There is a whole lot of talent this NBA season amongst the rookies. Some players have had surprising starts and offer glimpses of stardom. Others, on the other hand, may need some time to continue their development.
Here's an early look, as of November 18th, 2008, at how this year's rookie crop fares.
Rookie Power Rankings
- O.J. Mayo, G, Memphis Grizzlies10 games, 21.0 ppg, 4.6 rbpg, 2.1 3s per game, 45% FG, 89% FT
- Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls10 games, 18.9 ppg, 5.0 rbpg, 5.6 apg, 47% FG
- Michael Beasley, SF, Miami Heat10 games, 16.3 ppg, 5.9 rbpg, 44% FG
- Rudy Fernandez, G, Portland Trail Blazers10 games, 13.6 ppg, 2.4 3s per game, 46% FG, 94% FT
- Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies10 games, 12.0 ppg, 7.7 rbpg, 56% FG
- Jason Thompson, FC, Sacramento Kings11 games, 11.5 ppg, 6.6 rbpg, 55% FG
- Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, SF, Milwaukee Bucks11 games, 10.6 ppg, 7.5 rbpg, 46% FG
- Anthony Morrow, G, Golden State Warriors4 games, 15 ppg, 4.0 rbpg, 62% FG (had a 37-point game against the Clippers)
- Greg Oden, C, Portland Trail Blazers4 games, 6.8 ppg, 6.5 rbpg, 2.5 bspg, 44% FG
- Darrell Arthur, F, Memphis Grizzlies10 games, 6.8 ppg, 6.7 rbpg, 1.3 spg, 1.5 bspg, 37% FG
Next in Line
- D.J. Augustin, PG, Charlotte Bobcats9 games, 8.8 ppg, 3.4 apg, 37% FG
- Mario Chalmers, PG, Miami Heat10 games, 6.6 ppg, 4.7 apg, 2.2 spg, 38% FG
- Ryan Anderson, PF, New Jersey Nets7 games, 9.1 ppg, 3.9 rbpg, 57% FG
- Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey Nets9 games, 6.8 ppg, 5.7 rbpg, 1.6 bspg, 46% FG
- JaVale McGee, C, Washington Wizards6 games, 9.3 ppg, 6.3 rbpg, 1.2 bspg, 54% FG
- Kevin Love, F, Minnesota Timberwolves9 games, 8.8 ppg, 6.6 rbpg, 38% FG
- Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder11 games, 12.0 ppg, 3.1 rbpg, 3.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 31% FG
- George Hill, PG, San Antonio Spurs8 games, 7.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 38% FG
Others, such as Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers, Kosta Koufos, Utah Jazz, and Anthony Randolph, Golden State Warriors, are posting very good numbers in limited minutes. Field goal percentage seems to be a consistent problem with many rookies, but that's to be expected.
O.J. Mayo has given the Memphis Grizzlies a potential star to build around. Though their record is just 3-7, a perimeter of Mayo, Rudy Gay and Mike Conley has a lot of potential and is fun to watch. Derrick Rose has emerged as the Bulls leader. They're a respectable 5-5 so far. Michael Beasley has shown a lot of potential, despite being the second scoring option and sharing touches with Dwayne Wade, who's averaging 27.9 ppg.
