10-25-2007, 12:03 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 6,847
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Both Law and Horford mentioned by CNNSI.com.
Quote:
Remember when high-impact NBA rookies were all peach-fuzzed kids right out of college? Those days are long gone. As the 2007-08 season gets set to tip-off, the top rookie is just as likely to be a world-weary European free agent sporting full facial hair and maybe a championship trophy or two from some international competition.
Last year Jorge Garbajosa of the Raptors played as big a role in his team's success as any rookie over the first half of the season. Had he not broken his leg last March, the 6-foot-9 Spanish small forward might have threatened Portland's Brandon Roy for the Rookie of the Year award.
This year's crop of rookies features two more experienced international newcomers, including one we think will make the biggest impact of all. Here then is our list of 10 impact rookies to watch for in the season ahead, listed in reverse order:
10. Acie Law, Hawks
The 6-3 point guard from Texas A&M has shown flashes in the preseason of a Chris Paul-like breakout in Atlanta, but he might not log enough minutes. Hawks coach Mike Woodson is under pressure to win now, which means he'll probably go with veterans Anthony Johnson and Speedy Claxton for the bulk of the QB duties.
3. Al Horford, Hawks
Like Thornton, Horford appears ready to step in and make an immediate contribution. The former Florida Gator was averaging 11.7 points, 8.9 boards and 2.0 blocks in 30.1 minutes in the preseason, and coach Mike Woodson swears he has no fear about throwing Horford into the mix right away. Look for him to be a solid pro right from opening night.
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NBA.com Pre-season Rookie Rankings
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