Why Anthony Davis Won't Have Biggest Impact in 2012 Rookie Class

Anthony Davis may very well have the most dominant career of anyone in his 2012 draft class, but that doesn't mean he'll have the best rookie campaign.

He'll have some serious competition from the likes of former Kentucky teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, the Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal and the Sacramento Kings' Thomas Robinson.

Each of these prospects will play an important role on his new team, and each could already be NBA-ready enough to make a significant impact with that role.

That's not to say Davis won't be doing the same, but with his scoring ability still a work-in-progress, his production may not be as impressive across the board when compared with a few of his peers.

Las Vegas Summer League co-MVP Damian Lillard could, on the other hand, put up big numbers on the offensive end. He averaged 26.5 points and 5.3 assists through four Summer League games, which is a good sign for a team that desperately needs a do-it-all point guard.

Portland has little else at the point-guard spot, and it isn't exactly stacked with scorers either. 

Lillard's ability to create plays (and create his own shot) will make him an instant centerpiece to the Trail Blazers offense.

Beal won't be quite as indispensable, but the Washington Wizards' veteran contingent (Nene, Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza) isn't known for its prolific scoring ability. Fellow guards John Wall and Jordan Crawford will carry their shares of the load, but Beal's shooting ability will earn him playing time and plenty of touches.

Meanwhile, both Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thomas Robinson will attempt to spearhead cultural turnarounds for locker rooms that have been struggling for a while now.

Both have starting roles waiting for them, and both will have shots and the abilities to make a defensive impact.

There's no question all of these guys will have opportunities.

The unknown variable is which one will make the most of those opportunities. Whereas Lillard and Beal may be the most skilled scorers their rookie class has to offer, Kidd-Gilchrist and Robinson have a ridiculous amount of heart.

That's not just a recognition of some quaint, intangible virtue.

It's the kind of motivating factor that can transform a college kid into a first-rate pro athlete overnight. Expect both of these guys to improve their games rapidly, putting in extra practice and listening intently to their veteran leadership and coaching.

Anthony Davis should have an outstanding rookie year to be sure.

It doesn't take a ton of NBA polish to block shots and crash the boards. He'll improve those aspects of his game, learning when not to bite on pump fakes growing accustomed to the league's larger opposition.

But Davis' defensive chops will earn him attention from day one.

He just might not get as much attention as rookies who will be depended upon so heavily to score and do a little of everything else. The Hornets will get plenty of offense from Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, Austin Rivers and an underrated young bench.

The Trail Blazers, Wizards and Bobcats will need their prime rookies to score. And while the Kings won't need Robinson's offense, the team's tempo will still guarantee him field-goal attempts.

Whatever happens over the next few years, don't be surprised if Davis takes a backseat to a few other rising stars in year one.