2012 NBA Draft Review and Analysis

2012 NBA Draft Review and Analysis

Picture 1: Likely lottery draft picks prior to the draft.

Last night (06-28-12) at 7:30PM, the 2012 NBA Draft began with a chorus of boos for NBA commissioner David Stern. The commissioner seemed to drink it in and even egg on the crowd by mentioning the widely unpopular NBA Champion Miami Heat and pulling a Hulk Hogan-esque-hand-to-the-ear-I-can't-hear-you-power-move. I loved it. The draft started with the obvious but has some very interesting moves to review:

1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis

This pick was obvious. It has been discussed on sports radio, ESPN, newspapers, blogs and everywhere else; so, to be certain, there's little I can add here other than sending my kudos to the Hornets for not getting tricky and making the right move.

2. Charlotte Bobcats - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

As a UMass Amherst alum, I've got to note that seeing the proud John Calipari made me a little sick.  I mean, I don't hold anything against Kentucky or the players, but Calipari up and left UMass when Marcus Camby got caught accepting some sort of benefits for being a start basketball player and our college program is JUST starting to claw it's way back into recognition after being blacklisted. Calipari just peaced out like he had nothing to do with it except he should have been the ultimate authority figure sniffing this stuff out. 

Back to the point, I have no problem with this pick. He looks like he could be a good player, but I think I would have tried to trade out of this slot if I were Charlotte and I needed as many offensive pieces as they do. Speaking of which, Kidd-Gilchrist is more of a defensive player.

3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal

I'm not high on this kid. But, for a bad a team, the Wizards aren't in the worst situation. They already have a budding young star in John Wall. If Bradley Beal works out, they could have a young, athletic, and big time scoring potential core.

4.Cleveland Cavaliers - Dion Waiters

According to some, Waiters is the 'most NBA ready player' in the draft. I read that as 'the Cavs and their fans are so distraught that Lebron left them and won a 'ship that they need a young, new player to look up to.' I don't blame them - it looks like Lebron is poised to collect some rings. Another thing worth noting: Cleveland traded up three picks, 24, 32 and 33, to receive the number 4 pick. Cleveland is in rebuilding mode. Is this one player really that sure of a thing?

5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson

I love this pick. Robinson has a lot of 'potential' but more importantly he's got real character. He's a man. The look in his face said to me "I'm thankful to be here, I'm going to work as hard as I can to provide for my Father and Sister." Also, the guy has a NBA read body. He's huge. Big and strong guys typically do well in the NBA if they know how to throw their weight around. Tyreke Evans might finally have something to smile about.

6. Portland Trailblazers - Damian Lillard

Apparently this guys moneyball stats are off the chart. Thanks Chris Broussard. Portland traded away Gerrald Wallace, Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a pick to get this guy; so, they are both really high on him and trying to rebuild.

7.Golden State Warriors - Harrison Barnes

I like this kid. He can shoot. I think he's be effective right away and be one of the names you get used to hearing real quick. I project him to be a second tier type.

8. Toronto Raptors - Terrence Ross

Nice bow tie, bro.

9. Detroit Pistons - Andre Drummond

I love the tears. It gets me (YOU MADE IT BUDDY!). This guy fits the Pistons. Once he finishes crying he could be another one of the big, physical, mean guys in the paint.

10. New Orleans Hornets - Austin Rivers

Talk about hitting it big in the draft. A+ pick. They may have picked the two best players in the draft in Davis and Rivers. I'm a Celtics fan so I'm going to be naturally high on anyone with the last name Rivers.

11. Portland Trailblazers - Myers Leonard

OK, they finally admitted it. Greg Oden isn't going to pan out. Let's just hope this Myers Leonard fellah has good knees.

12. Houston Rocks - Jeremy Lamb

Houston receives this pick from the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the 32098320983 picks Houston had in thie draft to revamp roster.

13. Phoenix Suns - Kendall Marshall

14. Milwaukee Bucks - John Henson

15. Philadelphia 76ers - Maurice Harkless

He's was a freshman. I'm willing to bet you'll forget his name for a year while he develops and then he'll work his way into being a really effective NBA starter.

16. Houston Rockets - Royce Whits

UGHHHHH FFFUUUU-.... I hate you Houston. This was my guy. Does Kevin McHale hate Danny Ainge or something. Can we trade for him. Ugh. He's probably terrible anyhow.

17. Dallas Mavericks - Tyler Zeller

This pick was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's hilarious because this kid just LOOKS like he doesn't haven't a shot in the NBA; THEREFORE, he's a perfect fit in Cleveland (awwwww... that joke makes us all a little sad).

18. Houston Rockets - Terrence Jones

OK! OK! We get it! You're going to be awesome in 2 or 3 years. Give it a rest already. Jerks..... Can we PLEASE have Royce White?

19. Orlando Magic - Andrew Nicholson

Damn. That's my other guy. This kid has got some moves all over the court. For a big guy, he's going to Garnett-esque. He needs to bulk up, though.

20. Denver Nuggets - Evan Fournier

21. Boston Celtics - Jared Sullinger

Cue media outburst. I like this pick. I really hope he lives up to his potential and doesn't end up being the youngest old/injured guy on our team.

22. Boston Celtics - Fab Melo

Listen: this guy just has a name MADE to be successful. (Someone start printing the Melo is Fab-ulous shirts). He's 7 feet. He might have Garnett teaching him. And, he's got relatively young legs because he's new to basketball. We'll see what happens.

23. Atlanta Hawks - John Jenkins

Perimeter shooter, probably. But definitely the overpaid Hawks player of the future.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jared Cunningham

This pick goes to Dallas in a trade

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Wroten Jr. 

Decent value pick down this far.

26. Indiana Pacers - Miles Plumlee

27. Miami Heat - Arnett Moultrie

Traded to the 76ers. Hey, the 76ers could be building a really great team for the future. They're pretty much right where the Celtics want to be. Competitive, in the playoffs, young, athletic and set up for years to come.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Perry Jones III

Falling down this far in the draft he's a steal and a value pick for the Thunder. Heck, they're already set and they just made the Finals, might as well swing for the fences with this guy.

29. Chicago Bills - Marquis Teague

30. Golden State Warrios - Festus Ezeli

I refuse to believe a guy name Festus Ezeli is going to end up a dominant player in the NBA. I suppose stranger things have happened.

With free agency and the trade date approaching, it's going to be an interesting off season.