Rookies and Sophomores

[Meatcookie]

On a 12 team league, this is where Yahoo has these players being drafted...

Kevin Durant - 5th round (pick 47/48)
Greg Oden - 6th round (pick 56/57)
Al Horford - 6th round (pick 64/65)
Michael Beasley - 7th round (69/70)
OJ Mayo - 9th round (93/94)
Kevin Love - 9th round (94/95)
Robin Lopez - 12 round (131/132)
Luis Scola - 12th round (135/136)

Durant I could see as being in the 5th round, he will get points but will still have to carry his team and that could result in a lesser FG% than if he had some real help. But since Durant has 1 year of NBA experience should Oden be that close to him (9 picks later)? Or is Oden's value increased because Portland has a better team and if Oden has good numbers in rebounds and blocks then he will be successful?

I heard Beasley might not be starting because his defense is lacking for now, but that could change after a few weeks.

Robin Lopez shouldn't even be drafted but he is playing behind Shaq and that means he will get playing time and should start a few games at least. Is the Suns up tempo game going to continue and that will allow Lopez some increased stat numbers? ...or will the Suns slow it down and play a little more defense because of Shaq? Plus Nash is a ear older as is Grant Hill (they are still great players, but I feel the Suns game is changing).

What about Derrick Rose, Rudy Fernandez, Jarryd Bayless and Marc Gasol? Would you draft them in the last 2 rounds or wait and see?

What are your thoughts on the rookies and sophomores of 08-09 ?

[jorgo]

I think Durant will be top 30 player this year.

Greg Oden - 6th round (pick 56/57) - top 70
Al Horford - 6th round (pick 64/65) - Top 80
Michael Beasley - 7th round (69/70) - top 90
OJ Mayo - 9th round (93/94) - there abouts.
Kevin Love - 9th round (94/95) - top 110
Robin Lopez - 12 round (131/132) - Forget about this guy. approx 200th
Luis Scola - 12th round (135/136) - top 160.

I'd wait and see for all those last 4. I personally hate drafting rookies. They're always overvalued, and rarely do any of them break out to be a complete monster and a draft day steal.

[Meatcookie]

I'm not worried about drafting rookies in the last 2 rounds. Rarely do I keep the last 2 or 3 players I draft for more than 2 weeks... sometimes they get dropped the same night I drafted them = )

[2009NBAChamps]

Keep an eye on Mike Conley. This guy was highly touted last year and injuries and the depth chart held him back.. but with starters minutes this year he could really help you across the board. I see him having possibly as much or more value than Mayo would.