Hoops Rumors Polls

Last night we asked you which 2012 first round pick who fell out of the lottery would contribute this season, and earlier tonight we went over the contract status for all 30 of the second round picks. There always seems to be a steal from late in the draft, and last year was no exception, with Isaiah Thomas and Lavoy Allen becoming important parts of their teams. So, let us know which 2012 second-rounder has the best chance to emerge as a productive player either this year or down the road.

Choose from any of the second round picks who've signed with their NBA team so far. If you think the gem of this draft class is overseas or still awaiting a contract, choose the option at the bottom. 

The 2011-12 NBA All-Rookie team was headlined by Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio, as well as other former lottery picks such as Klay Thompson and Brandon Knight. The other three selections, Kenneth Faried, Kawhi Leonard, and Iman Shumpert were all selected outside of the lottery. 

There are factors that a rookie faces which can determine his role during his first year, especially with regard to who may or may not be ahead on the team's depth chart and how they perform during training camp. With that in mind, which non-lottery first round pick appears to be in the best position to contribute right away? 

Taking a look at four talented players from the 2009 draft class, which of them do you think is most likely to change teams for their next contract? 

With most of the offseason's free agents already signed to a team, a few players with reputable names are still searching for a place to play. Who do you think will get signed sooner rather than later?

There's no doubt that the best got better this offseason with teams like the Lakers and the Heat adding key pieces to strengthen their odds of making a title run. Beyond the league's powerhouses, a series of teams ranging from the 8th seed from the Eastern Conference to the squad with the worst record in the league made moves this summer that should help them improve their win totals in 2012/13. For some of these teams, success next season will be predicated on a trade made during the offseason (Sixers) or adding key pieces through the draft, free agency as well trades (Hornets).

There have been plenty of free agent signings, savy draft picks and trades this offseason that will undoubtedly improve more than a few teams this season. Let us know which of these teams below will make the biggest improvement this season based upon wins. If you have another team in mind, vote for "Other" and let us know who it is in the comments.

Out of the top 14 draft positions of June's NBA draft, only two non-playoff teams were without a lottery pick, as New Jersey's pick belonged to Portland and Minnesota's choice belonged to the Hornets. Quite a few teams have made significant changes between the trade deadline and this summer, enough to potentially make the race for a playoff berth an interesting one down the line. 

The Wizards made some notable additions this offseason, acquiring veteran help for John Wall in the form of Nene, Trevor Ariza, and Emeka Okafor to go along with a promising young talent in Bradley Beal. The Bucks were very much in the Eastern Conference playoff picture before a 3-7 finish sent the team to the lottery for a second consecutive season. It should be noted that the team went 11-11 with Monta Ellis in the lineup, and it will be intriguing to see what direction the team will go in with a larger sample size of games to work with. 

Mark Jackson has quite a collection of talent and experience to work with in Golden State, and much of the Warriors' success hinges on the health of Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut. Ideally, Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry could serve as solid and dependable reserves, Brandon Rush returns looking to build upon shooting 50.1% from the field and a stellar 45.2% from three point range last year, and we've yet to see what role Harrison Barnes will have as a rookie.

The Suns begin the post-Steve Nash era having brought in Goran Dragic fresh off of a breakout season in Houston. Considering his remarkable production over the final two months of the season (15.0 PPG, 7.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 49.7% FG, and 41% from three in March/ 18.9 PPG, 7.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, 46.1% FG in April), Dragic will have a great opportunity to continue his success with consistent starter's minutes. Michael Beasley has self-imposed the standard of becoming an All-Star this season, and Luis Scola is a seasoned veteran who appears ready to pick up where he left off with Dragic last year. 

While there certainly are other factors to consider (especially with other teams, such as how the talent of the Raptors and Kings will fit), which team that selected in the top 14 of this year's NBA Draft has the best chance of making the playoffs this year? 

Players generally see the minimum salary as a last resort, but sometimes quality contributors will take a voluntary paycut if they're especially eager to join a team that's short on available cash. Usually these teams are contenders who get an added boost from a title-hungry player who goes down as a bargain, but sometimes a player just thinks a certain team is the right fit, and is willing to give up a chance for better money elsewhere.

There have already been dozens of minimum salary signings, with plenty more surely to come. Let us know which of these players below is the best minimum salary signing of the offseason. If you have someone else in mind, vote for that option and let us know who it is in the comments.