2012 NBA Draft Impact: Eastern Conference

Posted by Tom Blaz on 11/27/2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Dion Waiters, Bradley Beal, Andre Drummond, John Henson, Terrence Ross, Andrew Nicholson, Jarred Sullinger, Fab Melo

We are not yet a month into the season, but the role of this season's rookie crop is beginning to take shape. While you usually don't want to rely on a first year player, they certainly can contribute. With many players turning pro after just one or two years, development is longer in many cases. While rookies will improve as the season progresses and they get more experience, beware of the "rookie wall". Having never played more than 40 games in a season, many will wear down following the All-Star break. Lets take a look at the fantasy prospects of this year's rookie class, starting with the Eastern Conference.

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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Charlotte- Charlotte is looking for players to build around and looks to have found a small forward for years to come. Gilchrist has started all 13 games for the Bobcats and is averaging 11.5 ppg and 6.5 rebounds. An aggressive, defensive specialist, Gilchrist has been plagued by foul trouble. Given his position, age (19) and lack of experience, this is not unusual. Gilchrist fills his stat line nicely, adding 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest.

Dion Waiters/Cleveland- A surprise lottery selection, must like Tristan Thompson was, the Cavs are hoping to pair Waiters with Kyrie Irving for years to come. Kyrie's hand injury has given Cleveland a chance to see what the former Syracuse star can do as the lead guard in the backcourt. Waiters is averaging nearly 15 ppg and has started all 14 contests. In five games since Irving's injury, Waiters is averaging nearly 18 ppg, while scoring 15 or more in each outing.

Roster Worthy

Bradley Beal/Washington- Given the disaster, also known as the Washington Wizards, its tough to get an accurate read on Beal. Barely 19 years old, the Wizards were hoping to pair Beal with John Wall in the backcourt. Unfortunately, Wall won't be available until next month so Beal has had to carry a much larger load than is realistic. Washington is winless in a dozen games and Beal has started ten of them. While averaging more than 11 per game, Beal can only improve on a horrific .326 field goal percentage.

Andre Drummond/Detroit- Drummond was the biggest gamble in the draft. Would he develop into a terror in the paint with elite size and athleticism? Or would he be an underachiever as he was during a short stay at U Conn? So far, Detroit has been patient, using him simply as a backup to Greg Monroe. Drummond has had two break out games, but the Pistons coaches have been reluctant to use him alongside Monroe in a "twin tower" lineup. If Monroe goes down, Drummond could put up outstanding numbers.

John Henson/Milwaukee- Widely considered the top shot-blocker in the 2012 class, Henson had a quiet start, appearing in only six games, all in reserve. On Thanksgiving Eve, Henson got his first career start due to injury and caught the attention of the fantasy basketball world. Henson with 17 points and 18 rebounds in 27 minutes against the Heat in Miami. Henson dropped down to 15, then 7 minutes in next two starts, but showed some serious game in his brief opportunity.

Jury Out

Terrence Ross/Toronto- I really like the potential of Ross, but Toronto is taking it very slow with the former University of Washington star. Ross has appeared off the bench in a dozen games and is mired behind three solid backcourt players. If the Raptors move Jose Calderon, as expected, this could open up more minutes for Ross. Toronto could also use Ross alongside DeMar DeRozan on the wing. Ross had his best game as a pro on Tuesday night, scoring 19 points in 36 minutes at Houston.

Andrew Nicholson/Orlando- Nicholson is worth keeping an eye on, simply because there is so much opportunity in Orlando. So far, the Magic have used him off the bench in all 13 games. Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Nikola Vucevic have both put up surprisingly solid numbers, but Orlando is searching for a solid sixth man up front. Nicholson flashed his upside on Thanksgiving Eve, scoring 15 points in just 21 minutes against Detroit. If either big falters, or losses continue to mount, the Magic may give Nicholson a starting shot.

Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo/Boston- I really like the value the Celtics got late in the draft with this tandem. With Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce wrapping up Hall of Fame careers, Boston may have its big men of the future. Sullinger is a load in the low post and Melo is a long shot-blocker that has untapped potential dating back to his high school days when he was arguably the top center prospect in the nation. If the veterans fade or get injured, GM Danny Ainge will turn to this duo and take a peek at the future in Beantown.

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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.