| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
DAMIAN LILLARD, G, PORTLAND: Came on at the end of road trip with season-high three straight games of 20-plus points, salvaging two wins and dispelling whispers he was toting too big a load. That bears watching, because although Terry Stotts is using his bench more, Lillard’s minutes are going up, not down. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, F, CHARLOTTE: Receiving due praise for his well-rounded game but probably should look to score more: the Bobcats are 4-0 when he scores at least 14 points and 3-10 when he doesn’t. One place he can add points is at the line, where he has not been in his last four games. | 4 |
| 3 |  |
HARRISON BARNES, F, GOLDEN STATE: Has been very quiet since his first double-double of the season but still finding ways to contribute for one of the more surprising teams this season. One example was his court-length sprint to track down Orlando’s Arron Afflalo and swat his layup off the backboard. | 2 |
| 4 |  |
KYLE SINGLER, F, DETROIT: We were all set to elevate him to No. 2 before Wednesday’s three-point, four-foul mess against Barnes and the Warriors, his first truly poor outing since before Thanksgiving. Nothing spectacular but remarkably steady, which many of his fellow rookies cannot say. | 3 |
| 5 |  |
JEFFERY TAYLOR, G-F, CHARLOTTE: Still getting solid minutes despite the return of Gerald Henderson; 39 vs. Knicks was a season high. Averaged 11.7 points during a run of seven games with at least one 3-pointer and steal that ended Wednesday. The Bobcats now rely on his energy on both ends. | 8 |
| 6 |  |
ALEXEY SHVED, G, MINNESOTA: Brandon who? Averaged 14.7 points with 10-of-18 arc shooting in three games. His international experience makes him fearless and gives him an edge over his classmates. With Ricky Rubio returning soon, Wolves should be shopping Luke Ridnour or J.J. Barea. | 9 |
| 7 |  |
DION WAITERS, G, CLEVELAND: Missed two games with ankle sprain. His shooting has gone from questionable to awful (36 percent) and his ill-advised late heave vs. Atlanta had Byron Scott say, “I guess I have to be a little more specific.” Should get credit for better playmaking in absence of Kyrie Irving. | 5 |
| 8 |  |
TYLER ZELLER, C, CLEVELAND: After a nice start was slowed by a concussion, he has played his way back into the table with the same solid skill set. Had his first double-double and arguably his best game with 14 points and 10 boards vs. Portland. Figuring out how to play alongside Anderson Varejao. | – |
| 9 |  |
JONAS VALANCIUNAS, F-C, TORONTO: Looked to be on the verge of a breakout a week ago which never materialized, unless he developed a case of acne. On the bright side, if December is anything like November for the Raptors, they can start playing him 40 minutes a game once the new year arrives. | 6 |
| 10 |  |
JARED SULLINGER, F, BOSTON: You know he can play because he earns minutes in a veteran-laden frontcourt. Has been on the uptick for some time and probably should have been here a week ago. Have to love the way he takes charges and keeps his cool when obvious rookie calls go against him. | – |
DROPOUTS: Anthony Davis, C, New Orleans (7); Brian Roberts, G, New Orleans (10).
FIVE TO WATCH: Bradley Beal, G, Washington; Andre Drummond, F-C, Detroit; Joel Freeland, F, Portland; Doron Lamb, G, Milwaukee; Terrence Ross, G, Toronto.
Chris Bernucca is the managing editor of SheridanHoops.com. His columns appear Monday during the season. You can follow him on Twitter.
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No Drummond??? wow he is putting up better numbers in almost every category but davis & lillard , He is 4th in dbl dbls 3rd in fg% 5th in efficiency 2nd in rebs 9th in steals 2nd in blks & 15th in scoring & the best part of it all he is playing 10-20mins less then both of them.
good list. I still think barnes is too high. Nothing wrong with this game, except its just very average and he’s not very good defensively. He works hard, but isnt laterally quick. Love jeff taylor. I was shocked he wasnt a top fifteen pick. I also love Zeller. His game isnt flashy or sexy, but he is smart, craftly, and actually pretty strong. And big Val…wow. Honestly, by next season this guy is an all star. No question in my mind. Ross will improve as his minutes do. Wish miles plumlee got more minutes, or ANY minutes because Im convinced he can play. Also………watch out for Will Barton to start breaking out.