Moving On Up

2008-09 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50

By David Thorpe, Scouts Inc.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings

1	Michael Beasley	MIA	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
1	Analysis: He made it look like it was just another game for ... more
2	Greg Oden	POR	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
2	Analysis: This is based on his playing on two healthy legs, naturally. ... more
3	Rudy Fernandez	POR	23	G	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
3	Analysis: I love players who have been productive in the best leagues ... more
4	Kevin Love	MIN	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
4	Analysis: I know his athleticism and overall physique are in question, but ... more
5	Derrick Rose	CHI	19	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
5	Analysis: Looked tentative and a bit sluggish early. Struggled using ball-screens, as ... more
6	O.J. Mayo	MEM	20	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
6	Analysis: Obviously, a talent like Mayo should rank higher. But the Grizzlies ... more
7	Danilo Gallinari	NYK	19	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
7	Analysis: Another highly skilled and experienced player from Europe, Gallinari is in ... more
8	Brook Lopez	NJN	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
8	Analysis: Hustled up and down the floor, but struggled to make plays. ... more
9	Brandon Rush	IND	23	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
9	Analysis: Has a beautiful outside stroke and is ready to defend -- ... more
10	Russell Westbrook	SEA	19	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
10	Analysis: A special "glider" on the floor, like Monta Ellis and Leandro ... more

11	Courtney Lee	ORL	22	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
11	Analysis: Created some shots, but left a lot more out on the ... more
12	Jerryd Bayless	POR	19	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
12	Analysis: Should be looked at as a serious scoring option off the ... more
13	Roy Hibbert	TOR	21	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
13	Analysis: Highly skilled and smart. And huge, too. Should be able to ... more
14	D.J. Augustin	CHA	20	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
14	Analysis: Ultra-quick with the ball, and a good shooter, too. His natural ... more
15	Joe Alexander	MIL	21	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
15	Analysis: The league loves athletic energy guys, and Alexander is that and ... more
16	Jason Thompson	SAC	21	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
16	Analysis: The most surprising pick of the draft, Thompson is multitalented and ... more
17	Donte' Greene	HOU	20	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
17	Analysis: Pure shooters like Greene can find their way into the rotation. ... more
18	Robin Lopez	PHO	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
18	Analysis: An agile and aggressive big, Lopez symbolizes the new Suns, who ... more
19	Nicolas Batum	POR	19	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
19	Analysis: I know that most stat gurus don't like him, but it's ... more
20	George Hill	SAS	22	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
20	Analysis: A surprising draft choice for the Spurs, but one that makes ... more