NBA Rookie Rankings Moe Harkless makes a move

RANK	ROOKIE	RUNDOWN	RECENT
1		DAMIAN LILLARD, G, PORTLAND: Finally had a bad one at Milwaukee on Tuesday (8 points 2-of-10 FGs, 6 TOs). In Lillard’s 10 previous games, he had averaged 23.9 points, 6.7 assists and just 2.2 turnovers while shooting 52 percent overall and 47 percent from the arc. It’s a shame he won’t be on display in the postseason.	1
2		ANTHONY DAVIS, F-C, NEW ORLEANS: Rookie season dotted by injuries and inconsistency now has a signature moment as his soaring tip-in over Kevin Garnett gave the Hornets a last-second win over the Celtics on Wednesday. Averaging over 10 boards per game this month and no reason why that shouldn’t continue.	2
3		MOE HARKLESS, F, ORLANDO: Is he the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month? Averaging 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals in March while shooting 47 percent overall and 41 percent from the arc. Scored a season-high 23 points with nine boards, two steals and two blocks Sunday at Milwaukee.	7
4		JONAS VALANCIUNAS, C, TORONTO: Seems like season is just starting for big man, who averaged 15.3 points on sharp 18-of-25 with 7.0 boards in three games last week. Minutes up to 24 a game this month and should grow as season starts to wind down. LOOKING FOR TORONTO RAPTORS TICKETS? CLICK HERE	9
5		BRADLEY BEAL, G, WASHINGTON: Returned after missing six games with a sprained ankle and was coming off the bench with managed minutes when he sprained it again late in Wednesday’s win at Phoenix. That could be enough for the Wizards to shut down their shooting guard, who has been roughed up this season.	4
6		DION WAITERS, G, CLEVELAND: Is he done? MRI on sore knee revealed loose cartilage that will need surgery. Inactivity ultimately will drop him out of these rankings, but it will be interesting to see if his inconsistent body of work is enough to secure him an All-Rookie First Team nod.	3
7		HARRISON BARNES, F, GOLDEN STATE: Minutes have been marginalized as Mark Jackson relies more on his three-guard lineup but should be given some credit for maintaining his production. Averaged 10.3 points on 17-of-32 shooting in four games this week. No rookie is playing a bigger role for a playoff team.	6
8		KYLE SINGLER, F, DETROIT: The Pistons have packed it in, and Singler is suffering. Hasn’t really scored the ball in a month and has made just three of his last 19 3-pointers. In 40 minutes of loss to Portland, failed to grab a rebound for just the second time this season. Needs to pick it up.	5
9		CHRIS COPELAND, F, NEW YORK: Took advantage of Carmelo Anthony’s absence and produced 11.3 points while shooting 7-of-16 from the arc in four games this week. Scoring has never been an issue; his 7.3 points per game ranks 12th among rookies. But what happens when Melo come back?	–
10		DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS, F, HOUSTON: Although coach Kevin McHale recently praised his effort, production disappeared with 4.3 points on 6-of-25 shooting (1-of-11 threes) in three games last week. Minutes appear safe, however, as fellow rook Thomas Robinson’s week (6 points, 3-of-11) was even worse.	8

DROPOUTS: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, Charlotte (10).

FIVE TO WATCH: Nando de Colo, G, San Antonio; John Jenkins, G, Atlanta; Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, Charlotte; Terrence Ross, G, Toronto; Tyler Zeller, C, Cleveland.

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