Updated NBA Rookie Rankings 2008-2009

November 30, 2008

One of the bright spots of this 2008-2009 NBA season, is the strength and depth of the rookie class. Here are our latest rookie rankings:

1. DERRICK ROSE, CHICAGO

Rose is a classic pass-first point guard with the athleticism to finish on bigs at the rim. Sorry Luol Deng, this guy has now become the franchise. And its not even close.

2. O.J. MAYO, MEMPHIS

Mayo has put up big numbers all year long, including some 30-plus point games. He has formed a consistent 1-2 punch with rising star Rudy Gay, and has done it while learning to play off the ball at the 2.

3. BROOK LOPEZ, NEW JERSEY

You know its a deep draft when a mobile 7-footer with a fairly refined offensive post game falls to number 10 on the draft board. Since becoming a starter in the middle, Lopez has routinely put up double digit scoring numbers for the Nets.

4. MICHAEL BEASLEY, MIAMI

Beasley’s production has decreased recently, both scoring-wise and on the glass. Still, Beasley is entrenched in the rotation, and has too much of a polished offensive game not to excel.

5. RUDY FERNANDEZ, PORTLAND

Fernandez has provided consistent 3-point shooting and an offensive spark off the bench since day one.

6. D.J. AUGUSTIN, CHARLOTTE

Larry Brown loves this guy. Augustin has been getting major minutes, and has had a couple of 20-plus point games for the Bobcats. Ray Felton, your days in Charlotte are numbered.

7. ERIC GORDON, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Cuttino Mobley gets traded, Gordon is made a starter, and a star is born. In the two games Gordon has started since the Mobley trade, he has exploded for over 20 points in each contest, while draining 8 threes in the process.

8. RUSSELL WESTBROOK, SEATTLE/OKLAHOMA CITY

Westbrook has brought a high motor, defense, and scoring off the bench. However, his decision-making at lead guard is a work in progress, as he too often looks to go one-on-one rather than just running sets.

9. GEORGE HILL, SAN ANTONIO

When Parker and Ginobilli went down, late first-rounder Hill gave Coach Pop a huge lift with his scoring.

10. LUC RICHARD MBAH A MOUTE, MILWAUKEE

The Prince has been a force on D and on the glass. He’s tough and scrappy, and has locked down a starting job under Coach Skiles.

Honorable Mentions

Mario Chalmers, Miami
Jason Thompson, Sacramento
Greg Oden, Portland
JaVale McGee, Washington
Nicolas Batum, Portland
Darrell Arthur, Memphis
Marc Gasol, Memphis


Mike Elliott
Staff Editor of The Daily Sports Herald

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