| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Philly’s recent four-game winning streak – all on the road – illustrates MCW’s value. Even with two recent blowout losses, the Sixers are still 10-13 when he plays. Went for a season-high 33 points Tuesday at Cleveland and is still second in the NBA in steals. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: The West’s Rookie of the Month for January, an award he could win every month given his lack of competition. Didn’t have the best shooting week but his assists continue to climb. And Jazz are 11-11 in his last 22 games. | 2 |
| 3 |  |
VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: Carter-Williams’ inactivity in December handed him East Rookie of the Month, but that may not happen again. After extended bench run, started Wednesday in Portland as Magic went super-small. Averaging 17.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in last three games, all losses. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Like Oladipo, another rook holding his own for a struggling team. Celtics are 4-10 since his return but don’t blame that on him. Scoring a bit, knocking down threes and rebounding well. But similar to teammate Jared Sullinger last season, he has to stop fouling. | 6 |
| 5 |  |
TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: Iman Shumpert’s recent resurgence has impacted his playing time and production. In four games, he averaged just 12 minutes and 4.0 points. But the Knicks won three of them and may be turning a corner. Now only if they could trade knucklehead J.R. Smith. | 5 |
| 6 |  |
PERO ANTIC, C, ATLANTA: Made a starter and became first rookie since Tim Thomas in 1997 with at least two threes in first four starts. In 23.8 minutes, averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 52 percent overall and 12-of-22 from deep in four games. | 10 |
| 7 |  |
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, G-F, MILWAUKEE: His production has been erratic, which is what you kind of expect from a teenage rookie. After a 14-minutes disaster in Phoenix (3 fouls, 4 TOs), he bounced back a bit with five rebounds and five assists vs. Golden State. Would like to see more offensive aggression from him. | 4 |
| 8 |  |
KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE, G, DETROIT: Forced his way back into the table with his best offensive stretch of the season, averaging 11.5 points on 20-of-33 shooting (6-of-12 from deep) last four games. Of course, reeling Pistons lost all four. This is becoming a theme. | – |
| 9 |  |
STEVEN ADAMS, C, OKLAHOMA CITY: Had one of his better all-around games with 10 points, nine boards and two blocks Saturday at Minnesota. Nobody noticed because Kevin Durant went for 48. With Russell Westbrook out, Thunder needs more of that from Adams. | 9 |
| 10 |  |
BEN MCLEMORE, G, SACRAMENTO: Long lack of production for run-and-gun Kings finally cost him his starting spot Tuesday in favor of Marcus Thornton. Didn’t respond well, either, with just two points in 18 minutes. Has to do something or he won’t be here next week. | 7 |
DROPOUTS: Mason Plumlee, C, Brooklyn (8).
FIVE TO WATCH: Anthony Bennett, F, Cleveland; Ryan Kelly, F, LA Lakers; Otto Porter, F, Washington; Tony Snell, G, Chicago; Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte.
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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