The Tribune's NBA mock draft: Picks 21-30

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

No. 21 Boston

Andrew Nicholson

6-foot-9, 234 pounds, PF/C, St. Bonaventure, 22

Strengths • Strong scorer with big body. Can sink 3-pointers but still bang inside. Proven big-game player who's value has only risen during last month.

History • Carried Bonnies during 2012 NCAA tournament and only improved as games became bigger. Improved every year in college and has four years of experience.

No. 22 Boston

Arnett Moultrie

6-foot-11, 233 pounds, C/PF, Mississippi State, 21

Strengths • Similar to Nicholson but more of an NBA-type center. Could team with Nicholson to give Celtics a front line for the future.

History •Spent first two years at UTEP, sat out a season, then finished career in SEC. Soft touch; comfortable at free throw line and from the perimeter.

No. 23 Atlanta

Marquis Teague

6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Point guard, Kentucky, 19

Strengths • Average numbers during lone season with Wildcats but played on best team in country. Has potential, but could take a few years to grow into position.

History • One of six Kentucky players expected to be drafted who led Wildcats to 2012 NCAA title. Another in a long line of young, talented point guards coached by John Calipari.

No. 24 Cleveland

Fab Melo

7-feet, 255 pounds, Center, Syracuse, 22

Strengths • In a draft loaded with big men, he's one of the biggest. True NBA center size and big-game experience. Raw and untested after just two years with Orange, though.

History • A solid sophomore year came to a crashing halt when Melo was unable to play in NCAA tournament. Everything about his game says NBA project.

No. 25 Memphis

Jeff Taylor

6-foot-7, 213 pounds, Small forward, Vanderbilt, 23

Strengths • One of two Vandy products that could be drafted in first round. Strong scorer with solid all-around game. More of an outside shooter than a slasher.

History • Steadily improved with Commodores and teamed with John Jenkins to carry Vanderbilt to the 2012 NCAA tournament quarterfinals.

No. 26 Indiana

Quincy Miller

6-foot-10, 219 pounds, Small forward, Baylor, 19

Strengths • Spent one year with Bears and his numbers don't overly impress. Classic one-and-done draft pick who should spend several years growing into his game.

History • Teamed with Perry Jones III to lift Baylor to the 2012 Elite Eight. Athletic mid-range shooter who will likely fill into his frame.

No. 27 Miami

Will Barton

6-foot-6, 174 pounds, Shooting guard, Memphis, 21

Strengths • Barton is what makes the draft great. Two years with the Tigers; mid-major conference; impressive all-around numbers; huge upside. But fighting for a first-round spot.

History • Anyone who averages 18 points and eight rebounds while shooting 50.9 percent from the field as a sophomore has all-around NBA talent. Could be viewed as a steal in a few years.

No. 28 Oklahoma City

Draymond Green

6-foot-7, 236 pounds, Small forward, Michigan State, 22

Strengths • Four years with Spartans and improved in almost every key statistical category each season. Classic 'tweener with solid offensive game.

History • Part of a Michigan State team that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen last season. Has the talent to be a consistent rotation player.

No. 29 Chicago

Doron Lamb

6-foot-5, 199 pounds, Shooting guard, Kentucky, 20

Strengths • True shooter who can attack basket. Has the size to hold his own at the 2 and finish at rim. Shot 46.6 percent behind 3-point line and 82.6 percent at free throw line last season.

History • Spent only two years with the Wildcats, but teamed with Anthony Davis to bring an NCAA championship to Kentucky. Low-risk late first-round pick.

No. 30 Golden State

John Jenkins

6-foot-4, 212 pounds, Shooting guard, Vanderbilt, 21

Strengths • Lights-out shooter from all areas of court. Has best stroke in draft and size to stay in the league.

History • Shot at least 40.8 percent behind the 3-point line during all three seasons with the Commodores. Fearless shooter who could have a long NBA career.