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The NBA is just the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas season, with great games almost every day, players getting triple-doubles and superstars breaking numerous records.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is almost the NBA's official three-point king, while LeBron James of the LA Lakers became the fifth member of the 100 triple-doubles club.
The Chicago Bulls are battling an outbreak of COVID-19, while trade rumors surrounding Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and almost the entire Indiana Pacers roster are rampant.
As for the rookies, Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley still look like the top two in the 2021 class, with Cade Cunningham getting better every game. Let's take a look at this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.
#5 Josh Giddey
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 24; Games won - 8; Games lost - 16
Last Week: PPG - 10.3, APG - 6.3, RPG - 6.0
Overall: PPG - 10.4, APG - 5.8, RPG - 6.7
Last Week: FG% - 34.2%, 3P% - 21.4%, SPG - 0.7
Overall: FG% - 39.4%, 3P% - 24.7%, SPG - 1.0
Josh Giddey of the OKC Thunder returns to the top five after a strong performance last week. The Australian rookie averaged 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games, helping the Thunder to a 1-2 record.
Giddey still struggles with shooting the basketball, as well as taking care of it, but it's part of his development. With that said, it would take an immense leap for him to break into the top four of the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. The top four look like the best of the best of the 2021 NBA Draft Class.
#4 Franz Wagner
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #4
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 28; Games won - 5; Games lost - 23
Last Week: PPG - 19.7, APG - 3.0, RPG - 5.3
Overall: PPG - 14.3, APG - 2.8, RPG - 4.4
Last Week: FG% - 55.3%, 3P% - 66.7%, FT% - 78.6%
Overall: FG% - 45.3%, 3P% - 39.0%, FT% - 79.1%
Even though the Orlando Magic did not win a game last week, Franz Wagner continued to impress. He averaged 19.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc. The Germany international is starting to look like the better first-round pick by the Magic in this year's class.
Jalen Suggs is struggling with shooting and injuries, and Wagner has taken advantage of it. The 20-year-old also has a feel for the defensive end, making him even more valuable.
However, despite his great week, Wagner still failed to crack the top three in this week's Rookie of the Year power rankings.
#3 Cade Cunningham
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 21; Games won - 4; Games lost - 17
Last Week: PPG - 21.0, APG - 4.3, RPG - 4.3
Overall: PPG - 15.8, APG - 4.6, RPG - 6.2
Last Week: FG% - 40.0%, 3P% - 42.1%, SPG - 2.7
Overall: FG% - 38.2%, 3P% - 32.2%, SPG - 1.4
Cade Cunningham remains in the top three of the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings this week. The young guard averaged 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.7 steals last week while shooting 42.1% from the three-point area.
The first overall pick in this year's draft is proving why the Detroit Pistons chose him as a franchise cornerstone. He is beginning to find his groove after struggling early in the season, possibly due to his injury. His three-point shooting, as well as his defense, has improved as he becomes a threat that can post a triple-double every game.
#2 Evan Mobley
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 25; Games won - 17; Games lost - 8
Last Week: PPG - 12.8, APG - 1.8, RPG - 9.3
Overall: PPG - 13.8, APG - 2.5, RPG - 8.3
Last Week: FG% - 52.4%, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 2.0
Overall: FG% - 47.4%, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 1.8
Evan Mobley is still in second place in this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. Despite a strong four-game week last week, he was unable to dethrone Scottie Barnes for first place.
Nevertheless, Mobley averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game last week. He also helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win three of their four games, improving to an overall record of 17-12.
If Mobley and the Cavaliers continue winning, it will only be a matter of time before the young forward takes first place in the NBA ROTY power rankings.
#1 Scottie Barnes
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 25; Games won - 17; Games lost - 8
Last Week: PPG - 15.3, APG - 3.3, RPG - 9.0
Overall: PPG - 15.1, APG - 3.2, RPG - 8.2
Last Week: FG% - 46.5%, 3P% - 30.0, BPG - 3.0
Overall: FG% - 48.6%, 3P% - 34.6, BPG - 1.0
Scottie Barnes barely hangs on for the top spot in this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. He seems to be improving every week, with his three-point shooting two weeks ago and defense last week.
The 20-year-old rookie averaged 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.0 blocks per game last week. He also helped the Toronto Raptors to a 2-1 record.
With Evan Mobley on his tail, it would take one bad week for Barnes to lose his spot atop the NBA ROTY power rankings.
