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The past week of the NBA has been action-filled, as there were a few surprising upsets (the Brooklyn Nets losing to the Charlotte Hornets), while teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics picked up routine wins. Stars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have had stellar starts to the season and look like early candidates for the NBA MVP award.
Some rookies have impressed as well, and have made early strides to stake their claim on the NBA Rookie of the Year award. On that note, let's take a look at the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings -
#5 - Jalen Green
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
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Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Last Week: PPG - 16.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 3.7
Overall: PPG - 16.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 3.7
Last Week: FG% - 44.2%, 3P% - 47.6%, FT% - NA
Overall: FG% - 44.2%, 3P% - 47.6%, FT% - NA
Jalen Green had a rough start to his NBA career, finishing a team-worst -37 in a brutal 124-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he bounced back with two strong performances, especially one in his last game against the Boston Celtics, scoring 30 points and shooting 8-10 from downtown.
Green was picked #2 overall by the Houston Rockets for a reason, and it appears that the G league alumni will remain a constant fixture in the NBA ROTY power rankings this season.
#4 - Josh Giddey
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Last Week: PPG - 9.7, APG - 4.7, RPG - 6.7
Overall: PPG - 9.7, APG - 4.7, RPG - 6.7
Last Week: FG% - 46.0%, 3P% - 40.0%, FT% - 60
Overall: FG% - 46.0%, 3P% - 40.0%, FT% - 60
Having played in competitive leagues overseas, Josh Giddey has shown maturity and feel for the game a majority of his rookie draft class members can only dream of. Giddey has already been assigned to share ball-handling duties with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the tandem is going to ensure that the OKC Thunder are set for future seasons.
Giddey had a terrific game against the Philadelphia 76ers, in which he scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out seven assists. The Thunder might be a team to ignore this season, but Giddey's development is something all NBA teams will be keeping an eye on.
#3 - Evan Mobley
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2
Last Week: PPG - 14.3, APG - 2.8, RPG - 8.3
Overall: PPG - 14.3, APG - 2.8, RPG - 8.3
Last Week: FG% - 55%, 3P% - 25%, FT% - 85%
Overall: FG% - 55%, 3P% - 25%, FT% - 85%
Inarguably the best center of his NBA rookie class, Evan Mobley has made an instant impact on both ends of the floor for the Cleveland Cavaliers since signing his first NBA deal. Mobley is a major reason why the Cavaliers are 2-2, as they recently pulled off a win against the Denver Nuggets thanks to the USC product's effort.
Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers will next take on the LA Clippers, and Mobley would like to continue his good form for the new franchise.
#2 - Scottie Barnes
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Last Week: PPG - 16.8, APG - 1.3, RPG - 8.5
Overall: PPG - 16.8, APG - 1.3, RPG - 8.5
Last Week: FG% - 56%, 3P% - 16%, FT% - 71%
Overall: FG% - 56%, 3P% - 16%, FT% - 71%
The Toronto Raptors made a few questionable decisions in the NBA draft, which included the passing on several bonafide talents to land forward Scottie Barnes. However, Barnes has to prove that he can be a star in the league and continue his good form, and eventually make a run for the NBA ROTY award.
Standing at 6'9, Barnes is a rare specimen, who can trouble opposition on both ends of the court. Head coach Nick Nurse will be hoping Barnes continues to play like this, and he is certainly in the race for the NBA ROTY award.
#1 - Chris Duarte
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Last Week: PPG - 19.8, APG - 2.0, RPG - 4.8
Overall: PPG - PPG - 19.8, APG - 2.0, RPG - 4.8
Last Week: FG% - 41%, 3P% - 44%, FT% - 100%
Overall: FG% - 41%, 3P% - 44%, FT% - 100%
Chris Duarte has probably been the find of the season as the swingman from Oregon has quickly become a crowd favorite, despite playing an off-the-ball role. Duarte has shown a commendable knack for making the right plays and gelling with the team so early in the season, and he has made his starting place in the side safe.
Duarte has been unstoppable launching shots from a distance, and if he improves on the defensive side of the ball, he could blossom into one of the best 3&D players in the league. As things stand, he is the frontrunner for the NBA ROTY award.
