David Thorpe, who ranks rookies during the NBA season for ESPN, keeps a running list of the top 50 rookies for next season, based in part on what he's seen in summer league. He ranks Brook Lopez just ahead of where he was picked, Ryan Anderson five places lower and Chris Douglas-Roberts seven places higher. Thorpe also credits Sean Williams for giving top rookie Michael Beasley "problems at the rim".
- 2008-09 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 - David Thorpe - ESPN