10 Rookies with the Most to Prove in Their First NBA Season

Many are anticipating the 2012 NBA Draft class to be the deepest in years. There are plenty of quality players who will embrace their rookie seasons and see it as a mission.

For some soon-to-be rookies, they will specifically enter their inaugural seasons with a chip on their shoulder. Some will set out to prove all the draft experts wrong. Others will want to simply make a name for themselves and reveal their prized potential.

Here's a rundown of the 10 NBA rookies with the most to prove in their first NBA season.

Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, Kansas

When Thomas Robinson communicated that he thinks he should be the No. 1 pick, he inevitably set some pretty high expectations for himself.

Now he must go back up his statement.

He must reveal in his rookie season that he's on a trajectory towards becoming one of the best power forwards in the league. He has all the tools to become a star and this is what is now expected from him.

After leading Kansas to the national title game this past season, there's every reason to believe Robinson is ready to take his game to the next level. He must now go prove this and averaging a double-double as a rookie would certainly raise some eyebrows. 

Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes had his eye-opening moments in college, but many of us were expecting more signs of dominance. When he entered college, many foresaw him as a surefire future NBA star.

Some question whether this will happen now. Will Barnes merely become a quality shooter on the wing at the next level, or will he reveal versatility and become one of the game's most potent scorers?

Barnes can make a statement by showing offensive efficiency as a rookie, specifically unveiling that he can score in a bevy of different ways.

What's more, he must also show his ability to defend. With his 6'8'', 228-pound body, perhaps he could become not only an offensive threat, but also a lockdown defender with impressive length.

Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Weber State

Damian Lillard is one of the mystery men in this year's draft. Being from Weber State, few have had the opportunity to witness Lillard's talents.

You can count on Lillard wanting to make a statement as soon as he hits the NBA hardwood. He will be "playing with the big boys now." Will he be able to handle such a steep transition?

He's incredibly skilled offensively, which is proclaimed by the 24.5 points per game he poured in last season. If he can couple his ability to score with a growing ability to distribute, then Lillard could not only silence critics who have doubted him, but he could also find himself in the Rookie of the Year discussions.

Austin Rivers, Shooting Guard, Duke

Austin Rivers has much to prove as a rookie because of his acclaimed status. Being the son of Boston coach Doc Rivers, he's had the spotlight on him for awhile now.

He had an impressive freshman season at Duke, but analysts have questioned how his game will translate in the NBA

It's time for him to silence any critics out there, just like he silenced North Carolina fans with this buzzer beater.

Perry Jones III, Power Forward, Baylor

Perry Jones III has the prototypical NBA body, but as we all know, that doesn't always equal success.

It's easy to wonder if he has the basketball IQ and work ethic to really develop in the NBA. He must show these intangibles as a rookie.

He doesn't even need to notch eye-opening numbers, but at least reveal that his game is reaching new heights and that his remarkable upside can come to life.

Meyers Leonard, Center, Illinois

For University of Illinois basketball fans, it's perplexing to hear that Meyers Leonard will soon be a hyped NBA rookie. In just 2010-2011, he averaged a mere 2.1 points per game as a freshman.

He obviously raised some eyebrows as a sophomore, but there's reason to wonder if Leonard is ready to take on the talent in the NBA.

The cause for excitement over Leonard is his body (7'1'', 250 pounds), and he must now use this body to prove his worth. If he can average eight or so PPG, six rebounds per game and over a block an outing, he'd be well on his way towards convincing fans his hype is real.

Jared Sullinger, Power Forward, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger may have more to prove in his rookie season than anyone. He's seen his draft stock suffer so much (largely due to a back issue) that he was not even invited to attend the draft.

People are doubting Sullinger left and right and no one is convinced he can become a potent inside threat in the NBA. He'll surely want to silence all of us critics.

Unfortunately for Sullinger, he will first have to fight for playing time. If he earns regular minutes, then he can began to prove people wrong, but he must first show why he shouldn't sit on the bench.

Jeremy Lamb, Shooting Guard, Connecticut

Jeremy Lamb wowed NBA scouts during Connecticut's national title run in 2011, and he continued to show flashes of talent throughout his sophomore season.

However, sometimes he disappears in games and he needs to add some strength. While it would sure seem like he'll make for a solid NBA player, you never know (look at Corey Brewer, a player with a very similar build and background). 

Lamb must show why he's one of the top players in the draft. The talent is there, now it's about execution.

John Henson, Power Forward, North Carolina

John Henson is another prospect with a great NBA body, but does he have the basketball IQ to become a quality NBA player?

Plus, there have now been a string of North Carolina big men who haven't reached their NBA potential (Sean May, Ed Davis, Brandan Wright...to name a few). 

Will Henson follow after these Tar Heel predecessors or will he write a new script?

Royce White, Small Forward, Iowa State

People have concerns over White because of an anxiety disorder, a fear of flying and off the court issues in the past.

He's a gamble, but he could be a wise gamble. He's 6'8'', 261 pounds and can handle the rock like a point guard. If he's plugged into the right system, he could become a very uniquely gifted player.

It's time for White to not only show that he can play, but to also reveal that his past troubles are officially behind him.