Determining where to draft rookies in fantasy drafts can be like hitting a curve ball, because there is very little basis to project how they'll do against NBA competition.  As a general rule, it is best to avoid drafting rookies too early because nine times out of ten a proven veteran can help a fantasy team more.  However, if you must draft rookies, be cautious and consider these tips on which rookies to draft and which to pass on.
 

Draftable
 

Obviously, Kevin Durant is going to likely be the first rookie taken in your fantasy drafts.  However, realize that being the go-to-guy as a rookie also opens the doors for more mistakes.  With added pressure and with the defense focussing more on one player, the amount of mistakes is bound to increase. Therefore, though one can expect a lot of points from this youngster, one can also predict that he might be either turnover prone, or low field goal percentage, or a combination of both.  Durant is likely worthy of a top fifty pick, but be careful and pay attention to what your team needs are at that point.  He might be best left alone if you feel the stakes are too high.
 

Mike Conley Jr. is another worthy gamble.  It's true that point guards usually take longer to develop than players in other positions, especially pass-first point guards, simply because of the nature and responsibilities of the position. It's also true that Conley played only one season at Ohio State before entering the pros.  Yet, Conley's court sense and athleticism make him a great fit in Memphis and if you're looking to take a chance on someone very late in your draft (past pick 100), Conley might be a good bet.  He's a prime candidate to collect steals and dish assists.
 

Corey Brewer is another player to consider later in your draft (probably not before pick 70 or so).  He stands to be one of the key players in the next era of the Timberwolves.  Moreover, he looks as NBA-ready as any rookie.  If Ricky Davis is traded, Brewer's stock increases even more.
 

Brandan Wright may be raw and probably won't dominate right away, but his specific skill set is a perfect fit with the Golden State Warriors.  He might be a good (very) late round pick, or someone to keep an eye on during the season as he sits on waivers.
 

Don't consider drafting point guard Acie Law unless it's in a deep league.  Nevertheless, keep an eye on him during the season, because the starting point guard spot in Atlanta is up for grabs and many believe Law will end up with it. 
 

Marco Bellineli had an outstanding summer league and Don Nelson has touted him as a superstar in the making. He's a bit older than most rookies, so assuming he's able to acclimate himself into the NBA style of play right away, he could surprise a lot of people and be worthy of taking a gamble on in later rounds.  He's a sharpshooter who should fit well in Golden State's offensive-minded style system.
 

Keep a sharp eye on Washington's Nick Young.  If Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas or even DeShawn Stevenson ever go down for any length of time, Nick Young has the ability to put up numbers right away.
 

Steer Clear
 

Aside from the many obvious players who aren't expected to make significant impacts right away, here are players who some might wrongfully consider drafting.
 

If you haven't already heard, Greg Oden is out for the entire season. Stay away!
 

Al Horford  was deemed the most NBA-ready amongst rookies not named Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. However, on a team that already has a log jam at forward, Horford might not get the touches or opportunities needed to put up fantasy type numbers.
 

Yi Jianlian is a tremendous talent to be sure.  However, even though his athletic style should fit well in the NBA, it still generally takes foreign players a year or two to adjust to the NBA game.  Moreover, Yi still has a bit of growing to do.
 

Joakim Noah might eventually be good for some blocks, but he doesn't have the skill set to really put up numbers right away.  Moreover, he's more likely to ride the pine this season than get significant PT.