Yesterday, one of my esteemed colleagues made the claim that the future of the NBA is in dire straits. Well, I have a solution to the problem -- rookies.

They could help provide the spark needed to rejuvenate the NBA. Combined with Shaq Fu and other upcoming stars, the excitement that highlighted the NBA during the '80s could be returning very soon. Here's how this season's rookies measure up:

1. Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee Bucks -- The trouble started almost immediately for the "Big Dog" when he asked for $100 million and then started to cry when he didn't get it. Maybe he should have used his one remaining year at Purdue to learn that unproven rookies don't ask for more money than the team is worth.

After finally getting his head out of his posterior end, he started slowly. But he's loaded with talent, so long as he loses the 'tude. Grade: A-.

2. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks -- This Kidd has shown some real promise and talent. He has helped last season's worst team to a 16-21 record. It's not impressive, but it's more wins than they got in the previous three seasons.

He leads all rookies with 279 assists and has the skill to make a name for himself. Grade: B.

3. Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons -- Four games into the season I was ready to just hand him the the rookie of the year honor. But with the way Robinson is starting to play, I'm not so sure. Even though Hill was the first rookie in professional sports history to top all players in the all-star balloting, he has been plagued by injuries.

He gets my vote -- but my vote counts for squat -- and with all the time he's spending on the bench, the rookie-of-the-year voters may not agree with me. Grade: A-.

4. Donyell Marshall, Minnesota Timberwolves -- Of all the other top-10 picks, he is the only plausible player to contend with Hill and Robinson for rookie of the year. The only knock against Marshall is that he is playing in relative obscurity, averaging 11.4 points per game and is fourth on the team in scoring.

Marshall has a well-rounded game, except for an occasional problem at the free-throw line. He's definitely a good player, but he needs to be traded to a better team before anything will happen. Grade: B-.

5. Juwan Howard, Washington Bullets -- The only thing that got this guy into the first round was a strong NCAA tournament. Take that away and he slips as low as middle second round. Howard, like Robinson, suffered from a severe case of stupidity and asked for way too much money. Grade: The jury is still out.

6. Sharone Wright, Philadelphia 76ers -- For the first time since the dawn of history, one the Sixers' first-round picks was not a joke. Wright combines quality rebounding with good inside moves. Combined with Clarence Weatherspoon, a good base could be forming for the future. Grade: C.

7. Lamond Murray, L.A. Clippers -- Until now, the only thing he has been known for is playing with Kidd at Cal and being the cousin of the Trailblazers' Tracy Murray.

But he is on a team that has the offensive power equivalent to a '75 Pinto and is currently 7-37. Murray averages 13.5 points -- No. 2 on the team --but he has to be frustrated. Grade: C.

8. Brian Grant, Sacramento Kings -- Coming out of college at Xavier in the greater Cincinnati area, Grant was not well-known. Now, after several strong months, he is making a name for himself. Even though Grant only averages 13.2 points --third on the team -- he has helped Sacramento to one of its best records in recent memory, and is definitely part of the Kings long-range plans. Grade: B-.

9. Eric Montross, Boston Celtics -- After a disappointing senior year at UNC, Montross still had some of the skills that helped the Tar Heels win the 1993 title. So far, he hasn't shown them. But given his size and that haircut, how can anyone doubt Montross will be good someday?

Here's how: he's averaging 10.2 points and is fifth on the team in scoring. Grade: D.

10. Eddie Jones, L.A. Lakers -- He's made the transition from the East Coast with relative ease. He's on a young team with potential superstars like Nick Van Exel, Doug Christie and George Lynch. With all the young talent, the Lakers may be returning to "showtime" very soon. Grade: B.