The 2012 NBA Draft has the potential to be both very strong at the top and deep because several elite players chose to remain in college this season because of the NBA lockout, and were joined by a number of impact freshmen.
The lottery figures to be rich with bigs – scorers, shot-blockers and rebounders.
Here is a look at the Top 10 Americans who could be available, including seven power forwards or centers:
1. Anthony Davis, PF, 6-10, 220, Kentucky
The consensus No. 1 pick is averaging 11.6 points and 10.2 rebounds and leads the nation with 4.5 blocks. A guard until he grew eight inches a couple of years ago, Davis possesses strong ball-handling skills and has a knack for making steals and deflections on the perimeter. Yet it is in the paint where he does most of his damage, blocking shots in Russell-esque style and then grabbing the rebound to keep the play alive.
2. Andre Drummond, C, 6-11, 275, UConn
Drummond has hinted that he may return to campus for another season, but it’s hard to imagine he will ignore the chance to be a lottery pick after one year. Averaging 9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, Drummond is a remarkable athlete who recently made SportsCenter by making a steal in the midcourt and then taking several smooth dribbles before slamming home a dunk. Yet he is a poor free throw shooter who also must develop his face-up game.
