Sheridan Hoops Rookie Rankings: Week 12

RANK	ROOKIE	RUNDOWN	RECENT
1		DAMIAN LILLARD, G, PORTLAND: Production remains solid, but more important was his 20 points, eight assists and zero turnovers in a win over Indiana that ended a six-game slide with some bad home losses. Perhaps we expect so much of him because he spent the first half setting the bar so high.	1
2		ANDRE DRUMMOND, F-C, DETROIT: Better every week now. Averaged 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 22.3 minutes over four games and earned huge sign of respect in win over Celtics, who intentionally fouled him. “You know you’re in the league when they do that,” Lawrence Frank said.	3
3		BRADLEY BEAL, G, WASHINGTON: Shot just 1-of-7 in a matchup with Lillard and Portland on Monday, part of a quiet week after a strong start to January. But both Beal (46 percent overall, 55 percent threes in January) and the Wizards (5-7) clearly have benefited from John Wall’s return.	2
4		ANTHONY DAVIS, F-C, NEW ORLEANS: Was flying with 20-12-4 blocks vs. GSW and 11-6-3 blocks in 15 minutes vs. SAC before re-spraining left ankle, which cost him 11 games earlier this season. Earns toughness points for not missing any action, but January numbers are down from December.	4
5		DION WAITERS, G, CLEVELAND: One of the strangest trends of the season continues as gun for hire averages 28.0 points on 18-of-32 shooting in two losses and 6.0 points on 4-of-21 in two wins. This month, he has been better from the field and gotten to the line more, two good signs.	5
6		TYLER ZELLER, C, CLEVELAND: The center position is officially his for the rest of the season – and maybe longer – now that Anderson Varejao is done with pulmonary embolisms, a serious deal. Held his own with 13 points, season-high 14 boards and three blocks vs. Utah’s gaggle of bigs.	8
7		KYLE SINGLER, F, DETROIT: “Mr. Trick Shot” makes his return with his best week in while, averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 53 percent as the Pistons went 2-2. Still a part of Frank’s starting lineup, so he must be doing something right.	–
8		TERRENCE ROSS, G, TORONTO: Is he heating up again? Had been awfully quiet this month but broke out with 18 points and seven boards at Philly and 16 points and two steals at Miami. Both were OT losses, and despite his output Ross was on the bench for both extra sessions.	–
9		HARRISON BARNES, F, GOLDEN STATE: Offense disappeared this week (4.3 points in four games), and so did his minutes as he played no more than fellow rook Draymond Green and veteran Richard Jefferson. If he’s not scoring, he gets the hook because he is the worst defender of the three.	6
10		MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, F, CHARLOTTE: Given the demands of the wing position and his commitment to the defensive end, you have to wonder if MKG is hitting the wall. Hasn’t cracked double digits in five straight games and all of his numbers are down this month, especially shooting (41 percent).	10

DROPOUTS: Alexey Shved, G, Minnesota (7), Thomas Robinson, F, Sacramento (9).

FIVE TO WATCH: Chris Copeland, F, New York; John Henson, F-C, Milwaukee; John Jenkins, G, Atlanta; Mike Scott, F, Atlanta; Jared Sullinger, F, Boston.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Rookie | Power | Most Improved | MVP | Sixth Man

Chris Bernucca is the deputy editor of SheridanHoops.com. His columns appear Monday during the season. You can follow him on Twitter.