Draft's Top Point Guards

View the full report at   05/23/08

Eye on the Rookies: A Three-Man Race After All

Top Five:

1. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder: Westbrook's improved play is the biggest reason the Thunder are starting to win a few games. Over his last seven games Westbrook is averaging 17 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He didn't make it into the Slam Dunk Contest, but is still getting to the hoop for almost five free throw attempts per game.


2. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls: Rose has struggled with his shot lately (40% shooting over his last eight games) but it hasn't stopped him from being aggressive and spreading the ball across the court. He is being asked to do a lot for Chicago which explains why he may have hit a bit of a "wall".


3. OJ Mayo, SG, Memphis Grizzlies: Mayo has only had one 20-point game since our last Eye on the Rookies. 20-point games aren't something we should expect out a rookie, but Mayo has proved this year that he can get his shot off anywhere. Unfortunately he hasn't been hitting as many shots lately which, along with the Grizzlies struggling to win games accounts for his drop in the standings.


4. Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey Nets: If a 31 point, 13 rebound game against Oklahoma City wasn't enough, Lopez scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Boston. Lopez is getting more minutes than he has all season and his production is going up with his minutes. Lopez is the only non-guard with a shot at winning the Rookie of the Year award.


5. Eric Gordon, SG,  Los Angeles Clippers: Gordon is playing well for a beat-up Clippers team. He has been relied on for scoring and hasn't disppointed. He has scored in double figures in every game since our last Eye on the Rookies. He hasn't been depending on his jump shot either, 5.8 FTA/game.

Impact Three:

1. Marreese Speights, PF, Philadelphia 76ers: Speights has a 20.41 Player Efficiency Rating which is great for any NBA player let alone a rookie. With Elton Brand out, Speights keeps grabbing rebounds and making easy baskets in only about 21 minutes per game over his last five games.


2. Courtney Lee, SG, Orlando Magic: Lee's offensive game isn't great, but he hits open shots and plays solid defense which has helped him earn minutes on the Magic who as of today have the third best record in the league.


3. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, F, Milwaukee Bucks: Mbah a Moute is earning his playing time by grabbing rebounds and playing defense. He is often assigned to guard the best player on the other team and has only struggled against the extremely versatile Boris Diaw.

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