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The NBA lockout has finally come to an end. We're now only a few days away from basketball returning, but we now have rookies in NBA 2K12 as well. We've been months without some key players, and that has now come to end. A majority of the key rookies have signed and are now in the game, so we here at Operation Sports put together a list of the top rookies in NBA 2K12.

Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) - Overall rating: 76

Regarded as the best rookie in NBA 2K12, Irving can get it done at almost every level of the game, with his 80 offense rating and 73 defense rating. Being the highest rated player on the Cavaliers, Irving is fantastic at both inside and outside scoring, where he has a rating of "B-" and "B+," respectively. Crossing up his defender with his great handling, he can get into the lane with ease.

Not only is he a good offensive player, but he's one of the best in the game at perimeter defense, with an "A-" rating. So if you're playing against a 3-point shooting team, Irving can do an exceptional job at stopping them. Irving wasn't the first overall draft pick for nothing. He'll be able to get it done in real life, and in NBA 2K12.

Kemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats) - Overall rating: 76

Although some will consider Kyrie Irving as the best rookie in NBA 2K12, Kemba Walker will be considered by some as a better player. Walker is a better inside scorer, but Irving is a far better perimeter defender. With them both being rookies, each of them have positives and negatives in their game. Walker has an overall offensive rating of 79, and an inside scoring rating of "B" -- he is one of the best rookies at driving into the lane and scoring. Walker has an outside scoring rating of "B," but if he has a hand in his face, your best bet is pump fake and then drive to the lane. Not only can Kemba score behind the 3-point line, but he can also defend it as well, with a "B" perimeter defense rating.

Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs) - Overall rating: 72

There are a slew of great rookie rebounders, and Leonard is no exception, with his 85 rebounding rating. The San Antonio Spurs are known as an older team, but Leonard's reach and exceptional 75 defensive rating and "B-" perimeter defense rating is sure to have more people use them online. He's not just great at defense, though, he can also get it done in the paint with an inside scoring rating of a "B-." Leonard might be an afterthought with so many great players already being on the Spurs, but don't underestimate him, he's a great player in NBA 2K12.

From:http://www.operationsports.com/features/1405/nba-2k12-top-rookies/