[Captain_CharismaParticipant]

 who do you all think it could be, it’s early. But if Barnes has another good year and UNC wins a title or final 4 run I think he would be the #1 pick. He’ll be more NBA ready and pollished. Tough call as it next years draft could be very loaded if all these guys come out. I think there will be like 2-4 guys that could be battling for the #1 pick and it could come down to what team gets the pick and what their need(s) is/are. For instance if Minnesota gets the pick they will go for a SG or C.  thoughts?

[boshjonesfordParticipant]

it all depends on who gets the pick but i would Harrison Barnes (seems like a leader type with talent) 

[boshjonesfordParticipant]

it all depends on who gets the pick but i would Harrison Barnes (seems like a leader type with talent) 

[boshjonesfordParticipant]

it all depends on who gets the pick but i would Harrison Barnes (seems like a leader type with talent) 

[boshjonesfordParticipant]

it all depends on who gets the pick but i would Harrison Barnes (seems like a leader type with talent) 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

Barnes or Drummond if they allow him to enter….

[GrandmamaParticipant]

Barnes or Drummond if they allow him to enter….

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Drummond will be the #1 pick if he declares, but if he doesn’t, it’s fully up for grabs.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Drummond will be the #1 pick if he declares, but if he doesn’t, it’s fully up for grabs.

[xavier328Participant]

Quincy Miller

[xavier328Participant]

Quincy Miller

[The White MambaParticipant]

dont count out Perry Jones. He could put it all together at baylor next year.

[The White MambaParticipant]

dont count out Perry Jones. He could put it all together at baylor next year.

[Michael.S.Participant]

Perry Jones or Austin Rivers are the only guys I am totally sold on. Gilchrist, Drummond, and Barnes are very good with great potential but Jones and Rivers could not only very good players in the NBA today, but could still grow so much. I think Gilchrist is in for a big shock when the competiton gets tougher, and more athletic. Drummond has immense potential but he is extremely raw and I am not sold on his attitude. And lastly, Barnes I just feel isn’t worthy of a 1st pick, top 5? Sure. At  1 he just isn’t that franchise savior that others in this draft could be. He will be a solid player.

[Michael.S.Participant]

Perry Jones or Austin Rivers are the only guys I am totally sold on. Gilchrist, Drummond, and Barnes are very good with great potential but Jones and Rivers could not only very good players in the NBA today, but could still grow so much. I think Gilchrist is in for a big shock when the competiton gets tougher, and more athletic. Drummond has immense potential but he is extremely raw and I am not sold on his attitude. And lastly, Barnes I just feel isn’t worthy of a 1st pick, top 5? Sure. At  1 he just isn’t that franchise savior that others in this draft could be. He will be a solid player.

[the I in winParticipant]

Both of the Baylor boys have the potential to be great.  I’m going with Jared Sullinger, will be in better shape next season and already dominated when he was a bit "thick".

[the I in winParticipant]

Both of the Baylor boys have the potential to be great.  I’m going with Jared Sullinger, will be in better shape next season and already dominated when he was a bit "thick".

[TimbosliceParticipant]

Anthony Davis?

[TimbosliceParticipant]

Anthony Davis?

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Yeah Davis has a good shot but he’s soooooo skinny. I know Durant has disproved that shortcoming but he doesn’t bang in the post. I’d take Drummond for sure, unless Dwight Howard is on my team, that’s it

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Yeah Davis has a good shot but he’s soooooo skinny. I know Durant has disproved that shortcoming but he doesn’t bang in the post. I’d take Drummond for sure, unless Dwight Howard is on my team, that’s it

[TyroberParticipant]

The top of the draft is so loaded next year

[TyroberParticipant]

The top of the draft is so loaded next year

[GrandfiNalley101Participant]

Harrison Barnes does have that take over ability to his game. I think it was very mature of him to go back to school. He is a natural scorer, competitor, and just seems like he wants to be the best. Sullinger seems the same but know way he goes 1st. Anthony Davis could be the guy he seems to have that high ceiling that you would see from the 1st overall pick as does Perry Jones. Not a Carolina fan but Barnes would be my pick today. 

[GrandfiNalley101Participant]

Harrison Barnes does have that take over ability to his game. I think it was very mature of him to go back to school. He is a natural scorer, competitor, and just seems like he wants to be the best. Sullinger seems the same but know way he goes 1st. Anthony Davis could be the guy he seems to have that high ceiling that you would see from the 1st overall pick as does Perry Jones. Not a Carolina fan but Barnes would be my pick today. 

[aamir543Participant]

Just a thought, if there is a lockout, and then a collective bargaining agreement is agreed upon in May, the Clips would have the top two picks in a loaded draft! If they got Anthony Davis, and Barnes, that frontline is absolutly STACKED! Plus you have a 20 ppg guy in Eric Gordon, plus a former all star that can still get it done in Mo Williams. That team would be one to watch out for, and plus you would have Bledsoe, Aminu(if they pan out) Chris Kaman(hopfully to a more modest contract) and De Andre Jordan. I bet you Blake wishes he was the president of the players union. 

And if they allow Drumond to enter, wow. Donald sterling’s quest to ruin the Clips would be ruined.

[aamir543Participant]

Just a thought, if there is a lockout, and then a collective bargaining agreement is agreed upon in May, the Clips would have the top two picks in a loaded draft! If they got Anthony Davis, and Barnes, that frontline is absolutly STACKED! Plus you have a 20 ppg guy in Eric Gordon, plus a former all star that can still get it done in Mo Williams. That team would be one to watch out for, and plus you would have Bledsoe, Aminu(if they pan out) Chris Kaman(hopfully to a more modest contract) and De Andre Jordan. I bet you Blake wishes he was the president of the players union. 

And if they allow Drumond to enter, wow. Donald sterling’s quest to ruin the Clips would be ruined.

[JBrace19Participant]

Call me crazy if you want, but i could see Jeremy Lamb going #1 if he polishes his offensive game, improves ball handling and bulks up a bit. He is a great defender with long arms, and not too bad of a rebounder. Otherwise Barnes or Drummond.

[JBrace19Participant]

Call me crazy if you want, but i could see Jeremy Lamb going #1 if he polishes his offensive game, improves ball handling and bulks up a bit. He is a great defender with long arms, and not too bad of a rebounder. Otherwise Barnes or Drummond.

[r377Participant]

It could really be anyone.  After last years draft who would of thought Derrick Williams and Irving would of gone no1 and no 2 this year…..

thats half the fun of it 🙂

[r377Participant]

It could really be anyone.  After last years draft who would of thought Derrick Williams and Irving would of gone no1 and no 2 this year…..

thats half the fun of it 🙂

[JordanC20Participant]

Kabongo or McAdoo

[JordanC20Participant]

Kabongo or McAdoo

[vcelts123Participant]

 Can’t say for sure. Right now theres at least 5 guys who could all be number 1. time will tell. But for one thing, it will be a good draft.

[vcelts123Participant]

 Can’t say for sure. Right now theres at least 5 guys who could all be number 1. time will tell. But for one thing, it will be a good draft.

[Ghost01Participant]

 Instead of throwing out random names (Drummond would clearly go number one? really? are you kidding?) im going to answer objectively. 

As it stands right now, i would say the following 3 have the best chance, in order of likliness:

1. Anthony Davis. Im not a HUGE fan of this guy. But it seems to me like many believe that if he lives up to the hype he will be the number one pick. Lets not forget Harrison Barnes was in this same situation last year, was a major disapointment for the first half of the season, and still would have went top 3 had he entered the draft.

2. Harrison Barnes. Barnes basically has another shot at realizing all the hype and going number 1. I think hes undoubtably a solid NBA player, but Im not positive hes a star. He does alot of things goood, but I would love to see him show up this year as an absolutely lights out shooter, to really up his stock

3. Austin Rivers. For reasons unknown to me, this guys "stock" has been dropping alot lately. Hes now going 9-10 which is foolish to me. Obviously with these guys they have to step on the court first, but hes going to a team where hes going to be the most talented player without a doubt, they are expected to be a top 10 team, and just on how much Duke is on TV, and how much he is going to be the whole show for Duke, i dont see how this guy isnt going to be in the conversation. I think hes going to have a monster year scoring the basketball, and if that does happen, whats exactly going to be knock on him? 

[Ghost01Participant]

 Instead of throwing out random names (Drummond would clearly go number one? really? are you kidding?) im going to answer objectively. 

As it stands right now, i would say the following 3 have the best chance, in order of likliness:

1. Anthony Davis. Im not a HUGE fan of this guy. But it seems to me like many believe that if he lives up to the hype he will be the number one pick. Lets not forget Harrison Barnes was in this same situation last year, was a major disapointment for the first half of the season, and still would have went top 3 had he entered the draft.

2. Harrison Barnes. Barnes basically has another shot at realizing all the hype and going number 1. I think hes undoubtably a solid NBA player, but Im not positive hes a star. He does alot of things goood, but I would love to see him show up this year as an absolutely lights out shooter, to really up his stock

3. Austin Rivers. For reasons unknown to me, this guys "stock" has been dropping alot lately. Hes now going 9-10 which is foolish to me. Obviously with these guys they have to step on the court first, but hes going to a team where hes going to be the most talented player without a doubt, they are expected to be a top 10 team, and just on how much Duke is on TV, and how much he is going to be the whole show for Duke, i dont see how this guy isnt going to be in the conversation. I think hes going to have a monster year scoring the basketball, and if that does happen, whats exactly going to be knock on him? 

[lalailaParticipant]

wow i really see you guys little hating or just afraid to be the fans of Anthony Davis

he is early #1 on DX ESPN and even out there!

he is only 18 but he already has only two weaknesses strength and back to the basket moves(who i guarantee will be his strength in long term) he was like 6’9 187 last summer now he is 6’10 209 i believe by the time of 2012draft he will be around 6’11 220 7’5arms good athletically and really nice shot touch and handles for a guy this size..

 

also both Baylor guys are like a sleepers because of their upside and im a really big fan of Mike Gilchrist

and lastly there is no doubt Harrison is in the run too

but at this point i’m going on huge potential and already nice game in Anthony 

[lalailaParticipant]

wow i really see you guys little hating or just afraid to be the fans of Anthony Davis

he is early #1 on DX ESPN and even out there!

he is only 18 but he already has only two weaknesses strength and back to the basket moves(who i guarantee will be his strength in long term) he was like 6’9 187 last summer now he is 6’10 209 i believe by the time of 2012draft he will be around 6’11 220 7’5arms good athletically and really nice shot touch and handles for a guy this size..

 

also both Baylor guys are like a sleepers because of their upside and im a really big fan of Mike Gilchrist

and lastly there is no doubt Harrison is in the run too

but at this point i’m going on huge potential and already nice game in Anthony 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

It looks like Anthony Davis has the inside track. His athleticism for his size is major, and even with him being incredibly skinny, he plays with a lot of heart and shows potential as a very solid low post defender. His instincts as a shot blocker and rebounder are incredibly rare, and he runs like a gazelle. He might not be the odds on favorite for Rookie of the Year, but he could indeed be the best long term prospect, and that is what you usually try too shoot for with the first pick in the draft. I believe he will cause major match-up problems in the future.

His best competition:

1. Harrison Barnes: He absolutely looked like a potential star coming out of HS, and he probably would have gone first, and would more than likely not have slipped past 3 in this years draft. Still, he has a questionable handle and has not exactly shown an uncanny ability to create his own offense. He shows potential for being a fantastic mid-range shooter, and his athleticism is top notch, but I just do not think he has the same next level potential as Davis. I expect him to improve his numbers over those from his freshman year, but I think it will be difficult for him to leap frog Davis.

2. Quincy Miller: He is also a very unique talent, and I think his scoring ability is top notch. It will be interesting to see how he returns from injury, but his talent is undeniable and I have a feeling had he been healthy, he might have been the darling poster boy of the All-Star season. He might even be a better NBA prospect than Harrison Barnes, and I think he is probably not only longer, but a better athlete. Will be one too watch and a sleeper to emerge as Davis’ closest comp for the top pick.

3. Jared Sullinger: It is tough to see Sully being the top pick in the draft, even though at times it looked like he might have had an outside shot at said distinction in this years draft. He is the most NBA ready of any player in this years or next years draft in my mind, and he has size and a skill set that should lead to him being an immediate contributor. Of course, with his huge frame, conditioning could indeed be a concern, and his athleticism will never be elite. The guy will grab boards like nobodies business, but he should probably trim down a la Kevin Love, or injuries could become a concern, along with the defensive liability that comes from carrying that extra weight thus effecting ones lateral quickness.

4. Perry Jones III: I never saw the Kevin Durant or Tracy McGrady comparisons as being valid, but he is most definitely a rare athletic specimen with a nicely developed skill set. He has a lot of potential as a face-up 4, but his outside shooting is incredibly questionable, and you would like to see someone with his size develop a back-to-the basket game. He can run like a deer as well, and I saw the impressive things he could do coast-to-coast at times last year, but he seems to be lacking a killer instinct that saw him float through periods where you wondered what he was doing on the floor. I think he is definitely a next level 4 man, and if he puts that together and starts acting like one, than he could have more upside than anyone in 2012. People talk about his motor, and maybe that is the case. Could it be conditioning? The guy seems like he is in immaculate shape, but odds are that he gets tired during stretches of the game. Nonetheless, if he puts it together, watch out, but I would not bet on that for at least a while.

5. Austin Rivers: Is there anyone expected to make a bigger impact as a freshman? Duke loses two huge pieces, and of course their star PG they only had for 11 games. This leads to the question, how are the Blue Devils going to get buckets? I have a feeling that Rivers will have the green light from jump-go and that the team will be centered around him as the main source of offense. Yes, they have returning role guys in Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry, but neither is close to Rivers in their ability to create their own offense. Rivers should indeed become a focal point of one of the nations highest profile teams, and will more than likely be the favorite for most first year awards in college basketball. He has a very nice handle, has the ability to penetrate and get to the line, but the major issue with him could be a lack of a true NBA position. For those who believe he is a PG, they are probably dreaming. He is as much of a PG as Tyreke Evans, which is too say, he is not ideal at the position and would be better as a wing. Austin is programmed to score, and should probably be able to do so at a nice rate, even at the next level. Still, questions will arise about his defensive capabilities and whether he has the strength and speed to keep up with elite guards. He should be a one and done type player, more than likely a lottery pick, but I think it will be difficult to see him over taking the names in front of him on this list.

Other Possible Lottery picks:

• Mike Gilchrist (Advanced defender, immaculately conditioned and very aggressive. Major issues could be a lack of offensive polish and a shaky mid-range game)
• James McAdoo (Very polished offensively, high basketball IQ and a nice positional rebounder. Potential lack of size and need to add weight, as it appears he is most fit for playing the 4 at the next level. Also, potentially stuck behind two more polished veterans at the same position, which could lead him too come back for his sophomore year?)
• Terrence Jones (Everyone’s favorite UK freshman at the beginning of 2010, had holes in his game that were exposed later in the year. He is a very well built combo forward, who needs to work on his shot selection and show more of a consistent defensive effort)
• Bradley Beal (Immaculate jump shooter with an ability to put the ball on the floor at times. Has a chance to be an Eric Gordon type scorer, though it is possible he has even less size than EG. Plus, with a loaded Florida backcourt, he again might wait a year to have a more prominent role in the offense.)
• Marquis Teague (Incredibly speedy with the ball, he will have his choice of targets at Kentucky. Should pile up assists, but he will more than likely not be the offensive weapon of Cal’s past few PG’s. I think Marquis could possibly break the recent streak of one and done Calipari PG’s, and possibly stay another year splitting the backcourt with Ryan Harrow)
• Myck Kabongo (Texas could be a team that struggles mightily, but I have a feeling Kabongo is the guy that is hit with the task of keeping them above water. He should have a green light to shoot and have the ball in his hands a ton. This will probably make him a very attractive NBA prospect, as he has fantastic speed and seems to have the makings of a floor general. Myck might be the first PG off the board next year, in a draft that looks to have very few of high regard.)

Also, if Andre Drummond is somehow eligible, I believe he will more than likely be the first pick in the draft. Call him whatever you want, question his motor, but once he grows into his body and gets NBA conditioning, watch out. He is bigger than Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire at similar stages, and probably close to being as athletic. Big men take a longer time to develop, and I do not think a team will pass up on the chance to have a potential anchor at the 5 spot.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

It looks like Anthony Davis has the inside track. His athleticism for his size is major, and even with him being incredibly skinny, he plays with a lot of heart and shows potential as a very solid low post defender. His instincts as a shot blocker and rebounder are incredibly rare, and he runs like a gazelle. He might not be the odds on favorite for Rookie of the Year, but he could indeed be the best long term prospect, and that is what you usually try too shoot for with the first pick in the draft. I believe he will cause major match-up problems in the future.

His best competition:

1. Harrison Barnes: He absolutely looked like a potential star coming out of HS, and he probably would have gone first, and would more than likely not have slipped past 3 in this years draft. Still, he has a questionable handle and has not exactly shown an uncanny ability to create his own offense. He shows potential for being a fantastic mid-range shooter, and his athleticism is top notch, but I just do not think he has the same next level potential as Davis. I expect him to improve his numbers over those from his freshman year, but I think it will be difficult for him to leap frog Davis.

2. Quincy Miller: He is also a very unique talent, and I think his scoring ability is top notch. It will be interesting to see how he returns from injury, but his talent is undeniable and I have a feeling had he been healthy, he might have been the darling poster boy of the All-Star season. He might even be a better NBA prospect than Harrison Barnes, and I think he is probably not only longer, but a better athlete. Will be one too watch and a sleeper to emerge as Davis’ closest comp for the top pick.

3. Jared Sullinger: It is tough to see Sully being the top pick in the draft, even though at times it looked like he might have had an outside shot at said distinction in this years draft. He is the most NBA ready of any player in this years or next years draft in my mind, and he has size and a skill set that should lead to him being an immediate contributor. Of course, with his huge frame, conditioning could indeed be a concern, and his athleticism will never be elite. The guy will grab boards like nobodies business, but he should probably trim down a la Kevin Love, or injuries could become a concern, along with the defensive liability that comes from carrying that extra weight thus effecting ones lateral quickness.

4. Perry Jones III: I never saw the Kevin Durant or Tracy McGrady comparisons as being valid, but he is most definitely a rare athletic specimen with a nicely developed skill set. He has a lot of potential as a face-up 4, but his outside shooting is incredibly questionable, and you would like to see someone with his size develop a back-to-the basket game. He can run like a deer as well, and I saw the impressive things he could do coast-to-coast at times last year, but he seems to be lacking a killer instinct that saw him float through periods where you wondered what he was doing on the floor. I think he is definitely a next level 4 man, and if he puts that together and starts acting like one, than he could have more upside than anyone in 2012. People talk about his motor, and maybe that is the case. Could it be conditioning? The guy seems like he is in immaculate shape, but odds are that he gets tired during stretches of the game. Nonetheless, if he puts it together, watch out, but I would not bet on that for at least a while.

5. Austin Rivers: Is there anyone expected to make a bigger impact as a freshman? Duke loses two huge pieces, and of course their star PG they only had for 11 games. This leads to the question, how are the Blue Devils going to get buckets? I have a feeling that Rivers will have the green light from jump-go and that the team will be centered around him as the main source of offense. Yes, they have returning role guys in Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry, but neither is close to Rivers in their ability to create their own offense. Rivers should indeed become a focal point of one of the nations highest profile teams, and will more than likely be the favorite for most first year awards in college basketball. He has a very nice handle, has the ability to penetrate and get to the line, but the major issue with him could be a lack of a true NBA position. For those who believe he is a PG, they are probably dreaming. He is as much of a PG as Tyreke Evans, which is too say, he is not ideal at the position and would be better as a wing. Austin is programmed to score, and should probably be able to do so at a nice rate, even at the next level. Still, questions will arise about his defensive capabilities and whether he has the strength and speed to keep up with elite guards. He should be a one and done type player, more than likely a lottery pick, but I think it will be difficult to see him over taking the names in front of him on this list.

Other Possible Lottery picks:

• Mike Gilchrist (Advanced defender, immaculately conditioned and very aggressive. Major issues could be a lack of offensive polish and a shaky mid-range game)
• James McAdoo (Very polished offensively, high basketball IQ and a nice positional rebounder. Potential lack of size and need to add weight, as it appears he is most fit for playing the 4 at the next level. Also, potentially stuck behind two more polished veterans at the same position, which could lead him too come back for his sophomore year?)
• Terrence Jones (Everyone’s favorite UK freshman at the beginning of 2010, had holes in his game that were exposed later in the year. He is a very well built combo forward, who needs to work on his shot selection and show more of a consistent defensive effort)
• Bradley Beal (Immaculate jump shooter with an ability to put the ball on the floor at times. Has a chance to be an Eric Gordon type scorer, though it is possible he has even less size than EG. Plus, with a loaded Florida backcourt, he again might wait a year to have a more prominent role in the offense.)
• Marquis Teague (Incredibly speedy with the ball, he will have his choice of targets at Kentucky. Should pile up assists, but he will more than likely not be the offensive weapon of Cal’s past few PG’s. I think Marquis could possibly break the recent streak of one and done Calipari PG’s, and possibly stay another year splitting the backcourt with Ryan Harrow)
• Myck Kabongo (Texas could be a team that struggles mightily, but I have a feeling Kabongo is the guy that is hit with the task of keeping them above water. He should have a green light to shoot and have the ball in his hands a ton. This will probably make him a very attractive NBA prospect, as he has fantastic speed and seems to have the makings of a floor general. Myck might be the first PG off the board next year, in a draft that looks to have very few of high regard.)

Also, if Andre Drummond is somehow eligible, I believe he will more than likely be the first pick in the draft. Call him whatever you want, question his motor, but once he grows into his body and gets NBA conditioning, watch out. He is bigger than Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire at similar stages, and probably close to being as athletic. Big men take a longer time to develop, and I do not think a team will pass up on the chance to have a potential anchor at the 5 spot.

[aamir543Participant]

@Jbrace19, bookmark this thread. Lamb going number 1 may be a bit of a stretch, but if he can dominate next season, I can see him going after Sullenger, Barnes, Davis, and Perry Jones. This year I think he would have been top 15.

[aamir543Participant]

@Jbrace19, bookmark this thread. Lamb going number 1 may be a bit of a stretch, but if he can dominate next season, I can see him going after Sullenger, Barnes, Davis, and Perry Jones. This year I think he would have been top 15.

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