2011-2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the NBA Rookie of the Year: The NBA Rookie of the Year award has been won by some elite players over the years. In recent seasons, guards have dominated the honor, winning four of the last six. That being said, forward Blake Griffin is the defending winner. History says that winning can trump statistics, but if a rookie steps up and delivers overwhelming numbers, their team’s record doesn’t really matter. In the end, a player’s situation can mean as much as their ability, but is rare that the Rookie of the Year doesn’t go on to have a strong career.
2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Favorites and Contenders
- Derrick Williams, Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
Williams was a star at Arizona his whole career, and a magical run in the NCAA tournament got him noticed on a national level. He is a polished big man that shoots a high percentage from the foul line and has range out to the 3-point line. Williams is also dedicated on the defensive end and has the length and leaping ability to alter shots. He should start immediately for a Minnesota team stocked with young talent. Williams should stuff the stat sheet, and if the Timberwolves can stay competitive, he should be the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors.
- Kyrie Irving, Point Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
As the top pick in the draft, Irving shouldn’t have to wait long to get on the court. That being said, he will be fighting for minutes with veteran point guard Baron Davis, and the Cavaliers roster isn’t exactly loaded with talent. Fortunately for Irving, he is more than capable of creating his own offense from the point guard spot. In fact, he could end up being Cleveland’s leading scorer this season thanks to his ability to get to the basket. That being said, he will have to find a way to bolster his assist total and make his teammates better if he wants to ensure himself the award.
- Jan Vesely, Forward, Washington Wizards
Vesely is an unknown to many NBA fans, but the tall, athletic forward has the skill set to be a serious scoring machine. He has legitimate 3-point range, but he can also finish around the rim with highlight reel dunks. Vesely should get plenty of opportunities to do both while playing alongside John Wall. The Wizards needed an offensive weapon, and Vesely is about as versatile as they come. The downside is that he may not contribute much other than scoring. However, he has been playing professionally overseas for years, and he should adapt and produce immediately.
- Jimmer Fredette, Guard, Sacramento Kings
The Kings roster is littered with high draft picks, and Fredette will be the latest addition. With his outside shooting and ability to stretch defenses, he actually fills a big need for Sacramento. That being said, it remains to be seen whether his lack of size and speed will make him a defensive liability. The good news is that Fredette’s wild popularity will almost certainly earn him plenty of court time. He has to find a role for himself in the NBA, but in the meantime, he should be able to bury some 3-pointers and score in bunches.
- Kenneth Faried, Forward, Denver Nuggets
The Morehead State product surged up the draft boards after his impressive workouts for scouts. More importantly, he falls into a perfect situation by landing in Denver. With Kenyon Martin overseas and Nene likely to leave in free agency, Faried become an immediate staple in the paint for the Nuggets. He has athleticism to spare, and his ability to run the floor will get him plenty of easy baskets in the fast-paced Denver offense. Faried could easily lead rookies in rebounds and blocked shots this season, and the Nuggets could be a playoff team. Faried is in position to succeed.
Odds to win 2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year
1605 Derrick Williams +350
1606 Enes Kanter +500
1607 Jan Vesely +1200
1609 Jimmer Fredette +500
1610 Kawhi Leonard +2000
1611 Kemba Walker +800
1613 Klay Thompson +1200
1614 Kyrie Irving +500
1615 Marcus Morris +1500
1616 Markieff Morris +1500
1619 Norris Cole +1500
1621 Ricky Rubio +800
1622 Tobias Harris +1500
1624 Field +500
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