Five NBA Rookies to Keep an Eye On

With the 2008-2009 NBA season officially underway, many fans are searching for the  impact player that may get their team to the playoffs, or even to the championship.

Baseball fans have seen teams such as the Dodgers and Rays dramatically improve their outlook with the presence of young talent.  This NBA season will be no different.

The current NBA season will signal a changing of the guard, where players fresh out of college and from overseas will replace many of the seasoned veterans on the court.  With the exposure resulting from the recent Beijing games, the NBA is attracting and accepting talent from far greater horizons.

Without question, the 2008 NBA Draft was a deep one.  Talented players were abundant in every position with different backgrounds, skill sets, and levels of experience.  Expect this season to be one where the presence of rookies plays a significant role.

Here is a list of the five rookies I expect to make a big splash this season.  This is not a list of the five best rookies.  Please do not get your panties in bunches because your favorite rookie is not on the list.

These are players who I expect to bring something refreshing and unexpected to the table.  These are players whose performances can shake things up a bit, whether they are good or bad.

5. Sun Yue—Point Guard (Los Angeles Lakers)

This 22-year-old rookie will play as the third string point guard for the Lakers, behind Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar.  This 6'9" ball handler proved to be the most dominant player on the Chinese Olympic team and has been dubbed as "The Chinese Magic."

It is unlikely that he will soon nab a starting role in the stacked Laker roster, but his unorthodox combination of size and skill will prove valuable. Whether he receives extended minutes from the Lakers or is traded to a team in need of a one-guard, he is sure to bring something refreshing to the table.

In international play, he was more than capable on both sides of the ball and fundamentally sound.  His skills are expected to develop quickly and should be a nice surprise for the NBA.  He may even be able to play shooting guard or small forward.

4. Greg Oden—Center (Portland Trailblazers)

Last year's No. 1 overall pick finally makes his debut.  After leading the Buckeyes to the Final Four in his freshman year, he was drafted just ahead of Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant.

Last year, his surgery to rectify his asymmetrical legs left him out for the entirety of his would-be rookie season.  This is no surprise as he played through his lone college season with a broken hand, shooting free throws with his left.  He is now out with an injured foot, less than three minutes into his debut.

The Blazers have had their share of misfortune with first round centers, most notably with Sam Bowie and Arvydas Sabonis.  They would hope that Oden does not end up in the same boat, whether it is political or health-related.

The Blazers' season can be made or broken by Oden's performance this year.  He is currently the most publicized member of his team and his demise could bring the same to his team.

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