They didn’t have summer league or full-length training camps. But this year’s rookie class has started off just fine. Here’s who is setting the pace:
5. MarShon Brooks, New Jersey » Lost in the turmoil of a franchise in as much disarray as the Wizards, Brooks has proved just as capable of scoring in the NBA as he did with Providence, averaging 13.7 points through his first six games, second among rookies.
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4. Norris Cole, Miami » The Big Three’s youngest teammate was one of the most underrated players in last year’s draft. If Cole’s Cleveland State pedigree didn’t impress, scoring in double digits (11.7 ppg) off the bench for one of the NBA’s best teams should.
3. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota » He’s not a starter yet, but in the fourth quarters of the Timberwolves’ first four games, Rubio played all 48 minutes. With his 6-foot-4 size, the experience of having been a pro since he was 15 and most importantly his understanding of the game, Rubio has helped make the Timberwolves both exciting and competitive.
2. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland » Wonder whether the Cavaliers are rebuilding the right way? Thompson, the fourth pick in the draft, has averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in his first five games. Through Tuesday, the two players taken right behind him had yet to play, with Jonas Valanciunas opting for another year in Europe and Jan Vesely missing the Wizards’ first five games with a hip injury.
1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland » The No. 1 overall pick leads all rookies in scoring (14.6 ppg), averaging 16.8 points and 53 percent shooting in his last four games. He had 20 points, six assists and a pair of key blocks in Tuesday’s 115-101 win over Charlotte.
