According to NBADraft.net’s latest mock draft, 11 of the 31 first-round picks will be freshmen, including the first seven picks overall. In other words, this is the year of the one-and-done. But which of these players will have the biggest impact in the NBA? At this time last year, most expected Kevin Durant and Greg Oden to make a major impact. Oden missed the season and Durant went onto win Rookie of the Year, but the rest of the freshmen crop had mixed results -- some good (Thaddeus Young, Brandan Wright) and some bad (Javaris Crittendon, Spencer Hawes). Here is how NBADraft.net has the freshman coming out (and which NBA team they’d be heading to):
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago
2. Michael Beasley, Miami
3. O.J. Mayo, Minnesota
4. Jerryd Bayless, Seattle
5. Kevin Love, Memphis
6. Anthony Randolph, New York
7. Eric Gordon, L.A. Clippers
14. DeAndre Jordan, Golden State
18. Donte Green, Washington
24. Kosta Koufos, Seattle
31. J.J. Hickson, Boston
Most scouts have Memphis’ Derrick Rose and Kansas State’s Michael Beasley ruling the rookie roost next season, but after that, it gets a little mirky. We think Eric Gordon will have a better rookie season than O.J. Mayo and Anthony Randolph has little chance to succeed in the bright lights of New York City. Which one-and-done player do you see having a big rookie season and who do you think will be the next Dajuan Wagner?
Faces at the U.S. Open
Comments (6)
The biggest bust will be O.J. Mayo..I believe I'm one of the first people to say that....but the guy comes with so much baggage..I just don't think he'll be able to live up to his hype..
And the player with the best rookie season will Rose or Beasley...I think Eric Gordon has a chance.but he disappeared several times during games last year.
badgerfan07 | 06/04/08, 04:03 PM
Report Offensive CommentI can see Beasley getting rookie of the year easily. I also agree with you about Mayo, I actually got to see him play and hes not very physical he just has a lights out shot. Also honestly he just looked like he didn't have any motivation at all to get better. I think he will end up being a victim of his own hype.
Bhannah1 | 06/04/08, 07:27 PM
Report Offensive CommentDoes everyone forget that wagner had a awesome rookie year and his career went bad bc of surgerys on his stomach, anyone remember the game that he tore apart AI
gmac2206 | 06/10/08, 05:05 PM
Report Offensive CommentBeasley will have a good season. But I think Bayless and Gordon will be surprising.
Crean n' Crimson- The Weisguys | 06/20/08, 11:58 AM
Report Offensive CommentI'm a 'cuse fan and donte green will never start a game in the NBA. He is soft, immature, and has no position. People like his height and the fact he can shoot, but he is an overated shooter. OJ Mayo is the real deal. He has a great shot and plays great defense and that is enough to be a VERY solid starter in the NBA which is what you are looking for in a 3rd pick. He also has better than average ball handling skills and from what I've seen, he has plenty of work ethic and desire to become great. Everyone is knocking him over the agent scandal at USC but he has shown no other character issues....
EnoughJOEPATERNO | 07/07/08, 09:34 AM
Report Offensive Commentwestbrook may not have the best rookie season, so i understand and respect keeping him off this list. Although, i think he will have the most consistent career with his athleticsm and defensive prowess
uclabruin4life | 07/09/08, 10:54 PM
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