NBA Rookies Make an Impact

When pro basketball fanatics rank past National Basketball Association drafts, the class of 1984 generally heads the list for producing the greatest the number of blue-chippers.

Breaking in that year were Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, Kevin Willis, Sam Perkins, Otis Thorpe and Sam Bowie.

1985, when the lottery was introduced, was also a vintage year that yielded Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Karl Malone, Terry Porter, Detlef Schrempf, Wayman Tisdale and Xavier McDaniel.

But with considerably less fanfare, the neophytes of 1992 may seriously test those two illustrious classes. NBA scouting guru Marty Blake says it usually takes three years to assess a draft, but early returns may allow Blake and fellow scouts to be less cautious in evaluating the current rookie crop.

Everyone expected great things from Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Christian Laettner, and each has lived up to his pre-draft hype.

The addition of the 7-foot O’Neal has made the Orlando Magic an instant contender. The former Louisiana State center is averaging 22.3 points and 14.9 rebounds and is the main reason Orlando is challenging the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets for the Atlantic Division lead.

Despite missing training camp, Mourning has provided muscle and inside defensive help for the Charlotte Hornets, playing alongside Larry Johnson, last year’s Rookie of the Year. The former Georgetown star is averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Laettner, the former Duke leader, has assumed a similar role for the youthful Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 17.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.

But the consistently impressive play of the less-celebrated lottery picks--LaPhonso Ellis (fifth), Tom Gugliotta (sixth), Walt Williams (seventh), Clarence Weatherspoon (ninth) and Robert Horry (11th)--has raised some eyebrows.

Ellis, of Notre Dame, is averaging 14.8 points and 8.9 rebounds for the Denver Nuggets. Williams, the former Maryland star, is playing a sixth-man role at guard and forward for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Weatherspoon is burdened by being compared by Philadelphia 76ers fans with the departed Barkley. But the muscular forward from Southern Mississippi has averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Another pleasant surprise has been Horry, the Alabama forward who is averaging 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds for Houston. Combined with Olajuwon and Thorpe, he gives the Rockets one of the most formidable frontlines in the NBA.

Gugliotta has drawn comparisons with legendary Larry Bird by rival coaches for his immediate impact with the Washington Bullets. The former North Carolina State star, whose high choice was questioned by a number of draftniks, is out-rebounding (9.6) all other rookies except O’Neal, leading in assists (4.1) and averaging 16.3 points.

The Rockets were questioned for choosing Horry with the last lottery pick over Harold Miner, the high-scoring Southern Cal guard who had been labeled “Baby Jordan.” Miner was selected by the Miami Heat. But while Horry is now considered a steal, Miner continues to struggle, averaging 6.2 points.