Mock 2012 NBA draft: Davis still goes No. 1

The easy choice, presumably, is for the Hornets to select Kentucky big man Anthony Davis with the No. 1 overall choice in Thursday night's NBA draft.

After that pick, there doesn't appear to be any consensus choices.

And that's not encouraging for Bobcats owner Michael Jordan. With the second pick, Jordan's selection is significant for a franchise in dire need of good players.

There are some indications Jordan will pick Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson. But will it be Connecticut power forward Andre Drummond? Or North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes? Or Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

"I would not want to have the second pick this year," one Western Conference team executive said. "That's a scary pick. You could pick a stud or you could pick an OK player."

Or a bust, and that can't be the kind of thing Jordan wants to hear.

But the teams below the Bobcats won't have it easy in the draft either.

Most teams are bringing in players for private workouts and executives are gathering in groups to watch other promising players.

In the last week, some players who were expected to be lottery picks have had some poor showings, and consequently their stock has dropped.

"Some of these players aren't NBA-ready," another Western Conference executive said. "That's why so many players are moving all over the place on draft boards."

Then there is the case of Ohio State's undersized center Jared Sullinger.

NBA doctors diagnosed him with back problems after the NBA pre-draft camp at UIC. The 6-foot-9 prospect, a projected lottery pick, apparently has dropped out of the top 16 picks.

With just a few days to go before the draft, some players have been impressive enough in workouts to have improved their chances of getting picked earlier.

That list includes Weber State point guard Damian Lillard, Illinois center Meyers Leonard and Florida guard Bradley Beal.

"This draft tells you that the draft is based on potential," the first executive said. "The kids are so potential-based that they have to go to the right team. If they go to the right place, there could be some stars in this draft."

bturner@tribune.com

Player; age; position; height; weight; school

1. Hornets: Anthony Davis, 19, PF, 6-10, 220, Kentucky ? Still best in draft; impact player.

2. Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 18, SF, 6-7, 228, Kentucky ? MJ still could change mind.

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