NBA Top 10 Rookies
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Last year Roy won the ROY, that is Brandon Roy won the Rookie of the Year award.
But Jorge Garbajose, the 6′ 9″ forward for the Raptors almost won the award. It took a broken leg in March to stop him.
This year there is a new crop of potential ROY winners. Here are the Top Ten impact rookies according to Marty Burns of SI.com.
1. Luis Scola, Rockets
He is a 6′ 9″ forward that at 27 years of age will find himself along side TMac and Yao. Luis won’t get the ball enough to win rookie of the year, but should make a big splash just the same.
2. Kevin Durant, Sonics
Your intrepid author has talked a lot about Kevin and he has to be the front runner for Rookie of the Year. His team is too weak to really do anything, but Kevin will have a heavy impact.
3. Al Horford, Hawks
Horford went to High School just down the road from me in the shadow of Michigan State University. Tom Izzo took Goran Suton instead of Al, although that may have been Al’s decision, who knows. Al’s father played in the pros. His name is Tito Horford. Al proved his worth with the Champion Florida Gators. Unfortunately the Hawks are not very good and they will need Al immediately.
4. Al Thornton, Clippers
With Elton Brand sidelined by an Achilles heel injury, this 6-8 power forward from Florida State should get an opportunity to play. So far he looks more than up to the task. As of Wednesday he was averaging 18.7 points (on 48.9 percent shooting) and 5.7 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game. source
5. Juan Carlos Navarro, Grizzlies
La Bomba played for 5 years in Europe, was actually drafted in 2002, but this is his first year in the NFL. He is a 6′ 3″ guard from Spain.
6. Mike Conley, Grizzlies
Supposed to provide the zip to the Grizzlies offense, Mike was often the one Buckeye breaking down the defense to feed the hungry Oden. He could end up playing alongside La Bomba.
7. Marco Belinelli, Warriors
This guy had 37 points in a summer league game and now plays in the Warriors bizarre wide open offensive system. Marco is a 6′ 5″ guard from Italy
8. Joakim Noah, Bulls
Another Gator contributor found just the right team for his banging style where he should be able to complement Big Ben. Joakim’s 6′ 11″ frame will be needed on the Bulls.
9. Yi Jianlian, Bucks
The 6-11 Chinese phenom has the potential to make a big impact, especially since he’s probably really 22 or 23, as opposed to his listed age of 18. But he’s been up and down in preseason, and the Bucks already have Charlie Villanueva at the power forward position. With the Bucks seeking to return to the playoffs, the guess here is that Yi finds himself in the same limited role as Law. source
10. Acie Law, Hawks
Acie Law is being compared to Chris Paul and that is a complement to anyone, but the 6′ 3″ guard is caught up in a logjam at guard for the Hawks with a coach that has to win or be fired.
There they are the Top Ten Rookies according to Marty Burns at SI.com
A little closer to home for your intrepid author there may be dark horse in Rodney Stuckey of the Pistons, although he just broke his non-shooting hand and is out for 6 weeks. Rodney has shown the ability to score and finish plays.
Keep an eye on these guys as they are the future of the NBA.
NBA Basketball Fan Question Which rookie is your favorite?
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POSTED IN: Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, Yao Ming, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, San Francisco Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, San Diego Clippers, Greg Oden, Portland Trailblazers, Detroit Pistons, Seattle Supersonics, Chicago Bulls, Kevin Durant, NBA Basketball
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