Super Sophs: Second-year players making their mark on NBA

Jerry Sloan isn't the only NBA coach who has a hard time dealing with the inevitable rookie mistakes made by first-year players.

"I tell kids when they come into the team similar to a pledge, or something like that, that rookies are lower (in the pecking order) and they have to understand that," veteran Lakers coach Phil Jackson told the L.A. Times recently. "That's the lowest point in the world."

The Lakers, like the Jazz, have a couple of rookies on their roster who are seeing precious little, if any, playing time. But the good thing about NBA rookies for coaches like Sloan and Jackson is that they don't stay rookies forever.

Two weeks ago we looked at the top 10 rookies making an impact in the NBA so far this season. This time, it's the sophomores' turn. There are a bunch of second-year players — like Utah's Ronnie Brewer — who have come into their own now that they have a little experience under their belts.

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers — His teammate in Portland, Brandon Roy, walked away with Rookie of the Year honors last season. And he figured to be overshadowed again this season with the addition of can't-miss No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden taking up space in the low post.

Instead, Oden is out for the season after knee surgery and Aldridge is taking a backseat to no one on the Blazers — including Roy.

Aldridge, a 6-11 forward/center, is averaging 19 points per game — 10 more per game than his rookie year — and shooting 53.6 percent from the field. He's also pulling down eight boards per game and blocking an average of 1.2 shots per game.

Now it's going to be interesting to see how Oden and Aldridge can play together next season.

Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers — While many players make huge strides between their rookie and second seasons, that hasn't been the case for Roy.

But Portland's combo guard has a good excuse. He was so good his rookie year that there isn't nearly as much improvement for him to make as there is for many sophomores.

Roy is averaging 17.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, just slightly better than his rookie stats of 16.8 points and 4.0 assists. His shooting percentage, meanwhile, is slightly worse for both field goals and free throws. Still, Roy has been very good and the Blazers are in good shape having both of the top two second-year players in the game.