Redrafting The 2012 NBA Draft Results: Revisiting The Lottery And The Unforgettable Standouts

The 2012 NBA Draft is an important moment in the history of basketball because it introduced a group of incredibly talented players who would go on to have a lasting impact on the league. When you look back at this NBA Draft, it’s clear that the benefit of hindsight gives you a new perspective that lets you reevaluate the decisions teams made and think about what could have happened differently.

A wide range of NBA talent came out the class of 2012, from future All-Stars to surprises. Join us as we revisit these draft picks and imagine what different choices could’ve been for these players’ careers and the league as a whole. Now, let’s navigate through the 2012 draft, discuss the standouts and envision a revised order of draft picks made.

The Complete Draft History 2012 Selections

What was the 2012 NBA Draft pick order? The 2012 draft is an interesting case that makes us think about the different paths these players might have taken if the story of draft day had gone differently.

With hindsight the answers to questions such as “When was Lillard drafted?” or “Who drafted Draymond Green?” would without a doubt be different than what the answers are today.

FIRST ROUND LOTTERY PICKS

Anthony Davis (NOH)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA)
Bradley Beal (WAS)
Dion Waiters (CLE)
Thomas Robinson (SAC)
Damian Lillard (POR)
Harrison Barnes (GSW)
Terrence Ross (TOR)
Andre Drummond (DET)
Austin Rivers (NOH)
Meyers Leonard (POR)
Jeremy Lamb (HOU)
Kendall Marshall (PHO)
John Henson (MIL)

REMAINING FIRST ROUND PICKS

Maurice Harkless (PHI)
Royce White (HOU)
Tyler Zeller (DAL)
Terrence Jones (HOU)
Andrew Nicholson (ORL)
Evan Fournier (DEN)
Jared Sullinger (BOS)
Fab Melo (BOS)
John Jenkins (ATL)
Jared Cunningham (CLE)
Tony Wroten (MEM)
Miles Plumlee (IND)
Arnett Moultrie (MIA)
Perry Jones (OKC)
Marquis Teague (CHI)
Festus Ezeli (GSW)

SECOND ROUND PICKS

Jeff Taylor (CHA)
Tomas Satoransky (WAS)
Bernard James (CLE)
Jae Crowder (CLE)
Draymond Green (GSW)
Orlando Johnson (SAC)
Quincy Acy (TOR)
Quincy Miller (DEN)
Khris Middleton (DET)
Will Barton (POR)
Tyshawn Taylor (POR)
Doron Lamb (MIL)
Mike Scott (ATL)
Kim English (DET)
Justin Hamilton (PHI)
Darius Miller (NOH)
Kevin Murphy (UTA)
Kostas Papanikolaou (NYK)
Kyle O’Quinn (ORL)
Izzet Turkyilmaz (DEN)
Kris Joseph (BOS)
Ognjen Kuzmic (GSW)
Furkan Aldemir (LAC)
Tornike Shengelia (PHI)
Darius Johson-Odom (DAL)
Tomislav Zubic (TOR)
Ilkan Karaman (NJN)
Robbie Hummel (MIN)
Marcus Denmon (SAS)
Robert Sacre (LAL)

With the draft order and selections made in focus, let’s now spotlight the standout performers from the 2012 NBA Draft.

The 2012 NBA Draft AD and Lillard Headline This Class of Standouts

Ad and Lillard headlined the 2012 NBA Draft.

The 2012 NBA Draft stands out as a talent-rich pool that has produced some of the league’s most remarkable players. Two players in particular headline and come to mind when someone asks “Who is the best player from the 2012 NBA Draft?”

The No. 1 pick Anthony Davis and No. 6 pick Damian Lillard, often are mentioned as they have emerged as perennial All-Stars and cornerstone players for their respective franchises.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis, selected as the first overall pick, quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier big men. A dominant force on both ends of the court, known for his defensive prowess, versatility, and scoring ability, Davis earned 9 All-Star selections, 4 All-NBA Team honors, and ultimately secured an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Davis is also a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick, is renowned for his clutch performances, leadership, and deep shooting range. Lillard’s impact goes beyond statistics, as he was the face of the Trail Blazers (before joining the Milwaukee Bucks) and led them to numerous playoff appearances.

Earning 8 All-Star selections and 7 All-NBA Team honors, Lillard is also a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his status as one of the best scoring guards in NBA history.

Other Standouts Players

Bradley Breal, Draymond Green, Andre Drummond were 2012 draft standouts.

Several other standout players from the 2012 draft include Bradley Beal, Draymond Green, Andre Drummond and Khris Middleton. Each has contributed significantly to their respective teams, showcasing diverse skills and impact.

Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal, drafted third overall by the Washington Wizards, has evolved into one of the league’s premier scorers. Known for his offensive versatility and consistent high-level performance, Beal has earned 3 All-Star nods. He was also received an All-NBA team honor and was considered a franchise player for the Wizards before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.

Draymond Green

Draymond Green emerged as one of the league’s premier defenders and a key member of the Golden State Warriors championship successes. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, versatility, and basketball IQ, Green’s impact on the court goes beyond traditional statistics, making him a linchpin for the Warriors.

Green is a 4 time NBA All-Star, an 8 time All-Defensive team member, a 4 time NBA Champion and received All-NBA honors 2 times.

Andre Drummond

A dominant force in rebounding, Andre Drummond, made his mark with his ability to control the boards. Also known for his physicality and scoring in the paint, Drummond became a two-time NBA All-Star and an All-NBA team member during his tenure with the Pistons, showcasing his value as a formidable center.

Khris Middleton

Drafted 39th overall by the Detroit Pistons and later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Khris Middleton emerged as a 3 time All-Star and a crucial piece in the Bucks’ championship puzzle. A skilled scorer and reliable shooter, Middleton’s versatility, especially in clutch moments, played a pivotal role in Milwaukee’s title run alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The 2012 draft, through these standout players, has left a lasting impact on the NBA, showcasing the depth and talent that would go on to shape the league’s landscape for years to come. Now, let’s explore what our 2012 NBA redraft would look like.

Redrafting The 2012 NBA Draft Lottery

FIRST ROUND LOTTERY PICKS

Anthony Davis (NOH)
Damian Lillard (CHA)
Bradley Beal (WAS)
Draymond Green (CLE)
Andre Drummond (SAC)
Khris Middleton (POR)
Harrison Barnes (GSW)
Terrence Ross (TOR)
Jae Crowder (DET)
Will Barton (NOH)
Evan Fournier (POR)
Dion Waiters (HOU)
Jeremy Lamb (PHO)
Austin Rivers (MIL)

A class that produced perennial All-Stars, defensive stalwarts, and offensive juggernauts

The 2012 NBA Draft results have left an enduring legacy, showcasing a remarkable assembly of talent that has shaped the league’s landscape. Headlined by Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard, the class produced perennial All-Stars, defensive stalwarts, and offensive juggernauts.

Beyond the lottery picks, the draft unearthed gems like Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, and others who have become integral to their teams’ success. The interplay of skill, resilience, and leadership among these players underscores the draft’s significance. As we revisit the selections made, the 2012 NBA Draft remains a pivotal chapter in NBA history, influencing the game’s trajectory for years to come.