NBA: Predicting the NBA All-Rookie First Team Selections

The NBA draft class of 2011-2012 turned out to be a surprisingly decent one. There is no doubt that many of this year’s rookies will grow and develop into outstanding NBA veterans.

However, only five of them get the honor of being chosen to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, which, other than Rookie of the Year, is the biggest achievement a rookie can get.

Without any further delay, here are my predictions for the 2011-2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Kyrie Irving

This is a no-doubter. Kyrie Irving is the runaway candidate for Rookie of the Year, and it is without question that he will be on the All-Rookie team.

Drew Packham of NBA.com:

"

Not only did Irving lead all rookies in scoring (18.8 ppg), but he did it on 46.8 percent shooting, best among rookie guards and 10th among all guards. Irving showed an amazing ability to get into the lane, breaking down defenders off the dribble and you have to think his assist numbers will only rise as the Cavs put a better team around him.

Hopefully Kyrie will stay a Cavalier for a while, and not take his talents elsewhere. (Sorry Cleveland).

"

Ricky Rubio

Rubio’s NBA debut was delayed for an entire season, but he made Timberwolves fans forget all about it with his stellar play. Unfortunately, Rubio was sidelined for the last portion of the season, so he was unable to make a run at Irving for Rookie of the Year.

He averaged 10 points, and led all rookies with 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. His leadership on the court kept the Timberwolves in playoff contention for the first half of the season, but they quickly fell in the standings after Rubio’s injury.

That just shows how valuable he is to his team.

If Rubio can develop his jump shot, he will be a dangerous force in this league. 

Kenneth Faried

Faried has been a pleasant surprise for the Denver Nuggets. He provided great energy and enthusiasm while leading all rookies with 7.6 rebounds a game.

Nicknamed the “Manimal,” Faried plays like a man possessed while on the court. His worth ethic and effort is simply unmatched, and more than earns this spot on the NBA All-Rookie team.

Isaiah Thomas

Who would have thought that the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft would claim a spot on the All-Rookie team?

Isaiah Thomas was picked dead last yet somehow produced terrific rookie numbers. Once Kings coach Keith Smart decided to play Thomas midway through the season, Isaiah took that opportunity and ran with it.

NBA.com’s Drew Packham:

"

Not only did Irving lead all rookies in scoring (18.8 ppg), but he did it on 46.8 percent shooting, best among rookie guards and 10th among all guards. Irving showed an amazing ability to get into the lane, breaking down defenders off the dribble and you have to think his assist numbers will only rise as the Cavs put a better team around him. As a starter, Thomas averaged 15.0 points and 5.2 assists, but more importantly brought a positive attitude and stability they lacked with Tyreke Evans manning the point.

 

"

Klay Thompson

It has been a nice treat to watch Klay Thompson develop the way he has with the Warriors. Thompson started the season as just a spot-up shooter but ended it with newfound confidence.

At the end of the season, Thompson had become much more aggressive, attacking the basket and finding open teammates.

He took over nicely for Monta Ellis, averaging 18.8 PPG on 46.5 percent shooting in the month of April. Thompson finished first among rookies in three-point shooting (41.8 %) and three-pointers made.

If Klay can continue playing like this, Warriors fans will forget about Monta Ellis much faster.