While the NFL has had impact rookies like Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Marques Colston, the NBA isn’t exactly a place where rookies get to shine – due to a plethora of reasons.  Sure, we had Chris Paul last season, and even LeBron James in the past, but it’s becoming pretty obvious that there are “none of the above” in this year’s class.  However, just because there are no All-Stars this season does not mean that this year’s rookie class can’t help your fantasy team.

Continuing from Zack Francis’ Rookie Radar, I think we may have a realignment on our hands.

1. Jorge Garbajosa, SF/PF/C, Toronto Raptors (Up)

During the last Rookie Radar, Garbajosa was clocking in at about 27 minutes a night.  He was making the most of it, frequently chipping in with double-digit points and decent field goal percentage.  Since then, the injury to Chris Bosh (knee) has opened up the doors for about five to seven extra minutes a night – with two of his last three games being over 40 minutes.  Garbajosa is still putting up buckets, but is also grabbing rebounds and ripping the rock (seven steals in his last three games).  He still tries to shoot the three-ball at times, which may do some damage to your field goal percentage from time to time, but right now, I think there are no other rookies worth starting on a daily basis.

2. Adam Morrison, SF/PF, Charlotte Bobcats (Down)

If I were Allen Iverson, I wouldn’t want to go to Charlotte either.  Morrison has not only been demoted back to the bench, but he’s responded to that with the following numbers from the field:

December 3: 1-5
December 6: 1-10
December 8: 1-11
December 10: 1-8

Yep, you read that right.  Morrison is shooting a whopping 11.7% from the filed over his last four contests.  Hey Adam, you’re not exactly helping your cause here.  If Morrison did anything else aside from scoring for fantasy teams, he’d be worth more – but when you’re a one-trick pony, and your “trick” isn’t cutting it, neither are you. 

3. Daniel Gibson, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers (Way Up)

Gibson definitely had to wait his turn after Larry Hughes went down a few weeks ago.  He’s seen Damon Jones, David Wesley, Sasha Pavlovic and Shannon Brown get the minutes at the shooting guard.  However, since he’s been given the shot, he hasn’t disappointed.  His minutes have lately crept into the 30s, and have a decent shot at staying around the high 20s once Hughes is fully recovered.  In the two weeks of December, Gibson has chipped in 12 three-point field goals, while even helping on the glass.  Coach Brown seems to be a big fan of the kid’s contributions – and that’s always a good sign.

4. Andrea Bargnani, SF/PF, Toronto Raptors (Up)

Another Raptor big man that likes to shoot the long ball.  His tendency to not drive with the basketball is definitely hurting his field goal percentage, however when the jumper is falling, Bargnaini’s points are rising.  He’ll also receive more minutes with Chris Bosh on the shelf, and I’d expect at least a short-term boost in his playing time.  Joey Graham seems to have other opinions about that, but you can’t argue with at least 27 minutes a game from a rookie at this point. 

5. Rudy Gay, SF/PF, Memphis Grizzlies (Up)

He was an Honorable Mention last time around, but he’s since put up a 20 point, seven rebound night, and continues to be a thief on the hardwood.  Eight steals in his last six games, despite barely getting into the 20s in terms of playing time.  His percentages are absolutely killer, but when you’re in this sort of company, eight steals in six games gets your name in the top-five.  Nice work, Rudy.

Honorable Mention:

Brandon Roy, PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers

He got out to a strong start, putting up nice point totals along with all-around contribution.  Then came the heel injury that has kept him on the shelf for the last few weeks, frustrating fans and fantasy owners alike.  Latest news has him hitting the treadmill, and hoping to return later this week.  I’d expect Portland to not rush him back, making next week more likely.  Roy and Jarrett Jack will be one tough, young backcourt for years to come.

LaMarcus Aldridge, SF/PF/C, Portland Trailblazers

While I still think that Aldridge would make a very nice small forward for the Blazers (think Tayshaun Prince), Portland apparently has other ideas for right now with Ike Udoka getting the burn.  I truthfully think that a Jamaal Magloire trade would be the best thing to happen to Aldridge, but I think this beefy contract may permit that.  For now, Aldridge will have to make the most of his time and make Portland realize that he’s a double-double threat if given the PT.

Shelden Williams, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks

With Marvin Williams’ return, and Josh Smith putting up absolutely sick numbers, The Landlord has been placed back on the bench.  He’s still tipping around 18 minutes a night, but this doesn’t justify having him on a fantasy roster.  Keep an eye on him in case any other Hawks get injured, but for now, cut him loose.

Craig Smith, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Slowly becoming the only rookie that Minnesota talks about.  With Randy Foye’s minutes being played like a yo-yo, Smith has been making the most of his time being a beast on the glass.  If Kevin Garnett were to somehow be moved, Smith would be a very nice option for Minnesota.  However, I don’t exactly see that happening, so he’s simply a fill-in.