The new 2011-12 season has started off recently and so many things have surprised the fans so far. One of the things that get a lot of attention are the league's newest rookies.
The 2011 Draft Class wasn't exactly thought of a draft class which would produce future Hall Of Famers or perennial All-Stars but on the other side not to produce players who failed to live up to their hype.
This was a draft of the point guards, as four of the first ten selections were all floor generals. Let's not forget to mention the dozens of internationals which is extremely rare.
Even though only it's still early, here's my look on based what the rookies have shown so far. Without further ado, let's start.
Kemba Walker
Stats: 11.5 points, 3.3 boards, 3.0 assists, 35.7% FG, 88.9% FT
Grade: A
Draft Position:9th overall selection
Although he's undersized in terms of size, the lighting quick and skilled Kemba Walker is arguably the most impressive rookie in the NBA as of now.
He showed that he's a well rounded scoring guard who can get to the rim thanks to his speed and explosiveness. He showed that he can play big in the clutch, as he hit a pair of key free throws to give his Bobcats the win vs the Bucks.
Kemba ranks high so far among all rookies in free throw percentage, is ranked fifth in terms of scoring and fifth in assists. He will continue to do well and improve his efficiency overall.
Norris Cole
Stats: 12.0 points, 2.3 boards, 2.3 steals, 1.5 steals, 45.2% FG, 62.5% FT
Draft Position:28th overall pick
Grade: A+
Norris Cole was drafted as the 28th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite playing in the Heat with three established stars, it hasn't stop him from getting the attention.
The league's most impressive rookie is stealing the show thanks to his phenomenal play. He fills the Heat's hole at point guard position, as he can provide solid scoring, all-around game and nice defense when he's on the court.
Norris is the steal of the draft and already had a big game against the Celtics where he came off the bench to score 20 points with ton of buckets in the fourth which stands out among his great performances.
Cole ranks third in terms of scoring and sixth in passing. He'll continue to do well.
Kyrie Irving
Draft Position:1st overall pick
Stats: 13.2 points, 6.0 assists, 4.0 boards, 39.2% FG, 75.0% FT
Grade: A+
The league's top drafted rookie, Kyrie Irving is playing up to his draft position and really establishing himself as Cavaliers' future leader for many years to come.
He's got the most complete game as of now in this group of players, as he's shown to be among the top distributors and scorers. Also, he does a nice job of rebounding and getting to the line.
Defense and efficiency from the field are issues. Otherwise, Irving is looking bright so far. He'll continue to spark Cleveland and play impressively.
He ranks first in scoring, second in passing and produces at best rate in this draft class. He ranks additionally ninth in boads and first in points/assists/rebounds production too.
Tristan Thompson
Draft Position: 4th overall pick
Stats: 8.3 points, 4.2 boards, 1.8 blocks, 63.6% FG, 41.7% FT
Grade: A
Few were as doubted as Tristan Thompson, whose selection as the fourth overall pick surprised many. However, it's obvious now what the Cavaliers saw in him. Potential, ton of potential.
Nobody hustles nor or plays with bigger energy than the 6'9 power forward that seems to spark Cleveland. He's establishing himself as a great interior stopper, a nice presence on the glass and efficient finisher in offense.
He hasn't shown a post up game, but nonetheless he's been producing pretty well overall. Look for him to continue to do so. He ranks second in blocks, third in field goal percentage and sixth in boards.
Ricky Rubio
Draft Position: 5th overall
Stats: 9.5 points, 4.3 boards, 7.3 assists, 1.0 on 57.1% field percentage, 66.7% 3pt percentage, 83.3% FT
Grade: A+
Another of the positive rookies that this draft class has produced is Ricky Rubio. The Spanish with his spectacular and efficient play has attracted lots of fans while giving Timberwolves fans something to cheer and look for.
Ricky's one of the most complete players among all rookies who can do everything well. His finest ability is his passing. He can lead his team mates for the easy points and makes everything around him better.
Besides being the most marketable rookie, Rubio is efficient with his playing style and plays smartly. He ranks first in assists, sixth in points and boards plus first in efficiency. He's only going to get better and better.
Derrick Williams
Draft Position: 2nd overall pick
Stats: 7.5 points, 5.5 boards, 1.2 steals on 46.2% FG, 40% FT
Grade: B+
Derrick Williams, arguably the most physically gifted player in this draft class, has certainly been impressive and getting attention duo to his play.
He's terrific offensively as he can finish inside with efficiency and has nice range on his jumper from outside. Derrick is also extremely great on the boards and productive, considering the minutes he gets.
With his minutes and touches increasing, he'll become even more productive overall. He ranks third in boards, ninth in steals and twelfth in points.
Jimmer Fredette
Draft Position:10th overall pick
Stats: 8.8 points, 1.0 boards, 2.8 assists, 37% FG, 26.3% 3pt percentage, 100% FT
Grade: B+
The deadly shooter from Brigham Young who before he entered the pros was doubted more than anyone to succeed, Jimmer Fredette has been silencing his doubters with his performances.
Although Jimmer struggles with efficiency from the field, he's shown a brilliant touch from anywhere on the court and excellent range on that beautiful jumper. He's got a solid all-around game to compliment that ability too.
Fredette will improve as the season goes by. He ranks first in free throw percentage, ninth in scoring and eight in passing.
Markieff Morris
Draft Position:13th overall pick
Stats: 7.4 points, 4.8 boards, 0.8 blocks, 61.1% FG, 55.6% 3pt percentage, 80% FT
Grade: B
Markieff Morris selection at 13th pick surprised many because the expectation were that he would get drafted behind his twin brother Marcus.
Nonetheless, the Suns' rookie has been one of the top rookies so far. His ability to clean the glass puts him up with the best in this draft class and his efficiency in terms of shooting has been also among the finest.
Markieff fit pretty well in the team and he's been producing well even though his minutes aren't that big. Morris ranks third in boards, sixth in field goal percentage and first for all big men in three point percentage.
Look for him to continue to improve his overall game.
Enes Kanter
Draft Position: 4th overall pick
Stats: 5.0 points, 6.0 boards, 33.3% FG, 72.7% FT in 15.8 minutes
Grade: A-
The Turkish giant who finished higher on the board than anyone other international rookie, Enes Kanter is one of the best rookies in the NBA so far.
Nobody does a better job on the glass than him, despite playing in short minutes and with quality team mates. Enes also can score well inside and has provided the Jazz with a solid presence defensively too.
He ranks first in boards and shots a pretty high FT% as well, which is high enough among all non guard rookies. Kanter's production will go up as his minutes will be increased. But judging so far, he's done pretty well job.
Marshoon Brooks
Draft Position: 25th overall pick
Stats: 12.2 points, 3.0 boards, 1.0 assist, 46.0% FG, 85.7% FT
Grade: B+
Marshon Brooks is another rookie who's been impressing people with his play, regardless the fact that he was taken by the Nets as the 25th overall selection.
He showed tremendous potential. Marshon looks great offensively as he can score well in variety of ways and hit his jumper from just about anywhere. He's solid all-around player as well.
Just before his last game, Brooks was the rookies leading scorer with comfortable margin. He'll continue to play on a similar pace with his minutes being high.
He ranks second in points, thirteenth and fifteenth in field goal and free throw percentage respectably.
Iman Shumpert
Draft Position:17th pick
Stats: 11.0 points, 4.0 boards, 1.0 assist, 23.1% FG, 100% FT
Grade: B
When he was drafted by the Knicks as the 17th pick of the draft, a lot of the franchise's fans doubted Iman Shumpert. However, that all changed thanks to his performances in the summer.
Iman was chosen for few reasons. His ability to defend the perimeter and offense, primary jump shot in which he excels. He can get to the hole well too.
Although he's injured, he's been pretty impressive in his debut. Shumpert ranks sixth in scoring and ninth in boards. He'll probably keep up his great play when he returns from his injuries.
Brandon Knight
Draft Position: 8th overall pick
Stats: 12.2 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 boards, 46.3% FG, 44.4% 3pt percentage, 66.7% FT
Grade: A-
Although as the eight overall pick of the draft the Detroit Pistons selected another combo guard, Brandon Knight has meant much more for the franchise and is one of the best rookies currently.
Brandon's among the most all-around rookies and is certainly one of the top scorers as well. He's got a fine stat line in there, which in a demonstrates his abilities. Additionally, he showed a nice touch as a shooter too.
He had a pretty impressive debut and overall campaign so far. Knight ranks third in scoring, 10th in three point accuracy and seventh in passing.
