Rookie Opinions/Predictions

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I figured this would be pretty fun, just to get everyones opinions on the incoming rookies. I took a page from Slam's book with the "Rookies Most Likely To..." questions, but I figured I would add some other questions not just related to basketball. Feel free to add your own questions.

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden, Portland
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 13/9/2
Kevin Durant: 22/6/2
Al Horford: 14/8/1
Mike Conley Jr: 11/3/6
Jeff Green: 8/4/3
Yi Jianlian: 9/5/1
Corey Brewer: 10/6/2
Brandan Wright: 12/5/1

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Jeff Green, Seattle
Becoming the biggest steal: Alando Tucker, Phoenix
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Corey Brewer, Minnesote (rebounding)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Nick Young, Washington/Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Daequan Cook, Miami
Being out of the league in 3 years: Petteri Kopenen, Portland

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Nick Young, Washington/Corey Brewer, Minnesota
Who is your favorite rookie: Kevin Durant, Seattle
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Demetris Nichols, New York/Nick Young, Washington
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Ron Lewis, Ohio State
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Gabe Pruitt, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young, Demetris Nichols, Alando Tucker, Javaris Crittenton, Derrick Byars, Herbert Hill.

[TheMC5]

Most likely to be a bust: Kevin Durant.

I heard that in pre-draft workouts, he was the only player unable to bench 180lbs, and he also lost to Greg Oden in a sprint. I don't understand how he's supposed to score if everyone in the league can stay in front of him or push him around. Plus, his vert isn't that great, so he's only going to be able to shoot over top of smaller defenders, and from what I've seen, he has a streaky shot, at best.

I think you're looking at Rashard Lewis light. He'll be lucky to score 20 PPG at any point in his career unless he seriously works on his athleticism.

Also, summer league games aren't looking promising for him. No assists yet? Not even 10 total rebounds? Low 30's shooting %? Against summer league players?

Durant is in for a rude awakening come November.

EDIT: Also, I weigh 150 lbs, and I'm pretty sure I could beat him in an arm wrestle.

[Gedas]

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Marko Belinelli, GSW
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden, Portland
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 15/11/3
Kevin Durant: 17/6/2
Al Horford: 14/9/2
Mike Conley Jr: 14/3/8
Jeff Green: 10/4/2
Yi Jianlian: 16/8/2
Corey Brewer: 13/5/2
Brandan Wright: 14/5/1

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Becoming the biggest steal: Marko Belinelli, GSW
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Marko Belinelli, GSW (Scoring)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Marko Belinelli, GSW/Brandan Wright, Charlotte
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: J. Critteton, Lakers
Being out of the league in 3 years: Stanko Barac, Miami

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Marko Belinelli, Rudy Fernandez, Renaldas Seibutis, Greg Oden, Brandan Wright
Who is your favorite rookie: Marko Belinelli
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Greg Oden, Renaldas Seibutis, Nick Fazekas
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Jonas Maciulis
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Marko Belinelli, Rudy Fernandez, Renaldas Seibutis

[JT_55]

Aww..Doesn't Yi Jianlan at least get double digit points?

I'd say Oden is most likely to become an All-Star.

[---]

Most likely to be a bust: Kevin Durant.

I heard that in pre-draft workouts, he was the only player unable to bench 180lbs, and he also lost to Greg Oden in a sprint. I don't understand how he's supposed to score if everyone in the league can stay in front of him or push him around. Plus, his vert isn't that great, so he's only going to be able to shoot over top of smaller defenders, and from what I've seen, he has a streaky shot, at best.

I think you're looking at Rashard Lewis light. He'll be lucky to score 20 PPG at any point in his career unless he seriously works on his athleticism.

Also, summer league games aren't looking promising for him. No assists yet? Not even 10 total rebounds? Low 30's shooting %? Against summer league players?

Durant is in for a rude awakening come November.

EDIT: Also, I weigh 150 lbs, and I'm pretty sure I could beat him in an arm wrestle.

Trust me, if you watched him in college as much as I did you would know why I'm so high on him. His athleticism is no problem. The only thing wrong with his body is that he isn't strong, which is one of the reasons I wanted him to stay at Texas.

Don't worry about workouts, we all know KD is weak - and IMO it's the medias fault for hyping up his athleticism which isn't great at all. He is just really mobile for a big and has long arms so he can finish above the rim.

Streaky shot? No. The man is one of the best shooters in this draft, mid range and long range. His high release and long arms makes it damn near impossible to block his shot.

The Rashard Lewis comparison is what I have been saying. People are now expecting he is gonna be a superstar, KG type player. They don't realize he doesn't play much defence. He doesn't impact the game in enough was to be a KG type player. I'm sure that will come in time, but it's far from a gaurantee.

People are putting too much into the draft combine and summerleague results. He will be ready come the first game of the season, and I gaurantee he will be the Rookie of the Year.

The fact is he can play the game.

[Indy]

Good idea.

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Average 10 rebounds: Al Horford, Atlanta
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Jeff Green, Seattle
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden, Portland
Average a double-double: Al Horford, Atlanta
Make the All Star team: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 13.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.4 bpg
Kevin Durant: 16.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.1 apg
Al Horford: 15.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg
Mike Conley Jr: 9.1 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.8 rpg
Jeff Green: 10.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.1 spg
Yi Jianlian: 7.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Corey Brewer: 12.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.1 apg
Brandan Wright: 9.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 bpg
Joakim Noah: 7.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Spencer Hawes: 5.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg
(special mention) Al Thornton 11.7 ppg 7.1 rpg

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Spencer Hawes, Sacramento
Becoming the biggest steal: Morris Almond, Utah
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Joakim Noah, Chicago (Ball handling and open court passing)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Derrick Byars (Philly) Sean Williams (New Jersey) Stephane Lasme (Golden State) Rudy Fernandez (Portland)
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Daequan Cook, Miami
Being out of the league in 3 years: Wilson Chandler, New York (Shannon Koponen is on Portland)

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Corey Brewer, Minnesota/Greg Oden, Portland
Who is your favorite rookie: Greg Oden, Portland
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Mike Conley Jr. Memphis
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Ron Lewis, Houston
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: That's kind of a repeat question, i'll just copy and paste.
Derrick Byars (Philly) Sean Williams (New Jersey) Stephane Lasme (Golden State) Rudy Fernandez (Portland)

[TheMC5]

Shannon: Judging from your avatar and sig, you've seen Durant more than I have, though I have seen him numerous times. And every time I saw him, I thought he looked like he'd struggle somewhat in the NBA.

I think he'll score in the teens throughout his career. Which is I'd say bust, because everyone (Sonics included) seem to think he'll be dropping 20+ PPG, and I don't think it'll happen.

Come to think of it, he reminds me more of Tayshaun Prince minus the defense.

[Sauru]

in a little under a year i am gonna have to pull this thread up and quote shannon if durant dont win roty. a guarentee needs to be thrown in someones face if it fails to come true lol.

[---]

I owe you $10 if he doesn't win ROY. With some sort of insurance on major injuries.

My bad about Kopenen, completely forgot about that trade.

[Donatello]

I'm afraid to say it, but I forsee a huge Durant injury after a month or two that will knock him out completely for the rest of his rookie year. I think he will never be the same and will be traded by midway through his third year for a future 2nd rounder.

(Yes, I'm going way out on a limb, but someone has to be make these drastic forecasts just in case they're right. lol)

[Anthony15]

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: None
Lead the league in steals: None
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden, Portland
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: None

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 14/10/3
Kevin Durant: 20/5/3
Al Horford: 16/7/1
Mike Conley Jr: 9/2/6
Jeff Green: 8/4/3
Yi Jianlian: 6/4/1
Corey Brewer: 10/6/2
Brandan Wright: 12/5/2

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Joakim Noah, Chicago
Becoming the biggest steal: Marco Belinelli
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Brandan Wright (Defense)

Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Alando Tucker, Thaddeus Young
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Daequan Cook, Miami
Being out of the league in 3 years: Rudy Fernandez, Portland
Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Corey Brewer
Who is your favorite rookie: Branda Wright
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Thaddeus Young, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, Daequan Cook
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Ron Lewis, Ohio State
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Nichols, Young, Tucker, Glen Davis

[Indy]

Ron Lewis is on Houston's summer league roster.

[Andrew]

in a little under a year i am gonna have to pull this thread up and quote shannon if durant dont win roty. a guarentee needs to be thrown in someones face if it fails to come true lol.

I think that needs to be done everytime the phrase "Quote me in June" comes out.

I'll nominate Greg Oden as the lottery pick that a lot of people will call a bust when he fails to tear up the NBA from the moment he steps onto the court, only to have the same contingent retract the bust label when he makes the adjustment and puts together a good rookie campaign with a strong finish. I'd also like to nominate him as the 2007 draftee who becomes the player to hate in a few years when it becomes more fashionable to dislike him than jump on the bandwagon.

[maes]

From what i've seen from Durant, he won't immediately start hitting shots from different area codes like Ray Allen but he already shows some maturity in that when his shot isn't falling he'll take his man closer to the basket and seems very capable of drawing fouls by attacking the hoop, via drives or post up moves.

What is he averaging, 8-9 FTs per game already? That's what LeBron averages now. That will obviously go down a lot in the real season but you can see what kind of player he'll eventually turn into.

A lot of scorers who can't take it to the next level...once their shot doesn't start falling, they're done. It doesn't look like Durant will have that problem.

I honestly can't say i've ever seen Oden play unimpeded by some ailment or another, so can't even comment.

[The X]

Rookies Most Likely To....

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant (Sea)
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, (Por)
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr (Mem)
Lead the league in steals: Corey Brewer (Min)
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden (Por)
Average a double-double: Greg Oden (Por)
Make the All Star team: Al Horford (Atl)

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks....

Greg Oden: 13/9/2
Kevin Durant: 18/6/2
Al Horford: 12/7/1
Mike Conley Jr: 10/3/5
Jeff Green: 7/4/2
Yi Jianlian: 8/4/1
Corey Brewer: 14/5/2
Brandan Wright: 6/3/1
Joakim Noah: 8/5/1
Spencer Hawes: 8/3/1

Of The First Round, Who Do You See....

Becoming the biggest bust: Jeff Green (Sea)
Becoming the biggest steal: Tiago Splitter (SAS)
Surprising with one aspect of their game: Jared Dudley (Cha - everything, if one thing, outside shooting)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Tiago Splitter (SAS)
Blowing up out of nowhere in 3 years: Rudy Fernandez (Por)
Being out of the league in 3 years: Wilson Chandler (NYK) - if he is traded that is

Random Questions....

Who is the most likeable rookie: Jared Dudley (Cha)
Who is your favorite rookie: Jared Dudley (Cha)
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Jared Jordan (LAC)
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Craig Bradshaw (Winthrop) - ahh well, he's coming to play for Brisbane Bullets
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Gabe Pruitt, Marco Belinelli, Thaddeus Young, Julian Wright, Alando Tucker, Rudy Fernandez, Tiago Splitter, Josh McRoberts, Jared Jordan, Aaron Gray & Taurean Green.

[Lamrock]

Oh, this should be fun to do.

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr
Lead the league in steals: Corey Brewer
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden
Average a double-double: Greg Oden
Make the All Star team: Greg Oden

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 11/8/3
Kevin Durant: 19/5/3
Al Horford: 12/8/2
Mike Conley Jr: 9/3/7
Jeff Green: 7/4/4
Yi Jianlian: 12/5/1
Corey Brewer: 11/6/2
Brandan Wright: 10/5/1
Joakim Noah: 6/3/2
Spencer Hawes: 7/2/2

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Spencer Hawes
Becoming the biggest steal: Marco Belinelli
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Marco Belinelli (Scoring)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Brandan Wright (eventually)
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Rodney Stucket
Being out of the league in 3 years: Stanko Barac

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Joakim Noah
Who is your favorite rookie: Marco Belinelli
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Rodney Stuckey
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Ron Lewis
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Rodney Stuckey, Marco Belinelli, Javaris Crittenton

I've always liked Belinelli, but now I'm on the Belinelli bandwagon.

[hammertime23]

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Marco Belinelli, Warriors
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Acie Law IV, Hawks
Lead the league in blocks: Sean Williams, Nets
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 15 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 bpg
Kevin Durant: 17 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg
Al Horford: 10 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 bpg
Mike Conley Jr: 14 ppg, 6 apg, 2 spg
Jeff Green: 8 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg
Yi Jianlian: 16 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg
Corey Brewer: 9 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg
Brandan Wright: 5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg
Joakim Noah: 12 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 bpg
Spencer Hawes: 7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Brandan Wright, Warriors
Becoming the biggest steal: Marco Belinelli, Warriors
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Al Thornton, Clippers (Jumpshot)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Javaris Crittenton, Lakers
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Spencer Hawes, Kings
Being out of the league in 3 years: Arron Afflalo, Pistons, he'll be in Europe probably

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Demetris Nichols, Knicks
Who is your favorite rookie: Demetris Nichols, Knicks
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Jared Dudley, Bobcats
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Caleb Green, Oral Roberts
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Demetris Nichols, Knicks

[frenchy]

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Corey Brewer, Wolves
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Mike Conley, Hawks
Lead the league in blocks: Joakim Noah, Nets
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: Greg Oden, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 12 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 bpg
Kevin Durant: 14 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg
Al Horford: 8 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 bpg
Mike Conley Jr: 13 ppg, 7 apg
Jeff Green: 10 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg
Yi Jianlian: ???
Corey Brewer: 18 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg
Brandan Wright: 8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg
Joakim Noah: 13 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg
Spencer Hawes: 4 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Yi Jianlian
Becoming the biggest steal: Marco Belinelli, Warriors
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Joakim Noah (Leadership)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Rudy Fernandez
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Thaddeus Young
Being out of the league in 3 years: Arron Afflalo or Wilson Chandler

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Joakim Noah, Bulls
Who is your favorite rookie: Joakim Noah, Bulls
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Belinelli, Warriors
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Mustafa Shakur

[Dro]

I love how everybody jumped on the Belinelli bandwagon so quickly after a couple of summer league games. First of all, that was against summer league competition. Secondly, he's a guy who needs the offense run through him in order to be wildly successful. He can get 10ppg just from shooting open 3's, but no way he gets near 20 ppg, IMO.

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden
Average 10 assists: Jeff Green (I see him leading the rookies with around 6apg)
Lead the league in steals: Corey Brewer
Lead the league in blocks: Greg Oden
Average a double-double: Al Horford
Make the All Star team: Al Horford (No way Oden or Durant make it in the West)

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 12/9/3
Kevin Durant: 21/6/3 (shooting in the low 40's)
Al Horford: 14/9/3
Mike Conley Jr: 11/3/5
Jeff Green: 13/7/6
Yi Jianlian: 9/5/1
Corey Brewer: 12/6/3
Brandan Wright: 11/6/2

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Brandan Wright
Becoming the biggest steal: Rodney Stuckey
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Rodney Stuckey (poise, leadership)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Javaris Crittenton
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Thaddeus Young
Being out of the league in 3 years: Aaron Brooks

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Greg Oden
Who is your favorite rookie: DJ Strawberry...I hope he makes the cut
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Jeff Green
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Mustafa Shakur
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Rodney Stuckey, Javaris Crittenton, Al Thornton

Most likely to be busted by airport security for marijuana possession: Sean Williams[/b]

[Rip32]

Rookies Most Likely To...

Average 20 points: Kevin Durant, Seattle
Average 10 rebounds: Greg Oden, Portland
Average 10 assists: Mike Conley Jr, Memphis
Lead the league in steals: Corey Brewer, Minnesota
Lead the league in blocks: Sean Williams, New Jersey (Oden has to learn to stop fouling)
Average a double-double: Greg Oden, Portland
Make the All Star team: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Statlines Of The Top 10 Picks...

Greg Oden: 11/9/2
Kevin Durant: 20/4/1
Al Horford: 9/12/1
Mike Conley Jr: 16/3/6
Jeff Green: 12/6/6
Yi Jianlian: 2.5/1.3/0.1
Corey Brewer: 10/6/2
Brandan Wright: 9/4/1

Of The First Round, Who Do You See...

Becoming the biggest bust: Yi Jianlian, Seattle
Becoming the biggest steal: Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia
Suprising with one aspect of their game: Acie Law IV, Atlanta (shooting)
Making people wonder why he didn't go higher: Al Thorton, LA Clippers
Blowing up out of no where in 3 years: Marco Belinelli, Golden State
Being out of the league in 3 years: Daequan Cook, Miami

Random Questions...

Who is the most likeable rookie: Greg Oden, Portland
Who is your favorite rookie: Rodney Stuckey, Detroit
(Other than your teams draft pick/favorite rookie) Who do you want to see succeed: Jared Jordan, LA Clippers
Which undrafted rookie would you most like to see on a roster: Dion Harris, Michigan
Who would you peg as steals from this draft: Jared Jordan, Sammy Mejia, Morris Almond