| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Still leading all rookies in points, assists, threes and steals and held his own in back-to-back games vs. Kyrie Irving. But the summer league problems of shooting and ball security are becoming an issue. Sat out Wednesday’s win over Houston with a bruised left foot. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: Streak of double-figure games ended but he bounced right back with 17 in a loss to Boston and is the only rookie besides MCW averaging 10-plus points. We know he was the preseason Rookie of the Year pick by many, but can he win the award playing just 25 minutes per game off the bench? | 2 |
| 3 |  |
NATE WOLTERS, G, MILWAUKEE: While other rooks have wild swings in their games, he continues to steadily fill a role for Bucks with his precocious playmaking. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 6.17 is absurd for a first-year point guard. He has to start shooting a little better, though, because that’s why he’s in the NBA. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Shots are starting to fall a little more and has been moved into the starting lineup ahead of fellow rookie Vitor Faverani. Leads all rooks in rebounding at six per game and still hasn’t missed a free throw (11-of-11). Brad Stevens has to love how he runs the floor and takes charges. | 5 |
| 5 |  |
STEVEN ADAMS, C, OKLAHOMA CITY: Had a really satisfying week with a 17-10 double-double in Detroit and first start at the Clippers for Kendrick Perkins (death in family). Still needs to be more physical, but catches the ball and does good things with it in the pick-and-roll. Do you think Perk knows who Wally Pipp is? | 8 |
| 6 |  |
BEN MCLEMORE, G, SACRAMENTO: Began the week with four fouls – and nothing else – in seven minutes of a loss to Portland and ended with an atrocious 1-of-8 in a win over Brooklyn. But he was elevated to starter due to coach Mike Malone’s frustration with his team’s effort. It has been feast or famine thus far. | 4 |
| 7 |  |
TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: Finally had a good shooting game (5-of-8) in Wednesday’s win at Atlanta. Shot selection is still bad, but at least he’s getting to the line now. And the truth is the Knicks wouldn’t be considering moving Iman Shumpert if they didn’t think Hardaway could be a rotation player. | 9 |
| 8 |  |
VITOR FAVERANI, C, BOSTON: His disappearing act had us set to drop him until he came alive with seven points (including a 3-pointer) and nine boards vs. Charlotte. Jared Sullinger missed that game, so it’s unclear how much burn he will get going forward. Rookie teammate Phil Pressey actually had a better week. | 6 |
| 9 |  |
CODY ZELLER, C, CHARLOTTE: Had eight with nine boards Wednesday at Boston in place of Josh McRoberts (personal) but hard to say what his role will be going forward now that Al Jefferson is back. Much like his brother last season, finds a way to contribute something regardless of minutes. | – |
| 10 |  |
GAL MEKEL, G, DALLAS: Nothing sensational but certainly steady in minutes backing up Jose Calderon, especially since cutting down on his turnovers this week. Should remain in rotation at least until Devin Harris returns in mid-December. Gotta love his picture on his Rotoworld profile. | – |
DROPOUTS: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Detroit (7); Dennis Schroder, G, Atlanta (10).
FIVE TO WATCH: Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee; Dwight Buycks, G, Toronto; Luigi Datome, F, Detroit: Rudy Gobert, F-C, Utah; Mason Plumlee, F-C, Brooklyn.
OTHER RANKINGS: MVP | Rookie | Most Improved
Chris Bernucca is the deputy editor of SheridanHoops.com. His columns appear Monday during the season. You can follow him on Twitter.
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