Apr 2, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Thomas Robinson (0) shoots over Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half in the finals of the 2012 NCAA men

With the second pick in FanSided’s 2012 NBA Mock draft, Bryan Wendland, for the Charlotte Bobcats, selects:

Thomas Robinson

Position: PF

Height: 6-9

Weight: 244

School: Kansas

Two years ago few people knew about Thomas Robinson. The ones who did probably didn’t see the NBA in his future. Well, after a year averaging a mean double-double his junior season, Robinson will be a top five pick. He averaged 17 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last year and finished the season with a ludicrous 84.8 defensive rating (points produced per 100 possessions allowed).

Why the decision was made to select this player

Some people say Robinson is the safest pick in the draft. I say he’s the smartest pick in the draft. He’s shown an impressive propensity for growth, he’s got an NBA-ready body, and his skill set is one that should transfer to the professional level. The Bobcats need help everywhere, and Robinson is the only guy in this draft who can give them help everywhere.

How he will fit in with the team

Robinson will be Charlotte’s starting power forward from day one. The Bobcats have a ton of forwards on their roster, but none of them are as good as he is right now. I think Robinson will finish next season near the top in rookie-of-the-year voting and he’ll be one of the reasons Charlotte triples its win total from this season (I know that translates to just 21 wins, but give us a break).

Best case and worst case scenarios for this player:

Best case: Robinson continues to improve and turns into a guy that averages a 20 and 12 double-double every year. Robinson and Bismack Biyombo turn Charlotte’s defense into one of the league’s best, and due to a youthful resurgence, the Queen City hosts a playoff game in three years.

Worst case: Robinson has reached plateau. He plays out a relatively successful 10 year NBA career as a 10 point, seven rebound per game rotation guy. He leaves Charlotte after his rookie deal is up and the Bobcats are forced to continue a seemingly never-ending rebuilding process.