NBA Rookie of the Year Watch

As the shortened 2011-2012 season gets underway, we can look at the rookies that are having the biggest impact in the league. Favorites to win the award are Derrick Williams, Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving. A dark horse to look out for is the New Jersey Nets' MarShon Brooks, who can score in bunches.

There does not seem to be one player who has a distinct advantage so far, which is not surprising. As the season progresses we will continue to follow the NBA rookies and see who stands out from the bunch.

Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer was the NCAA leading scorer last year. His three-point range basically has no limit. Fredette is on a Kings team that is not good. He should receive some decent playing time.

Stats Per Game: 8 PTS 2.5 AST 1 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 11.5 PTS 3.6 AST 1.4 REB

Kyrie Irving

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a risk when they passed on Derrick Williams and chose Kyrie Irving No. 1 overall. They are looking to find their next LeBron James and help get the franchise on the right track.

Irving only played in 11 games in college at Duke and is only 19 years old. He was considered the best point guard going into the draft.

Stats Per Game: 10 PTS 7 AST 3 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 15.7 PTS 11 AST 5.5 REB

Derrick Williams

You could make the argument that Williams is the most talented rookie this season. The problem is the team that he was drafted by. The Minnesota Timberwolves have talented players at his position so his playing time might be limited.

Stats Per Game: 8 PTS 1 AST 5.5 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 13.7 PTS 1.7 AST 9.4 REB

Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker is another player that will have a significant role and see a lot of playing time for a rookie. His stock went up as he led UConn to the NCAA finals. So far, Kemba has shown that he can rebound in this league and is well-rounded.

Stats Per Game: 13.5 PTS 3 AST 4 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 23.7 PTS 5.3 AST 7 REB

Brandon Knight

Another solid guard who is a rookie this season is Brandon Knight. Knight will get playing time on a lost Detroit Pistons team and could put up some solid numbers as he is surrounded by veterans.

Stats Per Game: 16 PTS 3 AST 1 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 25.6 PTS 4.8 AST 1.6 REB

Iman Shumpert

Shumpert is by far the most surprising rookie on this list. He was drafted by the Knicks to help with their backcourt defense. He has found a way to score in an offense that is heavily based on Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

For the second straight year the Knicks seem to have a surprise rookie, as Landry Fields proved to be a solid NBA player last year as a rookie.

Stats Per Game: 11 PTS 1 AST 4 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 18 PTS 1.6 AST 6.5 REB

MarShon Brooks

My prediction for Rookie of the Year this season is MarShon "Kobe" Brooks. He has proven that he knows how to score. If he continues to play well, he will be the Nets' starting shooting guard.

In the first game, he only played eight minutes and scored six points. The next two games he has received more playing time and has had back-to-back 17-point games.

Stats Per Game: 13.3 PTS 1.3 AST 2.3 REB

Stats Per 36 Minutes: 26 PTS 2.2 AST 5.4 REB