Originally Published: January 26, 2012

Rookie Watch: Biggest surprises

Thorpe By David Thorpe
Scouts Inc.
Archive

With games coming at an alarming rate and players moving in and out of rotations thanks to injuries, fouls or coaching decisions, it's too early to make any kind of permanent decision about how this class is doing. One week a player could be scoring and playing a lot, the next week he could be out of the rotation entirely.

Still, there are five guys who have played well enough, and for enough minutes, to be noticed as having more than just a few good moments. And all five are exceeding expectations by a good degree. Here are my top surprises of the first month of the season.


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  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    Who gets the MVP award from the Clippers 103-96 win over the Nuggets? Paul had 36-9, Griffin had 27-12-5.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • NBAonESPN The NBA on ESPN
    RT @DimeAlert: That wraps it up from Staples. Griffin and Paul carry the Clippers to a 103-95 victory over the Nuggers.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    That wraps it up from Staples. Griffin and Paul carry the Clippers to a 103-95 victory over the Nuggers.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeUpdate Dime Update
    There's Lawler's Law: First team to 100 wins. Clippers up 101-93 with a minute left. Paging T-Mac or Reggie Miller?
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeUpdate Dime Update
    Once again, the Nuggets just haven't been able to score consistently down the stretch. Clippers are up 99-93 with 1:12 left to play.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    Griffin has 25 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists to boot. Nuggets are in danger of being put away, down 7 with 2 minutes left.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • johnhollinger John Hollinger
    @kevinarnovitz I bet Julyan Stone (UTEP) has a Miners' hat.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • kevinarnovitz Kevin Arnovitz
    Harrington has been the beneficiary of Clips' coverage/traps/rotations, but can't find the hoop with a miner's hat.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • NBAonESPN The NBA on ESPN
    RT @DimeUpdate: The Clippers are just barely holding off the Nuggets behind the play of Griffin and Paul. LAC 95 - DEN 92 with 3:29 left.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeUpdate Dime Update
    The Clippers are just barely holding off the Nuggets behind the play of Griffin and Paul. LAC 95 - DEN 92 with 3:29 left.
    about 2 hours ago     
  • kevinarnovitz Kevin Arnovitz
    RT @docsheadgames: It was exactly a year ago that @diamond83 got first national interview of the historic win. Man, was that fun! http:/ ...
    about 2 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    Blake Griffin is back on the floor, and Chris Paul returns with him. They've got some work to do -- Nuggets are up 2 with 6 minutes left.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    Griffin banged the elbow he didn't have the Barry Bonds padding on. He's icing it now the bench -- not sure if he'll return.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • DimeUpdate Dime Update
    The Chris Paul takeover is in full effect. He's 11-for-14 with 34 points. LAC 89, DEN 83 with 9 minutes to play.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    Blake Griffin went down really hard on the baseline. He's walking it off, and all of Staples Center just collectively exhaled.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JustinVerrier Justin Verrier
    As @PedroMoura points out, Chris Paul's career high is 43 points. He's got 34 right now (tying season high). Doable.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JustinVerrier Justin Verrier
    Clips facing worst-case scenario in last game before the break: Nugs sitting, but it's still a one-point game after three.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • jadande J.A. Adande
    I'd hire someone with those degrees RT @eqninja if I could redo college I would major in Blake Griffin dunks. Minor in Rasheed Wallace.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • DimeAlert Dime Alert
    In the final game of the night, we've got a good one in LA. #Clippers have an 80-79 lead over the #Nuggets going into the 4th quarter.
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JustinVerrier Justin Verrier
    Just because it's the end of the quarter doesn't mean you don't have to run a play, Entire NBA.
    about 3 hours ago