This is a new feature of the site where we attempt to determine the value of NBA players who are still on rookie contracts.  This is both an objective and subjective process, as 2008 rookies have 3 years of stats, whereas 2011 rookies have yet to play a game.  The most effective way to judge players across four years of NBA drafts is to evaluate and rank them based on their perceived trade value.

Would Washington trade John Wall for Blake Griffin?  Absolutely.  Would LAC trade Blake Griffin for John Wall?  Nope.  Thus, John Wall is ranked below Blake Griffin.  The same exercise is applied to John Wall vs. Russel Westbrook, and so on.

Admittedly, most NBA players lose value as soon as they step on the court.  2008 was an exceptional draft as it has already produced 3 all stars and over 10 starters.  Most drafts are not as good as 2008.  But NBA GM’s value the untested pretty highly.  Enes Kanter may never be as good as Serge Ibaka, but I personally do not think that Utah would trade Enes for Serge straight up.

I think that NBA GM’s are correcting this, a bit.  The trade of George Hill for a lottery pick in 2011 was something that would not have happened in previous NBA seasons.  Fans want a homerun, and the NBA draft is the only place to hit one.

Here is the initial run-out of NBA player value for players still on rookie contracts.  This list will be updated periodically, so please check back every month or so.