Top 20 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year Contenders
1. Michael Beasley, PF, Heat
He's a prodigious talent who will be extremely productive in Miami or wherever he ends up. The Heat pride themselves on being a top-notch organization, so if they keep him they will focus heavily on wringing all of Beasley's talents out of him in short order.
2. Greg Oden, C, Trail Blazers
This is based on his playing on two healthy legs, naturally. Out all of last season after microfracture surgery, last year's No. 1 pick becomes the other man-child of this rookie class. Oden is a true force on both ends and will compete with passion and purpose every night.
3. Rudy Fernandez, SG, Trail Blazers
I love players who have been productive in the best leagues in Europe (think Luis Scola and Juan Carlos Navarro). Fernandez is ready to play and has the potential to develop even further.
4. Marc Gasol, C, Grizzlies
Skilled, experienced and full of confidence. Don't discount the effect of having his brother, Pau, in his ear all summer, teaching him the nuances of the NBA.
5. Derrick Rose, PG, Bulls
Let's not forget he is still very young and the Bulls still have Kirk Hinrich, who has lots of talent. Rose is going to be great, but not overnight. Still, he projects to be an All-Rookie performer.
6. Kevin Love, PF, Timberwolves
I know his athleticism and overall physique are in question, but he's too tough, smart and skilled not to be an effective player early on. Thanks to the trade to Minnesota, he should get major minutes. He is a perfect fit (offensively) next to Big Al.
7. O.J. Mayo, SG, Grizzlies
Obviously, a talent like Mayo should rank higher, but Conley and Gay are youngsters who will get lots of minutes. Playing three young players together is a disastrous recipe most of the time, so O.J. may have to wait his turn just for a little bit.
8. Danilo Gallinari, SF, Knicks
Another highly skilled and experienced player from Europe, Gallinari is in a system that perfectly complements his skill set. I get the feeling he'll have a special bond with head coach Mike D'Antoni, a la Steve Nash.
9. Eric Gordon, SG, Clippers
Brilliant shooter/scorer who should get minutes in L.A. He's got a motor and some talent around him that will help his transition.
10. Brandon Rush, SG, Pacers
Has a beautiful outside stroke and is ready to defend -- a perfect fit in Indy. Newly acquired point guard T.J. Ford will get him shots in half-court sets and in transition.
11. Courtney Lee, SG, Magic
Very athletic with polished skills, Lee was drafted by Orlando mainly because he can really defend. He's a classic Stan Van Gundy guy.
12. Russell Westbrook, PG, SuperSonics
He's ready to defend at the next level, but he might struggle to run the Sonics' offense. His heart and character should earn him quality minutes.
13. Jerryd Bayless, PG, Trail Blazers
Should be looked at as a serious scoring option off the bench. He is highly confident and an excellent shot-maker with quickness.
14. Brook Lopez, C, Nets
Big guys who can score using their size, or craftiness, have a place in this league. Lopez can do both.
15. Roy Hibbert, C, Pacers
Highly skilled and smart. And huge, too. Should be able to get minutes on this team and be a half-court option right away.
16. Joe Alexander, SF, Bucks
The league loves athletic energy guys, and Alexander is that and more. His skill game may need work, but his strength and agility will allow him to make a difference from the get-go.
17. Jason Thompson, PF, Kings
The most surprising pick of the draft, Thompson is multitalented and going to a team desperate for help inside. He can shoot, too, which is a must for Kings GM Geoff Petrie.
18. Donte' Greene, SF, Rockets
Pure shooters like Greene can find their way into the rotation. Dropping so low in Round 1 may end up inspiring him to work harder this summer.
19. Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Nets
Very solid shooter and scorer who loves to compete when the lights are on. Should be highly motivated after the first-round snub.
20. Nicolas Batum, SF, Trail Blazers
I know that most stat gurus don't like him, but it's not easy to put up big numbers as a 19-year-old in the Euroleague.
