2005-06 Rookie Recap

[RonnieBrewer (Ronnie Brewer)]

2005-06 Rookie Recap
By Ryan Reed
9/19/06

The 2005/06 rookie class was solid, though not spectacular. Chris Paul showed
that he has a chance to be the next great point guard in the league, and
Charlie Villanueva made Stephen A. Smith's draft comments look foolish. Other
than that, the rest of the class was relatively average. The following is a
look back on the top 10 rookies from the 05/06 class.

1. Chris Paul, G, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
This is a no brainer. Paul was a near unanimous choice for ROY (and the
person who voted for Deron Williams should have their voting privileges
revoked). Not only did the Wake Forest alum put up huge numbers (16.1 ppg,
7.8 apg, 5.1 rpg, 2.24 spg) he also infused life into a moribund Hornets
franchise. Hawks fans have to be discouraged every time Paul torches another
NBA team, as Atlanta chose swingman Marvin Williams ahead of him. Team USA
appears to be in great hands with Paul leading them (after another two years
of development) into Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.

2. Charlie Villanueva, F, Toronto Raptors
Nobody could have predicted the season that Charlie V was going to have
after the entire basketball community badmouthed him when he was drafted 7th
overall. Known for his lack of passion at Connecticut, Villanueva was a solid,
consistent contributor north of the border this past season. Highlights
included a 48 point outburst against the Milwaukee Bucks (who promptly traded
for him in the off season). Villanueva parlayed his successful season (13 ppg,
6 rpg, 46% from the field) into being exchanged for T.J Ford. Look for big
things from him in Milwaukee playing alongside Michael Redd and fellow first
rounder Andrew Bogut.

3. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz
Williams ranking is bolstered by the immense pressure he was under manning the
point guard duties in Utah for Jerry Sloan. The Texas native started slow but
finished with a flurry. Deron's numbers were similar to Felton's (10.8 ppg,
4.5 apg) and he shot the ball quite well from everywhere (42% FG, 42% 3P, 70%
FT). Look for Williams to join Paul as one of the best young point guards in
the league.

4. Raymond Felton, PG, Charlotte Bobcats
Felton flew under the radar a bit in Charlotte this past season. The former
UNC standout averaged 11.9 ppg, 5.6 apg, and 3.3 rpg over the course of 80
games. No position is more difficult to master at the pro level that the point
guard spot and Felton showed vast improvement as the season progressed. Look
for his shooting percentage from the field (39%) to improve next season as
his decision making gets better.

5. Channing Frye, F, New York Knicks
Frye was the only bright spot in an otherwise dreary campaign in the Big Apple.
Showing a knack for hitting spot up jumpers, Frye averaged 12.3 ppg and snagged
5.8 rpg. Frye's knee looked solid in 2 games back during summer league play but
then went on the shelf again with an ankle injury. There is no reason to think
that Frye won't pick up where he left off prior to getting injured.

6. Andrew Bogut, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Considering Bogut was the first pick overall, this past season goes down as a
disappointment. Bogut's numbers were solid (9.4 rpg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 apg), but
his impact wasn't what the Bucks expected. While other players like Charlie
Villanueva and Channing Frye showed tremendous offensive potential, Bogut was
just steady. The Australian's second year will be huge, as he wont have
jamaal Magloire in his way and has a new running mate in Villanueva and he
will be counted on for more production. Bogut makes those around him better,
which is rare for a center, but likely falls short of the expectations that
accompany being a first overall selection.

7. Danny Granger, F, Indiana Pacers
Granger gave the Indiana Pacers exactly what they needed: a solid contributor
off the bench. Not only did he shoot the ball well from the field (46%) he
scored nearly 8 ppg in only 22 mpg and he contributed 5 rpg. Like Bogut,
expectations on Granger in his second season will go up significantly.

8. Luther Head, G, Houston Rockets
Head was a solid contributor in the thin Houston backcourt. His numbers (8.8
ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg) don't tell the entire story. The former Fighting Illini
averaged nearly 30 mpg as he played both guard spots for Jeff Van Gundy's
squad. The Rockets will look for more of the same from Head in his second
season in Houston.

9. Marvin Williams, F, Atlanta Hawks
With a need at point guard and three excellent ones taken directly after him,
Williams has been a tough sell to Hawks fans and media alike. Williams
predictably struggled early on in his NBA career as he adjusted to the new
level of physicality in the NBA. The Bremerton, Washington native came on
strong near the end of the season and should benefit from the Duke grad Shelden
Williams presence in the low block. With Al Harrington's move back to Indiana,
Hawks brass will be expecting much more from Williams this coming season.

10. Nate Robinson, G, New York Knicks
The Mini Microwave electrified the Madison Square Garden crowd on many nights
this past season. Not only did Robinson leave his mark on the league at the
dunk contest in Houston, he also produced when called upon. Robinson averaged
9.3 ppg in only 21 mpg. His defensive energy and ability to score injected
life into the Knicks on numerous occasions last season. While he may never be
a consistent starter in the League, there is no doubting his potential impact
on a game as soon as he steps foot on the floor.

Honorable Mentions:
Ryan Gomes, F, Boston Celtics
Joey Graham, G/F, Toronto Raptors
Rashad McCants, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Ike Diogu, F, Golden St. Warriors
Sean May, F, Charlotte Bobcats


http://nbadraft.net/reed002.asp

--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) 
◆ From: 59.41.44.154
→ RonnieBrewer:血壓計會直接看到這行
推 sam369:
推 tonometer:其實我覺得Frye有前三耶...
→ tonometer:我會排 1.Paul 2.Villa 3.Frye 4.DW 5.Granger
推 ando:
→ sam369:
推 TimChiu:Paul, Felton, Villanueva, Frye, Bogut!
→ sam369: