Five NBA Rookies to Keep an Eye On

3. Michael Beasley—Forward (Miami Heat)

Kansas State's pride and joy joins the Heat as part of what is widely regarded as one of the best drafts this year.  Standing 6'8", he is an athletic beast with scary skill from one end of the court to the other.

The lefty has a clean long-range jumper as well as a powerful inside move.  His rebounding is strong on both baskets and his ambidexterity allows even more versatility in his game.  He is capable of playing both a quick power and a big small forward.

Following his monstrous debut, he went on to be the scoring leader for the Summer League.  Michael Beasley has developed very quickly and should be a great compliment to Dwayne Wade.  Watch for the Heat to be a surprise playoff contender in the East this season.

2. Russell Westbrook—Guard (Oklahoma City Thunder)

This UCLA alum and cousin of Eagles' RB Brian Westbrook brings an impressive athletic pedigree with him to the newly-founded Thunder franchise.  He joins Kevin Durant in what may shape up to be a powerful duo in years to come.  He starts off the season playing backup point guard to fellow UCLA alum Earl Watson.

Westbrook was overshadowed by the likes of Jordan Farmar, Darren Collison, and Aaron Afflalo in his freshman year.  Before exploding onto the scene in his second year, no one ever paid attention to him.

He couldn't even dunk until he was a senior in high school.  He wasn't even mentioned by draft "experts" until the week preceding it, only to be selected fourth overall ahead of teammate Kevin Love.

Russell Westbrook is the pinnacle of athleticism.  He only stands 6'3" but has been known to posterize even the tallest of defenders.  His explosive style plays well into the guard position.  He played shooting guard for the Bruins, but has expressed that he feels more natural at the point.

It wouldn't be any surprise at all if he becomes the starting one-guard for the Thunder before the end of the season.

1. Jerryd Bayless—Guard (Portland Trailblazers)

We stay in the Pac-10 for the No. 1 on my list, Jerryd Bayless.  With all of the abundant talent in this year's draft, the former Arizona Wildcat dropped to a quiet No. 11 spot, drafted by the Pacers and traded to the Blazers.

He has a number of honors to boast, including his selection into the USA Select Team and was named MVP of the Summer League.

Bayless can seemingly score at will and has been known as a tenacious defender.  He plays with emotion and persistent effort at all times on the court.  Originally intended to compliment Greg Oden, he must now carry a massive load on his shoulders.

Granted that making his debut against the Lakers was no easy task, one has to wonder how many more 20-point thumpings are necessary for the Blazers to get their cards in order.

If Oden does not become a significant factor, Bayless will become the cornerstone of the Portland franchise.  If Oden does return, the Blazers will become playoff contenders in the unforgiving West.

Honorable Mentions

Derrick Rose—Point Guard (Chicago Bulls)

Eric Gordon—Shooting Guard (Los Angeles Clippers)

OJ Mayo—Guard (Memphis Grizzlies)

Anthony Randolph—Forward (Golden State Warriors)

Kevin Love—Power Forward/Center (Minnesota Timberwolves)

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