| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
DAMIAN LILLARD, G, PORTLAND: Hard to find fault in a rookie point guard who averages 16.3 points and 8.0 assists in leading his team to a 3-0 week, including two on the road. But his 3-point shooting has steadily slipped and his assist/turnover ratio (2.08) needs some work. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
BRADLEY BEAL, G, WASHINGTON: This week’s most upwardly mobile rook is shooting 56 percent (14-of-25) from the arc in January. All season, he has preached sticking with his coach, the system and his teammates while believing in himself. This week showed it was more than just talk. | 10 |
| 3 |  |
ANDRE DRUMMOND, F-C, DETROIT: You could argue that he has been the most dominant paint player among rookies in the last month. His per-36 numbers overall are better than Davis. Partially blocked a last-second shot to preserve a win vs. Atlanta and has multiple blocks in his last four games. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
ANTHONY DAVIS, F-C, NEW ORLEANS: Was extremely solid with 17 points and nine boards in a surprise win over San Antonio, but that is his only double-digit game in the last six. The Hornets may not care, but he cannot overtake Lillard and win this award without being more statistically impactful. | 4 |
| 5 |  |
ALEXEY SHVED, G, MINNESOTA: Continues to create offense on a consistent level; averaged 13.0 points and 5.5 assists in four games last week, and that includes a two-point stinker vs. Portland. Among rooks, his 4.7 assists is topped only by Lillard. But so are his 80 turnovers. | 5 |
| 6 |  |
TYLER ZELLER, C, CLEVELAND: With Anderson Varejao out until March and coach Bryon Scott telling team to “have fun,” he has a great opportunity to elevate his game and his place in this table. His 20 free throws over the last four games are by far his best stretch of getting to the line. | 7 |
| 7 |  |
MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, F, CHARLOTTE: Eye injury forced him to come off the bench once before returning to starting lineup. Had another solid week with 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds and appears to be rediscovering the scoring ability that helped the Bobcats get off to their quick start. | 6 |
| 8 |  |
JARED SULLINGER, F, BOSTON: C’s resurgence can be attributed to two things: the return of Avery Bradley and Sullinger’s emergence as a needed rebounder. He averaged 9.3 points and 10.0 boards in a 4-0 week and had “just” nine fouls over the last three games, helping him stay on the court. | - |
| 9 |  |
HARRISON BARNES, F, GOLDEN STATE: His streak of double-digit games ended at four as he managed just seven points Wednesday vs. Memphis. But he did play 27 minutes (while Draymond Green played just four) in a grind-out game, perhaps earning more trust on D from coach Mark Jackson. | 8 |
| 10 |  |
DION WAITERS, G, CLEVELAND: Scott says his gunner is still the second scoring option, even though Waiters said he is “not thrilled” with backing up the more consistent C.J. Miles. This may be just a coincidence, but he has scored double figures in a win just once since Nov. 30. | 9 |
DROPOUTS: Terrence Ross, G, Toronto (4).
FIVE TO WATCH: John Henson, F-C, Milwaukee; John Jenkins, G, Atlanta; Andrew Nicholson, F, Orlando; Jared Sullinger, F, Boston; Jeffery Taylor, G-F, Charlotte.
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Rookie | Power | Most Improved | MVP | Sixth Man
Chris Bernucca is the deputy editor of SheridanHoops.com. His columns appear Monday during the season. You can follow him on Twitter.
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Good list. But a couple thoughts. First, I loved beal coming out of college. I loved the pick and its satisfying to see him develop. He’s a stud, full stop. MKG has an impact on defense and thats always harder to read. He deserves to be at three. Drummond i might have lower, but no argument really. However………AD should still be up there at three probably. I DO NOT think sullinger should be on there. I mean he is adequate, at best. He cant get his shot off against anyone bigger. He cant get off the floor. He is a very limited player but sports writers have given him a lot of love since he was drafted. Dont know why. Same for barnes. No defense is his problem. Jeff Taylor Id have on there, and no debate about Zeller, he’s playing great in a kind of tough situation. Henson should be there probably, ahead of barnes. And Nicholson deserves mention, too. And finally, props to Ezeli. Again, its defense, but he’s there doing what he does. He’s very valuable.
Sullinger showed me this week he can stay on the floor, so I ranked him. He has to continue that or he’s out. He fouls WAY too much. I know Barnes doesn’t defend but only 25 percent of NBA scores in double figures and he does. Taylor I ranked earlier this season; he has slipped a bit but I still check him every week. Same with Nicholson, who has a nice chance with Big Baby out. Like what Ezeli gives on defensive end but every time I watch GSW the guy looks like he’s playing with oven mitts. He can’t catch the ball. Thanks for reading.