The 2008 Draftees in the 2009 Season

At this point last year, Bulls were debating between Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and OJ Mayo. If these players careers were summed up in their rookie year, it looks like Rose panned out to be the right choice.

Rose led all rookies in assists and became the starting point guard leading the Bulls to a playoff spot and a furiously played first round matchup against the Boston Celtics, where the Bulls came up one game short of pulling off one of the largest upsets in NBA history.

The 2008 draft produced many surprises and the most notable of the draft are looking to become the NBA's next biggest superstars.

But how will these sophomores fare in their second season?

No. 1 pick, Derrick Rose: 16.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.3 apg, 48 FG percentage

Rose was one of the biggest components in the Bulls playoff run, including tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for points by a rookie in a playoff debut with 36 points. Rose was somewhat inconsistent throughout the playoffs, despite averaging near 20 points per game. He put up 36, 28, and 23 point games, but also had 14, 10, and 9 point games.

Rose was very consistent throughout the season and shot well and passed well. Expect nothing but great things to happen to the 20-year-old point guard in seasons to come.

No. 2 pick, Michael Beasley: 13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 47 FG percentage

Beasley proved to be a raw player who still needed work on many aspects of his game with a number of rookie mistakes. His ability to move without the ball was unsatisfactory; at times, Beasley seemed to be lost on both sides of the court. By the end of the season, Beasley seemed to develop a more consistent jump shot and was able to drive and finish in time for the playoffs.

On the big stage, though, Beasley was an afterthought. In his first four games, his high was 12 points and his shot was nowhere to be found. By the end, though, B-easy seemed to get in a groove where he had one of his best games of the season with a 22 point, 15 rebound performance.

Beasley has a lot to work on and could be a LeBron James type of player if he can improve his game. Expect his numbers to rise up much higher if he starts and if the Heat can bring in a suitable post presence.

No. 3 pick, OJ Mayo: 18.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 44 FG percentage

Mayo shoots and he does it well. Mayo led off his career with a 26 point game and was a sign of things to come for the failing Memphis Grizzlies organization. Mayo is only surrounded with more raw, young talent and, if he can be joined by a veteran that can show him the ropes of the NBA then, his talent and his numbers will greatly improve.

Mayo has potential in his shot and it's only going to improve as he ages, but his team needs to improve if he ever wants to reach the plateau of his counterparts, such as Rose and Beasley.

No. 4 pick, Russel Westbrook: 15.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.3 apg, 39 FG percentage

Much like Mayo, Westbrook is on a team that is searching for itself and needs veteran leadership. Westbrook was one of the surprises of the draft and made himself a presence among the top rookie point guards in the league as he became the only rookie to record a triple double.

His shooting touch was a little off at times, but the 2009 draft will decide his future.

Westbrook proved to be more of a SG than a PG and if the Thunder draft Ricky Rubio, then Westbrook will be the starting SG for years to come for the Thunder, where he might thrive more than at the PG spot.

No. 10 pick, Brook Lopez: 13 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 53 FG percentage

Lopez was the biggest surprise of the draft, making a case that he will be one of the premier NBA centers in a few years. Lopez proved to be a huge presence in the middle as his blocks and rebounds stats can tell you.

The Nets looked like they were going to go downhill with the losses of Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, but young Devis Harris and younger Brook Lopez kept the team afloat, and even had them in the run for the playoffs before faltering late. Lopez will be the premiere center of this draft if he can improve his shot, and as long as he has players such as Devin Harris by his side.

No. 34 pick, Mario Chalmers: 10 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2 spg

Chalmers set a rookie mark of his own this season when early into his young career, he had a nine steal game. Chalmers was the steal of the draft, but still a raw player who has common rookie mistakes; at times, they happen too frequently in a game.

He was forced to be the starting point guard due to the Heat's limited players at the point guard spot, which features players such as Chris Quinn and Luther Head. Chalmers will continue to be the starter if the Heat don't bring in a veteran for the spot. Mario does have room to grow and can be considered one of the premier sophomore point guards with Rose, Mayo, and Westbrook.

The 2009 season will feature who truly are the premiere players of this draft and how they will fare when out of their rookie shell.