After Anthony Davis goes to New Orleans with the No. 1 pick, almost anything can happen as there are anywhere between six and 10 teams talking trade right now. If any deals go down in the early hours on Thursday, I will continue to update how it effects each and every team in the first round.

With that being said, let’s dive right into it as the New Orleans Hornets are now on the clock.

Apr 2, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net after the finals of the 2012 NCAA men

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

New Orleans lands the player who can make the biggest immediate impact in Davis. With his defensive ability, Davis is projected as a future All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year.

He’s a guard in a 6’11″ power forward’s body, and while he needs to add muscle, Davis will be very good at both ends of the floor.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Kansas 

Robinson is NBA-ready after a season in which he averaged 17.7 points per game and was second in the nation with 463 rebounds (11.9 per game).

Charlotte could trade this pick, but if they stay here, the Bobcats need to go with the guy who can help on the glass as well as score.

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida            

With the trade that brought them Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor, the Wizards likely don’t need to draft Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, as they just added a pair of solid defensive players.

They now have a hole at the 2 and are in need of a lights-out shooter. Beal fits that bill, and a John Wall-Beal backcourt looks nice for the future.

Don’t be surprised if someone moves up to No. 2, though, to take Beal away from Washington, which could in turn cause them to field offers for this pick.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Ideally, the Cavs would probably like to move up to No. 2 to select Beal, but if they don’t, then the choice is between Barnes and Kentucky’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Both would be a great fit, but the Cavs need a go-to scorer to pair with Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, and Barnes could one day be a 20-point-per-game scorer in the NBA.

5. Sacramento Kings: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

MKG is a gift here for the Kings should they keep the pick.

Sacramento has a ton of guys who like to shoot the ball, but Kidd-Gilchrist can impact the game without ever needing to touch it. His tenacity on defense will earn him immediate minutes and help fix a Kings defense that allowed an NBA-worst 104.4 points per game.

He’s also a high-character player who will add toughness and a winning attitude to the locker room, something else Sacramento needs badly.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Damian Lillard, Weber State

Mar 7, 2012; Missoula, MT, USA; Weber State Wildcats guard Damian Lillard (1) attempts a free throw against the Montana Grizzlies during the first half of the finals of the 2012 Big Sky Tournament at Adams Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

The Blazers need a point guard and a big man, and while Andre Drummond is an option, I love Lillard here for them.

He adds the dynamic backcourt scorer (24.5 PPG) that the Blazers need and brings a sense of toughness to the team. Lillard is a steady, athletic guard who can shoot the lights out and get to the rim.

Portland can take its chances on landing a big man later on.

7. Golden State Warriors: Andre Drummond, Connecticut

The Warriors could attempt to deal this pick for an established small forward, but if they don’t, it will be hard to pass on Drummond here.

They need a productive small forward, but with the top ones off the board, Drummond could be the young, productive big man they have needed for years.

It’s a roll of the dice, but it’s difficult to pass on someone with Drummond’s physical package and enormous upside.

8. Toronto Raptors: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Toronto is another team that could trade out of this spot, but with Waiters’ stock rising in the fashion that it is, it’s hard to see him sliding past this spot.

He adds the ability to get to the rim from the guard position, which is something the Raptors need badly, as there is nothing but jump shooters on their roster right now.

Waiters is tough and adds scoring and projects to be a very good NBA combo guard.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year is a good fit for a team looking for frontcourt help.

Henson can rebound (10.1 RPG) and block shots (2.9 BPG), which are qualities the Pistons need in a frontcourt guy to pair with Greg Monroe.

He also will make Detroit much more athletic, which is a must with this pick.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Austin Rivers, Duke

The Hornets can go multiple ways with this pick. They need help at the point, the wing and in the middle, and while Rivers solves none of those problems, he provides them with insurance in case restricted free agent Eric Gordon leaves.

Rivers is an intriguing prospect who many teams like and can add another scorer, long-range shooting and potential star power, all things the Hornets need badly.

Adding Davis and Rivers will make this a very good draft for New Orleans.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, Illinois

Mar 8, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Meyers Leonard (12) dunks against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of the first round of 2012 Big Ten Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Portland lucks out and gets not only the point guard it needs, but a future big man as well.

Leonard led the Big Ten in blocked shots (1.9), and even though he is a raw talent, the NBA is always enamored with size. He had an outstanding combine, and his stock is way up. He could fill the need in the middle for the Blazers.

Leonard won’t be a star right away, but he has a ton of overall talent. With Leonard, Portland gets size, athletic ability and a ton of upside.

12. Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee Bucks): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina    

I highly doubt this is Houston’s pick come draft day, but for now, the ACC Player of the Year can add the size and athleticism in the middle that the Rockets need. Zeller averaged 16.3 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game for North Carolina during his senior season and while he won’t likely approach those numbers, he can be productive in the NBA.

He isn’t flashy and won’t be an All-Star, but Zeller is good fundamentally and could be a solid NBA player for a decade or more.

Houston needs a center, and Zeller could become a pretty good one.

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Ross, Washington

Ross can score from the inside or outside, averaging 16.4 points while shooting 37 percent from behind the arc. In addition, he can defend, handles the ball well and is one of the best rebounding guards in the draft, pulling down 6.4 boards per night.

He has great size for a 2-guard at 6’6” and can do anything on the floor very well. The Suns need backcourt depth, and they get a real good player here.

The Suns need backcourt production, especially if Steve Nash leaves, and the long-range shooting ability of Ross combined with his elite athleticism will be a nice fit in the Phoenix backcourt for a long time.

14. Milwaukee Bucks (via Houston Rockets): Perry Jones III, Baylor

The Bucks moved down two spots and added Samuel Dalembert in the process so I expect them to add some production from the wing with this pick.

I love taking a chance on the potential of Jones this late. He has simply too much raw talent to slide any further. He runs like a deer and can jump through the gym, but the dominant production hasn’t come out consistently like his skill set would suggest it should.

On talent alone Jones is a top three pick.  If he ever lives up to that talent, he will be an NBA star.

He’s super athletic, but there are questions about his motor. Eventually, the rewards will outweigh the risks, and Jones has too much talent to not roll the dice on this late.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Lamb is young but has a ton of upside and could be a steal at No. 15 for the Sixers.

They need a go-to guy, and Lamb could be exactly that, as he averaged 17.7 points per game while at UConn. If the Sixers trade Andre Iguodala and move Evan Turner to the 3, then Lamb becomes an even better fit.

He can extend his game beyond the arc—shooting 33.6 percent from three-point range—but has a devastating mid-range game. In addition, his 7’0″ wingspan should make him tough defensively, which Doug Collins will like.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie has a high motor, and he produces (16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG).

He’s big and strong enough to play either the 4 or the 5, but he has the athleticism of a guard. He’s a tenacious rebounder but can also stretch the defense, as he can score effectively inside or outside, shooting 55 percent from the floor and 44 percent from behind the arc on the season.

If Houston keeps these picks somehow, they stand to get much more athletic almost overnight.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina   

Mar 18, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kendall Marshall (5) reacts during the first half in the third round of the 2012 NCAA men

Marshall is the best pure floor general in the draft and makes passing the rock look much easier than it really is, setting the ACC single-season assist mark (351).

He’s an outstanding decision-maker, averaging 9.8 assists per game and posting a 3.48 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Down the road, he could bring some of the things to the Mavericks that Jason Kidd did. He makes everyone around him better and not a lot of players can say that. Even if Dallas feels they can sign Deron Williams, I still find it very hard for them to pass on a pure floor general such as Marshall.

18. Houston Rockets (via Utah Jazz through Minnesota Timberwolves): Moe Harkless, St. John’s

Houston just acquired this pick from Minnesota, and while I highly doubt it will be drafting here by draft night, if it does, then it can’t hurt to take the best available player.

The Rockets get frontcourt help with Jones and Moultrie and can continue to get more athletic with Harkless.

Even though they need backcourt depth, Harkless has the potential and upside to be a star. I love any team getting him this late.

19. Orlando Magic: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

The Magic, depending on what happens with Dwight Howard in the next couple of days, could use a real low-post scorer. Sullinger is the top talent left on the board and a player who could come in and contribute immediately, despite the medical red flags.

His lack of athleticism is a concern, but here’s another case where the rewards could outweigh the risks. I like his post game, and he could be a decent NBA power forward.

20. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Jones is a guy that can add depth to the already deep Nuggets.

He can play either forward spot and can score at all three levels, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 33 percent from behind the arc.

In addition, Jones is a great athlete, so George Karl’s up-tempo attack won’t be a problem. He also averaged 1.8 blocked shots and 1.3 steals for Kentucky, so his defensive ability could earn him immediate playing time.

21. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

I still love Nicholson here for the Celtics, but he’s also a guy that I can see rising up the board before draft day. Nicholson has the ability to stretch the floor, averaging 18.5 points per game, shooting 57 percent from the floor and 43 percent from behind the arc. 

There’s not much on the floor that he doesn’t do well and could contribute immediately for Boston, who needs some size badly, especially if Kevin Garnett doesn’t return.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State    

Mar 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Royce White (30) looks down court against Texas Longhorns during the second half of the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament at the Sprint Center. Texas defeated Iowa State 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

White is another guy that I think can come in and be a surprise from day one. He has lottery talent, but his anxiety disorder and a fear of flying could make him drop.

He can score (13.4 PPG) and rebound (9.3 RPG), but while he stands 6’9”, White sees the floor like a guard. His 5.0 assists per game led the Iowa State team and actually ranked him fifth in the Big 12 Conference.

Down the road, White could be the eventual replacement for Paul Pierce. With Nicholson and White, the Celtics get younger and more talented almost overnight.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Quincy Miller, Baylor  

Atlanta will have to be patient with Miller, as he’s not NBA-ready right now.

But there’s no debating that his raw ability and huge upside are worth the risk this late. Down the road, Miller could have the ability to be a top scoring option for the Hawks.

A couple years from now he could look like a steal at No. 23.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Fab Melo, Syracuse

Melo measured 7’0”, and while he’s raw offensively, he can contribute immediately as a shot-blocker (2.9 BPG) and has the size to be a good rebounder.

But he has nothing that resembles a post game and has a very low basketball IQ. He won’t score with his back to the basket, instead getting a few dunks and put-backs.

With the Cavs in need of size, he’s worth a roll of the dice this late.

Melo has potential, but he has a long way to go before he makes himself a quality NBA big man. But NBA general managers love size, and Melo has that.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Memphis will have to take its time with Wroten, as he’s another guy who isn’t NBA-ready but has a ton of raw talent.

The Grizzlies can afford to watch him develop, and down the road, he can become one of the better guards in this draft class. First, though, he must find a jumper and learn to value the basketball.

It doesn’t help that he developed a reputation for being a bad teammate, which is something else he must shake.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Had he stayed in school, Teague would likely be a top-10 pick next season, so the talent is there. But while he has a high basketball IQ, his offensive game needs to be refined.

Teague will need time to develop, but he was impressive in March, as he really came on strong in helping lead Kentucky to the national championship. 

The Pacers could look at Teague as their point guard of the future here, and that ultimately could lead to them shopping Darren Collison.

27. Miami Heat: Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt

Dec 29, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Jeffery Taylor (44) during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Bradley Center. Vanderbilt defeated Marquette 74-57. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Taylor is an outstanding perimeter defender and has range on his jumper, knocking down 42 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.

In addition to being one of the better defenders in the draft, Taylor gives the NBA champs another elite athlete.

There could be minutes available as a rookie, depending on what happens with Mike Miller and his bad back.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State   

Green does a little bit of everything and does it all very well. He makes his teammates better and will be a good asset coming off the bench in Oklahoma City, who is just really drafting for depth here.

He’s a smart and tough player who can come in and fill a need immediately for the Thunder and can be productive off the OKC bench. My only question is, who will Green guard in the NBA?

He’s way too small to guard the 4 and not quick enough to guard most NBA 3′s. But he is a guy who knows how to play the game and finds a way to produce. I would expect nothing less of him in the NBA.

29. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, Memphis

The Conference USA Player of the Year  is rising up draft boards and can be the 2-guard the Bulls are looking for.

He averaged 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 50.9 percent from the floor. He has the ability to produce and could become the replacement for Richard Hamilton down the road.

In addition, he gives the Bulls another scoring option next to Derrick Rose, which they badly need.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): John Jenkins, Vanderbilt    

Jenkins has unlimited range, a lightning-quick release and could provide some secondary scoring in Golden State.

You can never have too much shooting. Jenkins could be the best pure shooter in the draft, knocking down 44 percent of his long-range attempts on the season.

He could add some valuable bench scoring for the Warriors and could possibly crack the starting lineup, moving Klay Thompson to the 3.

Second Round Projections

31. Charlotte Bobcats: Kim English, Missouri

32. Washington Wizards: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

33. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Fournier, France

34. Cleveland Cavaliers: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

35. Golden State Warriors: Scott Machado, Iona

36. Sacramento Kings: Kyle O’Quinn, Norfolk State

37. Toronto Raptors: Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece

38. Denver Nuggets: Miles Plumlee, Duke

39. Detroit Pistons: Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

40. Portland Trail Blazers: Orlando Johnson, UC-Santa Barbara

41. Portland Trail Blazers: Mike Scott, Virginia

42. Milwaukee Bucks: Tomas Satoransky, Czech Republic

43. Atlanta Hawks: Furkan Aldemir, Turkey

44. Detroit Pistons: Darius Miller, Kentucky

45. Philadelphia 76ers: Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech

46. New Orleans Hornets: Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

47. Utah Jazz: Robbie Hummel, Purdue

48. New York Knicks: Jae Crowder, Marquette

49. Orlando Magic: Chris Johnson, Dayton

50. Denver Nuggets: Benard James, Florida State

51. Boston Celtics: Justin Hamilton, LSU

52. Golden State Warriors: Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette

53. Los Angeles Clippers: Quincy Acy, Baylor

54. Philadelphia 76ers: Kevin Jones, West Virginia

55. Dallas Mavericks: Hollis Thompson, Georgetown

56. Toronto Raptors: Kris Middleton, Texas A&M

57. Brooklyn Nets: Drew Gordon, New Mexico

58. Minnesota Timberwolves: Alex Young, IUPUI

59. San Antonio Spurs: William Buford, Ohio State

60. Los Angles Lakers: Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Follow Matt Shetler on Twitter for news, reaction and analysis from around the NBA.

In my latest mock draft, I take a look at exactly where the top prospects in the game will land. Check back on Thursday morning as I will release my final mock draft the morning of the draft.

With that being said, let’s jump right into it.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

The Hornets won the lottery and will strike gold with Davis. He’s a shot-blocking machine and also skilled offensively. He’s a franchise changer for the Hornets.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson, Kansas 

Charlotte could trade the pick or go with Bradley Beal or Harrison Barnes here, but taking the athletic and relentless power forward who posted 27 double-doubles on the year at Kansas seems like a pretty safe pick.

March 24, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Florida Gators guard Bradley Beal (23) shoots over Louisville Cardinals guard/forward Kyle Kuric (14) during the second half in the finals of the west region of the 2012 NCAA men

3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida            

Ernie Grunfeld’s trade to acquire Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor cleared the way for taking Beal with this pick. He’ll be the ideal complement to John Wall in the backcourt, and while the trade accomplished little for the Wizards’ future, Beal has the chance to be outstanding.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

The Cavs have loved Barnes for over a year now, and they have enough energy guys already, which should be the deciding factor between Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

What the Cavs need is a guy who can fill it up, and Barnes is that, as the 17.1 points per game he averaged on the season should translate nicely to the NBA.

5. Sacramento Kings: Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, Kentucky

The Kings need a big guy badly, but MKG is the perfect player for Kings coach Keith Smart.

They have enough scoring. MKG is a hard-playing, athletic, physical small forward who doesn’t have to score to make an impact. The Kings had the worst defense in the NBA a season ago, allowing an average of 104.4 points per game, and MKG should help improve that.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Damian Lillard, Weber State

He adds the dynamic backcourt scorer (24.5 PPG) that the Blazers need and brings a sense of toughness to the team. He’s an outstanding shooter and has the ability to run an NBA offense.

The Blazers need a point guard, and I love Lillard here for them.

7. Golden State Warriors: Andre Drummond, Connecticut

The Warriors are in need of a small forward, but with the top ones not on the board any longer, they can add the big man they’ve been in search of for a long time.

Even though they acquired Andrew Bogut, Drummond has as much upside as anyone in the draft. It’s a roll of the dice, but it’s difficult to pass on someone with the physical package of Drummond.

8. Toronto Raptors: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters adds the ability to get to the rim from the guard position, which is something the Raptors need badly as right now there is nothing but jump shooters on their roster.

Toronto is a team that could trade out of this spot, but with Waiters’ stock rising in the fashion that it is, it’s hard to see him sliding past this spot. He’s tough and adds scoring.

9. Detroit Pistons: John Henson, North Carolina

Mar 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward John Henson (31) shoots as Ohio Bobcats forward Ivo Baltic (23) defends during the first half of the semifinals in the midwest region of the 2012 NCAA men

Henson can rebound (10.1 RPG) and block shots (2.9 BPG), which are qualities the Pistons need in a frontcourt guy to pair with Greg Monroe.

He also will make Detroit much more athletic, which is a must with this pick. They can build around a Monroe-Henson frontcourt in the future, which will be nice building blocks.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Austin Rivers, Duke

The Hornets can go multiple ways with this pick, but Rivers also provides them with insurance in case restricted free agent Eric Gordon leaves.

In addition, Rivers provides the Hornets with perimeter scoring, long-range shooting and potential star power, all things the Hornets need badly. Adding Davis and Rivers will make this a very good draft for New Orleans.

The future looks bright in New Orleans

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, Illinois

He won’t be a star right away, but has a ton of overall talent. With Leonard, Portland gets size, athletic ability and a ton of upside.

Leonard had an outstanding combine, and his stock is way up and could fill the need in the middle for the Blazers. He’s a legitimate seven-footer who is a freak athlete and can be a true center in the league.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State   

He’s a guy that averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds on the season and is a big that can stretch the floor. He not only shot 54.9 percent from the floor on the season, but also 44.4 percent from behind the arc.

He’s big and strong enough to play the 4 or the 5, but athletic enough to run the floor like a guard.

Moultrie gives the Bucks the interior presence that they need badly.

13. Phoenix Suns: Perry Jones III, Baylor

Mar 25, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Baylor Bears forward Perry Jones III (1) dunks against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the finals of the south region of the 2012 NCAA men

Jones was a 4 in college but is likely a 3 in the NBA, and while he wowed scouts at the combine, he hasn’t been able to put together consistent individual workouts since.

He has all the tools in the world, but only averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds on the season, which is way below what his skill set would suggest.

He’s just too skilled to fall any further.

14. Houston Rockets: Terrence Ross, Washington

Ross can score from the inside or outside, averaging 16.4 points while shooting 37 percent from behind the arc. In addition, he can defend, handles the ball well and is one of the best rebounding guards in the draft, pulling down 6.4 boards per night.

Ross has great size for a 2-guard at 6’6” and can do anything on the floor very well. The Rockets need backcourt depth, and they get a real good player here. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if Ross finds a way to sneak into the top 10.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

They need a go-to-guy, and Lamb could be exactly that, as he averaged 17.7 points per game while at UConn. The Sixers desperately need someone that can fill it up from the perimeter, and Lamb could give Doug Collins a much-needed sniper.

Lamb is young, but has a ton of upside and could be a steal at No. 15 for the Sixers. He not only can extend his game beyond the arc—shooting 33.6 percent from three-point range—but has a devastating mid-range game.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Zeller is athletic, can run the floor well and has very good leaping skills.

He’s also very good fundamentally and has a soft touch around the rim, shooting 55 percent from the floor during his senior season at North Carolina. Houston also needs a productive big man, and while he won’t become an All-Star, I do see Zeller being a productive NBA big.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina   

He’s outstanding decision-maker, averaging 9.8 assists per game and posting a 3.48 assist-to-turnover ratio, and down the road could bring some of the things to the Mavericks that Jason Kidd did.

Marshall is the best pure floor general in the draft and makes passing the rock look much easier than it really is. He also has the rare ability to make everyone around him better.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Moe Harkless, St. John’s

Minnesota might not get a shooter here, so taking the best available player isn’t the worst strategy.

Harkless impressed at the combine with his shooting and athleticism and has a very bright future ahead of him. His perimeter shooting will improve, but adding a high-character kid who can score and rebound isn’t the worst move here.

19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Jones is very athletic, strong and is a good finisher and rebounder in traffic. He’s also a guy that can score at all three levels, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 33 percent from behind the arc.

Orlando won’t get a Dwight Howard replacement (if it moves him) this low, so taking the best available player makes sense.

20. Denver Nuggets: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

No one in this draft may be more skilled and versatile on the offensive end than Nicholson. He’s also more athletic than he looks and will fit in nicely in George Karl’s up-tempo offense.

Nicholson has the ability to stretch the floor, averaging 18.5 points per game, shot 57 percent from the floor and 43 percent from behind the arc. 

There’s not much on the floor that he doesn’t do well and could contribute immediately and add depth in Denver.

21. Boston Celtics: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Despite averaging 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds on the season, there were plenty of question marks surrounding Sullinger.

I wasn’t as high on him before the medical red flag, but that should certainly cause him to slide in the draft.

However, the rewards could outweigh the risks this low, and I do love Sullinger’s post-game. Boston could use a banger in the post, and Sullinger can do that.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Royce White, Iowa State    

White is a player that I think can come in and be a surprise from day one. He can score (13.4 PPG) and rebound (9.3 RPG), but while he stands 6’9”, White sees the floor like a guard. His 5.0 assists per game led Iowa State and actually ranked him fifth in the Big 12 Conference.

Down the road, White could be the eventual replacement for Paul Pierce.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller isn’t close to being NBA-ready, but there’s no doubting his raw talent, and a couple years down the road, he could emerge as the Hawks top scoring option.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Fab Melo, Syracuse

Mar 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange center Fab Melo (51) shoots a free throw against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of the semifinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Melo has nothing that resembles a post-game and has a very low basketball IQ. But he measured 7’0”, and while he’s raw offensively, he can contribute immediately as a shot-blocker (2.9 BPG) and has the size to be a good rebounder.

With the fact that the Cavs are in need of size, he’s worth a roll of the dice this late. Melo has potential, but has a long ways to go before he makes himself a quality NBA big man.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten, Washington

Wroten has the raw skills to become the best guard in this draft, but first must find something that resembles a jump shot and learn to take care of the basketball.

The Grizzlies have the luxury of allowing him to develop for a while, but he could reward their patience down the road.

26. Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Teague will need time to develop, but he was impressive in March, as he really came on strong in helping lead Kentucky to the national championship. 

The Pacers could look at Teague as their point guard of the future here and ultimately could lead to them shopping Darren Collison.

27. Miami Heat: Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt

The champs have the opportunity here to add another elite athlete.

Taylor is an outstanding perimeter defender and has range on his jumper, knocking down 42 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Draymond Green, Michigan State   

Green does a little bit of everything and does it all very well. He makes his teammates better and will be a good asset coming off the bench in Oklahoma City, who are just really drafting for depth here.

29. Chicago Bulls: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

You can never have too much shooting. Jenkins could be the best pure shooter in the draft, knocking down 44 percent of his long-range attempts on the season. Jenkins has unlimited range, a lightning-quick release and could provide some secondary scoring in Chicago.

He will add some scoring in Chicago and could eventually turn into the replacement for Richard Hamilton.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio Spurs): Doron Lamb, Kentucky

The Warriors can add some additional shooting here with Lamb, and when he’s going well, he can be lethal, shooting 44 percent from behind the arc for the Wildcats on the season.

First Five Out

Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

Evan Fournier, France

Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

Will Barton, Memphis

Drew Gordon, New Mexico

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