2012 NBA Rookie Big Board

The 2012 NBA regular season is less than 10 games from coming to a close. With so little time left to reflect, there's only one logical thing left to do: talk about the best players who are close to finishing up their first year in the league.

In order to do so, it's important to rank their importance to their team, overall production and straight-up value as a player. In doing so, we will get to the bottom of who the best rookies truly are.

Pay attention, folks, because these are names you'll want to know.

20. Ivan Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Last Week's Position: N/A

For those who haven't heard of Ivan Johnson, you're missing out one of the true gems in this league. He can play lock-down defense, crash the boards and throw the rock down with authority.

In other words, Ivan Johnson is the quintessential Atlanta Hawk.

While his numbers aren't as flashy as some of the other names on this list, he is a major reason the Hawks have been able to recover from Al Horford's injury and a lackluster trade deadline. He's also shooting 50 percent from the floor and has averaged 16.5 points and six rebounds over the past two games.

Season Averages: 15.5 MPG - 13.32 PER - 5.8 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 49.8% FG

19. Norris Cole, Miami Heat

Last Week's Position: N/A

Norris Cole began his career with one of the best fourth quarter performances all season. Since then, Cole has come down to earth but remained a consistent contributor off of the bench.

As expected, the Big Three have begun to eat up any and all playing time available for other players. Nevertheless, Cole has reached double-figure scoring on 18 different occasions this season. While his minutes have gone down, his production has been shockingly steady.

Don't believe it? How's 10 points in 4:32 of playing time?

Season Averages: 8.56 PER - 18.9 MPG - 6.7 PPG - 2.1 APG - 1.4 RPG

18. Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia 76ers

Last Week's Position: N/A

Over the past three games, Nikola Vucevic is averaging 10.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Over the course of the season, he has been one of the most reliable rookie big men in the league.

Vucevic hasn't had the type of season to merit First-Team All-Rookie success by usual standards, but considering the lack of depth at the position, he could very well receive the honor. If he does, it's well-warranted, as the former USC Trojan has made his mark on the city of Philadelphia.

In a season in which the Philadelphia 76ers traded young forward Marreese Speights, Vucevic has been quite an important player in a relatively thin 76ers frontcourt. Furthermore, Spencer Hawes has battled injuries, leaving Vucevic and fellow rookie LaVoy Allen as the last line of defense behind the aging Elton Brand.

Season Averages: 15.18 PER - 16.5 MPG - 6.0 PPG - 4.8 RPG - 0.7 BPG

17. Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings

Last Week's Position: N/A

Jimmer Fredette hasn't been quite as efficient or impressive as fellow rookie Isaiah Thomas, but don't think he hasn't made some respectable adjustments since the All-Star break. Unfortunately, those adjustments don't warrant consideration for a position higher than this, as questions about his status as a true point guard continue.

Nevertheless, Fredette has made his mark in the hearts of Sacramento Kings fans. He's currently averaging 10.0 points per game over seven appearances in April. He's also been a big-shot type of player, coming in off of the bench and making the most of his minutes with timely three-pointers.

Season Averages: 10.73 PER - 18.7 MPG - 7.5 PPG - 1.8 APG - 37% 3PT

16. Greg Stiemsma, Boston Celtics

Last Week's Position: N/A

By definition, 26-year-old Greg Stiemsma is a rookie. Also by definition, he's what you would call an occasional stat-sheet-stuffer.

Stiemsma is no star, but in the Celtics' playoff push, you'd be hard pressed to find a more important role player in the frontcourt. Stiemsma has made his presence known on the glass, as well as in the shot-blocking department, where he's averaging 1.5 a game.

When translated to per-48-minute statistics, Stiemsma is second in the NBA to just Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder—the league's leading shot-blocker.

Season Averages: 13.25 PER - 13.3 MPG - 2.8 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 1.5 BPG

15. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Bobcats

Last Week's Position: N/A

The enigmatic big man from Zaire has surpassed expectations in his first season with the Bobcats, piling up rebounds and blocks in quite an insignificant amount of playing time. While his fundamentals certainly need honing, he has shown an ability to use his body in the proper manner.

That alone makes Biyombo a dangerous player at the 5.

While his draft position would imply that Biyombo emerge as a star, that's simply not his game. He's more of a Serge Ibaka type who blocks shots, shuts down opponents in the post and occasionally makes his presence known on the boards. The main difference would be that Biyombo has already shown signs of being a better rebounder than the Thunder's 4.

Season Averages: 11.00 PER - 21.4 MPG - 4.9 PPG - 5.6 RPG - 1.7 BPG

14. Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons

Last Week's Position: N/A

Brandon Knight hasn't been the most efficient player out of this draft class, but if we're talking talent, this kid is as good as they come. It's just a shame that he wasn't around to win the title with Terrence Jones this year.

Nevertheless, Knight has shown sky-high potential at the NBA level. He has the ability to average close to 10 assists per contest, as well as the talent to score 20 points. While his shot selection, decision-making and court vision must improve, he's the type of player who will begin to make some noise around year three of his career.

Season Averages: 10.87 PER - 32.5 MPG - 12.4 PPG - 3.6 APG - 3.2 RPG

13. Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns

Last Week's Position: N/A

One of the most underrated rookies in this draft class is former Kansas Jayhawk Markieff Morris. He's put up quality numbers while seeing less than 20 minutes per game and has developed a very nice chemistry with center Marcin Gortat. His development of a legitimate low-post and perimeter scoring game makes him one of the most well-rounded offensive players out of this draft class.

What's most significant about Markieff Morris' play, however, are his contributions on the defensive end. He's averaging 0.7 blocks and 0.7 steals per game, despite playing less than 20 minutes per game.

While his offensive prowess cannot be denied, Morris could make for quite a prolific defensive player as his career progresses.

Season Averages: 12.84 PER - 19.2 MPG - 7.5 PPG - 4.3 RPG - 0.7 BPG - 0.7 SPG

12. Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week's Ranking: N/A

Derrick Williams has been awfully inconsistent, but don't think for a second that he hasn't flashed some talent.

Williams had been averaging 6.3 points per game in the four games preceding Minnesota's battle in Denver. Going up against a playoff-bound team, Williams broke out of that slump in a big way by putting up 27 points and snagging eight rebounds. He also hit three three-pointers and tallied both a block and steal.

If Williams can do this on a more consistent basis, his placement on this list will certainly rise. Until then, he's just another rookie who has shown flashes of brilliance.

Season Averages: 13.73 PER - 22.0 MPG - 9.2 PPG - 4.8 RPG

11. MarShon Brooks, New Jersey Nets

Last Week's Position: N/A

Coming out of Providence, I was one of many who had MarShon Brooks tabbed as an elite scorer who needed to add to his game. Upon watching him on a near-nightly basis, it's become clear to me that Brooks is one of the most well-rounded prospects we've ever seen at the 2.

While Deron Williams gets all of the credit for any success in New Jersey, Brooks has actually played an important role when the Nets have actually won. Williams often plays off of the ball, leaving the ball-handling and facilitating duties to the rookie. Brooks has responded marvelously, as he's been one of the true catalysts for the Nets offense on nights that Williams is absent or struggling.

As long as he can stay healthy, MarShon Brooks will be a special player. Expect big things for him in year two.

Season Averages: 12.99 PER - 29.0 MPG - 12.2 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 2.2 APG

10. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Last Week's Position: N/A

It took some time, but Kemba Walker seems to have finally found his comfort zone at the NBA level. For proof, take a look at his six games in the month of April, as he's averaged 15.8 points, 5.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds. He's also shot 44 percent from distance.

Over the span of the season, Kemba Walker has gone from a weak link on a weak team to a budding strength on what's still a weak team. While he's not an award candidate by any means, he's made drastic improvements and has shown signs of being a legitimate NBA point guard.

The only downside is that Walker is shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from distance.

Season Averages: 15.71 PER - 27.1 MPG - 12.4 PPG - 4.4 APG - 3.4 RPG

9. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Week's Position: N/A

Tristan Thompson may lack the fundamental skills to be a dominant 4 on offense, but he's as explosive as they come. If Byron Scott has anything to say about it, Thompson will pair that athleticism with talent before it's all said and done.

The former Texas Longhorn is already one of the better shot-blockers in the Eastern Conference, utilizing his high leap and intelligence to get a hand on anything coming his way. He's also established himself as the best active rebounder on the Cavaliers, posting 10 double-digit rebounding games.

On the offensive end, he's very raw. Nevertheless, he can finish above the rim as well as anyone and has shown a strong effort to improve. If his potential matches his effort, Tristan Thompson will emerge as one of the stars of this draft class.

Season Averages: 13.48 PER - 23.1 MPG - 8.0 PPG - 6.4 RPG - 1.0 BPG

8. Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento Kings

Last Week's Ranking: N/A

The final pick of the 2011 NBA draft has been a revelation in Sacramento; he has finally offered the Kings a true point guard. While fellow rookie Jimmer Fredette's name value has drawn quite a bit of attention, don't be fooled; it's Thomas who has been the more proficient scorer and, believe it or not, has a higher three-point field-goal percentage.

The 5'9" former Washington Huskie has seen sporadic playing time but always seems to make the most of it. While he's not a double-double type of player, he has shown the capability to put up six or seven assists on any given night. Furthermore, he's a player who can score in double digits without taking a high volume of shot attempts.

All in all, Thomas is efficient, talented and passionate. He's here to stay.

Season Averages: 24.7 MPG - 17.44 PER - 11.2 PPG - 3.8 APG - 2.6 RPG - 0.9 SPG

7. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Last Week's Position: N/A

Klay Thompson's play has redefined the term "tale of two halves."

Prior to the All-Star break, Thompson posted an average of 7.2 points per game. Since the All-Star break, Thompson has posted an average of 17.6 points per game and is shooting 43 percent from distance. While he isn't going to convince anyone that he deserves a Rookie of the Year vote over Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio, he has played exceptional basketball in the second half of the season.

Season Averages:  14.24 PER - 21.9 MPG - 11.1 PPG - 2.1 RPG - 1.7 APG

6. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Last Week's Position: N/A

It's nearly impossible to define how important Leonard is to a true championship contender. When I say "important," I mean pivotal.

Leonard has split time at the 3 and the 4 this season, displaying a high aptitude on defense. He's spent time defending some of the best perimeter and low-post players in the NBA, and while he didn't lock them down, he showed heart and effort.

That's all you need to know about Kawhi Leonard, despite the fact that there are dozens of other things he's capable of. 

Season Averages: 16.68 PER - 24.6 MPG - 8.0 PPG - 5.2 RPG - 1.4 SPG

5. Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets

Last Week's Position: N/A

Chandler Parsons has started 50 games on a playoff-bound team, racking up big minutes and positively impacting the outcome of games. While his numbers are not as flashy as other rookies, his game might be the most well-rounded.

Parsons isn't a prolific scorer, but he is an intelligent one. He rarely shoots the ball more than 10 times a game and makes 34 percent of his three-point field goals. He also only turns the ball over 1.3 times per game, an astonishing statistic considering how often he's on the court.

What's been most impressive about Parsons' game has been his production on the defensive end of the floor, where he's constantly tasked with facing a team's best perimeter option. He has displayed serious know-how in coming off of screens, switching defenders and covering up the defensively inept Kevin Martin's mistakes.

If not for Parsons, this team wouldn't be where they are.

Season Averages: 13.20 PER - 28.3 MPG - 9.2 PPG - 4.8 RPG - 2.2 APG - 1.1 SPG

4. Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks

Last Week's Position: N/A

While Iman Shumpert lacks the statistics that some of his fellow rookies are currently putting up, he has already established himself as one of the league's best perimeter defenders. Not too shabby for a player on the offense-or-die New York Knicks.

While Mike D'Antoni's firing has been accredited to the Knicks' increased level of defensive effort, it would be foolish to ignore Shumpert's influence. His effort on a possession-by-possession basis has clearly been the impetus for veterans to raise their level of play, something evident in Carmelo Anthony's first time caring about defense since... Ever.

Season Averages: 10.90 PER - 28.8 MPG - 9.8 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 2.7 APG - 1.8 SPG

3. Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets

Last Week's Position: N/A

Over the past five games, Kenneth Faried is averaging 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He's also coming off of a 27-point, 17-rebound performance against the Golden State Warriors. Most impressive of all is that he put those numbers up in just 24 minutes of play.

Faried followed this performance with 18 points, 12 rebounds and a pair of steals and blocks against the Timberwolves.

Faried took a bit of time to come into his own, but now that he's receiving the playing time, he's producing at a very high level. Furthermore, he's a starter on a playoff team and is heavily relied upon to dominate the glass. Paired with his shutdown defense in the post, it's not hard to see why his size deficiency is an afterthought.

Season Averages: 22.27 PER - 21.4 MPG - 9.9 PPG - 7.3 RPG - 1.0 BPG

2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week's Position: N/A

Hard to find a player, let alone a rookie, who has had as big of an effect on their team's success.

With Ricky Rubio, Minnesota was 21-20 and poised for a run at the playoffs. Without Rubio, the Timberwolves are 4-13 and all but out of playoff contention.

Tack on the fact that Rubio was top-five in the NBA in both assists and steals, and it's easy to see why he remains this high. Injury or not, Rubio is the only player not named Kyrie Irving who deserves votes for Rookie of the Year.

Season Averages: 14.71 PER - 10.6 PPG - 8.2 APG - 4.2 RPG - 2.2 SPG

1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Week's Position: N/A

There's no question about this spot, as Kyrie Irving has been running away with the Rookie of the Year ever since Ricky Rubio went down with a season-ending knee injury. Prior to Rubio's injury, there were only faint cries of a competition.

Putting rookies aside, Kyrie Irving already ranks amongst the NBA's elite point guards in numerous categories. He's the fifth-ranked point guard in terms of scoring, top-15 in assists and has the sixth-highest Player Efficiency Rating. While injuries have nagged Irving late in the season, he is no danger of losing this award.

Season Averages: 21.21 PER - 18.8 PPG - 5.7 APG - 3.9 RPG - 1.0 SPG