We witnessed this survey first hand. NBA.com got up with all the rookies:
“At the annual Rookie Photo Shoot in August, NBA.com surveyed 40 rookies about the best in their group. Wizards point guard John Wall, the top pick in the Draft, is clearly at the top of the class, but he’s not the only Kentucky guy, nor the only one with a chance to win Rookie of the Year. Note that players were not allowed to vote for themselves, their NBA teammates or their college teammates. So, six of the 40 rookies were unable to vote for Wall (and they can blame the University of Florida class of 2007 for the rule), and the Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe wasn’t able to vote for any of the top three guys on the first question …
Who will be the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year?
1. John Wall, Washington — 38.5 percent
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers — 23.1 percent
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento — 12.8 percent
4. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota — 7.7 percent
Others receiving votes: Eric Bledsoe (LAC), Jordan Crawford (ATL), Derrick Favors (NJN), Gordon Hayward (UTA), Jeremy Lin (GSW), Larry Sanders (MIL), Evan Turner (PHI)
Not only was Wall the No. 1 pick, but he’ll also have the ball in his hands more than any other rookie. Griffin, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 Draft, has recovered from the knee injury that caused him to miss last season. (Because he missed all of last year, he’s eligible for Rookie of the Year honors this season.) He can make an impact in L.A., but he’ll be part of a balanced lineup. Cousins may have a better shot at challenging his Kentucky teammate.
Which rookie will have the best career?
1. John Wall, Washington — 23.7 percent
2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento — 13.2 percent
3. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers — 13.2 percent
4. Derrick Favors, New Jersey — 10.5 percent
5. Evan Turner, Philadelphia — 7.9 percent
6. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota — 5.3 percent
Greg Monroe, Detroit — 5.3 percent
Larry Sanders, Milwaukee — 5.3 percent
Others receiving votes: Craig Brackins (NOH), Avery Bradley (BOS), Paul George (IND), Luke Harangody (BOS), Gordon Hayward (UTA), Damion James (NJN)
Griffin was the top vote-getter (20.6 percent) for this question last year.
…
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Terrico White, Detroit — 33.3 percent
2. Paul George, Indiana — 16.7 percent
3. John Wall, Washington — 11.1 percent
4. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota — 8.3 percent
5. Avery Bradley, Boston — 5.6 percent
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers — 5.6 percent
Eliot Williams, Portland — 5.6 percent
Others receiving votes: Al-Farouq Aminu (LAC), Trevor Booker (WAS), Devin Ebanks (LAL), Quincy Pondexter (NOH), Stanley Robinson (ORL)
The responses here were pretty balanced, evidence that this is an athletic class. But White distinguished himself in an impromptu dunk contest after everyone had filled out the survey.
Which rookie is the best shooter?
1. Luke Babbitt, Portland — 32.4 percent
2. Jordan Crawford, Atlanta — 10.8 percent
Gordon Hayward, Utah — 10.8 percent
4. James Anderson, San Antonio — 8.1 percent
Andy Rautins, New York — 8.1 percent
6. Lazar Hayward, Minnesota — 5.4 percent
Xavier Henry, Memphis — 5.4 percent
Others receiving votes: Craig Brackins (NOH), Avery Bradley (BOS), Da’Sean Butler (MIA), Paul George (IND), Wesley Johnson (MIN), Lance Stephenson (IND), Evan Turner (PHI)
More balance here. This class can evidently shoot pretty well, too.
