Summer Rookie Rankings by David Thorpe
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:18 pm
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=Rookies-090717
Here's Thorpe's assessment of his top 5...
We all know that the summer league stats and standings don't mean diddly squat, but in terms of developing young talent I personally think it's an instrumental step. It's these guys first chance against NBA level competition. For Psycho T to have performed as well as he did makes me happy. Like Thorpe said, he was blowing people away with his ability but he has the intangibles (and some pretty good talent) that it takes to be a solid NBA player.
I'm not at all surprised about James Harden's play. I pegged him, along with Griffin, Evans, Curry, and Flynn as the only sure things in this draft.
Here's Thorpe's assessment of his top 5...
1. Blake Griffin, Clippers
There is nothing left for Griffin to prove this summer. He is the most talented rookie and he plays the hardest, too; an exceptional combination. Veterans around the league should take note: This is not your typical rookie, and he'll provide them with bruises and posterizing moments to prove it.
2. James Harden, Thunder
He plays like a 10-year vet -- nothing is rushed or forced -- and he was the best passer on the floor every time he suited up. Factor in his ability to shoot, score and make plays on both sides of the ball, and the case can be made that he should have gone No. 2 overall in the draft.
3. Tyreke Evans, Kings
Can he crush opponents as a scorer? Yes. Is he a triple-double threat? Yes. Will he have a chance to break some kind of rookie free throws-per-game record? Perhaps. Sure, Evans has a lot to learn about playing the point guard position, but with his enormous talent, he's starting with very high expectations.
4. Tyler Hansbrough, Pacers
He was not the most efficient scorer in Orlando, but those of us who watched him know just how effective he was for the Pacers. His energy not only hurt his opponents, but inspired his teammates.
5. DeMar DeRozan, Raptors
Smooth and patient, with explosiveness and a sweet jumper. I love how DeRozan rarely dribbled himself into trouble and how crafty he proved to be around the hoop. And he rebounded and defended, too. He looks like he'll be able to contribute earlier than expected.
We all know that the summer league stats and standings don't mean diddly squat, but in terms of developing young talent I personally think it's an instrumental step. It's these guys first chance against NBA level competition. For Psycho T to have performed as well as he did makes me happy. Like Thorpe said, he was blowing people away with his ability but he has the intangibles (and some pretty good talent) that it takes to be a solid NBA player.
I'm not at all surprised about James Harden's play. I pegged him, along with Griffin, Evans, Curry, and Flynn as the only sure things in this draft.
