2012 Mock NBA Draft

Written by: Zach Hammer & Andrew McLean, The Reserve Clause

If you couldn't tell from Tuesday's piece, we love the NBA Draft here at The Reserve Clause. So it only makes sense to bust out our own mock draft, an annual practice in complete futility, but a good time nonetheless. While it may be impossible to attempt to predict which rumors were true and which were simple smokescreens, we even threw in a couple trade predictions.

In honor of the 2012 draft, and in an effort to keep this a quick read (okay, we're lazy), we're keep descriptions to 12 words or less. Here goes:

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky


Moving on...


2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Bobcats trade pick to high bidder, guessing Cleveland for #4 and #24


3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Barnes could be the choice, but getting Ariza changes priorities.


4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Charlotte moves down, still gets the scorer they need.


5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Could see them trading down, but if not, great pick here.


6. Portland Trailblazers: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber Stat

Small-school Lillard is a risk with a high ceiling.


7. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors): Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Rockets move up and get big man of the future.


8. Raptors: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

Colangelo pats himself on the back for doing nothing. Gets his guy.


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

Dumars gets a defensive big to pair with G-Money.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Austin Rivers, PG/SG, Duke

Rivers represents BPA and Gordon-to-Indiana insurance.


11. Portland Trailblazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

In desperate need of a C, Blazers get a solid one.


12. Golden State Warriors (via Houston Rockets): Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Paired with Curry, Lamb gives them scoring duo lost in Ellis trade.


13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington

Team with a lot of needs goes for the HR swing.

 14. Milwaukee Bucks: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

After losing Bogut, Bucks add a legit 7-footer.

 15. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

Brand's getting older and more injury-prone.

 16. Golden State Warriors (via Houston Rockets): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Great big to pair with Bogut, Warriors are team of the future.

 17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Kidd is FA and on his last legs. Also "Deron-stays" insurance.

18. Houston Rockets: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Morey loves advanced stats and they all say Nicholson is real deal.

 19. Orlando Magic: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s

A team with a lot of holes opts for a safe pick.


20. Denver Nuggets: Perry Jones, SF/PF, Baylor

With a loaded roster, Denver can afford to roll dice.


21. Boston Celtics: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

With 2 firsts, Boston takes chance on immense talent with injury concerns.


22.Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Someone needs to close the lane to LBJ and D-Wade.


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

Josh Smith on perpetual trade block and Royce can ball.


24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

Cavs continue rebuilding effort with intriguing wing player.


25. Memphis Grizzlies: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

An exciting young team gets backcourt help.

26. Indiana Pacers: Draymond Green, SF/PF, Michigan State

Day-Day could provide real minutes to this dangerous young team.


27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Heat need inside defensive presence more than anything.


28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

When you're this loaded, you take best prospect available.


29. Chicago Bulls: Tony Wroten, Jr., PG/SG, Washington

Bulls need guard help as D-Rose misses more games.

30. Golden St. Warriors: Furkan Aldemir, C, Turkey

Can't come over till 2014, Warriors sit and wait.


There you have it. Be sure to come back tomorrow to see how we did (i.e. make fun of us).