NBA 2019-20: Rookie of the Year Power Rankings Week 18

While Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest and the headlining All-Star Game dominated talk from the 2020 All-Star Weekend, basketball fans were also provided with the chance to see the NBA's brightest talent in action during Friday's Rising Stars Challenge. In addition to returning sophomore stars such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young, several of the top rookies of the season also got the chance to impress on the big stage in Chicago.

With the prestigious weekend now in the books, focus shifts to the business end of the 2019-20 NBA season, and a number of the rookies that featured in Chicago are in contention to be named 2020 Rookie of the Year. So, as we head into the final third of the season, here we will take a look at the latest Rookie of the Year Power Rankings.

Also read: NBA Injury Report Week 18 (18th Feb): Damian Lillard out with groin injury, DeMarcus Cousins could return for the playoffs and more

#5 Rui Hachimura - Washington Wizards

Rui Hachimura has been sharp since making his return from a groin injury

Following an excellent start to the season, Rui Hachimura missed 23 games due to a groin injury. Nevertheless, the Japanese star has looked sharp following his return on Feb. 4 and has averaged 13.6 points, and 6.8 rebounds, in 26.9 minutes over five appearances. Hachimura looked particularly sharp as he dropped 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting against the Bulls last week, and the 22-year-old has shot 51.9% from the field since making his return.

Hachimura also delivered a strong performance during the Rising Stars Game in Chicago - and his defense has shown signs of improvement. Admittedly, Hachimura's lengthy absence has impacted his hopes of being named ROY, although the forward is averaging 13.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists - and he will continue to put up big numbers over the final months of the season.

#4 Tyler Herro - Miami Heat

Tyler Herro is currently sidelined due to a foot injury

Tyler Herro has missed Miami's last five games due to a foot injury, and the shooting guard also missed the Rising Stars Game due to the injury. However, Herro has revealed that his injury is not as bad as first feared, and the 20-year-old plans to get his walking boot removed at some point in the next week.

Over 46 appearances, Herro has averaged 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting almost 40 percent from beyond the arc - and as long as he returns at some point in the next two weeks - he will remain a factor in the ROY race.

#3 Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson has made a huge impression over his first 10 appearances in the NBA

After missing New Orleans' game against the Indiana Pacers, Zion Williamson returned to record a career-high 31 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. Williamson also contributed nine rebounds and five assists as he finished the game shooting 10-for-17 from the field.

Two days later, Williamson set another career-high as he recorded 32 points in 31 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder - becoming just the fourth rookie with consecutive 30-point games since 2013.

Through his first 10 appearances in the NBA, Williamson has averaged 22.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest - and the Duke product appears to be a genuine contender for the ROY award despite his delayed start.

Also read: Zion Williamson or Ja Morant: Who will have a longer NBA career?

#2 Kendrick Nunn - Miami Heat

Kendrick Nunn has been among the standout rookies of the season so far

Kendrick Nunn played just once over the past seven days as he scored 12 points during Miami Heat's defeat to the Utah Jazz. Nunn struggled with his shot once again as he connected with just five of his 16 field goal attempts, while also missing five of his six attempts from deep.

Over his last seven appearances, Nunn jas connected with a meager 29.8 percent of his attempts from the field - and a big improvement is needed over the next few weeks. However, the 24-year-old still has season averages of 15.3 points and 3.5 assists, and he will play a key role for the Heat for the remainder of the season following a quiet trade deadline.

#1 Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant remains the favorite to be named 2020 Rookie of the Year

Ja Morant has led the Rookie of the Year standings for almost the entire season, and the 20-year-old is coming off another fine week. In his final game ahead of All-Star Weekend, Morant finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists during Memphis' win over the Trail Blazers - and the Grizzlies are looking increasingly like a playoff side after winning eight of their last ten games.

While Morant's three-point shooting still needs some work (35.8 percent), the point guard is averaging 17.6 points and 7.1 assists on 49.3 percent shooting from the field - and only a major slump between now and April is likely to be enough to stop him taking home the 2020 ROY award.