Second-Half Predictions for NBA's Top Rookies

As we head into the second half of the 2012 season, things get tougher as teams position themselves to make the playoffs.

That also means things get much tougher for the rookies, who usually tend to hit the rookie wall by the end of their first campaign.

Here's a quick look at what to expect the rest of the way from the best of this year's rookie crop.

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Irving has had an outstanding first half of the season that's seen him average 18.1 PPG and 5.1 APG.

He may hit a bit of a wall, but it won't affect him greatly. His scoring average should be around the same, but I'd expect his assist total to rise a little bit.

If he keeps it up, there's not much from stopping him from being named Rookie of the Year

Final Prediction: 18.0 PPG, 6.2 APG

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Playing on an awful team has to be tough for a rookie that's coming off winning a national championship, but if anything, Walker can get the opportunity to learn.

It would be wise if Charlotte moves D.J. Augustin and hands the keys over to Walker.

If they don't, I wouldn't expect much change from his 13.3 PPG and 3.8 APG averages.

Final Prediction: 13.7 PPG, 4.2 APG

Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons

The Pistons aren't very good, so I'd expect to see Knight be given more minutes the rest of the way, but the production has to increase.

He's currently averaging 12.5 PPG and 3.5 APG, but his assist to turnover ratio is only 1.4.

Knight may be given the opportunity, but he's struggled mightily at times, and I don't look for that to change.

Final Prediction: 12.2 PPG, 3.3 APG

Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Rubio's been excellent and is a big reason why the Minnesota Timberwolves entered the All-Star break 17-17.

Minnesota may fall just short of the postseason, but look for Rubio to have a big second half and improve on his 11.3 PPG, 8.3 APG and 2.3 SPG first-half numbers.

I look for him to increase across the board, including his scoring, and if Irving somehow slips up, Rubio wins the Rookie of the Year.

Final Prediction: 12.2 PPG, 9.2 APG, 3.0 SPG

Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings

Fredette averaged only 8.0 PPG and 1.9 APG throughout the first half, but would be better served by more minutes.

Unless the Kings make a move with one of their other young guards, though, the minutes won't really be there.

Final Prediction: 8.6 PPG, 1.5 APG

MarShon Brooks, New Jersey Nets

Brooks has lived up to his reputation as a scorer so far in the first half, averaging 14.6 PPG and 4.3 RPG. It could be tough for him to maintain that pace throughout the course of his first season, though, as I'd expect to see a slight drop in production, especially on the glass.

Final Prediction: 14.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG

Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns

The last guy we take a look at is Morris, who's having a solid rookie campaign, averaging 7.9 PPG and 5.0 RPG, but I'd expect a spike in numbers after the trade deadline, depending on whether or not the Suns trade Steve Nash.

Morris is getting slightly over 20 minutes per night, but that should increase, as the Suns should head in another direction.

Final Prediction: 10.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG