Rookie of the Year Race Tightens: Morrison's No Lock

Handicapping a tight Rookie of the Year race at the 1/5 mark. Why 1/5? Because I'm an odd, odd individual. And who knows if Paul Millsap can keep this up.

Adam Morrison, 3rd pick, Bobcats: 3:1
The shaggy-haired, mustachioed wonder has silenced the critics, leading all rookies with 15.3 points a night. The defense isn't quite there, but Kelly Tripucka never played any, and he had a lengthy and productive career. What helps the third overall pick is that he's starting and playing 36 minutes a night.

Andrea Bargnani, 1st pick, Raptors 7:1
Rapidly rising, he's averaging 7.4 points per game, and as the Raptors fade (you know they will), we expect his minutes to jump from 16 a night to in the high 20s. Road to the ROY? Outplay Morrison head-to-head.

Paul Millsap, 47th pick, Jazz: 10:1
Don't laugh, folks. A surprising energetic bundle off the bench for Utah, averaging 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. If the Jazz can continue this magical start, Millsap's chances increase. And just to file away: Carlos Boozer and AK-47 are not exactly paragons of health.

Marcus Williams, 22nd pick, New Jersey: 12:1
Just call it a hunch. While 8.1 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game are nice, imagine if the Nets traded old man Kidd!

Brandon Roy, 6th pick, Trailblazers: 15:1
Due to injury, he's only played in five games. Still, his production has been solid – 11.6 points, 3.4 assists – and once his heel heals (ha!), expect him to make a run.

LaMarcus Aldridge, 2nd pick, Trailblazers: 18:1
Despite a logjam at center in Portland, the Texas stud has prospered, averaging 8.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in about 22 minutes a night. Best chance at the ROY: If Zach Randolph gets arrested again or thrown off the team, and Aldridge steals his minutes (and his shots).

Craig Smith, 36th pick, Minnesota: 20:1
Quietly, the former Boston College stud has emerged as an inside threat in Minnesota, averaging 8.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 53 percent from the field.

Rudy Gay, 8th pick, Grizzlies, 25:1
He's averaging 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds, but the Grizzlies are a catastrophe.

Randy Foye, 7th pick Minnesota 30:1
A sexy pick for ROY in the preseason, he's only playing 14 minutes a night and scoring 6.4 points per game. Blame Ricky Davis.