To hardly anyone’s surprise, Tyreke Evans was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. More interesting will be the announcement of the All-Rookie team awards.
First Team Predictions
G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
G Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
G Brandon Jennings, Milwaukie Bucks
F Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
G Darren Collison, New Orleans Hornets
Evans is a given. Curry had a great season and put up some some of the best single-game points, assists, steals, and shooting percentage numbers.
Brandon Jennings broke out early by scoring 55 points in one game. Though his shooting percentage fell late in the season, he has helped to lead a depleted Bucks team to an improbable berth in the playoffs.
Taj Gibson was a nice surprise for the Bulls. He became a key contributor for a playoff team, and led all rookies in rebounding. Collison stepped in nicely when New Orleans star Chris Paul was injured, and possibly could have been in the running for ROY if he wasn’t the backup for an All-Star.
Second Team Predicitions
G Marcus Thornton, New Orleans Hornets
G Johnny Flynn, Minnesota Timerwolves
F Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings
F Jonas Jerebko, Detroit Pistons
G Wesley Matthews, Utah Jazz
Marcus Thornton and Jonas Jerebko were two of the biggest steals in the draft. Both became starters and solid contributors to their teams, despite being drafted in the second round.
Johnny Flynn showed flashes, though he was inconsistent, and was one of few bright spots for the Timberwolves this season.
Though Casspi faded towards the end of the season, he had a surprisingly good year. He shot well from beyond the arc, and teamed with Evans to be a part of what was arguably the best rookie tandem in the league.
Matthews was a major steal, as he went undrafted, but was then signed as a free agent by the Utah Jazz. He was key role player, and brought solid offense and defense.
This was a surprisingly deep draft, and there were many that came in and contributed beyond just the Top 10.
Runners Up
F DeJaun Blair, San Antonio Spurs
F Terrence Williams, New Jersey Nets
G Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers
G James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
G Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets
F/C Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
G Toney Douglas, New York Knicks
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