Top 25 Under 25 Update
                                                    Preseason Top 10 Rookies

                                         By: Patrick Crawley, Aaron Fischman, & Joshua Fischman

 

September 18, 2008 - 10 Rookies With A Chance To Crack Our Top 25 Under 25

As an NBA rookie, it's tough to make an immediate impact. Apparently, it's even tougher to crack Davis Sports Deli's NBA Top 25 Players Under Age 25 list. At the end of last season, only two rookies held places on our Top 25 (Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and Al Horford). What can we say, we have high standards?

With that in mind, will there be more rookie debuts this season? Well, yeah, realistically more rookies are primed to break in in 2008. Given the season-ending injury to Greg Oden last season, there will be at least one more first-year player capable of doing big things. Add Oden to the list of Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, and Kevin Love; guys who will be starting, and making an impact right away, for their respective teams.

On top of those four there are guys like Jerryd Bayless and Mario Chalmers; players who fell into the right situation at the right time. In Bayless, the Trailblazers have instant scoring off the bench. In Chalmers, the Heat get a veteran college point guard who can step in, handle the ball, and defend if Marcus Banks messes up. Both will get significant action in 2008.

Then, of course, you have the prodigy point guards: Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Both have size, quickness, and good instincts on the court. Eventually, one of these guys (or even both) will be regarded as the point guard of the future. A la Chris Paul and Deron Williams from the 2005 draft.

So which of these players is most likely to crack our Top 25? You'll have to read below to find out. For reference, this list was a collaboration between the Fischman Bros (Aaron and Joshua) and Patrick Crawley. We created individual lists, ranking our favorites to crack the Top 25. Then those three lists were averaged.

Hopefully you'll see the following players on our Top 25 Under 25 list in the near future.

1. Greg Oden - It's hard to remember that Oden is still a rookie. But he is. If Oden can stay healthy, he'll be the interior presence that Portland has been looking for. He has a great chance of cracking the Top 25 list.

2. Michael Beasley - Beasley obviously won't be as dominant as he was in college, but he will dazzle opponents and viewers alike. He will be a consistent contributor in Miami by the end of the season. With his scoring prowess, he is a serious contender for NBA Rookie of the Year.

3. O.J. Mayo - Once again, it is the same story with Mayo. If he cuts down his turnovers and improves his shot selection, nothing can stop him on the court. In the weak Memphis offense, Mayo is a prime candidate for top scoring honors among rookies.

4. Kevin Love - Joshua won't be surprised if Love outplays Oden this season. But the rest of us will. This much is clear though, Love will invigorate the Minnesota offense with his slick passing and in-game intelligence. Can you feel the Love?

5. Jerryd Bayless - Along with his teammate (the Bearded Buckeye, Greg Oden), Bayless is likely to make our list this season. Brandon Roy's injury will ensure early season minutes for this scoring phenom.

6. Derrick Rose - As the first overall selection in the draft, fans of Rose and the Bulls will be upset to find him this low on our list. Don't get us wrong, Rose will be great. He just won't be great this season.

7. Russell Westbrook - Other than Kevin Durant, no one on the Oklahoma City Sonics (we refuse to call them the Thunder) can score. Westbrook is the man to fill that void. It's scary to think how much potential this lightning quick guard has at the age of 19. It should also be noted that Westbrook is a terrific defensive player.

8. Brook Lopez - Very few people respect this guy. But, if Lopez gets enough playing time, he will be a handful for opposing centers on both ends of the court. Either that or he'll develop great drawing skills on the bench this season (anyone up for a sketch of Steamboat Willy?).

9. Rudy Fernandez - Portland head coach Nate McMillan is head-over-heals for Fernandez. It's a match made in Olympic heaven. Seriously though, Fernandez will play at least 20 minutes a game in 2008 and make a serious offensive impact.

10. Eric Gordon - Gordon injured his hamstring during summer league play. But prior to that injury, he showed a great deal of promise. Gordon will have his share of growing pains this season, but he will contribute to the Clippers off the bench.

Here at Davis Sports Deli, we can't wait for the 2008 NBA season to begin. With our eyes on October 28, our crack staff will be finishing our preseason Top 25 Under 25 list in early October. Will it contain any of the rookies above? We can't spoil the surprise, but we can tell you to look for it soon.

 

 

 

 

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