NBA's Most Efficient Rookies

With thoughts of this year's draft already underway, I thought it would be great to explore the how some of last year's draft is panning out, and how efficient they have been in their rookie seasons. Here are a few of this year's rookies who are among the leaders in Player Efficiency Rating.

Sean Williams, New Jersey Nets, C, 16.19 PER - Sean Williams is one of the surprise showings of this year's rookie class. He is doing a great job trying to fill the role of big man for the Nets. He is shooting 54.8% from the field, and he is scoring 14.2 points per 40 minutes. He is also pulling down 5.5 rebounds in just 21 minutes of playing time, with a true shooting percentage of 57%. His athleticism in the paint has served the Nets well, as he has caught his fair share of assists from Mr. Jason Kidd. And down low, that athleticism has served him well on the defensive end, as he has been a blocking machine. He is averaging 2.0 blocks per game in limited minutes.

Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers, SF, 16.14 PER - His game is being extremely underrated right now. Sure, his 6.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, and 0.6 apg aren't exactly lighting up the NBA, but his efficiency and intangibles are far too unnoticed for a rookie in this league. In only 17.5 minutes, Young is exhibiting the qualities that you don't see in most veterans. He exhibits great intensity on defense, which is evident in his 0.8 steals per game and his 2.2 rebounds per game which come off a rebound rate of 13.1, which is actually leads all small forwards averaging at least 15 minutes per game.

Luis Scola, Houston Rockets, PF, 15.09 PER - Many people said that the San Antonio Spurs would regret letting Luis Scola go this past off-season, and I finally understand why. Sure, he is 27 years old and is by far the oldest "rookie" in the league, but there is no denying that he has a great impact on the game when he is in there for his 21 minutes. Even if he is not the explosive player many thought he might be, the Spurs miss him for sheer efficiency and depth alone, and the Rockets are reaping the rewards. Scola's rebound rate is 14.0, and his per 40 averages are 15.8, 9.8, and 2.3 in points, rebounds, and assists. That all-around game really troubles defenses, and it has really helped solidify the Rockets lineup over the past month or so.

Kevin Durant, Seattle Sonics, SF, 15.07 - Needless to say, many scouts were expecting much more from Durant this season. His field goal percentage is not good at all, in fact, it's not even average for a rookie. On top of that, the rebounding that he was so good at in college is nonexistent right now with a rebound rate of only 6.7%. But despite his troubles in adjusting to playing in the NBA and playing the shooting guard position, he still ranks among the best rookies in the league, and his 19.4 points per game are evidence of that. The man has merely struggled with his shot and his turnovers, but he has an 87% free throw percentage and a 26.7 usage rate, so somewhere in there lays the ability for him to shoot better and be more efficient with the ball, he just has to continue to develop.