Each week I'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the Rookie of the Year award if the season ended today. Why? Because I was told to keep an eye on the kids...
1. Brandon Roy, G, Blazers: In five games post All-Star break, Roy has increased his scoring (averaging 16.4 ppg), doubled his assist output (from 3.4 to 6.8 apg) and hit the long-ball with consistency (60% from being the arc). He can do it all.
2. Andrea Bargnani, F-C, Raptors: Good news: Along with Roy, Bargnani picked up his second straight Rookie of the Month award on Thursday. The seven-footer averaged 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 28.7 minutes in helping Toronto post a 9-3 record (!) in February. Bad news: He'll miss the Raps' next two home games because of a family illness in Italy.
3. Adam Morrison, F, Bobcats: Another up-and-down week for Young Adam: He goes 7-for-12 against the 76ers, but follows it up with a 4-for-14 clunker against the Raps. He goes 6-for-12 against the Clippers, but follows it up with a 2-for-11 stinker against the Kings. He has his own bobblehead night in March ... they'll probably be recalled after they find razorblades in the dolls' mustaches or something.
4. Rudy Gay, F, Grizzlies: Um, perhaps ranking Gay third was a little premature. The Memphis Flyer came crashing back to earth this past week, averaging just 11 points and four rebounds in three games. But that's OK; "The Urban Raccoons" still love him. (Fantasy team.)
5. LaMarcus Aldridge, F/C, Blazers: Ah, why not? It's not like Millsap or Jorge or Foye are gonna win this damn thing anyways. Over the last four games, Aldridge has averaged 16.5 points, 4.7 boards and 1.8 blocks in fairly limited minutes for the Blazers. Good enough for me ... for this week.
On the cusp: Randy Foye, Jorge Garbajosa and Paul Millsap.
