Despite Rubio's rejection, rookie class loaded with talent

Ricky Rubio doesn't know what he's missing. Besides 8-foot snow drifts, breathtaking wind chill, and the indignity of coming off the bench behind Jonny Flynn, the Spanish phenom also will have to live without experiencing first-hand what promises to be a stellar battle for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Considering the pleasing temperatures and cuisine of Barcelona, where Rubio will play at least the next two years, this probably isn't too devastating for him. But Timberwolves fans -- you're out there somewhere, right? -- will spend the next 24 months wondering "what if?" Basketball fans will wonder how this rookie class would've panned out with Rubio as a major part of it.

Kings rookie Tyreke Evans will get plenty of opportunities to show off his skills. (AP)

We'll have to settle for Blake Griffin trying to hold off a formidable class of lottery picks and a couple of surprising second-rounders who will have ample opportunities to make an impact. So with the regular season tipoff only a week away, here's my ridiculously premature prediction for how the Rookie of the Year race will shake out:

1. Blake Griffin, Clippers: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich called the Clippers' No. 1 overall pick "a monster" this week, and that's good enough for me. I wasn't too impressed with Griffin's range or shooting technique when I attended his pre-draft workout at the Clippers' facility this past summer. But he's averaging 15 points and 8.2 rebounds in preseason, and he knows how to perform when the lights come on. I just hope the Clipper mystique doesn't drag him down.

2. Tyreke Evans, Kings: The No. 4 overall pick is a cross between a point guard and a shooting guard, which some find troubling. Not me. Evans' athleticism, body control, size, strength, and fearlessness -- not to mention plenty of important minutes on a team that doesn't have many other options -- will result in a statistical tidal wave that only a player of Griffin's stature would be capable of holding off.

3. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves: Perhaps the most understated benefit of Rubio's decision to stay overseas is the fact that he may have avoided getting beaten out by Flynn in training camp. He's undersized and will struggle to defend bigger guards, but Flynn's quickness and play-making ability will get him noticed. And he'll barely notice Rubio looking over his shoulder from half-a-continent and an ocean away.

4. DeMar DeRozan, Raptors: DeRozan isn't sturdy enough yet to play in all situations, but the Raptors will find ways to utilize his athleticism and scoring ability. There's a lot of competition at two-guard, but a couple of factors work in DeRozan's favor. Marco Belinelli is probably better suited to coming off the bench, and Jarrett Jack will see time at both guard spots, opening up some playing time for DeRozan. When Jay Triano wants defense, he'll go with Antoine Wright. When he needs instant offense, he'll turn to DeRozan, who exudes star power and has the "it" factor. Once players like DeRozan get an opportunity, they rarely squander it.

5. James Harden, Thunder: Oklahoma City is a team on the rise, and Harden will quickly validate GM Sam Presti's decision to stay out of the Rubio soap opera and select such a complete talent with the No. 3 pick. Some say Harden was too passive at Arizona State, but maybe the game is just too easy for him. Harden can do it all -- penetrate, shoot with range, defend, rebound, and share the ball -- and he doesn't have to assert himself as an end-of-quarter or end-of-game threat as long as Kevin Durant is on the floor.

6. Marcus Thornton, Hornets: What is the 44th pick in the draft doing on this list? Just watch him shoot the ball and the rest will take care of itself. Thornton fits the rookie profile of a sleeper who has the ability and opportunity to make a major impact. The Hornets' two-guard situation is less crowded with Julian Wright moving to small forward, and New Orleans needs a fresh spark to avoid sliding out of contention in the West. With his quick release and scorer's mentality, Thornton is the perfect antidote to the been-there, done-that option of Mo Peterson.

7. Stephen Curry, Warriors: Curry has the benefit of leaning on his father, Dell, an NBA veteran who can appreciate the ups and downs. In the dysfunctional world of the Warriors, Curry is going to need every ounce of that maturity and experience. Curry did not shoot the ball well in summer league or preseason, and he could've used another year in college for his body to mature. But he's too good not to shine, and somehow will find a way to make an impact with the Golden State soap opera swirling around him.

8. Brandon Jennings, Bucks: Easily the most intriguing rookie to watch because of how much his inexperience, defensive limitations, and flashiness contrast with everything Scott Skiles believes in. The Bucks like Jennings because he's a pass-first guy. He better be after shooting 32 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range in his first six preseason games. But as with Curry, talent finds a way to rise to the top.

9. DeJuan Blair, Spurs: Another second-round pick who has a chance to shine like a lottery selection -- which he surely would've been if not for knee issues that scared off 29 teams. The Spurs weren't scared; there's no risk in taking a player of Blair's ability with the 37th pick. Blair put up huge numbers in preseason, and he'll have to dial back his expectations once the veteran-laden Spurs start handling their regular season business. But while Popovich is loyal to veterans, he also isn't afraid to give important minutes to young and/or inexperienced players who will help keep the wins coming. (See George Hill and Roger Mason Jr.) If Blair rebounds the ball at both ends the way he did in summer league and preseason, he'll be on the floor enough to make an impact.

10. Hasheem Thabeet, Grizzlies: Like everyone, I have my reservations about Thabeet. He is the definition of raw on the offensive end. The good part about that is, with Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph on the team, Thabeet probably won't get many chances to show how limited his offensive skills are. But he's too natural a shot-blocker and rebounder to leave out of the top 10. Plus, he's a nice guy and is 7-3, so I don't want to insult him before he's even played a real NBA game. Playing in Memphis is punishment enough.