NBA players tend not to put up outstanding numbers as rookies. Some play limited minutes as they get acclimated to the pro game. Some have trouble with the 82-game schedule and get hurt, or hit the fabled "rookie wall."
But there are always a few exceptions.
In recent years, rookies like Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose have made immediate contributions -- possibly because the NBA's more stringent rules against hand-checking have all but eliminated physical perimeter defense.
That makes John Wall a sound fantasy investment -- and the early favorite for rookie of the year. But who else merits a spot on your fantasy team this season? Here's a look at some of the rookies who could put up big numbers this season.
John Wall - Point Guard, Washington Wizards
Getty Images / Andy Lyons
Wall's athleticism and scoring ability are remarkable for a player his age, but even more impressive is his feel for the game. As a college freshman, he displayed a NBA veteran's knack for knowing when to defer to teammates and when to take over a game. He should put up big numbers in what could be a very powerful Washington offense this season, but as with all rookie point guards, downgrade him a bit if your league counts turnovers.
DeMarcus Cousins - Center, Sacramento Kings
Getty Images / Dave Martin
On talent alone, Cousins would have been in the discussion with his Kentucky Wildcat teammate John Wall for top overall pick honors, but concerns about his maturity caused his slip to fifth overall. On the Kings, he'll team with last year's breakout rookie, Tyreke Evans, and form one of the better young inside/outside tandems in the league. He'll eventually break into Sacramento's starting lineup, but he may start the season coming off the bench behind Sam Dalembert at center or Carl Landry at power forward.
Wesley Johnson - Small Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
Getty Images / Jonathan Daniel
Most of Minnesota's offseason moves are hard to like. (Darko Milicic? Really?) But the selection of Johnson isn't one of them. The 6-7 forward from Syracuse fills a major hole in the Timberwolves' rotation, giving Kurt Rambis much-needed scoring punch from the wing.
Blake Griffin - Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
Getty Images / Joe Murphy
Remember him? Griffin was last year's can't-miss rookie, but a knee injury sidelined him for the entire season. He's back this year, healthy and ready to make a major contribution for what could be a very interesting Clipper team. If the injury hasn't robbed him of the explosiveness he showed as an Oklahoma Sooner, Griffin could emerge as an Amar'e Stoudemire-style finisher.
Tiago Splitter - Center, San Antonio Spurs
No team has done a better job of drafting internationally than the Spurs, and Splitter is just the latest example. The 28th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Splitter is a tough, physical big man from Brazil who should be an outstanding complement to Tim Duncan. He doesn't project as a big-time scorer, but he'll be a double-double threat who should block his share of shots.
Other Rookies to Watch
- I'm getting a James Harden vibe from Evan Turner (Guard, Philadelphia) -- he'll be a fine player some day, but might not be a primary focus of the team as a rookie.
- Derrick Favors (Forward, New Jersey) looked like a better pick before the Nets traded for Troy Murphy
- Greg Monroe (Forward/Center, Detroit) could have a big role on a team that badly needs a big man who plays like one
- Ed Davis (Forward, Toronto) will have a chance to replace some what the Raptors lost when Chris Bosh left (but he can't do it by himself.)
- Timofey Mozgov (Center, Knicks) impressed at the World Championships, and could be a Ronny Turiaf injury away from a starting job
