NBA Rookie of the Year Rankings

Every season, it's compelling to note the rookies who emphatically prove they can play with the grown men in the NBA. 

A few years ago, Derrick Rose improved his game throughout his rookie campaign before making a statement against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. While the Bulls lost the classic seven-game series to Boston, Rose dazzled NBA fans with his acrobatic finishes and tenacity on the floor. He revealed that he would be a player to fear for years to come.

Two years later, Rose won the MVP award, and he's made the Bulls into an undoubtedly elite team.

While there's not necessarily a player the caliber of Rose's in every draft, there are still annually a handful of rookies who take their talents to new levels throughout the season. 

We've even seen this take place in this year's lockout-shortened season. Certain rookies have shown why they're going to be familiar faces in the league for the long-term future.

Here are the up-to-date Rookie of the Year Rankings—complete with statistics, analysis and ceiling/basement comparisons.

10. Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks

Stats: 9.8 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, 39.5 percent field goal percentage, 79.1 percent free-throw percentage

Iman Shumpert needs to vastly improve offensively, but he's already becoming a defensive stalwart for the New York Knicks. His ability to pester opposing guards is being revealed, especially since the Knicks are stepping up their defense in recent weeks.

If Shumpert can develop more maturity on the offensive end, he could become a scary player for New York's Eastern Conference foes. 

Quite frankly, he could shine much more this season, as the Knicks should make the playoffs, and Shumpert will likely have the opportunity to guard either Derrick Rose or Dwyane Wade in the first round.

Basement: Thabo Sefolosha with more offense

Ceiling: Gary Payton with less offense 

9. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Stats: 12.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.5 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 36.7 percent FG percentage, 81 percent FT percentage

Kemba Walker has the numbers to be listed in the top five, but we have to remember he's playing for the atrocious Charlotte Bobcats. He's receiving more freedom with the ball than some other rooks.

Walker has flashed signs of stellar play, evidenced by his over 12 points per game average, which is solid for a rookie.

But the dismal field-goal percentage and his lack of size are concerns for the future. Walker was certainly an elite college player, but he may just be average to slightly above average in the NBA.

Basement: T.J. Ford

Ceiling: Terrell Brandon

8. Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 8.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 43 percent FG percentage, 67.5 percent FT percentage

The potential of Derrick Williams is undeniable. He's 6'8'' and over 240 pounds and is capable of playing the wing and shooting the three.

The downsides? He lacks discipline, and his basketball IQ is questionable. 

Can these struggles be ironed out enough to make him a future All-Star?

He's had performances of late to indicate the answer to that is "yes," but we won't fully know until he's given consistent playing time and is able to get a better feel for his role in the league.

Basement: Thaddeus Young

Ceiling: Somewhere in between Corey Maggette and Carmelo Anthony

7. Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento Kings

Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 44.5 percent FG percentage, 82.2 percent FT percentage

The 5'9'' lefty point guard known as Isaiah Thomas has quietly made his presence felt in his rookie campaign. 

The beauty of this? Thomas was the last player selected in the 2011 draft, taken 60th overall by the Kings.

This makes for quite a story and a refreshing surprise for Sacramento. There's no way the Kings would've thought that Thomas would eclipse famed-rookie Jimmer Fredette as their most touted guard for the future.

Basement: Nate Robinson

Ceiling: Nick Van Exel

6. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 10.6 PPG, 8.2 APG, 4.2 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 35.7 percent FG percentage, 80.3 percent FT percentage

Ricky Rubio would surely be listed higher if it weren't for the ACL tear he suffered last month. He's now undergone surgery, but there's some uncertainty if he'll be ready for camp next year.

Despite the uncertainty of when and how well he'll return, he's been more than impressive this season. If he can avoid further injuries throughout his career, there's every reason to believe he's a budding Steve Nash.

Basement: Jason "White Chocolate" Williams

Ceiling: Steve Nash

5. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Stats: 11.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 43.6 percent FG percentage (42.5 percent from three), 86.4 percent FT percentage

Klay Thompson's season numbers are quality for a rookie, but what's staggering are his stats in the past couple months.

In March, Thompson poured in 16.4 PPG, and he's continued to produce in April (15.3). Since Monta Ellis has been traded, Thompson has had the opportunity to shine in the Warriors' backcourt, and he hasn't disappointed.

What makes Thompson all the more scary is his 6'7'' height, making him a difficult matchup for opposing guards who lack length.

Thompson could very likely become one of the more potent perimeter threats in the league in the next few seasons.

Basement: Nick Young

Ceiling: Joe Johnson 

4. Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets

Stats: 9.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 45.7 percent FG percentage, 51.5 percent FT percentage

Chandler Parsons, another second-round pick, has become a favorite of Rockets coach Kevin McHale—and for good reason.

Parsons contributes in so many ways and has exhibited a maturity well beyond his years. Houston is in the thick of the playoff hunt, and Parsons has been receiving heavy minutes, which surely testifies to the impressions he's made.

At 6'9'' and 227 pounds, Parsons makes for a unique matchup because of his versatility. He's a coach's dream, and the Rockets are surely delighted with the way their young forward is blossoming.

Basement: Luke Walton

Ceiling: Andrei Kirilenko but with more offense

3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 8.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 49.3 percent FG percentage, 76.6 percent FT percentage

Kawhi Leonard has etched himself into San Antonio's rotation, and his efforts on both ends of the floor are proving to be immensely valuable.

Leonard's value is seen in his efficiency. His shooting percentage is respectable, especially for a rookie, and he's developing into a superb defender. He's even, at times, checked Kevin Durant, revealing coach Gregg Popovich's confidence in the youngster.

Leonard may never put up remarkable numbers, but he's a championship-caliber player who does the little things, and he fits perfectly in the Spurs' style of play.

Basement: James Posey

Ceiling: Luol Deng

2. Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets

Stats: 9.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 58.5 percent FG percentage, 69 percent FT percentage

As the season has progressed, Kenneth Faried has cemented himself as one of the top rookies. He's a workhorse on the boards and is vastly improving offensively. He's put all aspects of his game together on some occasions recently (prime example: on Monday, he tallied 27 points and 17 rebounds in only 24 minutes).

Faried is surely pleasing the eyes of Denver fans. The 6'8'' big man certainly looks like he'll be in the "Ben Wallace-mold" and could be even better if his offense continues to reach new levels.

Faried's potential is through the roof, and his play as of late is beginning to make fans wonder if he could end up being the best player in the 2011 draft.

Basement: Udonis Haslem

Ceiling: Dennis Rodman

1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 46.8 percent FG percentage (41.4 percent from three), 87.3 percent FT percentage

There's not much debate as to who the top rookie is in 2012. Kyrie Irving has not only made Cleveland fans move on from LeBron James, but he's raised the eyebrows of fans league wide with his enthralling play.

Irving has been injured, and the Cavs have struggled as of late, but Cleveland has plenty to look forward to for years to come with Irving running the show.

The remarkable thing about Irving is that his rookie numbers are more impressive than what Derrick Rose's and Russell Westbrook's were a few years ago. It's safe to say that Irving is well on his way to being something special.

Basement: Steve Francis

Ceiling: Isiah Thomas