1. #1
    SBRforum Staff
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    2006-07 NBA Rookie Class

    NBA Rookies To Watch

    By: SBR Staff

    Sorting through NBA rookies is always an iffy proposition. Last year's Chris Paul missed being the unanimous choice by just one vote, and all eyes will be on Adam Morrison to see if he can follow suit and enjoy a consensus season as the top rookie in the league.

    Last year’s Rookie of the Year pick Chris Paul was a no-brainer. At least it was a no-brainer for 124 of 125 voters, as the Hornets’ phenom pulled in all but one first-place vote to win the award by a landslide.

    This year’s rookie crop is rife with high-class talent, but whether or not that talent translates into NBA success is always the big question. After all, for every Chris Paul and Raymond Felton, there’s a Darko Milicic and the forgettable Sam Bowie; although people in Portland surely haven’t forgotten.

    Despite the turmoil in Portland in the past, including last year’s turbulent season, things could finally be looking up for the Blazers thanks to a pair of talented rookies they picked up in the draft. Portland may not have actually drafted Brandon Roy or LaMarcus Aldridge, but through some slick draft-day wheeling and dealing that most fans still haven’t figured out, they netted both prized players.

    Roy could and likely should start at shooting guard right away for the Blazers. The Washington Huskies’ alumnus is the complete package on offense. He can shoot from the perimeter or slash through the lane. The best thing about Roy could end up being his smarts on the floor, something the Blazers lacked on and off the court last season. If you’re looking for this year’s Chris Paul, Roy could be it. The oddsmakers setting the early odds for the ROY award definitely hold Roy in high esteem after setting him at +500 to take home the award.

    Then there’s Aldridge. The former Texas Longhorn was touted as a possible first overall pick before the draft, but in the end he wound up going second to Chicago before getting shipped west to Portland. Aldridge may have to earn sufficient playing time if he wants a real shot at the ROY. Aldridge already faced a battle for playing time and now shoulder surgery to repair a small ligament tear will force him to miss at least part of training camp. Not a good start to what could be a promising career. This could take him out of the ROY race early and the oddsmakers concur, setting him at +2000.

    Last year Adam Morrison and J.J. Redick battled each other for a number of college awards. Will they carry that battle into the ROY voting in the pros? If the oddsmakers have it right, then Morrison could have a leg up on Redick in the NBA. Morrison went to Charlotte as the No. 3 pick, while Redick dropped all the way down to No. 11, going to Orlando. Morrison should fit in nicely with the Bobcats’ starting five and if he can put up with losing - which the Bobcats may do frequently - and get through his own growing pains, Morrison could get a firm grip on the ROY early and force the rest of the rookie class to come from behind in order to take it from him. The oddsmakers seem to agree that Morrison is top dog, after setting him as the overall favorite at +400.

    And then there’s Redick. In Orlando, the former Duke standout should also be prepared for plenty of losses and growing pains. Redick appears to have a starting job waiting for him, but it has been quite loudly questioned as to whether or not he can adjust to the NBA as well and as quickly as Morrison. Redick is well below Morrison on the ROY odds sheet, coming in at a lowly +1500.

    Some of the other rookie names you may become familiar with this season include Randy Foye (+500) in Minnesota, Rudy Gay (+800) in Memphis and Tyrus Thomas (+1000) in Chicago. And in case you’re wondering about Toronto’s No. 1 overall pick, Andrea Bargnani, he came in at +850.

  2. #2
    El Guapo
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    Roy are Gay is my predicions for the best rookie. May be Reddick can win if DIck Vital have a vote. LOL

  3. #3
    Brick Tamland
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    I think reddick is hurt but needed to sign so is going threw the drills. i wish there was an ou for how many games he plays.

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