NBA Power Rankings: Blake Griffin, Steph Curry and Top 30 Rookies and Sophomores
Now that the trade deadline has come and gone and we salivate over the new look teams in both conferences have heading into the postseason, it’s time to take a look at the future stars of the NBA.
The past two NBA drafts have seen great, exciting talent enter the NBA.
From the electrifying leaping ability of Blake Griffin to the flame-throwing sharpshooter Steph Curry to the dancing wizardry of John Wall, the new crop of superstars of the NBA are going to be entertaining us for years to come and have already cemented their place in our hearts.
They were on full display at the All-Star weekend two weeks ago in Los Angeles during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. They put on an incredible performance and gave us a taste of what’s to come for more than a decade.
Here are the top 30 rookies and sophomores of the Association for the future.
Fab-Five Honorable Mention Rookies
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Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Luke Harangody, Cleveland Cavaliers
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Devin Ebanks, Los Angeles Lakers
Fab-Five Honorable Mention Sophomores
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Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas Mavericks
Austin Daye, Detroit Pistons
Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana Pacers
Eric Maynor, Utah Jazz
Terrence Williams, Houston Rockets
30. Hasheem Thabeet, Houston Rockets Sophomore
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I know, I know…what on Earth is Hasheem Thabeet of all rookies and sophomores doing on this list?
Well, I still believe in Thabeet. I think he can become one of the best defensive centers in the game—like he was in college—under the right coaching. Houston has been known for having quality centers so hopefully this change of scenery will do Thabeet some good.
29. Toney Douglas, New York Knicks Sophomore
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Maybe it’s because I’m a Knicks fan, but I really dislike Toney Douglas. One of the worst parts about the recent trades is that he wasn’t shipped away.
One of the worst decisions Knicks management made was allowing Douglas to wear No. 23, since it seems in two seasons, Douglas actually thinks he’s Michael Jordan when he has the rock. Douglas constantly chucks up awful shots. Even his good ones rarely fall.
Douglas is supposed to be a quality three-point shooter but he’s far from it, shooting below 40 percent in his career from behind the arc. He makes terrible decisions religiously. Just chalk it up to an awful ’09 draft for Donnie Walsh.
28. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves Sophomore
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Flynn was very good at Syracuse but he’s had a rough time adjusting to the NBA. Flynn is clearly not suited for a starting gig but I still believe he can be great piece off the bench as a spark plug.
Flynn is not afraid to attack the basket, which I like most for a man of his stature. His points are way down as he has been relegated to the bench and has missed a ton of time this season due to injuries and fatigue.
Once Flynn adjusts to the speed of the NBA and trains harder in the offseason, he’ll be better-suited to turn it on as a sixth-man in the NBA.
I think he’ll be fine, just not for where he was drafted.
27. Ed Davis, Toronto Raptors Rookie
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Davis is supposed to be the man who makes Toronto fans forget about Chris Bosh. Thus far, not so much.
He does average 6.6 rebounds per game in 22 minutes. This gives me hope for Davis in the future developing into a very good rebounder. Once Davis really develops his body, he can be a rebounding force in the paint.
He also averages just over a block per game—the future is bright for Davis and Toronto.
26. Patrick Patterson, Houston Rockets Rookie
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Patterson was a big part of Kentucky’s success in 2010 and did a great job throughout the course of the year. He’s a fairly big kid, but not big enough to bang in the post for rebounds. As Patterson develops as a man, he’ll be better-equipped to bully some of the other power forwards and grab rebounds for the Rockets.
Until then, Patterson has to continue hustling to earn more minutes. Patterson is athletic and will chase down rebounds to kick it out. He has a solid mid-range shot, which will be invaluable once he earns more playing time—sooner than later.
25. Chase Budinger, Houston Rockets Sophomore
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I like Chase. He’s a big kid who has good range, although his three-point shooting percentage is down six points compared to last year’s 37 percent. In the NBA, that’s what you need. He is starting to turn it on, but he tends to do that. In two seasons, he has been up and down.
He is a streaky player.
Once he finds consistency grabbing rebounds and knocking down shots, he’ll earn a ton of playing time and will be a valuable piece for this Rockets team, which already has some good talent next to him in Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and Luis Scola.
I could see Budinger as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate once this team starts to gel together and make a run for the playoffs in a couple of seasons.
24. Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings Sophomore
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The Israeli held it down in his rookie season. This year has been more difficult due to injuries, but Casspi was legit in his first year in the NBA.
He has good ball handling skills and range as he shoots 37 percent from behind the arc. For a player adjusting to the NBA, he did a fine job. He’s also pulled down over four rebounds per game in each of his first two seasons so far. He averages 10 points per game and as he gains experience, I expect him to average closer to 15, especially when Tyreke Evans stays healthier and opens space for Casspi to shoot.
23. Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers Rookie
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Whoa, what happened to Evan Turner? He was a shining star at Ohio State and easily one of the top performers in the nation. He appeared to have superstar potential with elite playmaking ability that rivaled none other than John Wall himself. Many debated whether or not Turner should actually rival Wall for the top spot in the 2010 NBA draft.
Turns out anybody who made that argument was clearly wrong. At least for now.
Turner is a now a mere mortal compared to his divine showing last year.
In the NBA, he appears to lack everything that made him the potential star. He is only averaging 7.3 points per game although he does average a respectable 4.4 rebounds in 24 minutes.
I was a big fan after watching him at Ohio State, it’s a shame what he’s shown thus far.
22. Gary Neal, San Antonio Spurs Rookie
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Neal has done a fine job in his rookie season thus far for Gregg Popovich. Despite the loss to Memphis, we’re going to see him relied upon to fill Tony Parker’s shoes as Parker misses two to four weeks with a calf injury.
Neal has already shown to be a smart player with good ball-handling and distribution skills in limited action.
Thus far, he’s only been used a spark plug off the bench, averaging nine points per game with just one assist, but watch those assist totals rise now. He does shoot over 40 percent from long range, which will be huge for the Spurs in the playoffs when he is used to increase a lead or will San Antonio from behind off the bench.
21. Wes Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves Rookie
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I like Johnson but he still has time before moving up on this list. How can he do that? Continue doing what he does, but more consistently. Johnson is a fine three-point shooter and will strive once magician Ricky Rubio is on the court.
He will develop into one of the bigger wing men in the league, in due time.
He does need more playing time. He already averages just over nine points per game in over 26 minutes. On February 26 though, Johnson played in 43 minutes and scored 22 points with four assists. Things are clearly looking up for him as he receives more playing time.
20. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz Rookie
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Favors is still a raw talent, maybe one of the rawest in the league along with Hasheem Thabeet. Although he’s shown some potential, you won’t hear a peep out of me about whether or not the Nets should have included him in the Deron Williams deal. I was saying get rid of Favors from the start. Actually, I don’t even think he should have been drafted No. 3 overall since he’s still a project in my eyes.
Maybe the Jazz can turn him around quicker though, for their sake at least. He is still a huge body with great athleticism and leaping ability. The move to Utah heavily benefits Favors since he’ll be able to learn from Al Jefferson, who did a great job helping Minnesota superstar Kevin Love.
19. Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons Rookie
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Monroe has surprised me in his rookie campaign. I actually think he can be the building block for the Pistons’ future after watching him play. He is averaging 8.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and one steal in 26 minutes despite the tumultuous season the Pistons are going through.
Monroe is legit and I like what I see from him. If he can improve his free throw shooting quickly in the offseason, everyone better watch out for him.
I think he can be a force in this league sooner than later and could turn out to be a steal for the Pistons given who was drafted before him in 2010.
18. Eric Bledsoe, Los Angeles Clippers Rookie
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I really like what I’m seeing from Bledsoe, far more than I expected in his rookie campaign. He averages moderate minutes but now with Baron Davis gone, he’ll really have an opportunity to turn it on since I don’t think Mo Williams is the ideal point guard for this Clippers team.
He already averages four assists per game despite just six points in 24 minutes of action.
Now that the big men are starting to emerge for the Clippers due to the emergence of Blake Griffin, Bledsoe will truly be able to facilitate this offense. Expect his assist totals to rise quickly.
17. Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls Sophomore
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Gibson is one of the better young defenders and rebounders this league has to offer. Gibson was often reportedly talked about in trade negotiations following his rookie season but the Bulls wanted no part of parting ways with this versatile big man.
Gibson’s numbers are down, of course, this season after acquiring Carlos Boozer, but they are still respectable. We saw great promise in his rookie season, though, when he averaged nine points and 7.5 rebounds per game with one block.
Gibson still averages that block but his points and rebounds are down to 7.1 and 5.6, respectively.
Trust me though, you’ll hear Gibson’s name in the postseason when he’s relied upon for his defensive prowess.
16. Marcus Thornton, Sacramento Kings Sophomore
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Marcus Thornton turned it on late in his rookie season. The Kings landed a steal at the trade deadline by acquiring him. Sacramento has actually put together one of my favorite young teams in the league. If they can gain chemistry together, this could be a scary team sooner than people think.
He has good range from behind the arc, shooting 37 percent. For now, he is simply a scorer but his game could develop once the Kings field their entire starting lineup. This was a great move for him and the team, as he already averages 19 points in three games in Sacramento.
I’m telling you—watch out for the Kings.
15. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers Sophomore
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Remember when Collison made everyone forget about Chris Paul during his rookie campaign? When Paul went down with injury, Collison stepped in and lit up the NBA. He was one of the most exciting young point guards in the game.
Now in Indiana, the Pacers really have their point guard of the future to go along with Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert.
His rebounding has improved in his second season, going from 2.5 boards in New Orleans to three with Indiana. He is still meeting expectations, though, as he still averages over five assists and 13 points per game.
Soon enough, we’re going to be talking about Indiana’s “Big Three.”
14. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers Sophomore
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Holiday is putting together a great sophomore campaign as he helps lead the 76ers in the postseason. He is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. That’s great production for Holiday, who is exceeding his rookie numbers. Even better, his free throw shooting has improved to 81 percent from 75 percent last year.
Holiday’s progression is a big reason the 76ers are heading to the postseason this year and even thought about trading Andre Iguodala at times this year.
13. Wesley Matthews Portland Trail Blazers
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Matthews has done a great job for Portland and has really surprised me. Has there been a quieter player averaging over 16 points per game this season than Wesley Matthews?
We never hear about him, but there he is helping LaMarcus Aldridge lead the Trail Blazers to the playoffs.
Now that Brandon Roy has returned and Gerald Wallace is part of the team, Matthews is going to be heading to the bench but will make his presence felt in the playoffs when it matters most.
12. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors Sophomore
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DeRozan is more than the supreme dunker we’ve seen thus far. DeRozan, more than Andrea Bargnani or Ed Davis, really gives Raptors fans someone to hope and root for as they rebuild the team.
He is becoming the go-to-guy for this young Raptors team as he averages 16 points per game, generally attacking the hoop. For now, he is simply a scorer as he averages just 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 34 minutes. He is rapidly adjusting to the NBA as he is almost doubling his point total from his rookie campaign.
DeRozan is a potential highlight every single game, which makes him one of the more exciting young players in the league.
11. Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets Sophomore
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Lawson was one of my favorite point guards in the 2010 draft and it’s good to see him starting for Denver.
He has good ball-handling skills, solid vision but more importantly, a strong body, which enables him to attack the rim. Lawson also has a good shot and can shoot from just about all over the court as he averages 39 percent from three-point range.
Now that Lawson is starting, watch his assist totals begin to surge as they are below four right now. At least he averages 10 points per.
George Karl has coached great point guards in the past. I expect him to make Lawson a top 15 or 20 point guard in the league.
10. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs Sophomore
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How DeJuan Blair ever fell to the second round is beyond me. I was screaming for teams to take him during the first round of the 2009 draft. Blair is an athletic monster of a man. He has very good touch down low in the post on his shot and can run the court.
His defense continues to improve and will be a long-lasting force in the post in San Antonio for years to come. In just over 18 minutes in his rookie season, he averaged a respectable 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Now in his sophomore season, he is averaging 8.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in just over 22 minutes.
Sooner than later, Blair will be averaging a double double and ushering in a new era in San Antonio with Tim Duncan on the decline.
9. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder Sophomore
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Ibaka impressed me last year, but even more this year, especially after that awesome Slam Dunk Contest performance!
Ibaka is emerging as a vital piece for the Thunder’s Championship run heading into the postseason.
He is a very good rebounder and defender, much better than I anticipated. I thought he was going to be a project, but he has been anything but since entering the league. His playing time increased this season and so has his numbers.
After averaging 6.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in his rookie campaign, he is now averaging 9.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and a whopping two blocks.
What I like most about Ibaka is his willingness to put in the hard work and time to improve. This has been evident through his free throw shooting as he is up to 75 percent from the stripe.
The Thunder may have added size at the trade deadline, but Ibaka is still going to be a rebounding and defensive powerhouse.
8. James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder Sophomore
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Harden is one of the best sixth men in the league. He is a great spark off the bench as he plays as well as some of the younger starters in this league. Harden is dropping more shots recently but his best asset is his leaping ability and love for attacking the hoop. He is a strong competitor who plays good defense.
Now that Jeff Green has been shipped off to Boston, Harden will make a bigger impact on the Thunder in future seasons as he moves into the starting lineup.
For now, he is a vital piece for Oklahoma City’s NBA Championship aspirations. Harden averages over 10 points and a steal per game.
Even better, he has one of the best beards in sports!
7. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings Rookie
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I liked Cousins a lot in Kentucky and thought he should have gone to New Jersey to team with Brook Lopez for the Nets. They would’ve created one of the best young big men tandems in the game.
The Kings got lucky, but Cousins’ critics have already been proven right. He is immature and has character flaws. Still, that can be smoothed out in time.
For now, Cousins is a monster in the middle. He averages over 13 points and eight rebounds per game in just over 27 minutes.
Once Samuel Dalembert departs in the offseason and the middle is left for Cousins, he will explode with his size and immense talent.
We saw it center stage during the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge during All Star Weekend when he went off for 33 points and 14 rebounds. Just wait until Tyreke Evans is healthy and able to facilitate for Cousins. They are going to make for one of the best one-two punches in the game and should bring the Kings back to prominence.
6. Landry Fields, New York Knicks Rookie
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Maybe it’s because I’m a Knicks fan, but Landry Fields is awesome.
He is a very smart and fundamental player. What I like most about him? His rebounding skills. Is it me, or does Fields pull down almost any loose ball? He’s all over the place and I’m glad they didn’t give him up in their recent revamping.
He is also a good defender for a rookie in this game still learning the rest of the league.
Thus far, he averages 9.9 points, seven rebounds and a steal per game in less than 33 minutes.
Watch out for Fields in the coming years as he progresses with a great team around him.
5. John Wall, Washington Wizards Rookie
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Do the John Wall dance!
Sorry, I’m just joking, please don’t.
Stop, please.
I hate that stupid dance.
But I really like John Wall the player and athlete.
Wall has that rare “it” factor, which makes people gravitate to him. When he plays, he just feels like one of the most charismatic and dynamic players on the court. I almost feel like he can do whatever he wants.
Wall is still developing a better shot, but he is already one of the better point guards to attack the rim. He has great leaping ability, ball handling skills, speed, agility and quick hands. He also has a nice shot and good court vision.
He is already one of the best facilitators in the game, averaging almost a double double for the Washington Wizards with 15.4 points and a whopping nine assists.
He was justly the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft and we will soon see him on the bright lights known as the NBA playoffs.
4. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks Sophomore
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I admire Jennings for the route he took to get to the NBA. Personally, I’d like to see some more high school stars go to Europe, essentially in protest of the “one-year rule” of the NBA, which limits a player from being eligible for the NBA until a year after he graduates from high school.
Jennings learned a lot about the game in Europe in came to the NBA more prepared than most in his draft class.
In his rookie season, Jennings immediately lit up the league when he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 55 points in a single game.
Jennings has superstar potential and led the Bucks to the playoffs in his rookie season. He is quick as lightning with very good handle and great range. Once Jennings’ court vision improves, this league is in trouble.
3. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings Sophomore
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Evans is a monster, when healthy. That’s been the problem with him as he seems to always have something bothering him. I love his intensity and toughness, as he generally plays through most injuries, but this is a concern right now and for the future.
Still, Evans is loaded with immense talent. He is a matchup nightmare for most in this league as he is too big for most of the point guards and too quick for most of the shooting guards. Evans has a good mid-range shot and will attack the basket.
Despite the injuries this season, he is almost matching his rookie numbers. He averages 18.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.9 rebounds this season compared to 20.1 points, 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds in his rookie season.
2. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors Sophomore
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We knew Curry was a superstar in college, but some doubted his size heading into the Association. Needless to say, the doubters were wrong.
In two seasons, he is already one of the best three-point shooters in the game. In two seasons, He averages 17.9 points per game and shoots 43.1 percent from behind the arc.
Wow.
Not only can Curry create his own shot and drain it from anywhere, he can facilitate as well. Curry averages just below six assists per game and is one of the best shooting point guards the game has to offer.
1. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers Rookie
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Honestly, what else is there to say about Blake Griffin that hasn’t already been said?
You knew he would top this list once you saw it was about NBA rookies and sophomores.
This former No. 1 overall pick came back from a season-ending knee injury and has completely shocked the world. LeBron James may be the only player in basketball more electrifying than Griffin.
It’s mind-boggling to think how much better Griffin is going to be in the future. Right now, he’s playing on pure natural ability. He leaps through each and every building with extraordinary hops.
He gravitates to the ball. No matter where you toss it up, Griffin is coming down with that bad boy no matter who is in front of him. Griffin is unguardable. Once he develops a more consistent shot, the NBA and the rest of us are in serious trouble.
Right now, I’ll take all of the boards and the earth-shattering, rim rockin’ dunk-fest he puts on display each and every game until that shot drops more frequently.
Blake, we bow down to your magnificence.
