2008 NBA draft class does not disappoint
Posted by The Skyliner on April 1st, 2009Cory Guinn
Staff Writer
In recent years the NBA has seen an influx of young and talented players. These players have followed the ever-popular procedure of going through one year of college followed by declaring for the NBA Draft. This group of players has become known as “one-and-done” players. With only 10 games left in the NBA season, I felt the need to comprise my own list of rookies who have impressed me with their level of play throughout 2008.
My All-Rookie First Team:
-Derrick Rose, first overall pick, Chicago Bulls, G
Rose was selected by the Bulls to be their star of the future, and he has not disappointed. He has played a vital role in bringing Chicago and up-tempo style of play that has helped them in a large way. Rose is averaging 16.6 points and 6.1 assists per game while developing the ability to seemingly will his team to wins.
-OJ Mayo, third overall pick, Memphis Grizzlies, G
Coming out of college, everyone knew Mayo could score in bunches. The doubters, however, questioned his defense and work ethic. While the Grizzlies are far from the NBA’s elite, Mayo has consistently shown how much of a scoring threat he is averaging 18.4 points per game and knocking down 39 percent of his three-point attempts.
-Michael Beasley, second overall pick, Miami Heat, F
A dominant player in college, most scouts expected Beasley to enter the NBA and continue his dominance. His production has understandably dropped off a bit but he gets better with each passing game. Beasley is averaging 13.3 points per game 5.1 rebounds per game while helping turn the Heat into a playoff contender.
-Jason Thompson, 12th overall pick, Sacramento Kings, F
Everyone knew that Thompson had top-notch athleticism and a ton of potential, but most wondered if he had the experience needed in the NBA. After starting the season playing mostly garbage time, he has come on strong late in the season putting up 10.5 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game.
-Brook Lopez, 10th overall pick, New Jersey Nets, C
Lopez has done what he was drafted to do: be a force on defense. He has filled in at center nicely for the upstart Nets scoring 12.9 points per games, grabbing 7.8 rebounds per game, and having 1.8 blocks per game.
My All-Rookie Second Team:
-Russell Westbrook, 4th overall pick, Oklahoma City Thunder, G
Westbrook was a great floor leader in college and has continued that trend into the NBA. He has averaged 15.7 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game for the Thunder.
-Eric Gordon, 7th overall pick, Los Angeles Clippers, G
The Clippers were in desperate need of a scorer and they got one by drafting Gordon. Most thought of Gordon to be a shooter only but he has shown the ability to play both guard positions while still scoring at a high rate. He boasts season averages of 15.6 points per game, 2.7 assists per game, and shooting 39 percent from three-point range.
-Rudy Fernandez, 24th overall pick in 2007, Portland Trailblazers, F
Fernandez has been nothing short of a scoring machine in Portland. While he has been a little inconsistent at times and injured recently, he has managed to average a solid 10.1 points per game and shoot 38 percent from beyond the arc.
-Kevin Love, fifth overall pick, Minnesota Timberwolves, F
The second UCLA Bruin on this list along with Westbrook, Love has shown why finesse is becoming more and more popular among post players. He has shown a soft touch around the rim and a mean streak on the glass averaging 10.7 points per game and pulling down 9.1 rebounds per game.
-Marc Gasol, 48th overall pick in 2007, Memphis Grizzlies, C
Gasol has shown that his toughness and strength are what makes him the player he is. He is averaging 11.4 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game for a Grizzlies team trying to rebuild the franchise with young talent.