NBA.com Rookie Ladder (Stephenson #1)

[Dunthreevy]

http://www.nba.com/rookieladder/

Day 1 from Orlando: Stephenson steals the show
Welcome to the NBA.com Rookie Ladder, coinciding with the first action of 2010 Summer League from Orlando.

Anticipation was high for the nightcap in Orlando that featured No. 2 pick Evan Turner facing off against No. 3 pick Derrick Favors.

But before the two lottery picks even took the floor, a second-round pick stole the spotlight. Stephenson, a high school legend from New York who spent one season at Cincinnati, fell to the 40th pick, where the Pacers didn't hesitate to take him. And he didn't disappoint in his debut, scoring 21 points and showing off his athleticism.

After the Draft, Indiana president of basketball operations Larry Bird said the Pacers were so high on Stephenson they considered trading into the first round to get him.

He played like a first-round talent Monday.

[JONEAL]

we got all three of our picks on there

[Starkiller]

As anyone else getting the feeling that we just hit the lottery on Lance and Paul? Mags is good but I don't think he's going to be much more than a role player, but I'm starting to feel that Lance and Paul are both going to be studs.

[Miller4ever]

Rolle, being a late, late pick would be awesome if he could stopgap at the end of the rotation.

Lance is exceeding expectations, and that's great. I'm eager to see George do something amazing.

[Moooose]

This is a good start.
Lance Stephenson proved once more why he should've been a first-rounder, even though the Pacers lost, he had a good game, still scoring decently. I'm starting to think he's the kind the Pacers has been lacking for quite some time now, a pure scorer, ready to take on the scoring load whenever it's needed. I just hope he develops nicely into a PG.
Paul George, IMO, is still trying to get his "feel", he's been missing a lot of shots but he's got good set of skills, he just need some time to make himself comfortable. His steals are pretty impressive, and he's a pretty good defender. He would be a pretty good compliment to Danny's shotblocking.
Magnum Rolle is a surprise. And yes, he looks to be pretty serviceable on both ends of the floor. His workout vids with the Wizards showed that he's got legit range on his jumpers. Now it's clear why Larry wanted him.
Hope the Pacers could sign both Lance and Magnum.

[Miller4ever]

Just a small note, Granger's steal and block averages are pretty close. I think George's will be also.

[jowglenn]

That would be fantastic if Rolle could end up in the rotation.

I think a lot of teams probably overlooked him because he played 5 years in college. They figure, eh, no upside, never gonna be a star, it's a 2nd round pick, so let's go for someone that could turn into something special.

While Bird is sitting there saying, 'this guy averaged 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. He's 6'11" and 225. He's ready to play in the NBA right now'

Let's hope so.