Rose leads rookie hunt
This has been a deep rookie class in the NBA. Whether there are many future all-stars from this group remains to be seen, but there are several players who have made serious contributions, albeit many on teams with losing records.
The rookie of the year debate is often spirited, and this year there are a list of top candidates, but barring a late-season collapse, the first player taken in the draft should emerge with the award.
Derrick Rose has been everything advertised while taking over as the point guard for the Chicago Bulls.
Some critics have suggested that O.J. Mayo and Rose are receiving consideration solely on scoring statistics, since they are the top two rookie scorers.
That obviously plays a part, but Rose especially has done much more than score. In fact in the recent NBA rookie efficiency ratings, Rose is second behind New Jersey center Brook Lopez, with Memphis’ Marc Gasol third.
Rose has carried the biggest burden and has his team still fighting for a playoff spot, even if it is in the watered down Eastern Conference.
Here is one person’s all-rookie team if the season were to end today. This is not projecting who will be the best player in the future, but only on first-year production.
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago.
He would be our rookie of the year hands down. Are there parts of his game that need improvement? Of course. Remember, he is less than two years removed from high school. He led Memphis into the NCAA title game last year and with the right parts around him, has the ability to take the Bulls to much greater heights.
Rose is second in the NBA among rookies in minutes per game (36.7) and scoring (16.5 ppg.). His 2.39 assist to turnover ratio (6.2 assists, 2.58 turnovers) is certainly acceptable for a rookie.
Rose’s overall field goal percentage (46.6 percent) is more than acceptable, although he must work on his three-point shooting (23.5). Rose is only attempting three free throws per game, a figure that must increase, especially since he is shooting almost 80 percent from the line.
At 20-years-old, Rose figures to have a bright future. He is one player on this team we can pencil in as a potential future all-star.
2. Brook Lopez, New Jersey.
Has enjoyed an excellent first season, averaging 12.9 points and second among rookies (to Kevin Love) in rebounds at 7.0. Lopez also leads all rookies in blocked shots (1.84 average) in slightly more than 30 minutes per game. He’s shooting 52.4 percent from the field and 82.6 percent from the foul line. Of all the rookies, he may have exceeded the initial expectations the most.
3. O.J. Mayo, Memphis.
Detractors say he leads the NBA rookies in scoring (18.4) because he also leads first-year players in minutes played (37.9). Yet Mayo has that same quality that Rose possesses in that he could be projected to one day be a future all-star.
Could he defend better? Sure, but that could be said about any rookie, and many veterans in the league. And Mayo will have to improve his 1.09 assist-to-turnover ratio. Mayo is also shooting 87.7 percent from the foul line, but is attempting 3.5 free throws per game. Again, as he expands his game and takes the ball to the basket, there is no reason why he shouldn’t double that free throw attempt figure, which would make him even more dangerous.
4. Marc Gasol, Memphis.He been a pleasant surprise. A rugged inside player, Gasol is averaging 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in slightly more than 30 minutes per game. He is shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 72 percent from the foul line. One thing that can’t be shown on the stat sheet is the toughness he brings to a young team. Whether he develops into a future all-star like his brother Pau remains to be seen, but he is certainly one of the building blocks on a Grizzlies team that can use several more.
5. Mario Chalmers, Miami.
While he’s averaging 10.1 points per game, Chalmers has come in to be the point guard of a playoff-bound Miami team that only won 15 games last year. (Of course a healthy Dwyane Wade has had a little to do with Miami’s dramatic improvement). Chalmers’ assist-to-turnover ratio (2.36) is just behind Rose. He’s shooting a respectable 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. Other rookies have had better statistical seasons, but he has filled in admirably in the Heat’s biggest position of need.
Second Team
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Kevin Love, Minnesota
Eric Gordon, LA Clippers
D.J. Augustin, Charlotte
Michael Beasley, Miami
Zev Said,
March 24, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
i think there are 5 teams that are really going to regret passing on Lopez - he will only get better.
i would wonder if the draft were to be do over where would he go today? I still think i would choose O J Mayo over him and I would still take Rose as the first pick - but after those 2 i cannot make a case for anyone being chosen ahead of the big TWIN.
jeff brave Said,
March 24, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
how the hell is Mario Chalmers over Russell Westbrook…Look up how many rookies have averaged 15 5 and 5 in their rookie season..I dont know the exact number but I think its something like Lebron, Jordan, and Magic..
Littlewolf Said,
March 24, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
There may not be a LeBron in this past year’s draft, but there does seem to be quite a few quality players here. I know the upcoming draft is not advertised as having even this impact, but maybe the prognosticators will be wrong.
Metin Kirhan Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 1:40 am
How come Westbrook and Eric Gordon are not among the first team members? Westbrook’s name is mentioned even among the ROY candidates. Gordon, on the other hand, has become a prolific and reliable scorer. What he did so far in luckluster Clippers team is just amazing. He should be in top 5, no-brainer.
John Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 4:54 am
My only comment is in regards to the lack of free throw attempts by Rose and Mayo. I thinks this has a lot to do with them being rookies. I’ve seen Rose play a few times get to the rim and get fouled, but not get the call. I also believe the Bulls coach commented on this very fact. I believe both will begin to get these calls as they become veterans as will other rookies with talent. I especially expect Rose to get more calls because of his demeanor and humble personality. I think the refs will be more inclined to give respect because he is respectful. Eventually.
Arthur Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 5:48 am
Westbrook will be better than Rose. Why? Mindset. If you watch Rose it is obvious that he has the body of a lion but the heart of the tin man. No emotion, no fire. Three rebounds a game? Unacceptable. Put the Bulls in the Thunder’s division and their record would be damn near the same. Obvious big market hype. Eric Gordon is also a beast and the best shooter to come out since Ray Allen. OJ Mayo? A gunner who has taken shots away from their best player Gay and also Gasol. Brook Lopez and Westbrook will be in multiple All-Star games.
Juan Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 6:09 am
Westbrook on the second team and Augustin over Rudy??
Not the best teams…
Ozan Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 6:48 am
Westbrook has played better and has far more potential than Chalmers has. Putting Chalmers in first team and Westbrook in second according to their teams’ position is not a realistic evaluation I think.
Black from DC Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 7:39 am
Love getting no love. Whats up with that? Oh well. But Rose is going to get it this year. This bunch of rookies aren’t really that exciting to me anyway.
Carviny Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 7:53 am
I watched the game last week between the Bulls and the Thunder and Rose and Westbrook were matched up, they posted a stat during the fitrst half where Westbrook had outscored Rose by 6 point. With his team down in the 4th quarter Rose went 10 for 10 from the floor against various defender. People with the heart of a Tin man tend to vanish during the 4th quarter. I’ve watched this kid sin his freshman year in high school and noticed one pattern, very seldom was he the leading scorer on his team yet they won 2 state title for one reason he’s unselfish, yet he knows when to step up. I love Westbrook’s game and he has a bright future ahead. Last why isn’t DJ Augustine’s name not on the list with the Bobcat in the playoff hunt?
GloriousBastard Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Rose is getting this years R.O.Y. award, no doubt.
However that is not to take away from what cats like Lopez, Love, and Mayo have done this year. Really remarkable year for Rookies.
JBEAN Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Arthur, your a moron, I like westbrook but rose will be in the top 4 point guards in the league next year. I dont think westbrook will ever be in that air.
Thunder Suck Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Arthur your a homo and probably a die hard Thunder Fan. Too bad Durant will leave when his contract runs up. That teams sucks, Your team is starting Sefalosha who could not even crack the rotation with our team. Westbrook on the bulls wouldn’t even be starting and would be the 7th or 8th man off the bench. Rose might not show emotion on the court-you ever watch him when he commits a turnover? He shows emotion then. This kid strives to be perfect and Westbrook Just likes to bend over!!
Thunder Suck Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Oh yeah and Thunder will be in the lottery for the next 20 years….HAHAHA
Braulio Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 10:45 am
D.Rose shouldnt be the runaway canidate unless he makes da playoffs becuz russel westbrook is putting up the same numbers almost
AND!… how does chalmers get rookie 1st team over westbrook der is NO WAY! p.s. i luv chalmers ima heat fan… but noooo
markied Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 11:45 am
give beasely his damn minutes next year and he will show you this year was just a fluke, that he should have been number 1. the heat coach has killed his early rep. but i would give mayo and rose co-ROY and runners up should be westbrook and lopez, they have been pretty good without much recognition. rudy gay was a top scorer on a horrible team, he is overrated so dont hate on mayo for doing his thing.
The AntiSocialite Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Russell Westbrook could ARGUABLY be the rookie of the year. To not have him on the 1st team is BEYOND laughable.
mike Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but anyone who leaves out Westbrook and Love on an All-Rookie First Team clearly has some NBA-watching to do.
Rose
Westbrook
Mayo
Love
Lopez
and it’s not even close.
gary Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
westbroke is having a yeah as good as rose and should be second if not equal. Give westbroke the same players the bulls have (bulls were supposed to have finals talents last yeah) n the bulls would be im the east playoffs too . Westbroke also has huge upside. Dude cant even shoot the ball yet and hes avg 16 ppg
Daniel Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
Have to agree with so many more, Seriously?! Chalmers before Westbrook? To mee both Westbrook and Gordon are top 5! Chalmers isn’t even close!
Daniel Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
And btw, team records and playoffs shouldn’t even bee taken into consideration! All the rookies play for “bad” teams for a simple reason, lottery teams trying to get better! Just look at the previous winners! Durant didn’t make the playoffs, Neither did Roy, I don’t think Paul did it, Okafor wasn’t even close, LeBron was far from it as well, so was Amare and so on and so on! So please! Before you post something about that a rookie have to be a leader and help their team to the playoffs, stop and reconsider! Because R.O.Y is all about numbers!
Frank Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
what about OJ SIMPSON ….:)
sean from cayman islands Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
like the list except for westbrook on the 2nd team…should be on the first….he’s going to be a great player…like lopez and especially rose’s composure and gasol’s cajones! good rookie class
Bobby Hubbard Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Dude u is retarded sayin chalmers gets in on the first team. Westbrook has done everything for his sonics———err thunder and is clearly going to help that franchise turn around in the nest few years. The other guard who has done far more than chalmers is Eric Gordon. Now I know he’s super turnover prone, but he is the only consistent player on the clippers not named Camby-man. He plays way older than he is and i bet if u put him on the heat instead of Chalmers they win more games this year, since what wade really needs are spot up shooters to kick it to.
Henry Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
As all others say, RB needs to be in the top 5 over Chalmers. If you think upside over the next 3 yrs, then I wld take out Gasol (very solid but think u get only marginal improvement from here), and add Beasely in top 5…wiht Gordon barely missing both top 5 lists. Very good class indeed.
Jewelz Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
@ Arthur
Man are you serious?!! dude watch some basketball before you post some crazy-ass shit, you’re wrong on almost everything. Westbrook over Rose?!! man c’mon do you really know basketball? you gotta be kidding me…
@Daniel
It souldn’t be about numbers only man, it’s about the impact of the player on the team..
Paul Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Uh…Eric Gordon should easily be in the 1st team.
slamfan4life Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
Arthur Said,
March 25, 2009 @ 5:48 am
Westbrook will be better than Rose. Why? Mindset. If you watch Rose it is obvious that he has the body of a lion but the heart of the tin man. No emotion, no fire. Three rebounds a game? Unacceptable. Put the Bulls in the Thunder’s division and their record would be damn near the same. Obvious big market hype. Eric Gordon is also a beast and the best shooter to come out since Ray Allen. OJ Mayo? A gunner who has taken shots away from their best player Gay and also Gasol. Brook Lopez and Westbrook will be in multiple All-Star games.
Some people dont show emotion as much as others
But if anyone saw that Rose-Westbrook match-up last week, Rose made Westbrook look like a selfish chump @ the end
noah Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 1:14 am
If Brook Lopez is averaging 7.5 RPG and Marc Gasol is averaging 7.4 RPG, how can Lopez be second only to Kevin Love in rookie rebounding?
Anyway, I more or less agree with this list. It’s hard to choose among Gasol, Chalmers, Westbrook and Gordon for the final two spots, but you can’t go wrong with any of those combos.
noah Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 1:15 am
er, that’s 7.0 RPG for Brook and 7.5RPG for Gasol. Same question, though.
NC Basketballer Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 11:33 am
JBean calling a Arthur a moron??? LOL
Hey JBean, it’s “You’re” a moron, not “Your” a moron.
Who’s the moron now?
Learn grammer before calling somone a moron.
And to: Thunder Suck
See above it’s “You’re” a homo, not “Your” a homo.
Who likes to bend over now?
Maybe “JBean” & “Thunder Suck” should go on a date?
Get a life guys, this is only basketball…
John Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
Westbrook isn’t even on the first team? Whoever made these teams is an idiot. Really, Chalmers over Westbrook?
Chris Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
How does this writer even have a blog that people want to read after ranking the rookies the way he did. Someone doesn’t watch enough basketball.
Porky Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Mayo-naise is one sweet and creamy player. He oozes finesse even while he squeezes out the offense while whipping them into a jar that Helmann’s would be proud of. As for Senor Lopez, I guess being ugly does not matter in the NBA. Lanky, awkward, ugly, yet someone who can grab that rebound and lumber up the court for some more action (that is, hoop action). Opie the Coach has a decent player there. Wonder if Aunt Bee can provide some hair styling for him? Or better yet, Thelma Lou. Gasol-ine can ignite a game with his hot play and burning desire to melt down the offense of the other team. Of course, he can be a hot dog at times, but if grilled from the press, he can take the heat. Speaking of heat, its time for another beer.
CentrILMark Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
Derrick’s high field goal percentage spells a quality scorer when he can do that as a Rook. Also, he does not get the foul calls he should going to the basket which would make his scoring avg even higher, and a little less humbleness might next year be required to get some of those calls. Lopez is the suprise, and O.J. Mayo, Westbrook, and Gordon will all have good NBA careers. But Derrick Rose is going to be a superstar just below the caliber of Kobe, LeBron, and Chris Paul. Westbrook’s athleticism probably spells him as an All-Star someday too, but he’s really a tweener with lack of size for SG and not posessing true point guard skills.
Bulls Fan Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Being a Diehard BULLS fan, I am naturally going to go with Rose (followed by Lopez/Mayo). However, Westbrook should definitely be ahead of anyone else. The kid has played tough all year and has great numbers despite having limited opportunity running alongside Durant & Green.
And to the Bulls fan that came down on the Thunder…they are a dangerous team now, because of Sefolosha. He has brought a new toughness on Defense. They have a scary lineup that will get better when they trade up one of their 1st/2nd rnd picks to snatch Griffen. They add a coach like Avery Johnson & that team does EXACTLY what the Trailblazers did and thats build a young team that will become Contenders.
K-Love Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
Noah, the rebounds are actually Love 9.0, Lopez 7.9, Gasol 7.5 and Oden 7.2.
gary Said,
March 26, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
look i do think rose will win just because the bulls will mike the playoffs in the weak east. But westbroke werent even suppose to score ten a game, he was drafted for his D. Now do you know how many players averaged 15, 5, 5 in their rookie year? There were like four players. only magic, jordan, lebron n oscar or something. Dude is soo explosives get to the line six plus times a game as a rookie! and with lock down defence and he dont even know how to shoot yet and playing outta position ..guess who was the last guy done that. . D WADE
Diabolo Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 5:58 am
LOL at NC Basketballer’s lesson in “grandma”, or was it “grammer” ?
And for your information it should be “Grammar” (and English is not my mother tongue).
ZenBaller Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Gasol is hardly a top 10 rookie. Chalmers shouldn’t be in the Top 5 and Jason Thompson is way better than the Spanish, DJ Augustin and probably Kevin Love.
westwood Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 9:20 am
Westbrook is light years ahead of Chalmers. I dont ever see Chalmers making an all star team, but I see Westbrook making at least 3. As far as Rose leading the Bulls to the playoffs, remember it is the east. You can win 35 games and be the 6th seed. In the west a winning record wont even get you in the playoffs.
WizzFann Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
JaVale McGee of the Wizards is the one of this rookie class that down the road, teams will be trippin’ over themselves for passing on him. Once he ‘gets it’, look out ……
Brian Boitono Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
why isnt Donte Green Getting any love he is averaging 20+ when he is down in the D-league. This is crazy!!! how is he not mentioned for ROY. Everyone hates on Sacro and you are all flakes for leaving him off the lis. I have to go to skating practice
Jewelz Said,
March 28, 2009 @ 8:21 am
one thing that some of you guys don’t notice is that westbrook plays on a really weak team. so stop comparing his numbers to magic, jordan & co. That makes no sense!! Those guys played on way better teams than westbrook does. magic played for a contender right away…
I mean i like westbrook that doesnt make sense to compare his numbers because he plays with mostly weak players…. Btw Westbrook is WAY BETTER than Chalmers
perez Said,
March 28, 2009 @ 8:38 am
This was a great draft. I know Beasley will develop into a great scorer in this league, but if the Heat could do it again, they should have taken Westbrook. Beasley is a one on one scorer who needs to dominate the ball in order have his greatest impact, similar to a Carmelo Anthony or young Glenn Robinson. But you know Wade is always gonna have the ball. A Wade and Westbrook backcourt would be scary.
Melvin Said,
March 28, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
main reason why beasley slid down is because he is with D-Wade. Undoubtedly, Rose is going to take it because of his stats and the hype about him (which helps as well) Here’s my take: http://www.basketballnonsense.com/who-will-be-this-years-rookie-of-the-year/
Oliver Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 7:48 am
Westbrook deserves to be at least Nr.2. The ROY will be decided between him and Rose. I would put Gordon over Mayo, who started out strong but seems to have hit the Rookie-Wall.
Mirak Kazanjian Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Love was by far the biggest disappointment in this draft class. I wasn’t expecting much from him, but he proved stupidity just by entering the draft. He should have stayed with UCLA and made a nice name for himself as a college basketball player… He was well on track. He should’ve had at least one more year to grow, even though he seemed really good, clearly he needed more.
I wish there was more talk about Kevin Love to show the NCAA world that one year in college is not enough! (Don’t tell me Kobe or Lebron - they are exceptions, even though James could have used two years to really grow and Kobe could have been MJ-esque from year 1 if he also went for two years). College is only a place to grow… basketball players need to learn that.
N Starz Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
I thought B Lopez was going to be a dud.Too slow, robotic moving. But watching him play, i was surprised at how many moves the guy has. When/if he puts on some more muscle, the guy could be a beast…..maybe
Charlie S Said,
March 30, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
I’ve been watching the Bulls all year… I know a lot of you are big Westbrook fans and are quick to discount how good Rose is. But DR makes plays that others simply CANNOT make. I’ve seen him play unselfishly for three quarters and then just outright takeover games. He is 6 ft tall but plays well above the rim, he has an absolute ankle-breaking crossover, and for a 20 year old, he is VERY savvy. He’s also a team-first player.
I won’t comment on Westbrook one way or the other… I don’t have an opportunity to watch him very often. But people excusing away Rose’s stats and calling him heartless are talking out of their posteriors.
Someone also made a point of RW being a 15/5/5 guy… putting him in elite company. Rose is only one of 8 people to average 16/6 assists/3.5 rebs… I believe all but 2 have been ROY.
Charlie S Said,
March 30, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
One of 8 rookies I meant.
Dre Said,
March 31, 2009 @ 2:29 am
This is the worst shit i’ve seen all season. Russell not in the top 5 but number one on nba.com and espn. com rookie rankings. Someone has clearly not been watching basketball this season. He average 15 pts, 5ast, and 5 rebounds. Only a few rookies all time have done that. I see why your working for hoopshype and not the big boys. Needs to be fired now.
JT Said,
March 31, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
How is Love a dissapointment?? He is already one of the better rebounders in the L, i belive he is #1 in rebounds per min played. Averaging 11ppg isnt bad and once he gets his jumper going he will be able to bring it more on offense as well. He is also a very smart player for a rookie.
Redington Said,
April 1, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
Yeah, seriously, Love is in no way a dissappointment. He started off a little slowly, but he has, what, close to 25 double-doubles this year? He’s been the most consistent player on what’s left of the TWolves the last couple of months. He’s getting to the line with pretty good frequency and he rebounds like crazy. I think his defense has even been better than advertised. He has been playing out of position and handling himself very well.