Lets start with the new faces entering the league this season, ah the rookie class of 2012, filled with big names with great upside and some sleepers who teams will regret not picking in the draft.
Immediate Impact Rookies :
Anthony Davis - Forward, New Orleans Hornets
Mr. Davis dominated the college scene at the university of Kentucky under John Calipari, by leading the Wildcats to a Nat'l Title and becoming one of the few freshman to win the Naismith trophy. He is a defensive game changer who can hold the opposing teams best big man to limited points and has the length to alter many different types of shots. Davis will be key to the Hornets bright future. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Forward/Guard, Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats absolutely needed a player like MKG because he can do it all, score on and off the ball, rebound tremendously, can pass well, and plays lock down defense. At the University of Kentucky along side Anthony Davis he was a perfect slasher and swingman. MKG is very coachable and can contribute to the lowly Bobcats.
Damian Lillard - Point Guard, Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers have tried out different point guards the past few seasons with Andre Miller, Raymond Felton, and even Brandon Roy. But I believe they finally found their savior at the PG spot with Lillard. He is an explosive scorer and can get buckets from any spot on the floor. Lillard was the leading scorer in the nation and playing at a small school like Weber State Lillard will show the league what hes made of. Sleeper Rookies
Perry Jones III - Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
PJIII was supposed to be a top 8 pick in the 2011 draft out of Baylor. Since he stayed one more year to try win a national championship, Jones was passed up by many teams and eventually was picked by the Thunder at 28. He has first overall pick type of talent, there aren't alot of flaws to his game but teams thought he didn't have the work ethic. I'm sure OKC can develop him into a talent off the bench. Look who he is learning from, Scott Brooks who was coach of the year in 2010 and a player who plays the same position as him who isn't too bad him self in Kevin Durant. Watch out for Jones III to be a weapon off the bench for OKC.
Jared Sullinger - Forward, Boston Celtics
With Kevin Garnett entering his 18th NBA season he is clearly not the player he once was, even though he still has the same heart and intensity as he did when he was a young buck playing for the T-Wolves. Lets face it hes getting old and the C's did the right thing in the draft selecting Jared Sullinger. A big man who can run the floor, score back to the basket, and never quits. Sound familiar? I'm not saying this kid will be the next KG but he will learn from the vet and add depth to a front court loaded with size. My Rookie of the Year Prediction....
This seasons ROY award will go to Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. I believe he will be the true point guard the Blazers were looking for to take them to the next level. Lillard has the potential for a monster season and by the looks of his summer league and preseason hes a match up nightmare. Expect Lillard and the Blazers to burst on to the scene in the West.
All Images belong to Google.com, Bleacherreport.net all video highlights belong to Youtube.com all stats belong to ESPN.com
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