| The 2008 NBA Lottery Draft was somewhat | | | | by Beasley's official height and some other off |
| predictable, even if the Miami Heat made noise | | | | the court concerns, but he was arguably the top |
| that they were going to bypass prized Kansas | | | | college performer available in the draft. He ended |
| State alum Michael Beasley. After the dust has | | | | last season ranked second in points and second in |
| settled, fantasy basketball owners can look | | | | rebounds last season as a freshmen, which is no |
| toward the season and try to take stock of the | | | | small feat considering the level of competition that |
| different picks. In no particular order, below are | | | | he faced in the Big 12. He should not be expected |
| the top five impact rookies for 2008-2009 and | | | | to make as big of an impact in his rookie season |
| how they might fare in the coming season. | | | | against taller competition, but he should still be the |
| Derrick Rose, PG, Bulls: Rose will likely man the | | | | consensus pick for fantasy basketball Rookie of |
| point guard position all season as the Bulls try to | | | | the Year because of his scoring ability. |
| rebound from a nightmarish 2007-2008 season. | | | | O.J. Mayo, SG, Grizzles: Mayo found himself in |
| He is not particularly a great scorer yet, as he | | | | Memphis after a draft night trade. There are |
| showed at Memphis, but he can definitely handle | | | | plenty of points to be had in Memphis, as there |
| the ball, play solid defense and help his teammates | | | | were in Minnesota. Mayo will see his share of |
| improve. Hoping for a Chris Paul-like contribution | | | | minutes, and he likely has better point-scoring |
| from the youngster is quite optimistic, but he has | | | | ability than top pick Derrick Rose for the |
| the upside to really help fantasy owners in steals | | | | immediate future. Plus, you have to love his |
| and assists. | | | | wardrobe already. |
| Michael Beasley, PF, Heat: Many were discouraged | | | | |