Ty Lawson

by Tom
(Denver)

When the Denver Nuggets traded for Ty Lawson in the 2009 NBA draft, they knew they were getting a quick guard. What they didn't realize is that he'd also get off to a quick start in the NBA. While Lawson is sometimes listed as the third point guard on the depth chart behind Chauncey Billups and Anthony Carter, he's made an immediate impact on the team, leading in several categories such as 3 point shooting percentage and assist to turnover ratio.

Lawson, who is officially listed at 5'11", was consistently labeled as "too short" to play basketball at a high level. But Lawson has been proving them all wrong, starting at the University of North Carolina where he played three years.

Lawson led the Tar Heels to the 2009 NCAA championship, and he garnered a pile of awards, everything from ACC Player of the Year to the Bob Cousy award for the NCAA's best point guard. He then declared for the 2009 NBA Draft, being selected in the #18 slot with Denver trading a future draft pick to acquire him from Minnesota, who originally held the draft pick.

Lawson, normally a spark plug off the bench, was pushed into a seven game starting role in December and January due to injuries to Billups and Carter. During these games, he averaged 15.9 points a game on 55.8% shooting. He also averaged 43 assists to only 12 turnovers, which is an exceptional 3.58 A/TO ratio.

Lawson's play has won over coach George Karl, who now sees Lawson as a key addition, not only to the team's upcoming playoff run, but to future years. "He gives us something we didn’t have," the coach was quoted as saying in a Sports Illustrated piece. Not only is Lawson producing now, but he only turned 22 during the 2009-2010 season, meaning the Nuggets have plenty of years to put his quickness to work.