Here we are, nearing the end of the season and the Rookie of the Year race is wide open. I’d say 3 guys have a legit shot at winning ROY and another 2 guys should steal some votes from the top vote getters.  Since we are so close to the end of the year my rankings will now be a top 5 system with those 5 being the actual contenders for ROY.

1.  Tyreke Evans – Let’s be serious, ROY is usually voted based upon numbers and not so much what the team does (in most cases).  Tyreke has put up 20-5-5 the entire season for the most part and he still have my nod as #1.
2.  Stephen Curry – Curry has a bright future, not just as a shooter but he is turning into a legit PG and has similiar numbers to Evans but just found his stroke later in the year.
3.  Brandon Jennings – Jennings has led his team to a solid 34-29 record and currently the 5th seed in the East.  That year in Italy has proved to help Jennings with his mental toughness as the year progresses for the rookie.
4. Darren Collison – In games he has started (26), most of which are in Paul’s absesne, Collison is averaging 18.9 ppg and 8.8 apg.  Once Paul comes back Collison is likely to see a reduced role but if somehow the Hornets may a run for the playoffs he should definitely be considered for the ROY.
5.  Marcus Thorton – Collison’s teammate has been solid all year once he started seeing minutes.  He’s made 87 3′s on the year as a rookie and is averaging over 12 ppg coming off the bench.  Thorton is the kind of guy who may find himself as a career 6th man type of guy.

Those are my top 5 ROY contenders, in order.  Does anyone have anything different?

-The Basher