick for South Beach, it could be the right one.
28.Oklahoma City Thunder-Andrew Nicholson-PF-St. Bonaventure
Throughout the whole 2012 season the Thunder failed to get offense from big men. Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka averaged 12 points per game…combined. Andrew Nicholson opened eyes when the Bonnies made it to the NCAA tournament. Nicholson is a versatile power forward who can shoot as well as finish around the hoop. The 6’10 forward has a smooth shot and plays with his heart all game long.
29.Chicago Bulls-John Jenkins-SG-Vanderbilt
What the Bulls really need is a healthy Derrick Rose. Other than that, they could use a guy who can stretch the floor and knock down threes. Rip Hamilton didn’t produce like the Bulls had hoped and Ronnie Brewer is not an offensive player. John Jenkins is the best shooter in this years draft and is lethal if left open. The sharpshooter averaged close to four three-pointers a game while shooting 44%.
30.Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio)-Draymond Green-F-Michigan St.
Green is one of the best players in college basketball history and he will be one of the best pleasant surprises in the NBA. With a similar build to Paul Pierce, Green is a fantastic rebounded and has the basketball I.Q. of most NBA coaches. Green is a stat stuffer and is a the type of player that Golden State needs….mature. He is not fast but his footwork gets him in the perfect position to make plays, the Warriors need to bulk up, and no better player to draft at this spot than the 2012 Big 10 Player of the Year. 
Notable 2nd Round Picks
31.Charlotte Bobcats-Kim English-SG-Missouri
34.Cleveland Cavaliers-Doron Lamb–SG Kentucky
37.Toronto Raptors-Tyshawn Taylor-Combo Guard-Kansas
46.New Orleans Hornets-Scott Machado-PG-Iona (biggest steal of draft)
47.Utah Jazz-Robbie Hummel-SF -Purdue
1.New Orleans Hornets-
2.Charlotte Bobcats-
3.Washington Wizards-
4.Cleveland Cavaliers-
5.Sacramento Kings-
6.Portland Trailblazers-
7.Golden State Warriors-
8.Toronto Raptors-
9.Detroit Pistons-
12.Milwaukee Bucks-
13.Phoenix Suns-
14.Houston Rockets-
15.Philadelphia 76ers-
17.Dallas Mavericks-
19.Orlando Magic-
20.Denver Nuggets-
21.Boston Celtics-
23.Atlanta Hawks-
25.Memphis Grizzlies-
26.Indiana Pacers-
27.Miami Heat-
28.Oklahoma City Thunder-
29.Chicago Bulls-
31.Charlotte Bobcats-
Seattle Mariners– 
Los Angeles Angels– Mark Trumbo struggles to get implemented/ keep his spot in the lineup (1B, 3B, DH, OF). He won’t even hit 19 home runs and he won’t be able to keep his average above .240. On a positive note, Kendrys Morales will stay healthy for the most part and knock out 26 home runs while C.J. Wilson gets a team-high 24 wins.
Texas Rangers– Mike Napoli ends up getting moved, again, at the trade deadline. Neftali Feliz has an impressive 13-8 record as a starter. Joe Nathan gets hurt (not bold) and Alexei Ogando becomes the closer getting 33+ saves.
Oakland Athletics– Yoenis Cespedes scorches 37 doubles and leads the team with 22 home runs and 89 RBI. Pitcher, Brandon McCarthy, makes the All-Star team and finished the season with 14 wins and a 2.96 ERA with a sub-1 WHIP. Manny Ramirez also takes the DH spot from Jonny Gomes after serving his 50-game suspension and he hits 13 dingers.
Detroit Tigers– Alex Avila struggles on offense while the rest of the Tigers do not. Austin Jackson finally proves that the Tigers made the right choice in trading Curtis Granderson for him and company. Jackson steals 34 bases and hits a career-high .294.
Cleveland Indians– Josh Tomlin leads this team in wins with only 12. Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore miss over a combined 210 games. Ubaldo Jimenez still can’t find his groove in Cleveland.
Minnesota Twins– Bottom-dwellers of the AL Central and the league for that matter, which ends up being the worst division in the MLB. Mauer does play, and hits .318, but it doesn’t help the team. Ben Revere ends up taking Denard Span’s CF spot and steals 51 bases.
Kansas City Royals– Royals finish second in division with 88 wins. Eric Hosmer wins the AL MVP despite not making the playoffs. He bats: .330, 29 long-balls and 117 RBI. Mike Moustakas hits 26 home runs and Tim Collins makes the All-Star team as a setup man.
Chicago White Sox– Jake Peavy finally makes a comeback, dealing out a team-leading 14 wins. Matt Thornton finishes the season as the closer but not a good one and Konerko is the only player on the team to bat over .300.
Boston Red Sox (World Series Champs)– Mark Melancon was brought in to be a setup man but he ends up leading the club in saves (28). 
New York Yankees– Ivan Nova becomes the most consistent pitcher. Curtis “The Grandy Man” Granderson hits 
Toronto Blue Jays– 
Tampa Bay Rays– Ben Zobrist hits 24 home runs while snatching 26 bases and he will start games at 2B, 1B, LF, RF and DH. Desmond Jennings hits a shocking 26 HR and B.J. Upton gets traded to Houston.
Baltimore Orioles– Mark Reynolds moves to 1B, Brian Roberts comes back and Robert Andino plays most of the year at 3B. Jake Arietta wins only 9 games but has a 3.20 ERA. Adam Jones gets traded so Baltimore can stockpile on prospects… I don’t know why they want to though.
Arizona Diamondbacks (Lose in World Series)– Trevor Cahill shows he misses pitching at the Coliseum and gets rocked. Ian Kennedy doesn not have the same type of season as last year. 
San Francisco Giants– Freddy Sanchez hits only .263, no one on the team hits over 23 home runs and Lincecum has a 3.49 ERA. Brian Wilson is lights out this year but he will have no save opportunities, only gets 31 saves.
Colorado Rockies– Dexter Fowler becomes a superstar. Jamie Moyer gets 13 wins, Tulowitzki wins NL MVP and Jordan Pacheco hits 24 home runs from the hot corner. Helton and Giambi both announce they will retire at end of season, freeing up first base for 3B prospect Nolan Arenado who will move to 1B.
San Diego Padres– Carlos Quentin hits only 16 home runs. Cameron Maybin leads the team with 26 bombs and 38 steals. Edinson Volquez and Corey Luebke both tie with 15 wins but the Padres still struggle.
Los Angeles Dodgers– Dee Gordon hits well over .300 but Andre Ethier becomes the team’s MVP. Ethier his .328 and knocks in 108 runs while Kemp struggles to hit 25 home runs and doesn’t even reach 100 RBI. Kershaw wins Cy Young by a landslide.
Houston Astros– Jordan Lyles leads the team in wins with 13 and Jordan Schafer robs 23 bases. Unfortunately, a bunch of prospects get called up too early and end up having terrible numbers.
Chicago Cubs– Anthony Rizzo is a disappointment, hitting less than five home runs. Marmol gets traded along with Matt Garza (separate deals), leaving Jeff Samardzija to have the best season as a Cubs pitcher in 2012.
Cincinnati Reds– Aroldis Chapman eventually becomes the closer and strikes out over 100 as a reliever. Votto has a bad year after signing a monster contract, 20 HR and bats only .289. Chris Heisey leads the team as a platoon OF with 27 HR.
Milwaukee Brewers– Mat Gamel provides some pop with Prince Fielder gone. Braun has another 30/30 season, K-Rod gets traded and George Kottaras becomes everyday starting catcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates– McCutchen becomes elite, hitting 31 home runs and getting 34 steals, he earns the highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement). Erik Bedard doesn’t even start 21 games and James McDonald gets 197 K’s.
St. Louis Cardinals– Jon Jay has a breakout season and Wainwright gets 18 wins. David Freese loses his spot in the lineup and Matt Holliday only hits 18 homers. Jason Motte blows a bunch of saves and Fernando Salas takes over.
New York Mets– Jason Bay is back and hits 22 home runs. David Wright knocks 19 out of the park before getting traded to the Chi-Sox in exchange for Gavin Floyd and Alexei Ramirez.
Atlanta Braves– Michael Bourn hits an abysmal .268 but still steals 59 bases and scores 99 runs. Jason Heyward stays healthy all season and knocks out 38 home runs and wins the Home Run Derby.
Miami Marlins– Hanley Ramirez is runner-up for the NL MVP Award, hitting 33 home runs and knocking in 114. Ricky Nolasco rings up 132 batters and gets 16 wins. Miami Marlins win the division. Oh yeah, Giancarlo (formerly Mike) Stanton leads the MLB with home runs, dropping 48.
Philadelphia Phillies– As Chase Utley comes back, Jimmy Rollins gets hurt, leaving Freddy Galvis in the lineup and moving him back to his natural shortstop position. Hunter Pence is the unsung hero and hits a quiet 30 home runs.
Washington Nationals– 
Boston fans should soon forget this baseball with the Bruins season right around the corner and the Patriots being 2-1. It is never too early to start talking about next years Sox season though. This off season will be very interesting for Boston (as it is every year). Boston has some monstrous contracts but they also have expiring contracts coming up in the next 2 offseasons (Papelbon, Drew, Scutaro, Matsuzaka and Ortiz). Boston is also going to be looking for a new skipper. The only two options I see for the Sox would be Demarlo Hale and Tony La Russa. La Russa could be a gamble, it is unknown if he will pickup the option for a final season in St. Louis or he could possible end up becoming the Chicago Cubs manager. If Pujols ends up signing with the Cubs (seems like the only option for Pujols besides staying in STL) it is very possible that La Russa follows.
The Bo-Sox need a starting pitcher because some of our recent signings have been devastating. Clay Buchholz and Daisuke Matsuzaka cannot seem to stay healthy. Even when Matsuzaka is healthy he and Lackey has not been what we had expected them to be. It seems like it will be another one or two years before Pawtucket prospects Felix Doubront and Kyle Weiland will be able to be effective in the MLB. Potential starters for the Sox could be: Bruce Chen, Joel Pineiro who would both be cheap and short-term or they could go all out and try to sign C.J. Wilson. It looks like Wilson will be out of Texas after this season, there are only two teams that have already showed interest in him and those two teams are the Washington Nationals and the New York Yankees. Boston could jump into this free agent bidding process either because they want him because they want him, or to jack up his price and make the Yankees overpay him.
It seems that for the past two years set-up man Daniel Bard has been labeled the closer of the future for the Red Sox. He might have to re-earn that title because he was horrible in the later part of the season for the Red Sox. Bard posted a 2-9 record and had five blown saves. However, Bard did have 34 holds, but it seemed that when we needed him to come up big late in the season he would just walk batters that you can’t afford to walk and then he would give up crucial runs. Daniel Bard could be potential trade bait because he is: young, throws steam and he has shown that he can be effective in a big market but he needs to show that he has that “clutch” gene. The Red Sox could get a bunch of prospects if they choose to trade Bard and Reddick. Or they could trade Bard and a player like Drew to free up some money. Whether Bard is or is not on the Red Sox roster I firmly believe the Sox try very hard to bring in free agent Heath Bell. Bell has mentioned that he wants to go to a contender and the Sox should be just that next year; another year older, another year together and a whole lot to prove.
AlexFarnworth 