Mid-term report card on NBA rookie class

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

We are one month and some 250 games into the NBA season, so it’s time for a midterm report card on last summer’s rookie draft picks. Here are the Top 10 players chosen during the most recent NBA draft.

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago. The NBA’s top draft choice is averaging 18.4 points and six assists, and already is one of the top five point guards in the league (along with Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Steve Nash and Devin Harris). Grade: A-plus.

2. Michael Beasley, Miami. The southpaw power forward is as good as advertised. He’s started and been a scorer off the bench for the Heat, averaging 14.4 points, shooting 41.2% from the three-point arc and grabbing 5.4 rebounds per game. Grade: A-minus.

3. O. J. Mayo, Memphis. Playing for a lousy team has its benefits, such as averaging 39.4 minutes in playing time. Mayo’s scoring average is 21.9 points, he’s shooting 46.4% from the field and has scored 30 points or more in four games. His weak spot: defense. Grade: A.

4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma. His defense is getting the point guard big minutes (26.9 per game), mostly off the bench. Westbrook is averaging 4.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 12.3 points, although his field-goal percentage is a lousy 34.9%. But he gets to the free-throw line often enough to make up for it. Grade: B.

5. Kevin Love, Minnesota. The pressure is on. Love was traded for O.J. Mayo after the draft, and his numbers don’t match those of his former collegiate rival. Love is a bit small for a power foward. He hired a chef to cut his baby fat and boost his stamina. He’s been in and out of the starting lineup and is averaging 8.6 points (only four games with double-digit scoring), is shooting a disappointing 40% from the field and has 6.3 rebounds and one assist per game. Grade: C-plus.

6. Danilo Gallinari, New York. This Italian forward has spent more time in orthopedic offices than on the court. His back problems may keep him sidelined till next season. Grade: F.

7. Eric Gordon, Clippers. Ricky Davis’ injury is freeing up playing time for Gordon. He’s shown some dazzling moments on offense--with successive games of 25 and 24 points last week. Grade: B-minus.

8. Joe Alexander, Milwaukee. This small forward from West Virginia has lost playing time to UCLA rookie Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (see below). Alexander is averaging only 13.2 minutes and 4.1 points. Grade: D.

9. D. J. Augustin, Charlotte. The tiny Texas point guard has already gotten a stellar midterm report from Bobcats Coach Larry Brown. Augustin has cracked the starting lineup. Augustin is averaging 12.9 points and 4.3 assists in 29 minutes. Grade: B-plus.

10. Brook Lopez, New Jersey. The 7-foot center played Andrew Bynum to a draw in their game last week. The Stanford alum seems to have the smarts to go with his size and has season-highs of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Per game averages: 9.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks. Best center in the 2008 draft (so far). Grade: B.

Others:

37. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee. Anyone wondering how well-schooled UCLA players are doing need only check on this small forward, who slipped to the second round in the draft. He has quickly won a spot in Bucks Coach Scott Skiles’ lineup. Averaging 29 minutes, 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals. Best sleeper pick of the draft. Grade: B-plus.

1. (in 2007 draft) Greg Oden, Portland. Oden missed five games because of a foot injury and the Trail Blazers are watching his minutes carefully. But in 21 minutes a game he’s averaging 8.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots, and already is a force in the paint on the defensive end. His season-high of 13 boards in his last game against Detroit shows there’s more than just potential in his game. Grade: B.

-- Barry Stavro