Top Rookie Prospects for an Immediate Impact
The National Basketball Association’s Summer Leagues begin this week in Orlando and Las Vegas. This will be the first time that recently drafted rookies will get to showcase their abilities while wearing the jerseys of their respective teams. Although these rookies may not have been selected in this order, the following are the top ranked rookies based on immediate NBA impact potential:
Evan Turner: He may have been drafted second overall, but Turner seems to be most ready to immediately play in the NBA. Turner averaged an impressive 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists for Ohio State University last year, a feat last achieved by Oscar Robertson way back in 1960.
The Philadelphia 76ers need Turner badly and he will be their starting 2 guard right from the get-go. His main pairing is with Andre Iguodala, a desperately overrated player who struggled to put up 18 points per game as a team’s main shooter. Turner should outdo, and perhaps embarrass, Iguodala almost immediately. If Philadelphia is somehow able to rid itself of Iguodala’s disastrous contract, Turner’s offensive production will most likely be unbelievable for a rookie.
John Wall: Wall was the No. 1 pick for fairly good reason, and should feature for the Washington Wizards immediately. He has a quickness and overall speed that is going to be nearly unmatched in the entire league. This means that he will be able to breeze by many defenders and require double teaming. In turn, he has great court vision and should be able to distribute well.
Wall’s only downside has nothing to do with Wall at all. He must deal with the volatile Gilbert Arenas, who has express displeasure at being shifted to the 2 spot from his point guard duties. If the two do mesh though, it could be a very dynamic duo.
Blake Griffin: Most people have forgotten that Griffin is indeed still a rookie. After recuperating a knee injury last season, Griffin is coming back with something to prove. In college, he was unstoppable on the boards and in down-low offence. If his knee truly is fine, he could continue that trend in the NBA. At full-health Griffin could contribute around 15 points per game and nine rebounds, which would most likely be enough to put him in contention for Rookie of the Year.
DeMarcus Cousins: The Kings’ selection is one of the riskiest, but has a ton of potential upside. If he plays well, he and last year’s ROY Tyreke Evans could help Sacramento build an actual franchise. Cousins has an NBA-ready body at 6‘10” and 290 lbs. He has also developed a long-distance shot over the off-season which if effective would pair really well with the down-low play generated through his massive physique. In fact, Cousins is perhaps immediately more talented than a wide percentage of current big-men in the NBA.
Wes Johnson: Johnson had an impressive season at Syracuse where he showcased all-around ability in playing shooting guard and small forward. At Minnesota, he will probably start immediately at small forward thanks to Corey Brewer’s continual lack of production. If his jump shot continues to improve, Johnson would optimally shift down to the 2 spot where his 6’7” frame would be more dominant. If this happens, Minnesota would have an all-Syracuse back-court pairing of Johnson and Jonny Flynn.
Greg Monroe: It is sort of fitting that a team with a lack of identity as severe as the Pistons would draft a player like Greg Monroe. The poor man’s Tim Duncan, Monroe has a solid foundation for low-post scoring and great passing vision. Unfortunately, he is unselfish to almost a fault. In college, he led the NCAA in average assists for a centre, but if he took initiative he could easily average 18 points per game in the NBA.
Tags: