| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
DAMIAN LILLARD, G, PORTLAND: Doubled his double-double total with two this week, lifting Blazers to eighth in West. Has Steve Nash and Jrue Holiday this weekend. “You can’t read his face,” Jermaine O’Neal said. “Sometimes the light which is the glare of being a rookie in the NBA becomes so bright that you see it affect some of the guys emotionally or physically. He does a great job keeping his demeanor.” | 1 |
| 2 |  |
ANTHONY DAVIS, F-C, NEW ORLEANS: Has scored in double figures in all nine games since his return and was one rebound shy of three straight double-doubles this week. Also creating a nice big tandem with Robin Lopez, who is averaging 21.3 points in last four alongside the rookie. And hey! They won a game! | 2 |
| 3 |  |
ALEXEY SHVED, G, MINNESOTA: Had an awesome week with 15.3 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in three games and appears to be a fixture at shooting guard with Brandon Roy still sidelined. Had a chance to be a hero but airballed a 3-pointer in Wednesday’s home loss to Houston. | 7 |
| 4 |  |
ANDRE DRUMMOND, F-C, DETROIT: Really starting to figure it out and has been scary at times. Averaging 10.0 boards and 2.3 blocks with three double-doubles in his last eight games. Elias says his 11-14-5 in rout of Wizards were best such numbers by a rookie since Dwight Howard. | – |
| 5 |  |
DION WAITERS, G, CLEVELAND: Rediscovering his rhythm – such as it is – after eight-game absence due to sprained ankle. Averaging 11.8 points and 3.6 assists in five games since his return and finally made a 3-pointer. Even better, Cavs are 2-3 with him back after going 1-7 while he was out. | 10 |
| 6 |  |
TERRENCE ROSS, G, TORONTO: Scored in double digits back-to-back for first time this season and more could be on way with Valanciunas injury and good work ethic. “We’re not developing Terrence Ross; he’s earning every minute of it,” coach Casey said. “If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be out there.” | 9 |
| 7 |  |
MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, F, CHARLOTTE: In his first up-close-and-personal look at LBJ, MKG took a TKO as Bobcats sat their small forward for long stretches to go small. Has upcoming showdowns with Davis, Waiters and Drummond, which are ideal games for Charlotte to end its 16-game skid. | 3 |
| 8 |  |
TYLER ZELLER, C, CLEVELAND: This is how you step up: Given big minutes for injured Anderson Varejao, responding with 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in four starts. Gotta love how he missed first 10 shots vs. Milwaukee but kept plugging, making his last four to get double-double in win. | – |
| 9 |  |
KYLE SINGLER, F, DETROIT: Hurtling back to earth with just two double-digit games in his last dozen and his first donut since Nov. 10. Shooting 35 percent in December after shooting 50 percent in November. And as illustrated by this table, no longer the best rookie on his team. | 5 |
| 10 |  |
HARRISON BARNES, F, GOLDEN STATE: Still starting but not finishing as Warriors either play small or go to fellow rookie Draymond Green. Shooting just 35 percent with three double-digit games this month after 46 percent and seven in November. Has to pick it up or may not be here next week. | 6 |
DROPOUTS: Bradley Beal, G, Washington (4); Austin Rivers, G, New Orleans (8)
FIVE TO WATCH: Chris Copeland, F, New York; Nando de Colo, G, San Antonio; Draymond Green, F, Golden State; Meyers Leonard, C, Portland; Jared Sullinger, F, Boston.
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Rookie | Power | Most Improved | MVP
Chris Bernucca is the deputy editor of SheridanHoops.com. His columns appear Monday during the season. You can follow him on Twitter.
Pages: 1 2