Introducing your rookie of the year … Chris Paul of the Hornets. The next Isiah Thomas? At barely 6 feet, the point guard from Wake Forest is so far ahead of the rookie pack that it seems the NBA could start engraving his name in the trophy. He has been the key for the surprising play of the Hornets, who are 8-8 this season after starting 8-40 last season. Kevin Garnett called him “gorilla” for putting the team on his back. Coach Byron Scott compared him to LeBron James for his feel for the game. Minnesota coach Duane Casey said Paul reminded him of a young Stephon Marbury. Here’s a look at the season’s top rookies:
SAM’S TOP ROOKIES OF THE SEASON
PAUL, HORNETS: Leads all rookies in scoring at 16.9 and assists at 6.8 and is fourth in rebounding at 5.6. He ranks fifth overall in the NBA in steals and has some attitude, ranking sixth in the league in technical fouls.
CHANNING FRYE, KNICKS: Larry Brown’s decision to start him should be enough of an endorsement. He’s second to Paul in rookie scoring at 14.7 per game and third in rebounding at 5.9. Plays tougher than advertised and could become impressive if Eddy Curry develops like he has.
CHARLIE VILLANUEVA, RAPTORS: Thought to be too inconsistent, but he has been their second-best player to Chris Bosh. Fourth in rookie scoring and second in rebounding. Despite team’s poor record, he has made big plays late in games.
ANDREW BOGUT, BUCKS: Leading rookie rebounder at 7.8 and also averaging 7.8 points. The No. 1 overall pick will never be a big-time scorer, but with Joe Smith out–probably for an extended period– he’s playing a major role on a contending team. Also ranks among rookie leaders in assists.
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DERON WILLIAMS, JAZZ: Averaging 14 points and 4.8 assists, he has been playing more shooting guard of late as he tends to be more of a shoot-first guard, averaging more than a dozen field-goal attempts per game, high for a point guard.
In the surprise category: Indiana’s Sarunas Jasikevicius, Houston’s Luther Head, Charlotte’s Sean May, Toronto’s Jose Calderon and Atlanta’s Salim Stoudamire. The disappointment: No. 2 pick Marvin Williams of Atlanta.