Draft night was mostly about Anthony Davis picked as number one, but it turned out to be quite a celebration for the Kentucky Wildcats, as he was joined by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in going 1-2 from the same school and all together 4 players in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft, which surprisingly had no trades in the top 10.
Number 1 – Anthony Davis PF/C, from Kentucky to the New Orleans Hornets
One year of basketball for the youngster out of Chicago was enough to show the NBA he’s the best teenager in the nation, averaging 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game. More importantly, he led the Kentucky Wildcats to a national title, while picking up player of the year awards every where he went. There doesn’t seem to be a person not convinced that this kid is the real deal, although it might take him some time to become an offensive juggernaut.
Number 2 – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, from Kentucky to the Charlotte Bobcats
Another part of John Calipari’s one-and-done recipe for success, Gilchrist was bouncing all over the mock boards, with a lot of people saying they love him for the things that don’t show up on the stat sheets, which usually means that there’s a chance he’ll be a bust. Like Davis, he’s more known for his defense and athleticism, averaging 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in college.
Number 3 – Bradley Beal from Florida to the Washington Wizards
Seemed to be a popular choice for number 2 in the 2012 NBA draft, but it’s probably more about team needs and desires than taking the best overall talent. He just might be the best offensive talent in the Draft, averaging 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Gators in his only collegiate season.
Number 4 – Dion Waiters, From Syracuse to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Surprised many people by going in the top 5, and is the highest non-freshman selection in the draft. Waiters really improved his game in 2011-2012, jumping to 12.6 points per game, and has probably fallen into the best team possible for him, just as Anthony Parker was retiring.
Number 5 – Thomas Robinson from Kansas to the Sacramento Kings
In my opinion, besides Davis, the Kings landed with the best and NBA ready player in the draft. The 6’10 powerhouse averaged 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds during his Junior year with the Jayhawks, and I project he’ll be a force to be reckoned with very quickly in the NBA, although he does need to add a few post moves to his repertoire.
Number 6 – Damian Lillard (Weber State), PG, to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Number 7 – Harrison Barnes (North Carolina), SF, to the Golden State Warriors.
Number 8 – Terrence Ross (Washington), SG, to the Toronto Raptors.
Number 9 – Andre Drummond (Uconn), C, to the Detroit Pistons.
Number 10 – Austin Rivers (Duke), PG, to the New Orleans Hornets.
Number 11 – Meyers Leonard (Illinois), C, to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Number 12 – Jeremy Lamb (Uconn), SG, to the Houston Rockets.
Number 13 – Kendall Marshall (North Carolina), PG, to the Phoenix Suns.
Number 14 – John Henston (North Carolina), PF, to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Number 15 – Maurice Harkless (St. John’s), SF, to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Number 16 – Royce White (Iowa State), PF, to the Houston Rockets.
Number 17 – Tyler Zeller (North Carolina), C, to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the Dallas Mavericks picked him.
Number 18 – Terrence Jones (Kentucky), PF, to the Houston Rockets.
Number 19 – Andrew Nicholson (St. Bonaventure), PF, to the Orlando Magic.
Number 20 – Evan Fournier (France), SG, to the Denver Nuggets.
Number 21 – Jared Sullinger (Ohio State), PF, to the Boston Celtics.
Number 22 – Fab Melo (Syracuse), C, to the Boston Celtics.
Number 23 – John Jenkins (Vanderbilt), SG, to the Atlanta Hawks.
Number 24 – Jared Cunningham (Oregon State), SG, to the Dallas Mavericks after a trade.
Number 25 – Tony Wroten (Washington), PG, to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Number 26 – Miles Plumlee (Duke), PF, to the Indiana Pacers.
Number 27 – Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State), PF, to the Philadelphia 76ers after a trade.
Number 28 – Perry Jones III (Baylor), PF, to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Number 29 – Marquis Teague (Kentucky), PG, to the Chicago Bulls.
Number 30 – Festus Ezeli (Vanderbilt), C, to the Golden State Warriors.