NBA 2019-20: Rookie of the Year Power Rankings Week 12

We are quickly approaching the midway point of the 2019-20 NBA season, and the race to be named Rookie of the Year is heating up. A number of individuals have impressed over the first few months of the season, while Zion Williamson could soon find himself in the mix. The Duke product was selected with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans but has yet to make his debut after suffering a knee injury in the weeks leading up to the season.

The 19-year-old is believed to be on course to return at some point later this month, and with more than half the season left to play - a series of standout performances would elevate him into contention to be named best rookie. Nevertheless, with Williamson still out of action, here we will look at the five rookies that have made the biggest impression so far as we enter Week 12 of the 2019-20 NBA season.

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#5 RJ Barrett - New York Knicks

R.J. Barrett's performances have improved over the past few weeks

RJ Barrett faded badly throughout much of November and the early weeks of December following an impressive start to the season, although the Toronto native has looked sharp over the past few weeks to re-emerge in the race. After contributing a joint 17 points against the struggling Suns and Trail Blazers, Barrett enjoyed arguably his best performance in the NBA to date as he dropped 24 points in 37 minutes against the Clippers.

Barrett connected with 7 of his 11 attempts from the field, and the 19-year-old also recorded 6 rebounds in an excellent individual display. Over 35 appearances, Barrett is averaging 13.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game- and the former Duke man could continue to climb the rankings in the coming weeks.

#4 Tyler Herro - Miami Heat

Tyler Herro endured his worst game of the season to date last week as he finished with just four points in 25 minutes against the Magic. The shooting guard shot 0-for-6 from beyond the arc as the Heat suffered a surprise defeat, although the 19-year-old was solid during home wins over the Raptors and Trail Blazers.

Against Toronto, Herro provided a valuable 13 points from the bench in a low scoring game, while his 11 points were enough to see off Portland. Over the two wins, Herro shot over 50 percent from the field, while also connecting with 5 of his 11 3-point attempts. The guard is in need of a breakout performance to re-establish himself among the favorites, although he is currently doing enough to stay in contention.

#3 PJ Washington - Charlotte Hornets

PJ Washington has established himself as a starter for the Charlotte Hornets

Plenty of young talent can be found on the Charlotte Hornets roster, and PJ Washington appears to be an individual that will play a key part for the organization for years to come. Washington's playing time has continued to grow over the course of the season, and the number 12 pick is now averaging 30.3 minutes per contest.

Over the past week, Washington was once again among Charlotte's best performers, and his best game came against the Mavericks as he connected with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. For the season, Washington's totals have increased to 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists - and despite attempting more shots, the 21-year-old is still shooting more than 40 percent from 3-point range.

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#2 Kendrick Nunn - Miami Heat

Kendrick Nunn has developed into a key player for the Miami Heat

Kendrick Nunn didn't enjoy the best start to the new year as the Miami Heat struggled for form over the past week, although the 24-year-old remains in contention thanks to his consistency for much of the season. Over three games in Week 11, Nunn combined for 28 points as he connected with just 3 of his 15 attempts from deep. Nevertheless, there were some positives as he delivered a career-high nine assists during Miami's win over the Raptors.

Despite a relatively underwhelming week, Nunn is still averaging 15.4 points, 2.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game and his shooting percentage of 43.8 is respectable. With three winnable games to come over the next seven days, Nunn also has the chance to gain ground on the frontrunner.

#1 Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant enjoyed a strong week with the Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant's form took a slight dip in the final weeks of December, although the Memphis Grizzlies star has made an excellent start to 2020 to further cement his place as the frontrunner to be named 2020 Rookie of the Year. Morant started the year by dropping 23 points on the Kings, and he followed that up with 22 points in 30 minutes against the Clippers. The point guard also managed 13 points in his most recent against the Suns, while also contributing 7 assists and 3 rebounds.

Morant also shot close to 60% from the field over the past week, and for the season, the 20-year-old is connecting with more than 40 percent of his attempts from deep. He also leads rookies in both points (17.6) and assists (6.6), and he will be hard to catch in the race to be named ROTY.