The latest and last mock draft from ESPN's Chad Ford has Illinois Fighting Illini product C Meyers Leonard headed to the Houston Rockets at No. 12. Well, sort of.
According to Ford, all signs are pointing towards the Rockets trading their No. 12 selection, but if they do indeed hang onto the pick, Leonard should be their man:
Analysis: ...I seriously doubt the Rockets will actually be selecting here on draft night. However, if they do, I think they'll take the best big man available. Leonard may be a project, but there's upside here and the team really doesn't have anything in the middle.
Trade Scenarios: The Rockets are trying to package picks 12, 16 and 18 and Kyle Lowry to get multiple top-10 picks to offer to the Magic for Dwight Howard. The Warriors, at No. 7, could be a serious target with this pick.
Rockets' Big Board:
1. Tyler Zeller
2. Meyers Leonard
3. Perry Jones
4. Moe Harkless
Leonard also appears on the Milwaukee Bucks' big board at pick No. 14, so if Leonard does not land with either the Magic or the Rockets here, Milwaukee may be his ultimate destination.
The 2012 NBA Draft begins Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. CDT.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
