The Top Five NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates at the All-Star Break

Sure, Golden State stinks—as usual—but the play of rookie guard Stephen Curry provides a modicum of hope in the Bay Area.

The Warriors won't capture the NBA title, but Curry's play could net them some hardware, as the smooth star in the making is one of the top five candidates for the 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year.

1. Tyreke Evans, G, Sacramento

The Case For

He leads all rookies in scoring (20.3 PPG), is second in assists (5.1 APG), and pulls down 4.8 boards a night. His performance in Friday's Rookies-Sophomores Game gave fans who don't stay up late an opportunity to see Evans, who is on the fast track to elite status.

The Case Against

Sure, the Kings are 13-34, but can you imagine how bad they'd be if they didn't have Evans?

2. Brandon Jennings, G, Milwaukee

The Case For

The Bucks are on the outer edge of a playoff berth, due in part to Jennings' energy, explosiveness, and ability to distribute (6.2 assists, tops among rookies). His 16.9 points per game is tops on a Milwaukee squad that won seven of 10 before the All-Star Break to move into the ninth spot out East.

The Case Against

Jennings looked like the front-runner for ROY during the first two months of the season, but Evans' emergence has overtaken him. Jennings' 37.9 shooting percentage also hurts him, but if the Bucks make the playoffs, it would be hard for some voters to go against him.

3. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State

The Case For

We knew Curry would be productive, and he hasn't disappointed. His 14.8 points per game isn't surprising; the 4.9 assists per game is. Curry has adapted well to the Association, shooting a respectable 45 percent from the field; he has been especially impressive this month, averaging 20.8-3-6.6 in five games.

The Case Against

At 14-37, the Warriors have all but made their travel plans to New Jersey for the lottery—Curry and John Wall would be scary good. Curry is primed for a solid second half, but his chances could be hurt if Golden State continues playing slag-like ball.

4. Ty Lawson, G, Denver

The Case For

Lawson has been the ignition George Karl's squad needed off the bench. The Nuggets go from fast-paced to warp-speed when the whippet-like Lawson is running the point.

Lawson's 9.5 points per game isn't as impressive as the three players in front of him, but his 51 percent mark from the field and 43 percent accuracy from three-point range has helped Denver's run to a possible trip to the Western Conference finals.

The Case Against

Even if the Nuggets overtake the Lakers for the West's top seed, it would be hard to vote for a player averaging 22 minutes a game off the bench.

5. DeJuan Blair, F, San Antonio

The Case For

You have look beyond Blair's numbers to respect the impact the burly banger from Pittsburgh has provided for the Spurs.

His relentless style and physical manner off the bench has made him a key contributor to a San Antonio squad still lurking as a Western Conference threat. Blair has 13 games of double-digit rebounds and has developed a scoring touch of late (12.8 points per game this month).

The Case Against

He's not a focal point of his team, and the flash and dash of the four guards ahead of him will make him a long-shot at best.