By: David Kay
Welcome to a new weekly feature here at the The Sports Bank where we break down the top rookies in the NBA and who has the edge to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Check back every Thursday for an update.
Just a week into the season and there seems to be one rookie establishing himself as the early leader in the clubhouse for the ROY award. Of course everyone’s predicted runaway winner, Blake Griffin, is expected to be sidelined until mid-December due to a broken left knee cap, meaning the race suddenly became very interesting until the number one overall pick steps back onto the court. Here are the updated rankings after the first week of the season:
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks (Last Week Ranking: #3)
’09-’10: 22.0 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 rpg, 1.7 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 12 ppg, 7 apg, 2 spg
Jennings has stepped in from the opening tip and taken control of this Bucks team. He nearly posted a triple-double in his first NBA game, falling one assist and one rebound short. His composure and leadership looks like that of a veteran and his critiqued poor outside shooting has yet to be seen as he is 7 of 14 from deep. The predictable injury to Michael Redd should give Jennings even more opportunities to shine early in the season.
2. Stephen Curry, Warriors (LWR: #4)
’09-’10: 11.0 ppg, 6.7 apg, 3.0 rpg, 2.3 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 12 ppg, 4 apg, 3 rpg
Golden State has only played three games, but Curry has looked solid in starting each game. He has spent most of his time running the point and showing his unselfishness with his pass-first mentality. I mean, he has only attempted six three-pointers in 103 minutes. Unheard of for the trigger happy Curry we saw at Davidson!
3. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves (LWR: #2)
’09-’10: 13.8 ppg, 3.6 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.2 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 15 ppg, 7 apg, 1.75 spg
Flynn has come out in Minnesota and started his first games in the NBA. He has found himself sharing time at the point with free agent signing Ramon Sessions who has even stolen some minutes from Flynn down the stretch. The former Syracuse point guard has shown flashes, but is also playing like a rookie so far, having more turnovers than assists in three of his five games.
Check out the complete top ten Rookie of the Year Race.
Also check out our 2010 NBA Mock Draft.