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12-28-2009, 10:12 PM
http://realgm.com/src_feature_pieces/853/20091221/rookie_review_version_10/
Rookie Review, Version 1.0
By: Andrew Perna
RealGM.com Writer
December 21, 2009 4:41 PM
The first overall pick in last June’s NBA Draft has yet to take the floor, but a majority of rookies have a few dozen games under their belt as we close out the 2009 portion of this season.
With Blake Griffin out, Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings and Sacramento’s Tyreke Evans have received most of the Rookie of the Year attention, but a host of first-year players have been successful in spurts.
Using RealGM Executive Editor Christopher Reina’s innovative FIC scoring system, I’ve ranked the rookies in terms of FIC per 40 minutes. Some of the names at the top of the list might surprise you, but the big guns are still present.
Players that have appeared in fewer than 10 games through Sunday night’s action were excluded.
1. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio - 6.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 16.9 FIC per 40
Blair is averaging just less than 15 minutes per game, but he’s obviously making the best of each second. He posted 14 points and 11 rebounds in his first professional game and his numbers in December are actually better than they were in November.
2. Jordan Hill, New York - 3.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 15.4 FIC per 40
Hill just made the cut, having appeared in ten games this season, but none since Dec. 2 when he logged 10 minutes in a double-digit loss to the Magic. He has been storing up energy on the bench though. He had 10 points and three rebounds in just 15 minutes against Golden State in mid-November.
3. Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis - 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 14.1 FIC per 40
He hasn’t played like you might want a second overall pick to, but he’s still improving and has been surprisingly productive when given time by Memphis coach Lionel Hollins. Thabeet played a career-high 21 minutes against Miami on Dec. 13 and tallied five points, five rebounds, five blocks and two assists. He also had three fouls, but you get the point.
4. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento - 20.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 13.8 FIC per 40
At this point, it’s a two-man race for Rookie of the Year honors between Evans and the man one slot below him on this list. Evans has tremendous numbers and while he may not have scored 55 points like Mr. Jennings, he has posted 25 or more seven times. If the Kings had a better record, Evans would have a strong case for an All-Star selection.
5. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee - 20.2 points, 6.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 13.3 FIC per 40
Many claim Jennings has cooled down in December, but you have to look past the scoring numbers. His scoring is down from 22.1 points on 42% shooting in November to 17.4 points on 36% shooting this month, but he’s upped his assist numbers (from 5.6 to 7.1) and lowered his turnovers significantly (from 3.2 down to 1.9)
6. Ty Lawson, Denver - 7.9 points, 3.4 assists and 12.8 FIC per 40
It’s tough to get minutes behind Chauncey Billups and Lawson hasn’t capitalized on the veteran’s recent groin injury. Nuggets coach George Karl appears to have more confidence in Arron Afflalo, but Lawson has still had several bright spots – like the 23 points he scored on 9-for-10 shooting against the Nets on Nov. 4.
7. James Harden, Oklahoma City - 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 12.5 FIC per 40
I expected more out of Harden right away, but he’s been solid and the Thunder are winning so he gets a pass. He has, however, scored 24 or more points three times and he’s not forcing anything in 22.2 minutes per game.
8. Jon Brockman, Sacramento - 2.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 12.3 FIC per 40
Brockman has helped bring energy off the bench for the Kings, who have been more competitive than many expected thanks to their trio of rookies. His numbers wouldn’t hold up if you gave him starter’s minutes, but he’s want you want in a second-round pick.
9. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City - 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.06 blocks and 12.1 FIC per 40
Thunder coach Scott Brooks has started to give Ibaka more minutes lately and the native of Zaire has responded with strong play. He played a career-high 32 minutes on Nov. 22 against the Lakers and he rewarded Brooks with 11 points, 13 rebounds and five rejections.
10. Eric Maynor, Utah - 5.2 points, 3.2 assists and 12.0 FIC per 40
Maynor isn’t going to get a lot of time with Deron Williams above him on Utah’s depth chart, but he has the right frame of mind and will have a vital cog for the Jazz in the coming years. Over a three-game span in November when D-Will was hobbled, Maynor averaged 17.3 points and 7.0 assists.
11. Omri Casspi, Sacramento - 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 11.8 FIC per 40
Casspi has been one of the league’s most surprising rookies, perhaps because he’s one of the NBA’s most unknown. He has an exceptional shot, 51.2% field goal percentage and 45.5% from three-point land, and rebounds well for a forward that prefers the perimeter. Only Evans, Jennings and Jonny Flynn are averaging more points per game than the Israeli.
12. Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana - 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 11.7 FIC per 40
The former Tar Heel has been one of the lone bright spots for the Pacers, and he’s averaging 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in December. His shooting percentages are atrocious, but coach Jim O’Brien doesn’t seem to care. Hansbrough has averaged 12.4 shots in his last seven games.
13. Darren Collison, New Orleans - 8.0 points, 3.7 assists and 11.6 FIC per 40
When Chris Paul was out with a sprained ankle, Collison averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.13 steals in eight starts.
14. Jeff Teague, Atlanta - 3.9 points, 2.3 assists and 11.6 FIC per 40
It’s tough for Teague to get extended minutes with Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford capable of handling the basketball, but Mike Woodson has found 11.3 minutes for him. He’s scored in double figures three times this month, all in games the Hawks were dominating in the second half.
15. Stephen Curry, Golden State - 11.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 10.9 FIC per 40
The best appears to be imminent for Curry, who had the greatest game of his young career on Friday night against Washington. He scored 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting (including 5-for-9 from three-point land) and added eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.
16. Taj Gibson, Chicago - 8.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 10.8 FIC per 40
As the Bulls look to reverse their early-season slump, Gibson has gotten more playing time. His minutes could take a hit when Tyrus Thomas returns, but his play should earn him an important role off the bench.
17. Chase Budinger, Houston - 8.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.7 FIC per 40
Budinger will miss at least two weeks with an ankle injury, but he’s been vital to Houston’s success. He’s scored 15 or more points six times.
18. Dante Cunningham, Portland - 2.7 points on 50% shooting and 10.3 FIC per 40
He’s never scored more than six points in a game, but Portland has a deep roster – injuries and all.
19. David Andersen, Houston - 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 10.1 FIC per 40
Anderson has helped the Rockets tread water without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, who just returned last week. He’s averaging 3.1 rebounds in just 14.0 minutes, while also hitting the occasional three-pointer.
20. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota - 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 9.9 FIC per 40
Flynn’s turnovers (3.11 per game) have a negative effect on his FIC, but the rest of his numbers – 14.2 points, 4.1 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.11 steals – are impressive.
Best of the Rest:
-Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas – 5.4 points and 9.4 FIC per 40
-Toney Douglas, New York – 6.9 points on 50% shooting and 9.1 FIC per 40
-Derrick Brown, Charlotte – 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 8.8 FIC per 40
-Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia – 5.8 points, 2.9 assists and 8.5 FIC per 40
-DeMar DeRozan, Toronto – 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 8.4 FIC per 40
-Jonas Jerebko, Detroit – 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.3 FIC per 40
-Austin Daye, Detroit – 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 8.3 FIC per 40
-Marcus Thornton, New Orleans – 10.1 points and 8.1 FIC per 40
-Gerald Henderson, Charlotte – 3.4 points and 8.0 FIC per 40
-James Johnson, Chicago – 3.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 7.9 FIC per 40
-Earl Clark, Phoenix – 3.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 7.5 FIC per 40
-Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee – 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 7.4 FIC per 40
-Terrence Williams, New Jersey – 9.0 points. 4.3 rebounds and 7.3 FIC per 40
-Sam Young, Memphis – 7.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 7.1 FIC per 40
-Wesley Matthews, Utah – 8.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 6.5 FIC per 40
-Lester Hudson, Boston – 1.1 points on 29% shooting and 6.1 FIC per 40
-DeMarre Carroll, Memphis – 3.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.9 FIC per 40
-DaJuan Summers, Detroit – 2.5 points and 5.4 FIC per 40
-Wayne Ellington, Minnesota – 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.9 FIC per 40
Rookie Review, Version 1.0
By: Andrew Perna
RealGM.com Writer
December 21, 2009 4:41 PM
The first overall pick in last June’s NBA Draft has yet to take the floor, but a majority of rookies have a few dozen games under their belt as we close out the 2009 portion of this season.
With Blake Griffin out, Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings and Sacramento’s Tyreke Evans have received most of the Rookie of the Year attention, but a host of first-year players have been successful in spurts.
Using RealGM Executive Editor Christopher Reina’s innovative FIC scoring system, I’ve ranked the rookies in terms of FIC per 40 minutes. Some of the names at the top of the list might surprise you, but the big guns are still present.
Players that have appeared in fewer than 10 games through Sunday night’s action were excluded.
1. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio - 6.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 16.9 FIC per 40
Blair is averaging just less than 15 minutes per game, but he’s obviously making the best of each second. He posted 14 points and 11 rebounds in his first professional game and his numbers in December are actually better than they were in November.
2. Jordan Hill, New York - 3.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 15.4 FIC per 40
Hill just made the cut, having appeared in ten games this season, but none since Dec. 2 when he logged 10 minutes in a double-digit loss to the Magic. He has been storing up energy on the bench though. He had 10 points and three rebounds in just 15 minutes against Golden State in mid-November.
3. Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis - 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 14.1 FIC per 40
He hasn’t played like you might want a second overall pick to, but he’s still improving and has been surprisingly productive when given time by Memphis coach Lionel Hollins. Thabeet played a career-high 21 minutes against Miami on Dec. 13 and tallied five points, five rebounds, five blocks and two assists. He also had three fouls, but you get the point.
4. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento - 20.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 13.8 FIC per 40
At this point, it’s a two-man race for Rookie of the Year honors between Evans and the man one slot below him on this list. Evans has tremendous numbers and while he may not have scored 55 points like Mr. Jennings, he has posted 25 or more seven times. If the Kings had a better record, Evans would have a strong case for an All-Star selection.
5. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee - 20.2 points, 6.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 13.3 FIC per 40
Many claim Jennings has cooled down in December, but you have to look past the scoring numbers. His scoring is down from 22.1 points on 42% shooting in November to 17.4 points on 36% shooting this month, but he’s upped his assist numbers (from 5.6 to 7.1) and lowered his turnovers significantly (from 3.2 down to 1.9)
6. Ty Lawson, Denver - 7.9 points, 3.4 assists and 12.8 FIC per 40
It’s tough to get minutes behind Chauncey Billups and Lawson hasn’t capitalized on the veteran’s recent groin injury. Nuggets coach George Karl appears to have more confidence in Arron Afflalo, but Lawson has still had several bright spots – like the 23 points he scored on 9-for-10 shooting against the Nets on Nov. 4.
7. James Harden, Oklahoma City - 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 12.5 FIC per 40
I expected more out of Harden right away, but he’s been solid and the Thunder are winning so he gets a pass. He has, however, scored 24 or more points three times and he’s not forcing anything in 22.2 minutes per game.
8. Jon Brockman, Sacramento - 2.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 12.3 FIC per 40
Brockman has helped bring energy off the bench for the Kings, who have been more competitive than many expected thanks to their trio of rookies. His numbers wouldn’t hold up if you gave him starter’s minutes, but he’s want you want in a second-round pick.
9. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City - 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.06 blocks and 12.1 FIC per 40
Thunder coach Scott Brooks has started to give Ibaka more minutes lately and the native of Zaire has responded with strong play. He played a career-high 32 minutes on Nov. 22 against the Lakers and he rewarded Brooks with 11 points, 13 rebounds and five rejections.
10. Eric Maynor, Utah - 5.2 points, 3.2 assists and 12.0 FIC per 40
Maynor isn’t going to get a lot of time with Deron Williams above him on Utah’s depth chart, but he has the right frame of mind and will have a vital cog for the Jazz in the coming years. Over a three-game span in November when D-Will was hobbled, Maynor averaged 17.3 points and 7.0 assists.
11. Omri Casspi, Sacramento - 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 11.8 FIC per 40
Casspi has been one of the league’s most surprising rookies, perhaps because he’s one of the NBA’s most unknown. He has an exceptional shot, 51.2% field goal percentage and 45.5% from three-point land, and rebounds well for a forward that prefers the perimeter. Only Evans, Jennings and Jonny Flynn are averaging more points per game than the Israeli.
12. Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana - 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 11.7 FIC per 40
The former Tar Heel has been one of the lone bright spots for the Pacers, and he’s averaging 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in December. His shooting percentages are atrocious, but coach Jim O’Brien doesn’t seem to care. Hansbrough has averaged 12.4 shots in his last seven games.
13. Darren Collison, New Orleans - 8.0 points, 3.7 assists and 11.6 FIC per 40
When Chris Paul was out with a sprained ankle, Collison averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.13 steals in eight starts.
14. Jeff Teague, Atlanta - 3.9 points, 2.3 assists and 11.6 FIC per 40
It’s tough for Teague to get extended minutes with Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford capable of handling the basketball, but Mike Woodson has found 11.3 minutes for him. He’s scored in double figures three times this month, all in games the Hawks were dominating in the second half.
15. Stephen Curry, Golden State - 11.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 10.9 FIC per 40
The best appears to be imminent for Curry, who had the greatest game of his young career on Friday night against Washington. He scored 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting (including 5-for-9 from three-point land) and added eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.
16. Taj Gibson, Chicago - 8.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 10.8 FIC per 40
As the Bulls look to reverse their early-season slump, Gibson has gotten more playing time. His minutes could take a hit when Tyrus Thomas returns, but his play should earn him an important role off the bench.
17. Chase Budinger, Houston - 8.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.7 FIC per 40
Budinger will miss at least two weeks with an ankle injury, but he’s been vital to Houston’s success. He’s scored 15 or more points six times.
18. Dante Cunningham, Portland - 2.7 points on 50% shooting and 10.3 FIC per 40
He’s never scored more than six points in a game, but Portland has a deep roster – injuries and all.
19. David Andersen, Houston - 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 10.1 FIC per 40
Anderson has helped the Rockets tread water without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, who just returned last week. He’s averaging 3.1 rebounds in just 14.0 minutes, while also hitting the occasional three-pointer.
20. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota - 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 9.9 FIC per 40
Flynn’s turnovers (3.11 per game) have a negative effect on his FIC, but the rest of his numbers – 14.2 points, 4.1 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.11 steals – are impressive.
Best of the Rest:
-Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas – 5.4 points and 9.4 FIC per 40
-Toney Douglas, New York – 6.9 points on 50% shooting and 9.1 FIC per 40
-Derrick Brown, Charlotte – 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 8.8 FIC per 40
-Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia – 5.8 points, 2.9 assists and 8.5 FIC per 40
-DeMar DeRozan, Toronto – 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 8.4 FIC per 40
-Jonas Jerebko, Detroit – 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.3 FIC per 40
-Austin Daye, Detroit – 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 8.3 FIC per 40
-Marcus Thornton, New Orleans – 10.1 points and 8.1 FIC per 40
-Gerald Henderson, Charlotte – 3.4 points and 8.0 FIC per 40
-James Johnson, Chicago – 3.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 7.9 FIC per 40
-Earl Clark, Phoenix – 3.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 7.5 FIC per 40
-Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee – 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 7.4 FIC per 40
-Terrence Williams, New Jersey – 9.0 points. 4.3 rebounds and 7.3 FIC per 40
-Sam Young, Memphis – 7.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 7.1 FIC per 40
-Wesley Matthews, Utah – 8.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 6.5 FIC per 40
-Lester Hudson, Boston – 1.1 points on 29% shooting and 6.1 FIC per 40
-DeMarre Carroll, Memphis – 3.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.9 FIC per 40
-DaJuan Summers, Detroit – 2.5 points and 5.4 FIC per 40
-Wayne Ellington, Minnesota – 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.9 FIC per 40