Top NBA Impact Rookies for 2011-2012: A Fan's Take

The NBA is reportedly set to begin on Christmas for a 66-game schedule according to the Washington Post and many other sources, and teams are getting ready for a fast and furious free agent period that could change the face of the league.

But the 2011-2012 rookies also could have a big impact this season despite the current class not getting a whole lot of media attention.

Here are some of the top rookies who could end up making a big difference this season in relation to their 2011-2012 expectations:

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats- He's got an NCAA title and now an Under Armour commercial under his belt, and many fans think he got picked a little too low at number 9 in the draft. Others think his lack of size will be more difficult to overcome in the NBA.
Regardless of whether or not he becomes a star, he should be able to put up good numbers this season if he gets enough playing time, because he can score from just about anywhere past halfcourt and he's the best clutch performer in the 2011 draft class.

Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons- Detroit has some serious decisions to make as to whether or not to keep players like Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Will Bynum in the backcourt but one thing's for sure: the 19-year-old Knight will get plenty of time to show what he can do on the court.

The Pistons haven't had a true point guard since they traded Chauncey Billups and Knight could be the biggest value pick of the draft at number eight as well as a strong contributor in his first year.

Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves- Williams has a lot of expectations considering his lofty draft position, but many feel he is the most talented player in the draft who hasn't gotten the proper attention.
While Kyrie Irving of the Cavs is going to be a very good player, Williams, the second pick, probably has a better chance to be a superstar at some point in his career. The Arizona product can do a little bit of everything with his versatile inside-outside game and the T'Wolves need scoring to go with their strong rebounding up front.

Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings- There are a lot of questions surrounding Fredette including his defense, and he probably won't end up being a star, but his dynamite outside shooting ability and unique game will spark the Kings and their fans, who might be the best in the league when they have something to actually cheer about. The franchise has talent but the Kings and their fans desperately need a shot in the arm. If he can blend his game with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins he could be a great fit and complementary player right away. Picking Fredette at ten seemed like a reach but his intangibles could make up for his lesser potential.

Jan Vesely, Washington Wizards- According to RotoWorld Fantasy Sports, Vesely has agreed to a buyout with his former team in the Czech Republic and should be ready to go. Pairing Vesely, a forward with rare athleticism, speed on the break, and desire, with John Wall could make for some serious fireworks this year and in the future for Washington. The sixth pick in the draft, Vesely still isn't getting much attention but he will soon enough.

Nick Meyer is a lifelong NBA fan who resides in the metro Detroit area.