Williams is an elite athlete devastating off the break

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available onthe agency's public site, Published ratings, criteria andmethodologies are available from this site, at all times. Some NBA players will tell you how tough it is to adjust to the NBA. Other players will tell you it was a fairly smooth transition.The difference between the two usually has to do with how successful players are as rookies.In the 2008-09 season the rookies got off to a hot start and many finished strong Here are 10 rookies who should have the same impact 1. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento KingsThe Kings want Evans to be the man and that means they're going to let him develop on the court.

As one of the bigger point guards in the NBA Evans won't have trouble getting his shots whether its on a crafty lay-in or a pull-up jumper.Aside from lacking elite athleticism, the main knock on Evans entering the NBA is that he lacks true point guard skills. Through Summer League and the pre-season those concerns have been affirmed but Evans does have one of the NBA's best shooters to defer to in Kevin Martin.In a point guard heavy draft the Kings had the first crack at the position group and Evans is the leader for the Rookie of the Year award.2. Blake Griffin, Los Angles ClippersEven though he is a rookie, Griffin is one of the most talented players in the NBA. If you're looking for a mismatch there is a good chance Griffin has it he can face-up and dribble around 4's and post-up the 3's.The Clippers do need Griffin but it looks like they will start him on the bench behind a frontcourt trio of Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and Al Thornton.

That's afrontcourt that missed 82 games last year, a season's worth.3. James Harden, Oklahoma City ThunderIf Harden wasn't playing along side Kevin Durant he would be the clear-cut favorite for the Rookie of the Year Award.With long arms and a deceptive athleticism the former Sun Devil attacks the rim and he is a very good defender for a rookie.OKC's coach Scott Brooks his youth make strides in their progression last season and I expect him to do the same with Harden.4. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio SpursIn what was considered to be a weak draft year by top analysts, how does the Big East Player of the Year slip to the 37th overall pickThat is a question that is going to keep Blair motivated for years. The concerns about Blair's health and conditioning weren't enough to keep the Spurs from investing a second pick, and in a tough economy the move is looking like pure gold.Don't expect Blair to register 30 minutes or average a double-double, but he will be one of the NBA's most productive players per minute. With his long arms and hustle Blair is an aggressive rebounder, especially on offense, and can score on bigger opponents routinely.

When the Spurs need a jolt off the bench Blair will be their man.5. Terrence Williams, New Jersey NetsFor four years at Louisville I have said Williams' game is made for the NBA and finally we will get to see him in open-court action.The eighth pick in the draft may never develop into a 20 PPG scorer but he will generate some triple-doubles, maybe even as a rookie.Williams is an elite athlete, devastating off the break. He will be able to play the point forward position in combination with Devin Harris, filling some of the play making void left by Vince Carter.6. Chase Budinger, Houston RocketsThe Rockets will be hurting for offensive production this season and the silky-smooth shooting Budinger is ready to step-up and deliver.In five games of Summer League action the former Arizona Wildcat averaged 17.8 PPG, shooting 68.1 percent from the field, 72.7 percent from three, and 94.4 percent from the stripe.The former high school volleyball standout glides up the field and he can sky above the hoop with the best of them. The questions about his intensity and commitment should be answered quickly.7. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee BucksWhile the drafting of Jennings was enough to run Ramon Sessions out of town starting point guard Luke Ridnour remains, and he is the only thing sitting between the former prep-to-Euro and a legitimate shot at the Rookie of the Year Award.With elite speed and quickness Jennings will be tough to stop off the bench.