As of tonight, the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year shakes down to two competitors: Ricky Rubio vs. Kyrie Irving. 

One could make the argument that MarShon Brooks is a close No. 3, but this article will focus on the Top Two.

Ricky Rubio, 6'4", 180 lbs, PG

Rubio was No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft. He has taken a stagnant fanbase and electrified them to the point that Timberwolves fans are thinking about being relevant again for the first time since Kevin Garnett left for greener pastures. 

His offensive game consists mostly of pick and roll basketball, with the surprising three-pointer mixed in.  Defensively, he has been decent.  His long arms allow him to deflect passes and disrupt offenses, but he has shown an inability to stay in front of quicker defenders.

Kyrie Irving, 6'3", 191 lbs, PG

Irving, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, was tasked with the unenviable job of making Cavaliers fans forget LeBron James and start a new chapter in Cleveland. 

Irving leads all rookies in scoring.  He has a knack for getting to the rim (and making his free throws). 

Kyrie has been a playmaker, but has taken more of the scoring load on himself, which has hurt his assist numbers some.  Defensively, he hasn't been terribly active, but he learned great fundamentals at Duke, which he uses to the best of his ability.

Who wins the Rookie of the Year?

This is like comparing apples to oranges. 

Rubio plays more like a traditional point guard, averaging 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and two steals per game.  Rubio's defense has been better than anticipated, as has his shooting, a respectable 45/77/44. 

Rubio is better suited to a team with shooters who can rely on him to put them in good positions to make shots.  Rubio has done this quite well so far—even with the high turnover rate of 3.3 per game. 

He has looked more like Jason Kidd than anything else—and that's a good thing.

Irving is listed as a point guard. He definitely has the size of a point guard, but has shown the propensity to take games over at times with his scoring ability. 

He has played more like a shooting guard, taking 13.8 shots per game and scoring 17.7 points.  His 3.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists are respectable, while his .6 blocks and .8 steals aren't anything to brag about. 

What Kyrie can boast is a very impressive shooting percentage of 49/84/38. This is the kind of guy who you want to have the ball late in games. 

His field goal percentage stands up against any guards.  His free throw percentage makes you think twice about fouling down the stretch.  Kyrie fits well with the Cavs, as there isn't anyone else there who demands many shots and are happy to watch Kyrie create.

Although I don't like it, what it's going to come down to is team record. 

Currently the Timberwolves are 6-8 and the Cavaliers are 6-7, which is basically a push.  I have a feeling both of these players and both of these teams will continue the pace that they are at right now.

That means your 2012 co-NBA Rookies of the Year will be Ricky Rubio and Kyrie Irving.