Top 10 Must-Watch Rookies for the 2012-2013 NBA Season
The NBA is filled with amazing talent; from Kobe Bryant, to LeBron James, to Kevin Durant. And every year, there are 60 rookies who are drafted and look to make an impact in the league.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the Top 10 Must-Watch Rookies for the 2012-2013 NBA Season!
Starting off at Number 10: Pablo Prigioni
Yeah, he is THE Pablo Prigioni. A 35 year old pass first point guard from Argentina who has made a name for himself overseas. He is a legend in the Euro League and is looking to take his talents to the Big Apple. He is currently the 3rd string point guard in the Knicks rotation behind Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd, but Prigioni will definitely get some playing time in New York. He wouldn’t have gone to the NBA if he was going to ride the bench all season long now, would he?
As the oldest NBA rookie in 40 years, it will be interesting to see Prigioni’s crisp passes to Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. It is always interesting to have creative and intelligent pass first point guards in the league.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Jason Kidd
Worst Case Scenario: Eric Snow
Number 9: Dion Waiters
If the NBA Preseason games were any indication then Dion Waiters is a bust and not worth watching. But then again, it’s just preseason and there’s no denying that Waiters is a very talented player. He’s going to be starting alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving in the backcourt. Waiters is known for his scoring prowess and acrobatic ability, just like another #3 in the league; Dwyane Wade.
Waiters is often compared to Wade due to their similar style of play. If Waiters can even be half the player Wade is, then the Cavaliers got a steal!
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Dwyane Wade
Worst Case Scenario: Ronald “Flip” Murray
Number 8: Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers doesn’t seem to have any problem with confidence. He is a tough player, just like his father. Rivers isn’t guaranteed a starting position, but he will definitely see a lot of significant minutes this season at both the 1 and the 2 positions.
Rivers is a great scorer who has the ability to stretch the floor. There is no denying his talent, but his maturity and health is still questionable. He recently had two ankle injuries during the preseason. With Eric Gordon already facing some problems of his own, losing Rivers will be disastrous for the Hornets.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Stephen Curry
Worst Case Scenario: Jannero Pargo, Chris Quinn
Number 7: Thomas Robinson
Everybody loves a good story, and Thomas Robinson has one. Robinson’s story is highly documented since college. He is working hard for his family, with his little sister suffering from an illness, Robinson is using his situation as an inspiration to play well.
Thomas Robinson is a great addition to the Kings roster. He is a versatile forward that can play multiple positions. So far in preseason, he has already shown us reasons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_eWHLqGzaho) why we should keep our eyes on him.
NBA Comparison
Best Case Scenario: Paul Millsap
Worst Case Scenario: Leon Powe
Number 6: Damian Lillard
The Portland Trailblazers are lacking an identity right now. They had a very disappointing season last year and are looking to bounce back this season. With Aldridge still manning the middle, the Blazers picked a pick and roll partner for him. He goes by the name of Damian Lillard.
Lillard is one of the top guards in this year’s draft class. He has proven that he can score and take over games. If he becomes the undisputed starting point guard in Portland, then the Blazers may have something good going for them this season.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Chauncey Billups, Gilbert Arenas (Prime)
Worst Case Scenario: Sebastian Telfair
Number 5: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
MKG, as he is often called is a blessing to the Charlotte Bobcats franchise. Of course, they would’ve loved it if they got the #1 overall pick Anthony Davis, but MKG isn’t a bad consolation prize.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an amazing defender and rebounder for his position (SF). But the Bobcats will need more from him. Expect MKG to pitch in for the Bobcats offense as well. If everything works well for him, he may be a future all-star.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Andre Iguodala
Worst Case Scenario: Julian Wright, Donte Greene
Number 4: Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes was touted as the next big thing. He had a lot of hype coming out of High School. Although he didn’t really tear the NCAA apart with his talent, Barnes is still a talented player that can definitely contribute to an NBA team.
The Warriors picked him in hopes of having a star caliber small forward for the first time in years. The fact that they traded Dorell Wright to make way for Barnes is a sign that they are heavily banking on him to step up and contribute right away. Barnes will be helping out in the scoring load, especially now that Curry is once again out indefinitely due to ankle issues.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Tracy McGrady
Worst Case Scenario: Dorell Wright
Number 3: Bradley Beal
Beal is an explosive scorer who can make it rain from beyond the arc, and take it strong to the hoop. The Wizards got the perfect guy to play alongside John Wall. Though we feel sorry for Jordan Crawford, we are definitely excited for the Wizards! Beal can score from anywhere! And that’s just what the Wizards need if they want to make it to the playoffs this season.
Bradley Beal has looked good so far in preseason. But he’s done most of his work when John Wall was sidelined due to injuries. If they can both stay relatively healthy this season, we might be seeing the most exciting back court duo in the East.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Ray Allen, Eric Gordon
Worst Case Scenario: Larry Hughes
Number 2: Andre Drummond
*drum roll*
Andre Drummond! This Pistons big man is one of the most exciting rookies this season. Believe me; I was so tempted to put him at the Number 1 Most Must-Watch NBA Rookie for the 2012-2013 season but chose not to out of respect to the #1 overall pick.
But there’s a reason why we’re so high on Andre Drummond and why you should be too! Drummond is one of the most controversial picks in this year’s draft class. His skill and talent is undeniable, but his character and maturity issues are what keeps him from being in the conversation as one of the best rookies of this crop.
The same thing happened with DeMarcus Cousins during his rookie season. His character and maturity issues were the reason why his stock dropped.
But Andre Drummond is a special talent. He has the size, skills, athleticism, and all the tools needed to become an elite big man in the game. If Drummond can put everything together and realize his full potential, he can end up being one of, if not the best player out of this draft class.
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Dwight Howard, Amar’e Stoudemire
Worst Case Scenario: Hakim Warrick, Chris Wilcox
Number 1: Anthony Davis
The award goes to the #1 overall pick, Anthony Davis!
The New Orleans Hornets may have lost the Top point guard in the League in Chris Paul, but they now have someone who could be the Top big man in the NBA in a few years.
Anthony Davis, along with his famous unibrow, takes his talents to New Orleans. And obviously, the Hornets need it. Coach Monty Williams will look to ease Davis into the starting center position by playing him as power forward early on.
Davis has already shown that he can be the go-to-guy of the Hornets this preseason. He exploded against the Miami Heat in a win, with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Davis is the early favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.
If Davis can continue his strong play, then the Hornets may not be in the lottery again next season. Though that may not be a good thing…
NBA Comparisons
Best Case Scenario: Tim Duncan
Worst Case Scenario: Joel Pryzbilla.