Ranking the Top NBA Rookies Headed for the 2013 NBA Playoffs

Who Are The Top Rookies That Will See Playoff Action?

Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard have been the bright light of this year's NBA rookie class. Davis has produced as expected, while Lillard has played beyond expectations and will inevitably be the rookie of the year. What do both of those players have in common? Their teams will not be in the playoffs.

When a player gets drafted in the lottery, chances are pretty high that the player will become part of a rebuilding process. The elite rookies are assigned to teams that are not yet ready to make an appearance in the playoffs. This, in turn, makes it an uncommon occurrence to see a high-caliber rookie in the postseason.

While both Davis and Lillard will have to wait until New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers work their way back into the playoffs, there are some talented first year players who will be fortunate enough to be part of the playoff atmosphere and competition.

In the playoffs, most rookies generally see their minutes go down in favor of their superior teammates, but that does not mean that there is no room for rookies to come in and contribute. Whether the player is part of the rotation or not, you never know when your number will be called and have to be ready to take on the challenge.

Most contending teams do not really have room for rookie contribution, but teams such as the Houston Rockets are build on a very young core and have seen their young guns make significant progress since coming into the league.

So, which are the best rookies that will be part of the playoffs? Continue reading to find out.

 

Vytis is a Miami Heat and NBA columnist for RantSports. You can follow him on Twitter here: @VytisLasaitis

11. Donatas Motiejunas

The power forward position has been up for grabs in Houston, and Donatas Motiejunas has had his shot as a starter as well. He has not managed to stay consistent, but when he finds his touch, he can be very dangerous. He has not shot the ball great from the three-point line, but if he can be consistent from beyond the arc he is truly a unique threat.

10. Thomas Robinson

Even after being traded to the Houston Rockets, Thomas Robinson has struggled to find his way in the NBA. Still, he was drafted fifth overall in 2012 and is very talented. Robinson is putting up 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this year.

9. Terrence Jones

After returning from D-League, Terrence Jones has been great for the Rockets. In his last four games, he is averaging 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and could see some minutes in the playoffs if he finishes the regular season on a high note.

8. Evan Fournier

In the absence of Ty Lawson, Evan Fournier has had his time to shine. The French guard has not seen many minutes this season, but over his last five games he is putting up 12.6 points per game and could very well earn himself some playoff minutes.

7. Nando De Colo

The 25-year-old Frenchman has seen his minutes go up and down, but he is giving San Antonio Spurs a decent option at the point behind Tony Parker. Nando De Colo knows his role and does a little bit of everything when he is on the court.

6. John Jenkins

John Jenkins has not really been all that consistent, as his minutes tend to fluctuate. Lately, he has shown that he is a decent option at the two-guard position for the Atlanta Hawks, putting up 23 points against the San Antonio Spurs and 21 against Philadelphia 76ers in his last two games.

5. Chris Copeland

Chris Copeland generally doesn’t play a lot of minutes, but when he does play he is usually very effective. He has a PER of 16.02 and shoots the three-ball at a 42.5 percent clip.

4. Pablo Prigioni

It’s a bit funny that Pablo Prigioni is carrying the title of a rookie at 36 years of age, but he has provided the New York Knicks with a veteran presence. He is not very fast, but he is a clever player and will play an important role in the Knicks playoff run.

3. John Henson

When Larry Sanders went down, John Henson had an absolute monster game against the Orlando Magic on Apr. 10. He scored 17 points, blocked seven shots and his 25 rebounds was most by a rookie since Shaquille O’Neal. That’s pretty impressive stuff. Henson has not really played a lot of minutes this season, but his PER of 17.67 shows that he is effective when he plays.

2. Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley was drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, but never got a chance at NBA basketball. After playing overseas, he was signed by the Rockets, and after a trip to the D-League has now become a solid part of the Rockets’ rotation. He is averaging 5.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.

1. Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is probably the best rookie that will remain in the postseason. The seventh pick of the 2012 draft has seen a solid 25.3 minutes per game this season and has been a nice part of the Golden State Warriors’ rotation. He is averaging 9.3 points and four rebounds per game.