The Race for the NBA Rookie Of The Year

So that brings me to O.J. Mayo, he plays for a team that isn't expected to make the play-offs, he should get all the burn he can handle to play through mistakes and gain experience and the Grizzlies should provide some great offensive moments this year.

My choice to start their back court would be Mike Conley, Mayo and Rudy Gay. That's a quick and very offensive back court. Perfect for a player looking to get the RotY.

Other than that I don't see any other rookie getting it. Kevin Love might lead all rookies in assists just feeding Al Jeferson, Fernandez will be a great asset for the Blazers but wont get the time required to win the award. I loved the reports on how hard Roy Hibbert is working and how high his coaches are on him, look for him to be in the T-mobile top ten more often than not.

My dark horse has to be Donte Greene, I think he will get the chance to play but Garcia will start and Salmons is a close second after him for the Kings, but this kid can play. He isn't on a good team, and again, if he gets a chance I think he will the kind of stats that demand attention.

So, after all that, I think it will be either O.J. Mayo or Russell Westbrook.

Lastly I'm going to make a second round prediction, I think Richard Hendrix will be a stud. His production for Alabama went up markedly when he invested in his body, he lost weight, got quicker and fitter.

According to the reports I read, he seemed to have turned a corner and realized how effort in the gym could be rewarded on the court and now he is a full time athlete I hope he carries it on and achieves his potential. At worst, I see a Jason Maxiell-type coming off the bench, either way the guy should have a good career as soon as he gets out of the Warriors.

Other than that I look forward to the season and being proved wrong by some young guy that can flat out play. I can't wait!.

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