Looking Back at the 2012 NBA Redraft: Who Should Have Been Picked Where?

Looking back at the 2012 NBA Draft feels like rewatching a classic game where you already know the outcome, yet still find yourself second-guessing every play. I’ve spent years analyzing draft classes, and this one stands out not just for its star power, but for how dramatically team fortunes could have shifted with a few different picks. At the time, Anthony Davis going first overall was the obvious call—and honestly, it still is. But what fascinates me is how the rest of the first round unfolded, and how hindsight gives us a chance to play armchair general. It’s a bit like watching international basketball evolve: just as Canada proved in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, underdog teams—or in this case, overlooked players—can rise up and challenge the giants when given the right opportunity.

When the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) selected Davis, nobody batted an eye. He was a generational talent, a defensive anchor with offensive upside, and he’s lived up to that billing, earning multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive team honors. But after him? Chaos. Damian Lillard went sixth to Portland, which in retrospect feels like a steal, but even he wasn’t the clear second-best player in the draft. If I were redrafting today, I’d slot Bradley Beal much higher—maybe even second. Beal’s scoring versatility and consistency have been remarkable; he’s averaged over 30 points per season at his peak, something few in this class can claim. Meanwhile, Draymond Green, who fell to the 35th pick, would easily crack the top five in a do-over. His impact on Golden State’s dynasty—four championships, Defensive Player of the Year honors—shows how undervalued high-IQ, multi-positional players were back then.

Let’s talk about the international angle, because it’s impossible to ignore. The 2012 draft had a decent international presence, but nothing like today’s globalized NBA. Reflecting on the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Canada stunned Team USA, it’s clear that talent can emerge from unexpected places. In that tournament, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—not from the 2012 class, but a similar under-the-radar story—led Canada with 24 points per game, showcasing how scouting has evolved to value skill over pedigree. Similarly, in 2012, players like Jonas Valančiūnas (picked fifth) were seen as solid, but not transformative. Now, I’d argue Valančiūnas’ reliability and rebounding (he’s averaged a double-double in multiple seasons) would make him a lock for the late lottery in a redraft. It’s a reminder that, just as in FIBA competitions, the NBA draft is full of surprises where hard work and development can trump initial hype.

Of course, not every pick panned out. Thomas Robinson going fifth to Sacramento was a miss—he bounced around six teams in five years, averaging just 4.9 points. In a redraft, I’d slide him out of the top 10 entirely, replacing him with someone like Khris Middleton, who wasn’t picked until the second round (39th). Middleton’s two-way game and clutch shooting helped Milwaukee win a title in 2021, and he’s averaged 20-plus points in his prime. That’s the beauty of hindsight: we see how teams overvalued athleticism and undervalued skill. Personally, I’d have taken Lillard over Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (second overall) in a heartbeat, even back then. Lillard’s rookie season stats—19 points and 6.5 assists per game—were a sign of stardom, while MKG struggled with shooting, never cracking 50% from the field.

As I piece this redraft together, the biggest lesson is that team fit and patience matter as much as talent. Harrison Barnes, who went seventh, has had a solid career, but in a redraft, I might slot him lower to make room for Green or Beal. Green’s defensive rating of around 100 in his prime is something stats geeks like me drool over, and Beal’s 2020-21 season—31.3 points per game—was sheer brilliance. Meanwhile, players like Jae Crowder (34th pick) would climb into the late first round for their durability and playoff experience. It’s not just about stats, though; it’s about impact. Crowder’s been to the Finals with multiple teams, a testament to his adaptability—a trait that, as the FIBA World Cup showed, can make all the difference when facing giants.

In conclusion, redrafting the 2012 NBA class is more than a fun exercise; it’s a masterclass in evaluation and evolution. Anthony Davis remains the crown jewel, but the reshuffling of Lillard, Green, Beal, and others highlights how scouting has grown to embrace intangibles. Like Canada’s rise in FIBA, it proves that underdogs can become champions with the right opportunities. If I were a GM today, I’d prioritize versatility and resilience over raw potential—lessons that, honestly, I wish more teams had learned back in 2012. This draft isn’t just a snapshot of the past; it’s a blueprint for the future of player development.