Kia NBA ROTY Race: Latest ROTY ladder and power rankings ft. Jalen Williams, Walker Kessler and more

The 2023 NBA ROTY race has cooled off in the last couple of weeks with many rookies’ scoring averages taking a hit.

However, OKC Thunder wing Jalen Williams has still been a major standout as he continues to build upon his ROTY case. On that note, here’s this week’s ROTY ladder.

No. 5: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 4th (↓1)

Last Week: Games played - 3, Games won - 1, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 54, Games won - 15, Games lost - 39

Last Week: PPG - 15.0, RPG - 3.7, APG - 5.3, SPG - 0.7, BPG - 0.0

Overall: PPG - 15.2, RPG - 3.9, APG - 4.6, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 0.2

Last Week: FG% - 37.5%, 3PT% - 35.7%, FT% - 88.9%

Overall: FG% - 41.8%, 3PT% - 33.5%, FT% - 72.8%

Despite his inefficiencies, Detroit Pistons point guard Jaden Ivey continues to put up well-rounded counting stats on the tanking Pistons. Ivey scored in double figures in all three games last week, including two games with 17-plus points. He also recorded seven-plus assists in two of the three games.

Ivey’s week was highlighted by his 18-point, seven-assist performance with three 3-pointers on 54.5% shooting against the Toronto Raptors.

No. 4: Jalen Williams, OKC Thunder

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 5th (↑1)

Last Week: Games played - 2, Games won - 1, Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 52, Games won - 25, Games lost - 27

Last Week: PPG - 17.5, RPG - 5.5, APG - 5.0, SPG - 2.5, BPG - 0.5

Overall: PPG - 12.2, RPG - 4.1, APG - 2.9, SPG - 1.3, BPG - 0.6

Last Week: FG% - 52.0%, 3PT% - 50.0%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 50.5%, 3PT% - 32.1%, FT% - 75.5%

Jalen Williams continues to rise up the ROTY ladder due to his efficient two-way play as of late.

Williams led all rookies in scoring (17.5 PPG) through two games last week on a blistering 52.0/50.0/100.0 shooting split. He also racked up five steals over two games.

Williams’ week was highlighted by his 22-point, seven-rebound, four-assist, two-steal performance with two 3-pointers on 60.0% shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans.

No. 3: Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 3rd (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 2, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 56, Games won - 27, Games lost - 29

Last Week: PPG - 12.3, RPG - 9.5, APG - 0.8, SPG - 0.8, BPG - 1.8

Overall: PPG - 8.2, RPG - 7.6, APG - 0.8, SPG - 0.4, BPG - 2.0

Last Week: FG% - 75.0%, 3PT% - N/A, FT% - 58.3%

Overall: FG% - 71.8%, 3PT% - N/A, FT% - 54.1%

Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler remains a nightly double-double threat and an elite shot-blocker for a rookie.

Kessler scored 16-plus points in two of four games last week and recorded 15 rebounds in another. He also tallied seven blocks for the week. His week was highlighted by his career-high 23-point, nine-rebound performance on 83.3% shooting against the Raptors.

No. 2: Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 2nd (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 0, Games lost - 4

Overall: Games played - 59, Games won - 25, Games lost - 34

Last Week: PPG - 15.3, RPG - 2.5, APG - 2.0, SPG - 0.5, BPG - 0.3

Overall: PPG - 17.3, RPG - 4.1, APG - 1.4, SPG - 0.6, BPG - 0.1

Last Week: FG% - 45.8%, 3PT% - 23.1%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 42.8%, 3PT% - 31.6%, FT% - 83.1%

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin’s scoring had dropped off before last week.

However, he picked things back up by scoring 16-plus points in his last three games, including two games with 21-pus points. Mathurin also continues to get to the free-throw line at an elite rate for a rookie, going a perfect 14-for-14 (100.0%) last week.

His week was highlighted by his 21-point, four-rebound, two-assist performance on 61.5% shooting against the Utah Jazz.

No. 1: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 1st (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 2, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 52, Games won - 21, Games lost - 31

Last Week: PPG - 15.5, RPG - 7.0, APG - 2.3, SPG - 0.0, BPG - 0.8

Overall: PPG - 19.9, RPG - 6.6, APG - 3.6, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 0.5

Last Week: FG% - 40.7%, 3PT% - 8.3%, FT% - 76.5%

Overall: FG% - 41.9%, 3PT% - 28.1%, FT% - 75.3%

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero isn’t as clear-cut of a favorite to win ROTY as he was earlier in the season. That comes as his scoring has dropped off recently.

However, Banchero still remains the most well-rounded rookie. He scored in double figures in all four games last week, including one with 20-plus points. He also recorded two double-doubles.

Banchero’s week was highlighted by his 22-point, four-rebound, three-assist, three-block performance against the Chicago Bulls.