Archive - Jun 2012 - Article

Uncertainty Reigns Supreme for 2012 Draft

This week is always one of the more interesting weeks on the NBA calendar. While the confetti is still being cleared away down in South Beach, executives of each and every team are huddled together in boardrooms across the country finalizing their plans for draft day later this week. As a team that was built through free agency prepares for a championship parade, NBA draft hopefuls are undergoing final workouts to prepare for arguably the most important night of their lives to date.

Atlanta Hawks

Needs: Backup PG, SF, Backup PF/C

Picks: 23, 43

Andre DrummondEach year around draft time, there seems to be one prospect that shows all kinds of promise but elicits polarized responses from teams and analysts. This year, that prospect is Connecticut’s Andre Drummond.

Chicago Bulls

Needs: Backup PG, Backup SG/SF

Picks: 29

One of the most challenging decisions for NBA evaluators is weighing risk versus reward. Projecting ceilings and basements while measuring the likelihood of each is an integral part of the draft evaluation process. Depending on the direction of a team and its current personnel, prospects with towering upside who remain vulnerable to underachieving could be unappealing as a top selection, especially when you consider the value of a high pick.

Boston Celtics:

Needs: C, Depth at all positions

Picks: 21, 22, 51

We’ve all heard the criticisms. Not clutch. Not obsessed with winning like Kobe or Michael. Cares more about being a global icon than a basketball player.