| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Forget the 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.3 steals in three games last week. The Sixers won twice – both on the road and in regulation, which they hadn’t done in seven weeks. They are 9-11 with him and 1-10 without him. | 2 |
| 2 |  |
TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: Had the game-winner at Charlotte, capping a week where he averaged 15.7 points and 6.0 assists while leading Jazz to a 2-1 mark. Don’t look now, but Burke is ruining Utah’s tanking plans. Utah has won nine of its last 19 games. | 1 |
| 3 |  |
VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: Averaged 15.5 points, 9.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in two wins before a blah outing in a loss to Golden State. Beginning to settle into his reserve combo guard role, with more of his minutes being spent at the point. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, G-F, MILWAUKEE: Warning: Watching this kid play induces drooling. Now firmly starting as a 6-9 guard, he fills the boxscore every night. Had a pair of double-digit rebound games and went 6-5-4-4-2 in his “worst” game of the week. | 5 |
| 5 |  |
TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: His 46 percent shooting would be top 10 among shooting guards if he qualified, even after going 9-of-24 in two games this week. Still made his threes, got to the line and averaged 13.5 points. Among rooks, only Matthew Dellavedova – with 70 less attempts – is better from the arc. | 4 |
| 6 |  |
KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Had just 22 points in six games since returning from a sprained ankle but erupted for season highs of 21 points (with three 3-pointers) and five assists in Tuesday matinee loss to Atlanta. Looks to be regaining his early season form, a great sign for Celts and him. | – |
| 7 |  |
BEN MCLEMORE, G, SACRAMENTO: In December, he scored in double figures six times – and was held to five points or less eight times. He has shot four free throws in his last 187 minutes. And he is allowing formerly forgotten Marcus Thornton to win his job back. | 6 |
| 8 |  |
MASON PLUMLEE, C, BROOKLYN: A bright spot in Tuesday’s embarrassment at San Antonio with 15 points, 13 boards and two blocks in season-high 38 minutes. But first double-double of the season also was his first double-digit scoring game of December. | – |
| 9 |  |
STEVEN ADAMS, C, OKLAHOMA CITY: We’re Looking for more, but plays consistent minutes for one of NBA’s best teams, which counts for something. Numbers are better than starter Kendrick Perkins but defense isn’t, evident in Tuesday’s loss to Portland. | – |
| 10 |  |
PERO ANTIC, C, ATLANTA: Hasn’t scored much of late but has made a 3-pointer in his last four games. His per-36 numbers are 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. But to play that much, has to shoot better than 36 percent and improve 106 defensive rating. | – |
DROPOUTS: Tony Snell, G, Chicago (7); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Detroit (8); Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte (9); Miroslav Raduljica, C, Milwaukee (10).
FIVE TO WATCH: Anthony Bennett, F, Cleveland; Archie Goodwin, G, Phoenix; Otto Porter, F, Washington; Phil Pressey, G, Boston; Hollis Thompson, F, Philadelphia.
OTHER RANKINGS: MVP | Most Improved | Sixth Man | Power
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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