Early 2012 Mock Lottery

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Davis, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-10, 205)
Even with a likely top 2 pick in the 2011 draft, the Cavaliers still have one of the worst rosters in the league and are the favorite to have the worst record in the league next season. Anthony Davis has superstar potential, something a small market team just can't pass up.

2. Toronto Raptors: Michael Gilchrist, SF Kentucky Fr. (6-7, 220)
I'll be taking a look at Michael Gilchrist vs. Harrison Barnes later this week, but for a team like Toronto, who are historically bad on defense, Gilchrist lockdown defensive ability and rebound should appeal more than Barnes' shooting ability.

3. Washington Wizards: Harrison Barnes, SF North Carolina So. (6-7, 210)
The Wizards will be looking for players who can shoot and finish in transition to put around John Wall. Harrison Barnes can do all those things and is also the kind of high character leader the Wizards want.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (from Minnesota Timberwolves): Austin Rivers, SG Duke Fr. (6-4, 200)
The Clippers have this pick from the Marco Jaric trade disaster back in 2005. Despite have a talented young group of starters, the Clippers have an awful bench. Austin River can take the Randy Foye's spot off the bench.

5. Sacramento Kings: Perry Jones, PF Baylor So. (6-11, 235)
Perry Jones is more comfortable playing on the perimeter, which fits well with DeMarcus Cousins low-block game. Jones can also play minutes at the 3, a point of weakness for the Kings.

6. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio State So. (6-9, 260)
Jared Sullinger's lack of upside will likely cost him, but he's too good of a player to pass up, even if his fit next to Greg Monroe isn't perfect. Besides Monroe, the Piston's roster has no 4s or 5s on the roster worth keeping.

7. New Jersey Nets: Quincy Miller, PF Baylor Fr. (6-9, 210)
Quincy Miller is the perfect kind of player to put around Brook Lopez and Deron Williams because he's such a versatile scorer who can take pressure off them with his shot making ability, but can also hit open shots that Williams and Lopez can create off double teams.

8.Charlotte Bobcats: Bradley Beal, SG Florida Fr. (6-4, 200)
The Bobcats are one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the NBA and just struggle in general to score. Bradley Beal is a guy who can make offense look easy with his awesome 3 point stroke and ability to create offense in the half court.

9. Los Angeles Clippers: James McAdoo, PF North Carolina Fr. (6-8, 225)
The Clippers need to continue to address their bench issues. James McAdoo is skilled all around player who can do everything you want from a 3rd big man. He and Blake Griffin could easily make up the Clippers crunch time lineup as well.

10. Phoenix Suns: Marquis Teague, PG Kentucky Fr. (6-1, 180)
Steve Nash can't play forever and if the Suns think Aaron Brooks can be a starting point guard on a good team, they'll be disappointed. Marquis Teague's has very good point guard sklls but is also an explosive end-to-end player.

11. Utah Jazz (from Golden State Warriors): Patric Young, PF/C Florida So. (6-9, 235)
The Jazz got this pick from New Jersey in the Deron Williams trade. Despite having Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, and Derrick Favors, the Jazz could still use another strong defensive presence and rebounder in the paint. You can really never have too many.

12. Indiana Pacers: John Henson, PF North Carolina Jr. (6-10, 210)
The Pacers have had success drafting high motor, pesky players for their frontcourt. John Henson has his flaws, but he can be a game changer with his length.

13. Utah Jazz: LeBryan Nash, SF Oklahoma State Fr. (6-7, 230)
Another talented lottery pick for the Jazz. LeBryan Nash has elite athleticism and an NBA ready body, but he doesn't always play to his potential. If he did, he'd be the top pick in the draft. Plus, he's got a create-a-player name.

14. New Orleans Hornets: Myck Kabongo. PG Texas Fr. (6-1, 170)
It's crazy to think, but Chris Paul could easily be on his way out by the 2012 draft. If so, the Hornets will be looking for a replacement. Myck Kabongo isn't Chris Paul, but he's a pure point guard with a great athleticism and intangibles.