A Look at the 08-09 Basketball Rookie Class

The 2008-2009 NBA rookie class has a chance to be one of the best drafts of all time and certainly a top 5 draft in terms of quality. Led by stars such as Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo and Michael Beasley the 08-09 draft is as deep as it is quality.

The 2008-2009 NBA rookie class has a chance to be one of the best drafts of all time and certainly a top 5 draft in terms of quality.  Led by stars such as Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo and Michael Beasley the 08-09 NBA draft is as deep as it is quality.  Just look at players such as Courtney Lee with Orlando or Brook Lopez in New Jersey to see the depth.

The Upper Echelon -
No question Derrick Rose made a huge impact this year in the NBA. Look how he broke rookie playoff records in lightning up the Boston Celtics.   OJ Mayo and his 18.5 points per game belongs in this class.  Look out for Memphis in a couple of years once all their kids get some experience....unless of course they pull of some more ridiculous trades.  Michael Beasley of Miami also belongs in this group as he had some huge games.

The High Quality -
Good players that might have been overlooked on a national scale belong here. Russell Westbrook jumped right in at Oklahoma City and joined a group of young, exciting players that could be a force in a couple years.   Brook Lopez ripped it up in New Jersey with 13 points and 8 rebounds a game.  Kevin Love in Minnesota with 11 points and 9 rebounds looks to have a very bright future.  Eric Gordon on the west coast with the Clippers put up some monster games this year and averaged over 16 a game. 

The MidRangers -
A good group in a deep draft.  Watch out as these guys mature and develop.  DJ Augustine put up 11 points a game in Charlotte and hit 43% from three point range.  Rudy Fernandez was loved in Portland hitting big shots all year long.  Finally, Courtney Lee has been consistent all year for Orlando playing mistake free on the offensive end and playing wonderful defense.

The Youngsters -
This is my favorite group.  There are a few very young players in the NBA that have a huge upside.  Anthony Randolph in Golden State is my favorite.  Only 20 years old Randolph averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds a game and showed to be a good shot blocker on the defensive end.  JJ Hickson in Cleveland has a huge upside.  The youngest player in the NBA he could have a bright future with some experience.  Nicolas Batum in Portland.  Another 20 year old with big upside.  Had a good finish to the season shooting over 52%.

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