NBA Draft 2013: Prospects Who Will Contend For Rookie of the Year

To win Rookie of the Year in the NBA, a prospect must have two things. First and foremost, they must have a talent that is cultivated enough to make an impact in their first year.

The NBA draft is largely about potential and upside, but a Rookie of the Year candidate has to have enough game from day one to make a statement.

Secondly, the prospect must land in a spot that gives him the opportunity to play a major role. A player drafted to be a star's backup may have the talent, but he probably won't see the minutes to make his mark.

With that criteria established, here are the players who have the best chance of winning the award for the 2013-14 season.

Ben McLemore

McLemore's smooth jump shot led to 42.9 percent shooting from three-point range. He's such a pure shooter that his long-range game will translate to the NBA nicely.

He also has explosive athleticism that will allow him to be productive in transition. It is hard to see McLemore landing anywhere outside the top five.

Playing in Cleveland, Orlando, Charlotte or Phoenix should give McLemore plenty of opportunities to shine. Of all of the players in the 2013 NBA draft class, McLemore has the best shot at winning the award.

Trey Burke

Two of the most important qualities an NBA point guard can have is the ability to hit the outside shot and create for his teammates. As a sophomore, Burke made 38 percent of his threes and dished out 6.7 assists per game.

These skills will allow him to get his own offense if he lands with a team that needs his scoring. His proven playmaking will allow him to contribute to a team that already has a top scoring option as well.

Burke's outside shooting will even allow him to put up scoring numbers while playing off of an established player.

Anthony Bennett

As inside-outside games go, Bennett has perhaps the most polished attack. The 6'7" beefy forward is a bit of a tweener, but he can score from anywhere on the court.

He can score with his back to the basket and even has range out to the three-point line. He made 37 percent of his threes and even grabbed eight rebounds per game. Though Randolph is a bit undersized for the power forward position, he has a 7'1" wingspan.

That length will allow him to succeed no matter what forward position he plays. Bennett won't be drafted to play behind an established star. The team that selects him will be looking for him to score.

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