All the predictions and guesses will melt away into reality on Thursday night in Newark when the 2012 NBA Draft gets underway. In the meantime, trade rumors and speculation about draft picks will dominate the conversation. The Philadelphia 76ers have the 15th pick in the first round.

Many experts see the Sixers trying to add a big man to the lineup. Kentucky forward Terrence Jones, at 6'10" 252 pounds, fills that need in the latest mock draft from SI.com. Here's the write up from Sam Amick:

The Sixers don't have any big men locked up beyond next season except reserve center Nikola Vucevic, a rookie last season. Jones could evolve into a long-term frontcourt solution who could play power forward and possibly some small forward (opinions vary there). Jones is a good passer, defender and rebounder who averaged 12.3 points (on 50 percent shooting from the field and 32.7 percent on three-pointers), 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals last season for the national champion Wildcats.

The draft starts at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and can be seen on ESPN.

For more on the Sixers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.