5. Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers
Once given a starting spot, Gordon took off. Although he doesn’t have great height for the shooting guard position, he’s built like a tank and his strength makes him dangerous anywhere on the court.

4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Early on, it appeared as if Westbrook could be a bust. But he gradually got better and right now he might be playing better than any rookie in the NBA. Next to Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Westbrook could become a star.

3. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets
The best bigman in the 2008-09 rookie class appears to be Lopez of the Nets. He has very good nice and understands the game extremely well. Going forward, he’ll be a double-double machine.

2. OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
Scouts weren’t convinced Mayo could make a successful jump to the NBA. But after his rookie year, most scouts agree that he has star potential. Mayo can score and his defense is underrated.

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
The number one overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft has a great chance of winning the Rookie of the Year. Despite inconsistency and struggles here and there, Rose has likely done enough to win the award.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls - NBA Rookie of the Year (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates 2009

Well, it looks as if I will be way wrong.

I saw Westbrook playing with a lot of confidence and fire on Friday, which is to be expected, considering he’s a high energy player. But I also saw him set up his teammates and knock down some jumpers. It was the cool, calm, and collective Westbrook.

The excitement and unpredictable style of his short collegiate career seemed to be too rash for the next level. That’s what I perceived his game to be like anyway.

Instead it will translate pretty well. He will not become the next undisciplined Sebastian Telfair, wallowing in obscurity after a much hyped entrance.

Maybe the next Monta Ellis?

Yeah, just leave the moped out of it.

From The Thunderworld

But for a second straight night, Russell Westbrook was solid. The turnovers (six tonight) are a clear issue, but remember folks – this is just his seventh professional game. He’s major league raw and learning the game on the fly. Turnovers happen with youth. But the fact that he played ball-hawking D and scored 23 in 28 minutes on 7-12 shooting was great. He attacks the bucket like Refrigerator Perry attacks an all-you-can-eat buffet. His jumpshot is coming along already and he’s beginning to get the feel for the kick-out. I think this kid will be a star. I know I’m just excited about the team as a whole right now, but every time the ball is in Westbrook’s hands I get a little more amped. He’s just fun to watch. And he grabbed six boards. I love that he gets in there with the bigs and rebounds. He just cuts out the middle-man. If he snatches the board, he doesn’t have to get an outlet pass to start his hellish fast break. He starts it on his own. I love that.

Post from: EveryJoe

Backpedaling