Rookie Surprises

The early returns are showing surprising developments among the 2008 rookie class. Former Kansas star Mario Chalmers fell to the second round in the draft. Chalmers was clearly looking forward to the NBA lifestyle; he was caught with weed and women in his hotel room during the NBA rookie life-skills orientation session. Yet he has played with great maturity this season, averaging 8 ppg, 6 apg, and 3.8 rpg while starting at point guard for the Miami Heat. Chalmers set a franchise and rookie record with nine steals Wednesday against the Sixers. F Jason Thompson was selected by the Kings with the 12th pick in the first round and has played very well. The former Rider star is averaging 13.6 ppg and 6.8 rpg in just 25 minutes per game this season. Prince Luc Richard Mbab a Moute never really played up to expectations at UCLA, however he has cracked the Bucks rotation under hard-ass head coach Scott Skiles. Mbab a Moute was selected with the seventh pick in round two, and is averaging 8.6 ppg and 5 rpg while shooting 59 percent from the floor. Mbab a Moute's performance means the Bucks might try to move Richard Jefferson by mid-season.