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As the month of November comes to an end, the NBA enters the Christmas season with the Golden State Warriors having the best record in the league. The Phoenix Suns are not far behind thanks to their amazing winning streak.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are the top two favorites for league MVP, with Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo also having MVP-like seasons.
As for the rookies, Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley seem to be at the top of the 2021 draft class at the moment. Cade Cunningham and Franz Wagner are making good strides, as well as Josh Giddey of the OKC Thunder. Let's take a look to see if there's any movement for this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings.
#5 Josh Giddey
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #5
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 20; Games won - 6; Games lost - 14
Last Week: PPG - 10.7 APG - 6.3, RPG - 6.3
Overall: PPG - 10.4, APG - 5.8, RPG - 7.2
Last Week: FG% - 36.1%, 3P% - 27.3%, FT% - 75.0%
Overall: FG% - 39.1%, 3P% - 25.7%, FT% - 65.4%
Josh Giddey of the OKC Thunder remains at No. 5 in this week's ROTY power rankings. Giddey did not guide the Thunder to any wins for the week, but he has shown his potential in all three games. He is averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
The Australian rookie's pairing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take time to improve, but it could eventually pay dividends for the Thunder. Giddey has the potential to produce a triple-double every game. However, two of his main weaknesses have been shooting the ball inefficiently and turnovers.
#4 Cade Cunningham
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #4
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 0; Games lost - 4
Overall: Games played - 15; Games won - 4; Games lost - 11
Last Week: PPG - 10.0 APG - 5.3, RPG - 7.0
Overall: PPG - 13.0, APG - 4.8, RPG - 6.5
Last Week: FG% - 28.6%, 3P% - 22.2%, FT% - 75.0%
Overall: FG% - 33.5%, 3P% - 24.5%, FT% - 86.7%
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons is at No. 4 in this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. Despite playing four games last week, Cunningham failed to impress in the two against the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.
The first overall selection of the 2021 NBA Draft salvaged the week by playing well versus the LA Lakers and LA Clippers. Cunningham continued to struggle with his shots, especially from beyond the arc. The rebounding and playmaking are there, but not the shooting just yet.
#3 Franz Wagner
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 0; Games lost - 4
Overall: Games played - 22; Games won - 4; Games lost - 18
Last Week: PPG - 17.5 APG - 4.3, RPG - 6.5
Overall: PPG - 13.4, APG - 2.4, RPG - 4.4
Last Week: FG% - 44.4%, 3P% - 30.8%, FT% - 71.4%
Overall: FG% - 42.8%, 3P% - 35.2%, FT% - 77.1%
Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic is at No. 3 for this week's NBA Rookie of the Year Award power rankings. Wagner was phenomenal for the Magic in last week's four-game schedule. Despite not winning any games, Wagner's star continues to shine.
The young forward averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists last week. That includes a 27-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. If Wagner can continue and improve consistently, it's possible that he could crack the top two of the NBA ROTY power rankings.
#2 Evan Mobley
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 2; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 17; Games won - 11; Games lost - 6
Last Week: PPG - 12.5 APG - 2.5, RPG - 8.0
Overall: PPG - 14.4, APG - 2.5, RPG - 8.0
Last Week: FG% - 45.5%, 3P% - 33.3%, BPG - 3.0
Overall: FG% - 49.0%, 3P% - 31.3%, BPG - 1.8
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers was expected to be out two to four weeks due to an injury. However, Mobley returned in just 12 days after hurting his elbow. He played two games last week and the Cavaliers won both games, ending their five-game losing streak. That's enough for him to retain his spot at No. 2 in this week's NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings.
The Cavaliers were 0-4 when Mobley was out recovering from his injury. It's an understatement to say that the 20-year-old big man is important to the Cavaliers. While his defense is already top-notch, his offense can still improve over time. Mobley is clearly closing in on Scottie Barnes for the top spot in the NBA ROTY power rankings.
#1 Scottie Barnes
Previous week’s NBA ROTY Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 19; Games won - 7; Games lost - 12
Last Week: PPG - 18.3 APG - 3.3, RPG - 7.7
Overall: PPG - 15.2, APG - 3.3, RPG - 8.8
Last Week: FG% - 51.3%, 3P% - 41.7%, SPG - 1.3
Overall: FG% - 48.5%, 3P% - 32.1%, SPG - 1.1
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors had a bounce-back week to remain at No. 1 in the NBA ROTY power rankings. Barnes averaged 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, compared to 7.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game two weeks ago.
The 20-year-old rookie appears to be out of his slump as he tried to lead the Raptors to three wins last week. The Raptors only managed to win once, but Barnes performed well enough to warrant his ranking of first overall in this week's Rookie of the Year Award power rankings.
Guess the Lakers players!
