David Thorpe really likes Yi

From ESPN, By David Thorpe:

Based on his early numbers, few would predict that Sonics forward Kevin Durant will end up anything but Rookie of the Year. His raw statistics (20 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game) are hard to ignore.

But by my standards, Bucks forward Yi Jianlian has been the best rookie to date.

Yi's play has been both surprising and inspiring. Surprising in that no one has a bigger cultural change to adjust to, yet Yi looks like he's been an NBA pro for years. He has a clear plan for success and has executed that plan with discipline and talent.

Yi has an excellent shooting stroke (though a base that is too wide oftentimes) with range beyond the 3-point line. Yet, he has done a terrific job of spotting up inside the line and taking higher percentage shots, making 43.8 percent. Eventually he will choose to take the 3 over the long 2 more frequently, but his plan of easing into the NBA game and trying to experience more success early is right on.

What I love about Yi's offensive game is his versatility and mental acuity. In a series of plays, we will see him post up and back his guy down, face up in the midpost, slash to an opening inside, go glass, and play off the ball beautifully. And he does all of it with passion and purpose.

His agility for a guy his size is impressive, as is his "smoothness" as an athlete, but he also has a fire around the rim (averaging 6.9 boards per game) that will serve him well for years. That fire helps him on defense, too, where he has blocked at least one shot in all but two games so far, with multiple blocks in four. Watching him play leaves me wondering: What kind of numbers would he be putting up if he were playing in Seattle? He's averaging 11 ppg in Milwaukee.

Which brings us to Durant. As documented in a previous column, KD has a rare set of gifts, and he is the best 19-year-old player on Earth. But he does indeed play like a 19-year-old, looking like a kid in a candy store whose father is letting him eat whatever he wants.

His propensity to shoot 3s has not lessened since opening night, but his overall efficiency has. Perhaps Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo figures allowing Durant to run wild now (and lose often) will help him learn how to better value shots and possessions later (anyone remember "Brewster's Millions"?).

He may be right, but even Carlesimo must wonder where the killer from Texas went, the guy who destroyed his opponents on the boards and on defense, too. Right now, he is shooting everything in sight (38.2 field goal percentage), while Yi is choosing wisely and building confidence along the way.

What I'd like to see:

Yi: Better form on his left-handed hooks. He is satisfied with getting the shot off instead of focusing on his mechanics and finishing.

Durant: Fewer contested 3s. More one- and two-dribble pull-up jumpers instead of the runners he is trying.

Here are my Top 10 rookies at this early stage:

1. Yi Jianlian, Bucks: Yi plays like a veteran, reading the game and looking for ways to utilize his talent and size.

2. Kevin Durant, Sonics: KD could stand to study some film of Yi, learning to slow down and not take shots just because he can get them off.

3. Al Horford, Hawks: Big Al plays just as we expected -- he is very competitive inside and already a rebounding force.

4. Jamario Moon, Raptors: Moon defends, hustles and can finish. He may be the small forward Toronto's looking for.

5. Sean Williams, Nets: No one doubted his talent, just his maturity. If he can grow up, this young man has the tools to be a strong NBA player.

6. Jeff Green, Sonics: Green is third in scoring and fifth in rebounding among rookies. Now if he and KD can win a few games he may be moving up this list.

7. Jason Smith, Sixers: His numbers aren't great, but he's very efficient for a rookie. He may be getting more minutes soon.

8. Darius Washington, Spurs: D-Wash is only getting 11 minutes per game, but he is using every minute to make plays and help the Spurs win games.

9. Jared Dudley, Bobcats: Another efficient player who may be getting more time soon. He had a double-double against Phoenix.

10. Corey Brewer, Timberwolves: When he gets decent minutes, Brewer provides scoring, defense and intangibles. This kid is energy personified on the court.

David Thorpe is an NBA analyst for ESPN.com and the executive director of the Pro Training Center at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., where he oversees the player development program for the NBA and college players.