NBA Rookie Watch: Which 2012 First-Years Will Slump in 2013?

The 2012 NBA regular season is in the books and very few rookies now remain active. Although Denver's Kenneth Faried and San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard will offer some excitement, the rookie spectrum has become quite small.

While we can evaluate the season that was, I've always been one to look to the future. In doing so, it's important to evaluate player progress and each individual situation. 

Here's a look at a handful of players whose near-futures just aren't too promising.

Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings

Player Traits: Point Guard—23—6'2"—195 pounds

Jimmer Fredette proved some doubters wrong in 2012, coming in and playing at a high level as a reserve. His three-point shooting translated well to the NBA level and although he lost out on the starting job to fellow rookie Isaiah Thomas, his career does seem to have promise.

Unfortunately, Fredette also proved that he just isn't built to be a pure point guard. While he may be able to hit some big-time shots, he's far from ready to see starter minutes and that will ultimately stunt his growth.

It's hard to find a rhythm as a shooter when you see such inconsistent playing time.

Season Averages: 18.6 MPG—10.84 PER—7.6 PPG—1.8 APG—1.2 RPG—36% 3PT

Marcus Morris, Houston Rockets

Player Traits: Forward—22—6'9"—235 pounds

Marcus Morris is one of the most talented players to come out of the 2011 NBA draft. Unfortunately, Morris played just 16 games in 2012 due to Chandler Parsons' emergence and a clear falling out of favor.

In 2013, the lack of trust and playing time will be Morris' ultimate undoing.

Season Averages: 7.4 MPG—3.85 PER—2.4 PPG—0.9 RPG

Alec Burks, Utah Jazz

Player Traits: Shooting Guard—20—6'6"—205 pounds

Alec Burks is excellent at finishing above the rim, an above-average on-ball defender and a high-motor, solid work ethic type of basketball player. With that being said, Burks is yet another perimeter player on the Utah Jazz's roster that just can't hit a mid-range jump shot.

Regardless of how the Jazz attempt to build for the future, Burks' poor shooting is certain to hold him back. While he is more than capable of attacking the basket and played with a rather high level of efficiency, his one-dimensional game will hurt him in 2013.

Season Averages: 15.9 MPG—14.01 PER—7.2 PPG—2.2 RPG—0.5 SPG—42.9% FG

Norris Cole, Miami Heat

Player Traits: Point Guard—23—6'2"—175 pounds

At the beginning of the 2012 NBA season, Norris Cole became one of the most popular rookies in the league. He had proven himself worthy of a consistent position in the Miami Heat's rotation after a handful of impressive scoring outings.

In fact, through the first three months of the season, Cole averaged at least 8.2 points per game in each month. Unfortunately, the final months of the season did not produce such promising results.

In the month of March, Cole's minutes on average dropped below 20 for the first time all season. He also averaged just 3.6 points per game. While April saw a slight improvement to 5.8 points per contest, his minutes remained below 20.

A poor job of developing a promising young talent leads to potential struggles in 2013.

Season Averages: 7.99 PER—6.8 PPG—2.0 APG—1.3 RPG—0.7 SPG—39% FG

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Player Traits: Point Guard—21—6'1"—184 pounds

Kemba Walker could potentially find himself paired with Anthony Davis, making his life as a point guard much easier than a year ago. The fact of the matter is, with or without Davis, this team simply lacks the talent necessary to bring a franchise point guard along.

This selection must be understood, though, as he will not struggle due to physical limitations. Instead, he will struggle due to the fact that his role will be much more prominent within the Bobcats organization.

Statistically speaking, shooting percentages and turnovers are not where you want to be looking if you're a fan of Walker's work. What will be important to watch, however, is his development as a point guard.

Is he a Chris Paul or a Russell Westbrook? That question will be answered, but not without some growing pains.

Season Averages: 27.2 MPG—14.98 PER—12.1 PPG—4.4 APG—3.6 RPG—0.9 SPG