Despite rumblings by some NBA executives that the 2012 Draft Lottery was somehow rigged, reality has already begun to set in that the longtime struggling New Orleans Hornets now have a chance to get two franchise cornerstones on NBA draft day, June 28th.
Many thought that losing perennial All Star Chris Paul in a trade to the LA Clippers at mid season would the death of a franchise that was taken over by the NBA, after failing to secure adequate ownership, but the Hornets finished the regular season winning a respectable 8 out of 14 games under the guidance of proven head coach Monty Williams.
In addition, it appears that the tide has begun to turn as the Hornets already have plans to attempt to resign burgeoning superstar in SG Eric Gordon, acquired from LA in the CP3 deal, and now have 2 selections (#1 and #10) in the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft. New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson is in the process of buying the Hornets as we speak, solidifying the franchise from the top.
While their 2nd Lottery pick at #10 remains a bit murky as to who they will select, it’s a no-brainer that Kentucky power forward, and reigning NCAA Player of the Year, Anthony Davis will be their first and only option as the top overall pick.
As a freshman, the near 7 foot tall Davis was a game changer, helping lead the Wildcats to the 2012 NCAA crown, while setting Kentucky, SEC, and national records for shot-blocking. He’s as dominating a defensive force coming out of college as Patrick Ewing, and is quite mobile offensively, to the point that some have even begun to compare the 19 year old as the next Kevin Garnett. Davis is brash, bold, and seems to love the limelight, as he has already called out Kobe Bryant before stepping foot in an NBA arena.
Even though Davis won’t officially hear his name called as the top overall pick of the Hornets until June 28th, he’s already graced his first magazine cover in a Hornets uniform….
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
