NBA: Ricky Rubio and Top 10 Rookies Who Will Make an Instant Impact

Despite a potentially long-lasting NBA lockout, fans and teams are still excited about the 2011 rookie class.

With Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Jimmer Fredette leading the way in the popularity contest, many other young faces in new places are poised for breakout rookie seasons.

Not to mention, Ricky Rubio is finally making his NBA debut after being drafted No. 5 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009.

Beyond all the speculation following the draft and into next season, we simply won't be able to gauge each rookies pro level success until they actually take the floor.

With that said, based on potential and playing time, here are the top 10 rookies who will make an instant impact in 2011.

10. Iman Shumpert, SG, New York Knicks

While Iman Shumper doesn't possess elite talent compared to many other players on this list, his role with the New York Knicks and outstanding defense could prove that he's just as important as the rest.

The Knicks drafted Shumpert with one idea in mind, play defense and give them depth off the bench.

Well, considering the rookie came into draft day with some of the best lockdown qualities around, making the transition to the pro level shouldn't be too difficult.

Landry Fields' job is safe for now as the Knicks starting shooting guard, but if Shumpert shows any sort of offensive production, New York may opt to bring Fields off the bench and have him serve as a Jason Terry type of role player.

For those reasons and those reasons only, Shumpert comes in at No. 10.

Rookie Season Potential: 7 PPG & 4 RPG

9. Jimmer Fredette, PG/SG, Sacramento Kings

Many people have questioned what sort of impact Jimmer Fredette will have at the NBA level, let alone in his rookie season.

To be honest with you, so have I.

That's why I can't put Fredette much higher than this.

Also considering his playing time is going to be limited since he's playing behind Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, it's going to be difficult for the rookie to make an impact worth citing.

However, Fredette has too much outside shooting potential to be considered a first-year project.

He can create off the dribble, provide sufficient scoring when he drives and has a great work ethic that sometimes goes unnoticed.

Going into the offseason, following a conclusion to the NBA lockout, Thornton is going to be an unrestricted free agent, so the Sacramento Kings could opt to make Fredette a starter.

Rookie Season Potential: 10 PPG & 4 ASP

8. Klay Thomspon, SG, Golden State Warriors

With a possible Monta Ellis trade looming in the near future for the Golden State Warriors, rookie Klay Thompson could be in line for a huge rookie season.

Thompson has NBA starter abilities with a great outside shot and even greater size for the two spot.

If the Warriors opt to trade Ellis, either for Andre Iguodala or a down-low presence, Thompson should absolutely relish in the opportunity to play alongside Stephen Curry.

Even if the rookie comes off the bench in 2011, he has some serious potential to produce on a nightly basis.

Rookie Season Potential: 9 PPG & 3 RPG

7. Marshon Brooks, SG, New Jersey Nets

Marshon Brooks is a big-time scorer which is exactly what the New Jersey Nets need to complement Deron Williams' All-Star play.

Brooks comes into the NBA after scoring nearly 25 PPG in his final season with Providence, making him one of the most prolific scoring rookies to take the floor in the upcoming season.

With only Anthony Morrow in his way, Brooks seemingly has the edge in taking over the starting two guard duties sooner rather than later.

Alongside talent like Williams and Brook Lopez, Brooks should be lined up for one heck of a rookie campaign.

Rookie Season Potential: 13 PPG & 6 RPG

6. Tristan Thompson, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

After trading J.J. Hickson to the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers are setting up rookie Tristan Thompson with a serious opportunity in 2011.

Thompson, drafted with the No. 4 overall pick after the team selected Kyrie Irving first, has a long and athletic frame for his dual-forward capabilities.

With a 7'2" wingspan, great shot-blocking ability and a knack for offensive rebounding, Thompson should have no trouble making an immediate impact in the eastern conference.

The Cavaliers are surely going to count on their young rookie to produce and produce often, so to think he'll do anything but succeed would be doing a disservice to his NBA potential.

Rookie Season Potential: 8 PPG & 7 RPG

5. Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Bobcats

Not only can Kemba Walker dress well, but his on-court play is just as flashy as his red carpet wardrobe.

There's no doubt the Charlotte Bobcats are going to be looking to get the young rookie as much time as possible in 2011, despite an already productive point guard in D.J. Augustin.

With Michael Jordan at the helm, management isn't going to sit back and have their No. 1 draft choice sit on the bench.

Walker should see plenty of time and could take over the starting point guard role as soon as the new year.

Rookie Season Potential: 14 PPG & 7 ASP

4. Tobias Harris, SF, Milwaukee Bucks

There's been a lot of people down on Tobias Harris and his NBA potential.

Well, the 19-year-old has a great chance to produce in his rookie season.

The Milwaukee Bucks seemingly have nobody in his way, with Carlos Delfino and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute being the biggest threats to steal minutes from Harris.

After scoring nearly 15 PPG at Tennessee in his only college season, Harris has shown that his athleticism and evolving outside game will complement his size at the NBA level.

He has a high basketball IQ, great ball-handling for a 6'8" forward and will be able to lay low in the starting rotation after the Bucks traded for Stephen Jackson.

Rookie Season Potential: 11 PPG & 6 RPG

3. Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

The only reason why Kyrie Irving isn't atop this list is again the veteran that is Baron Davis.

Irving's playing time is going to take a drastic hit during his first season in the NBA because there's little to no chance that the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to sit a $14 million man on the bench.

If the No. 1 overall draft pick gets enough time to showcase his talents, there's no reason why he can't unanimously win Rookie of the Year honors, but his on-court success is hindered by Davis' contract.

With that said, the Cavs aren't going to sit Irving either, so he'll get enough opportunities to make a significant contribution for a rebuilding franchise.

Rookie Season Potential: 12 PPG & 7 ASP

2. Alec Burks, SG, Utah Jazz

This may come as a surprise, but Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks has one of the best chances to be the rookie with the biggest impact in 2011.

Burks comes into the NBA after averaging at least 17 PPG over his last two and only college seasons, making it evident that he has the chance to become the biggest steal of the 2011 draft.

Utah needs a shooting guard, and with Gordon Hayward and Raja Bell the only options for the team, Burks has a good shot at opening the season as an NBA starter.

Also considering the Jazz have stability inside and out with Devin Harris and Al Jefferson, Burks could step in and quietly become Utah's best offensive asset.

He's my early choice for ROY.

Rookie Season Potential: 15 PPG & 6 RPG

1. Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

I guess I'll go along with the media trend and put Ricky Rubio at No. 1.

There's no clear-cut reason why Rubio is going to be the biggest impact player amongst rookies in 2011, but his NBA potential and x-factor skill set make up for a great choice.

Now two years later, after drafting Rubio with the No. 5 overall pick in 2009, the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to hand the young point guard the reigns to their offense in the upcoming season.

Rubio is a pass-first captain that will have no trouble using Kevin Love and fellow rookie Derrick Williams as consistent tag-team partners, so he could in line for some big-time assists.

He does have questionable scoring abilities, but his youth and speed make for a great combination in a young and evolving Timberwolves offense.

Before you judge this pick and Rubio's immediate potential, let the kid do his thing.

Rookie Season Potential: 12 PPG & 9 ASP