NBA Rookies: 2008 Impact Analysis

With Nenad Kristic now sporting a Dynamo Moscow jersey, the Nets will have no choice but to play Brook Lopez more than they would like.

I think the youngster will step up and surprise some people. Don't be shocked to see him play around 25 minutes per game and average close to Al Horford numbers, about 10-and-10.

2. O.J. Mayo (pick #3), G, Memphis Grizzlies (traded from Minnesota)

Mayo is an immense talent. He's been NBA-ready since high school, and now he's finally here.

With Mike Conley already on board, Mayo won't be forced to play the point in Memphis, like he would have been in Minnesota, so he can focus on what he does best: pure scoring.

Mayo is a scorer in every sense of the word.

Last year at USC, he averaged 20.7 PPG. His dunks in the Summer League have proven he can take it to the hole, but Mayo also shot 41% from beyond the arc while playing for the Trojans last year, and, unlike Kevin Love, kept that impressive three-point shooting up in Summer League, going 12-for-25 (48%).

He should be just the shot in the arm that Memphis needs to get over the Pau Gasol fire sale they had at the 2007 trade deadline.

1. Michael Beasley (pick #2), F, Miami Heat

I know, I know. It's the easy pick. But there is no denying that Michael Beasley is as NBA-ready as we've seen in a long, long time.

The freshman phenom led the nation in RPG (12.4), was third in PPG (26.5), and sixth in free throws made (201). All that as a freshman.

He also averaged 1.7 BPG and 1.3 SPG. Not too shabby either.

In his Summer League play, Beasley averaged 19.6 PPG and 7.4 RPG, including a 23-point debut against top pick Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.

Beasley should provide a solid post presence for the Heat and will get plenty of open looks with Dwyane Wade healthy and drawing consistent double-teams.

In the Heat's smaller lineup, Beasley will even get some playing time at center with he, Udonis Haslem, and Shawn Marion manning the frontcourt, while in the regular lineup, Haslem should be pushed to the bench.

Beasley will probably average close to 30 minutes per game due to his versatility and pure, undeniable talent. He's the early leader for rookie of the year.

There's my take on these rookies. Others may have a noticeable impact on their teams, but not like these guys should, in my opinion.

* Please note that Greg Oden wasn't in my list, since even though he is technically eligible to win rookie of the year, I consider him a sophomore. *

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