NBA: Rookie team of the half season

Point Guard: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Lillard isn’t just the best rookie in the league but might certainly make the case for being the top player in the Portland side. Not to shoo credit away from LaMarcus Aldridge but Lillard is playing the position of point guard like a true primo. In a class where hype surrounded the Kentucky stars, Lillard certainly has made his case to be the best draft pick of 2012. Apart from his shooting decisions, Lillard is a caliber drive-in specialist and notable passer. However, consistency is something Damian Lillard needs to work on considering he shoots 4 out of 20 in a night against the Lakers after a stellar performance against the Sacramento Kings.

Shooting Guard: Alexey Shved, Minnesota Timberwolves

Shved was the least expected guard to lead the Timberwolves side. Roy was back in the off-season and Rubio was declared fit. Add that to Kevin Love’s shooting prowess and Andrei Kirilenko’s versatility, Rick Adelman would clearly not have needed Shved’s services in abundance before the season began.

Fortunately for Shved, his chances came in when Rubio and Roy lost their fitness battles once again. Shved is averaging 11 PPG, 3 RPG and 5 APG in his first season and is a balanced, creative workforce that any tactical coach would love to have. His three-point shooting has been off lately but he is still a dream to work with since he can quite easily fit in any positions at the arc.

Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Bobcats

I saw MKG play in college and to say the least, he hasn’t transformed his playing style significantly. He is still mean, aggressive, fouls at ease and would be absolutely intolerant guarding clutch shooters. In fact, if this article was written two weeks ago, Dion Waiters would be my first choice at this position.

But the game against the Hornets changed my opinion of MKG, especially considering he carries this team on his back despite the likes of Kemba Walker and Ben Gordon still being on the roster. Walker and Gordon are terrific shooters and handlers of the ball but do not possess the killer instinct as much as Kidd-Gilchrist does. When games don’t go his way, Kidd-Gilchrist is ready to step up his game, play defensive roles, shoots the ball less and in clutch situations, is all over the court showcasing his commitment.

22 points against the Hornets and Davis, 11-14 shooting and impeccable defense against Eric Gordon, seals the deal for MKG heading into 2013. It’s going to be close for him though – Dion Waiters seems to be finally getting a hold of his three point shots and Beal is having few decent nights.

Power Forward: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets

The distinction of being the first overall pick has boosted Davis’ game coming from a renowned Kentucky program. He is shooting a lot more in the NBA, as expected of him. When he does bucket 10-12 points per game, his rebounding has been sound with an average of nearly 9 RPG this season. Not to forget, his blocks boost his quest for the Rookie of the Year award. 14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 1.9 BPG with a PER of nearly 21, Davis is certifying his label as the next Tim Duncan of the league. Don’t be surprised if he blocks more often in the coming weeks as his troubled ankle heals.

Center: Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Drummond’s PER is higher than Davis’ despite averages of 7 PPG and RPG. The reason being his importance to the Pistons’ has been more significantly capitalized on than Davis’ derailed Hornets. The Pistons are also on a 4-1 run in the final weeks of December and Drummond has played a vital role to this team’s on slot back into the Eastern Conference’s top 10. Be it dominance in the paint, explosiveness in physique or the partnership with Kyle Singler, Drummond’s stock will rise continuously as the season goes.

ALL-NBA SECOND ROOKIE TEAM:

Point Guard: Terrence Ross, Toronto Raptors

Shooting Guard: Dion Waiters, Cleveland Cavaliers

Small Forward: Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

Power Forward: Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics

Center: Tyler Zeller, Cleveland Cavaliers