2012 NBA Draft Class: Introducing a class breakdown of the 2012 NBA Draft class, broken down into groups to help understand the complex careers of its top players. This analysis provides insight into the many career paths of the players selected in the 2012 NBA Draft class, ranging from standout players who command the attention of the league to reliable contributors in the latter tiers.
A Hierarchical Ranking Of The NBA Draft Class of 2012
Check out the hierarchical ranking of the NBA draft class below:
Tier 1
Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard
Anthony Davis became one of the best players in the game very soon after being chosen by the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) as the first overall choice in the 2012 NBA Draft class. Before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, the versatile power forward/centre spent his first seven seasons playing in New Orleans. Davis has been selected to many NBA All-Defensive Teams because of his outstanding defensive abilities. He demonstrated his skill in both scoring points and grabbing rebounds, playing a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Anthony Davis has established himself as a key member of the team with numerous selections to the All-Star team and All-NBA Team.
Damian Lillard, who was chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers sixth overall, is now known for his clutch plays and long-range shooting. Lillard, a seven-time NBA All-Star, has been the face of the Trail Blazers and has routinely guided them deep into the playoffs until last season. Since his trade this offseason, Damian Lillard has been the focal point of the Milwaukee Bucks, and he seems ready to continue his winning ways in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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Tier 2
Draymond Green, Bradley Beal, Khris Middleton
Draymond Green, selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 35th overall choice in the 2012 NBA draft class, exceeded draft predictions and went on to play a crucial role in the team’s success. Acknowledged for his unwavering defence, remarkable basketball acumen, and adaptability, Green was instrumental in Golden State’s quartet of championship triumphs. Three-time NBA All-Star and past Defensive Player of the Year, Green is known for his leadership and versatility in the game, which have an influence on games that go beyond simple numbers. Green isn’t a big scorer, but his distinct skill set and selfless effort have made him an indispensable member of the Warriors.
At Washington, Bradley Beal was selected third overall and has since been established as one of the league’s top scorers. Beal is a talented shooting guard who has been selected numerous times to the NBA All-Star team due to his offensive brilliance and ability to generate scoring opportunities. As a vital player for the Phoenix Suns, Beal’s individual achievements—which include two nominations to the All-NBA Team—have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s best shooting guards. He averages 22.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Khris Middleton, who was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 39th pick overall and then traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, has been essential to the team’s ascent to prominence. A major player alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton played a crucial role in Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA Championship run. Middleton has been selected to several NBA All-Star teams because of his ability to score in a variety of ways, his clutch shooting, and his clutch performances. Middleton has averaged 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over his career. As a vital member of the Bucks’ victorious squad, he demonstrated his capacity to perform well under duress and deliver big plays.
Tier 3
Andre Drummond, Will Barton, Jae Crowder, Harrison Barnes, Terrence Ross
After the Detroit Pistons selected Andre Drummond ninth overall, the power in the paint established himself as one of the best rebounders in the NBA. With his ability to dominate the boards and block shots, Drummond was selected to several NBA All-Star teams. Despite switching clubs frequently—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Chicago Bulls—Drummond is a dangerous inside player thanks to his muscular presence and double-double averages of around 12.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Will Barton 40th overall, and he has shown himself to be a flexible wing player all through his career. Known for his ability to score, Barton has averaged 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during his career. He was a vital member of the Denver Nuggets squad in the past. Barton is a great asset because of his well-rounded game and ability to affect both sides of the court. The Nuggets’ success last season, which showcased Barton’s ability to contribute in numerous aspects of the game, was particularly noticeable.
Jae Crowder was chosen 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is a dependable three-point shooter and a tough defender who has made a name for himself in the NBA as a useful 3-and-D player. Crowder’s aggressive defence and outside shooting have been vital to the success of teams like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. With an average of 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.62 assists per game, Crowder’s flexibility has been essential to the Milwaukee Bucks’ long postseason runs and pivotal moments.
Harrison Barnes, a forward in the NBA, was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh overall pick. His career has been somewhat varied. A vital component of the Warriors’ initial championship-winning squads, Barnes demonstrated both defensive adaptability and scoring prowess. Barnes has steadily produced on both sides of the court throughout his career, averaging 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while adjusting to different positions with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.
The Toronto Raptors selected Terrence Ross ninth overall, and since then, he has established himself as a daring and prolific wing player. Ross, who is well-known for his quickness and three-point shooting, has contributed significantly to the Orlando Magic and Raptors. Over his career, Ross has won over fans with his ability to stretch the field and score off the bench. He averages about 11.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He was a dominant presence on the floor with his highlight-reel dunks and scoring outbursts, and he recently announced his retirement.
Tier 4
Dion Waiters, Austin Rivers, Jeremy Lamb, Evan Fournier, Miles Plumlee, Mike Scott
Dion Waiters, chosen fourth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is well-known for his scoring prowess and self-assurance on the floor. However, his NBA career has been a journeyman one. Waiters has shown glimmers of offensive brilliance throughout his career, despite obstacles. With averages of 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, Waiters has demonstrated his flexibility as a scorer while playing for a number of teams, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.
Austin Rivers, who was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the tenth overall pick, has established himself as a talented guard who can both score and assist. Rivers, who is renowned for his scoring bursts, has been an invaluable player off the bench for a number of teams, most notably the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. With a game average of 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, Rivers’ flexibility and explosive scoring ability have helped him stay in the NBA for a long time.
After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jeremy Lamb, who was chosen by the Houston Rockets with the 12th overall pick, has established himself as a dependable scoring wing in the NBA. Known for his silky offensive approach, Lamb has contributed to clubs like the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers. Lamb is a useful rotation player because of his scoring prowess and ability to influence games off the bench. He averages around 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
The Denver Nuggets selected Evan Fournier with the 20th overall pick, and he has since shown to be a talented perimeter player with a knack for scoring baskets. Fournier is a vital member of groups that include the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks. He has demonstrated his ability to score from inside and beyond the arc. Fournier has been a vital member of his teams thanks to his offensive variety and shooting ability. He averages about 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Throughout his NBA career, Miles Plumlee, whom the Indiana Pacers chose with the 26th overall pick, has been a reliable presence in the frontcourt. With a reputation for grabbing rebounds and blocking shots, Plumlee has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets. Plumlee leads the league in scoring with an average of around 4.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His defensive presence and paint contributions have been important aspects of his game.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Mike Scott 43rd overall. Scott is a dependable stretch forward who can make three-pointers. Scott has been a vital player off the bench for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards. Scott is a useful role player in many team rotations due to his floor spacing and three-point shooting, which average about 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Tier 5
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson, Meyers Leonard, Terrence Jones, Maurice Harkless, John Henson, Tomas Satoransky
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats with the second overall pick, was well-known for his agility and defensive abilities when he first joined the league. Kidd-Gilchrist has had difficulties on offence, but his dedication to defence has always been a strength of his game. He has shown flexibility on the wing while playing for the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. With his defensive efforts, Kidd-Gilchrist, who averages 8.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, makes an effect that goes beyond the box score.
Thomas Robinson was selected by the Sacramento Kings fifth overall, and he played for several teams during his NBA career. Robinson, who was well-known for his rebounding and intensity, was a valuable member of teams like the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. Robinson leads the league in scoring and rebounds per game, averaging about 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds. His effort and perseverance in the paint have been crucial to his success.
Meyers Leonard, who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 11th overall pick, has established himself as a stretch big man with three-point shooting potential. Leonard, who is well-known for his shooting and rebounding, has had an impact on teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat. Leonard has been a tremendous contributor to his teams, averaging about 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds each game. He also has a good touch when hitting three-pointers beyond the arc.
The Houston Rockets picked Terrence Jones with the 18th overall pick after he has shown flexibility as a forward with both scoring and defensive skills. Throughout his time in the NBA, Jones was a valuable member of the Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans. The highlights of Jones’ NBA career were his agility and two-way skills, averaging around 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1 assist per game.
Throughout his NBA career, forward Maurice Harkless, who was traded to the Orlando Magic after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 15th overall pick, has prioritised defence. Having played for teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers, Harkless is well-known for his adaptability and capacity to guard a variety of positions. Harkless has established himself as a crucial role player with his defensive instincts and team-first approach. He averages around 7.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
John Henson, a capable shot-blocker who was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 14th overall pick, has been a dependable presence in the frontcourt. Henson made contributions to teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, where he was well-known for his rim protection. Throughout his NBA career, Henson has consistently demonstrated his defensive effect in the paint, averaging 7.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Tomas Satoransky, a versatile guard selected by the Washington Wizards with the 32nd pick overall, has been a reliable player. Satoransky was a contributor to the Chicago Bulls and Wizards, noted for his ability to create plays and his basketball IQ. Satoransky is a key contributor in the backcourt, averaging around 7.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. He can also facilitate and contribute to numerous aspects of the game.
Tier 6
Tony Wroten, Kendall Marshall, Jared Sullinger, Festus Ezeli, Quincy Acy, Kostas Papanikolaou, Robert Sacre
Jared Sullinger, an Ohio State graduate, was selected by the Boston Celtics as the 21st overall choice when he entered the NBA. Sullinger was a talented big player with rebounding and scoring skills, but injuries plagued him throughout his career. He played for the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, where he averaged around 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Although Sullinger’s skill set and ability were clear, his professional career’s development was hampered by unlucky injuries.
Tony Wroten has shown his ability to score as a guard after the Memphis Grizzlies drafted him 25th overall. Known for his powerful drives to the hoop, Wroten played for the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, among other teams. Wroten’s creative flare and ability to generate scoring opportunities were hallmarks of his stint in the league. He averaged about 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
Festus Ezeli was a member of the Golden State Warriors championship-winning team after he was drafted by them 30th overall. Before injuries ended his career, Ezeli made a significant contribution to the Warriors’ success as a shot-blocker and rim protector. Ezeli was a valuable player in the league because of his defensive presence in the paint. He averaged about 4.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
The Phoenix Suns selected Kendall Marshall 13th overall, and he was noted for his ability to create opportunities as a point guard. Marshall was a valuable member of teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 2.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 5.0 points per game. Marshall’s ability to direct and plan the offence demonstrated his basketball intelligence, even though injuries limited his playing time.
During his NBA career, Quincy Acy—who the Toronto Raptors drafted 37th overall—established himself as a tough and powerful forward. Acy made contributions to teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings and was well-known for his tenacity and intensity. Acy was a useful role player who averaged about 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He was gritty and eager to put in the grunt work.
Kostas Papanikolaou, who was traded to the Houston Rockets after being drafted by the New York Knicks with the 48th pick overall, brought his European background to the NBA. Papanikolaou was a talented forward who made contributions to both the Denver Nuggets and the Rockets. During his tenure in the league, he averaged about 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating his basketball intelligence and comprehension of the game.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Robert Sacre 60th overall, and he established himself as a solid backup centre. Throughout his career, Sacre made contributions to the Lakers and was well-known for his vigour and excitement. Sacre had an average of 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while in the league, winning over teammates and fans alike with his upbeat disposition and team-first philosophy.
This is the Hierarchical Ranking Of The NBA Draft Class of 2012. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
