Wall or Griffin for NBA '10-11 Rookie of the Year?

(left John Wall and Blake Griffin)

Fans that debate about who is the best point guard in the NBA, are usually split down the middle 50/50.  The answer tends to be either Chris Paul, Deron Williams or Steve Nash depending on who you ask.  

 

When it comes to the NBA '10-11 rookie of the year, more people seem to be leaning towards John Wall as the sure winner over Blake Griffin, but it is still too early in the season to predict.  I will say however, that John Wall is at an advantage for the award based on the position he plays.  John Wall is a point guard and Blake Griffin is a power forward.  Wall will have the ball in his hands a lot more than Griffin, creating plays for teammates and himself.  Points, assists and steals will come easier for Wall, as his position on the court has him involved in nearly every play, offensively and defensively.  In 6 games Wall is averaging 19 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. 

Blake Griffin, on the other hand, plays the power forward position.  In lament terms, he is usually given the ball while posting up no more than 18ft away from the basket, with the intention to score or pass the ball if double teamed.  His height, 6'10, compared to Walls 6'4 is where his advantage lies.  This height advantage will give him increased rebounding on both ends and high percentage shots, coming from him setting up so close to the basket.  In 9 games Griffin is averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

Now when I say Wall has the advantage, it's not to say I don't think Blake Griffin is worthy of the award, I do.  I think this is the most exciting race for the award in years.  My belief is that when those who are responsible for the voting make their decision, they will see assists as being worth more than rebounds.  Assists are passes that result in points scored, where as rebounds, primarily offensive, count for second chance points, but not guaranteed.  Wall's highlights will include dunks, behind the back passes, 3 pointers, buzzer beaters, crossovers and he is sure to get several triple doubles throughout the season.  Blake's year will be highlighted by huge put back slams and dominating rebound performances.  Both players, if their numbers plateau or improve from today, are equally deserving of the award.

History may be of no help either when deciding the winner.  In the last 10 years, 5 Rookie of the Year award recipients were point guards and 3 of them were power forwards.  It may all come down to their respective teams records are at the end of the season.  Wall's Washington Wizards are currently 2-4 and Griffin's Los Angeles Clippers are 1-8.  Both franchises have been struggling the past few years, and these 2 future stars are just what they need to turn it all around.

I'll hold off on making my prediction, but will say this much, the NBA draft may have the most immediate impact to any one team in any given sport.  LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers can attest to that, and now is as good a time as any to watch these players develop.