ESPN’s Chad Ford has made out his third mock for the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft, and it’s the first after every declaration has been made one way or the other about prospects leaving college for the next level. That means that it’s the first real mock where Ford knows who is in and out and Thomas Robinson is still coming up roses in the end.
The All-American forward from Kansas is currently ranked at No. 3 overall on his list behind a pair of Kentucky players: Anthony Davis at No. 1 and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist immediately following. Robinson goes to the New Orleans Hornets, who have a 15.6 percent chance of winning the draft lottery. Ford believes they could consider UConn center Andre Drummond, but will end up with T-Rob instead.
Ford writes, “The Hornets have to consider Drummond here. He’s bigger and probably better defensively than Robinson. But if they’re trying to build a team around winners, then Robinson is their guy. He would bring toughness, physicality and energy to the paint for the Hornets.”
The Bobcats and Wizards are the other teams with the best chances of landing a high pick in the lottery, so they also serve as teams to watch with a good chance to land Robinson.