The 2010 NBA season will be filled with surprises, many of them stemming from the recent union of NBA superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in Miami. With such a talented group of players, one of them is bound to win the NBA’s MVP award when the season comes to a close.
Another storyline will be the Rookie of the Year race which could have a heavy dose of Kentucky Wildcats flavor. The award will most likely go to one of a few highly regarded players such as Kentucky’s John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, as well as the Clippers Blake Griffin. Here’s a look at several players who could find themselves hoisting the ROY trophy at the end of the 2010-2011 seasons:
John Wall (Washington Wizards, 2010 No.1 pick)
Wall is the most likely candidate to win the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year award. The No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft will be expected to bring a disenchanted franchise back to the top. The Wizards drafted the former ‘Cats point guard to lead a young, but talented team that is centered around Wall and JaVale McGee. Expect big minutes and solid production from the first year man out of Kentucky. He put up around 23 points a game during the Wizards Summer League run that took place in Las Vegas. Wall’s production will rise and fall throughout the season, but he has a great chance to become one of the league’s foremost point guards.
Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers, 2009 No. 1 pick)
Griffin came into the 2009-2010 seasons as the best pick in the 2009 draft, selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the fact, Griffin suffered a season ending knee injury that kept him out of action until this season. He’ll be in his sophomore season in the NBA, but will be eligible to win the Rookie of the Year having not played a single game last season. Griffin is expected to make a solid transition into the starting lineup come October and will give a young the Clippers a young, powerful leader for the future.
DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings, 2010 No. 5 pick)
Cousins, the Wildcats star studded center, fell to the No. 5 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft where the Kings drafted the big man to anchor the position for the next ten years. Cousins was often criticized for being too immature, but after viewing his Summer League performance many around the league are eating crow. Cousins will challenge for a starting role despite only being in his rookie year. Expect solid minutes (20-24) during games, along with a productive state line (12 ppg, 7.5 reb). Cousins produced well during his only season at Kentucky and much of the same is expected in his rookie season with Sacramento.
Greg Monroe (Detroit Pistons, 2010 No. 7 pick)
Monroe is in a good setup with the Pistons. He’ll have a chance to step in and play a vital role for a team lacking a true leader. If Monroe gets big minutes, he’ll likely compete at the power forward position. He’s a good passer and handles the ball well for a guy who stands at 6’8”-6’9”. Cousins was expected early on to go at this spot, but was nabbed two selections earlier to the Kings. Look for fairly solid production out of the former Georgetown Hoyas standout.
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