Survey: Griffin tops, but rooks like Flynn, DeRozan, too

For the last several months, reporters, bloggers, team personnel and fans have had plenty to say about the Draft Class of 2009. We made projections before the Draft, gave analysis after it and made evaluations from the Summer League.

No one knows the rookies, though, like the rookies themselves. So we took a survey of 35 of them to get the inside scoop on the best of the group.

Blake Griffin has long been considered head and shoulders above the rest of his class, so it's no surprise that he headlines the survey. But he didn't dominate any of our questions the way Stephen Curry did with the best shooter question.

If fans get to vote for a rookie to participate in the dunk contest this year, the rest of the class likely will be disappointed if DeMar DeRozan doesn't go to Dallas. And for a great individual matchup, tune in on Jan. 26 and Jan. 31, when the man the rookies picked as the best playmaker, Jonny Flynn of the Timberwolves, goes up against one of the best defenders, Toney Douglas of the Knicks.

Here are the results. Note that players were not allowed to vote for themselves, their NBA teammates or their college teammates. And if they did (which happened despite clear instructions), their vote was discounted for that question.

Who will be the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year?

1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 54.8 percent

"At 6-10, he does a lot of stuff that small forwards or guards do. He's in a league of his own in that respect, and he's so skilled."

2. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota -- 12.9 percent

James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 12.9 percent

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 6.5 percent

Others receiving votes: DeMar DeRozan (TOR), Tyreke Evans (SAC), Brandon Jennings (MIL), James Johnson (CHI)

One player actually signed his name for his answer like he was signing an autograph. You have to admire his belief in himself, but of course, that vote didn't count.

Which rookie is most ready to contribute right away?

1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 37.1 percent

"He's got talent and he works at it. They say that hard work beats talent, but Blake has both. He works hard all the time."

2. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota -- 17.1 percent

3. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento -- 14.3 percent

James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 14.3 percent

5. James Johnson, Chicago -- 5.7 percent

Others receiving votes: Stephen Curry (GSW), DeMar DeRozan (TOR), Brandon Jennings (MIL), DaJuan Summers (DET)

From the responses to the first three questions, it's clear that Griffin, Flynn and Harden are the consensus top three in the class.

Which rookie will have the best career?

1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 20.6 percent

"His body is built for the NBA and built to be productive for a long time. He has a lot to polish in his game to make him an even better player down the road."

2. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota -- 11.8 percent

James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 11.8 percent

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 5.9 percent

DeMar DeRozan, Toronto -- 5.9 percent

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento -- 5.9 percent

Gerald Henderson, Charlotte -- 5.9 percent

Jeff Teague, Atlanta -- 5.9 percent

Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis -- 5.9 percent

Others receiving votes: Chase Buddinger (HOU), Earl Clark (PHX), Brandon Jennings (MIL), James Johnson (CHI), Ty Lawson (DEN), DaJuan Summers (DET), Terrence Williams (NJN)

This is the question that generated the biggest variety of responses.

Which rookie is being most overlooked?

1. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio -- 15.6 percent

2. Toney Douglas, New York -- 9.4 percent

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia -- 9.4 percent

DaJuan Summers, Detroit -- 9.4 percent

Sam Young, Memphis -- 9.4 percent

6. Taylor Griffin, Phoenix -- 6.3 percent

James Johnson, Chicago -- 6.3 percent

Ty Lawson, Denver -- 6.3 percent

Terrence Williams, New Jersey -- 6.3 percent

Others receiving votes: Omri Casspi (SAC), Earl Clark (PHX), Darren Collison (NOH), Austin Daye (DET), Jonny Flynn (MIN), Eric Maynor (UTA), Jermaine Taylor (HOU)

The players answered Blair because he dropped to the second round, but for the most part, the media has lauded the Spurs for the pick.

Which rookie is the most athletic?

1. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto -- 47.1 percent

"His leaping ability is incredible. I wouldn't be surprised if he won the dunk contest this year."

2. Terrence Williams, New Jersey -- 20.6 percent

3. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 14.7 percent

4. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota -- 5.9 percent

Sam Young, Memphis -- 5.9 percent

Others receiving votes: Gerald Henderson (CHA), Jordan Hill (NYK)

DeRozan and Williams have completely different body types. DeRozan is skinny, while Williams is thick and strong.

Which rookie is the best shooter?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 79.4 percent

"He knows how to get his shot off, even though he's a small guard, and he gets it off really quick."

2. Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee -- 8.8 percent

3. Wayne Ellington, Minnesota -- 5.9 percent

Others receiving votes: Austin Daye (DET), DaJuan Summers (DET)

They're apparently willing to overlook Curry's 32.5 percent from the field in Summer League.

Which rookie is the best defender?

1. Toney Douglas, New York -- 23.3 percent

Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis -- 23.3 percent

"The combination of [Douglas'] strength and his lateral quickness makes him a good defender. You've got to make a lot of moves to get past him."

"[Thabeet] can block shots and change shots with his size. It's tough to attack the basket with somebody that big in the middle."

3. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia -- 16.7 percent

4. Darren Collison, New Orleans -- 10.0 percent

Terrence Williams, New Jersey -- 10.0 percent

6. DeMarre Carroll, Memphis -- 6.7 percent

Others receiving votes: DeMar DeRozan (TOR), Jonny Flynn (MIN), Jeff Pendergraph (POR)

The long and the short of it. Thabeet is 7-foot-3. Douglas is 6-foot-1.

Which rookie is the best playmaker?

1. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota -- 40.0 percent

"He plays like he's been playing in the league already. He's got that whole swagger about him."

2. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee -- 31.4 percent

3. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento -- 5.7 percent

Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 5.7 percent

Terrence Williams, New Jersey -- 5.7 percent

Others receiving votes: Rodrigue Beaubois (DAL), Ty Lawson (Denver), Eric Maynor (UTA), Jeff Teague (ATL)

Of the 23 rookies who wrote Flynn's name as their response to any of the questions, only six spelled "Jonny" correctly.

What will be the biggest adjustment for you playing in the NBA?

1. Schedule (number of games) -- 37.1 percent

2. Pace or style of play -- 25.7 percent

3. Physicality or talent of players -- 14.3 percent

4. Lifestyle/Off-court issues -- 8.6 percent

New position or role -- 8.6 percent

Also receiving votes: Staying healthy, Travel

An 82-game schedule has to be pretty intimidating when you've never played more than 35 or so.

Would you rather make the Playoffs or be a starter for your team this season?

1. Playoffs -- 87.1 percent

2. Starter -- 12.9 percent

Wouldn't you love to know who answered "Starter?"