2012 NBA Draft Impact: Western Conference

Posted by Tom Blaz on 11/30/2012 | 2 Comments

Tags: Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, Myers Leonard, Thomas Robinson, Austin Rivers, Perry Jones III, Deron Wiliams, Talking Hoops

When we last spoke, we broke down the 2012-'13 rookie class in the Eastern Conference. At this early juncture, it appears that the first year players in the Western Conference are not only outperforming their counterparts, they also collectively possess great upside. It helps when you have the first overall pick (New Orleans), as well as multiple high picks (New Orleans and Portland). The Hornets and Blazers both following the quick "flash" rebuild, much like Utah did in the wake of the Deron Williams deal.

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Must Have

Anthony Davis/New Orleans- Davis displayed loads of potential while leading Kentucky to a national championship as a freshman. While Davis was the obvious number one overall in most mock drafts, it was the Summer he spent with the US Olympic team and the London experience that took him to another level. The "unibrow" is a shot blocking machine and owns a developing offensive game. In the long term, Davis would benefit from a big enforcer alongside him on the blocks.

Damian Lillard/Portland- Although he nearly led the nation in scoring last season, Lillard's high selection by Portland came as a surprise to many. Lillard is a scoring distributor, perhaps like Tim Hardaway was in his prime. Lillard has been remarkably consistent in his first month in the Association, regularly topping the 20 point mark while also running the Trail Blazers offensive sets. Brandon Knight won a head to head battle with Lillard this week, reminding us (and Damian) that he is still a rookie.

Harrison Barnes/Golden State- I am pretty sure that Harrison Barnes was available in your league until the last week or so. He was a free agent in my league and I took a chance and grabbed him after his first breakout performance. Barnes appeared lost the first two week, even though he has been starting at the three since opening night. Something clicked on Wednesday night the 14th and Barnes posted a double/double with 19 and 13. Barnes had a hot four game stretch, but has slowed a bit over the past three starts.

Roster Worthy

Myers Leonard/Portland- The two most important positions in the Association are center and point guard and they also happen to be the most difficult to fill. The Blazers hoped they have found talent to fill both spots in the 2012 draft. We already discussed Lillard who hit the ground running. With the Greg Oden experiment finally over, Portland has turned to 7'1" Myers Leonard out of Illinois. Leonard didn't arrive with the flash of Oden, but is worth keeping an eye on as he is the future partner of Lemarcus Aldridge in the paint.

Thomas Robinson/Sacramento- For much of last season, many expected Thomas Robinson to be the overall number one pick come NBA draft time. After waiting his turn on the talent laden Jayhawks roster, Robinson finally got his chance and didn't disappoint. I liken Robinson's status entering the draft to Derrick Williams from the previous year. It didn't help Thomas's case the Wiliams has yet to find his way. Eventually, probably this season, Robinson will be unleashed next to Demarcus Cousins and you want to be a part of that.

Jury Out

Austin Rivers/New Orleans- He isn't ready, but the Hornets have dediced to throw Rivers in the fire for some on the job training. Eric Gordon's inability to shake the injury bug has allowed Rivers an early window of opportunity.  Much more athletic that his famous father ever was, Rivers has shown flashes why he was such a heralded recruit. Austin has really struggled from the floor, but has actually posted a higher percentage from long distance (nearly 40%). Rivers may slide to point when Gordon returns, but monitor Greivis Vasquez.

Perry Jones III/Oklahoma City- I believe this is going to be one of the biggest steals of the 2012 draft. At 6'11" 220, Jones is capable of playing either forward spot, especially intriguing at small forward with his size. Jones has only played in eight games and is averaging less than nine mintues. With James Harden's departure and as he gains experience, Jones' minutes should climb. Expect Jones to see more time at the expense of Kendrick Perkins as he brings more quickness and skills much like they had when Jeff Green was in town.

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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.