Impact rookies My 10 first-year players who'll yield quick dividends Posted: Wednesday October 11, 2006 12:24PM; Updated: Wednesday October 11, 2006 2:42PM Sudden impact. It's more than the name of an old Clint Eastwood film. It's what NBA rookies dream of making when they lie awake in their beds at night during training camp. But how does one define "impact"? Does it mean putting up big numbers on a bad team? Or does it entail making a positive contribution in limited minutes for a contender? Even though training camps are only a week old, it's never too early to project how the first-year players will perform. Here's a look at the 10 rookies we expect will make the biggest impact, ranked 10 through 1. Some are big names, right off the top of the draft board. Others are lesser-known, but could play a key role for a contending team. 10. Jorge Garbajosa, Raptors At age 29, the former Spanish League star is more mature and ready to contribute. Even if the 6-9 forward doesn't play a lot of minutes, he's already having an impact as a mentor for his former Benetton Treviso teammate Andrea Bargnani. 9. Rajon Rondo, Celtics The Celtics are looking for a fast-paced playmaker to spark their attack, and this 6-1 former Kentucky standout has shown signs he can provide that dimension. He'll have to share time with Sebastian Telfair, but look for him to work his way into the rotation. 8. Steve Novak, Rockets The 6-10 second-rounder from Marquette is already being hailed by his Rockets teammates as one of the NBA's best pure shooters. He could be a valuable piece to spread the floor and make foes pay for double teams on Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. 7. Ronnie Brewer, Jazz Jazz coach Jerry Sloan would rather dance the lambada than rely on a rookie, but this 6-7 shooting guard from Arkansas fills a need for an athletic wing man. If Brewer can defend at all, Sloan will have no choice but to run him out there. 6. Andrea Bargnani, Raptors The No. 1 overall pick probably won't be asked to do much right away, especially with Chris Bosh and Rasho Nesterovic in the frontcourt, but he'll get enough playing time to make an impact one way or another. 5. Tyrus Thomas, Bulls The 6-9 forward from LSU is raw, so expect the Bulls to remain patient with him. His ability to run the floor, fill the lane, put back offensive rebounds and make hustle plays could make him an X factor on a rising Chicago team. 4. Shannon Brown, Cavs The Cavs need some bench scoring to replace the departed Flip Murray, and this springy 6-4 shooting guard from Michigan State looked good in summer league. The opportunity will be there if he can take advantage of it. 3. Randy Foye, Timberwolves The 6-4 combo guard from Villanova has had a slow start in camp after an impressive summer league. But the T'Wolves need backcourt help off the bench, and Kevin Garnett will push to get the most out of his new teammate. 2. Adam Morrison, Bobcats Maybe the most intriguing rookie in that he could be the next Bird ... or the next Bust. There's no doubt he can shoot the ball, but can he defend? Either way, he's going to be in the spotlight like few other first-year players. 1. Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers Poised. Mature. Multi-skilled. The 6-6 guard from Washington has the complete package, and he'll get plenty of chances to play both guard spots for a rebuilding team. The preseason favorite for Rookie of the Year. http://tinyurl.com/pjy7b --

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