| RANK | Player | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MARKIEFF MORRIS, F, PHOENIX: “Morris is one of four players age 24 or younger who averages at least 18 points and eight rebounds per 36 minutes. You might have heard of the other three: Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.” – ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh | 1 |
| 2 |  |
ALEC BURKS, G, UTAH: Burks’ improvements from last season are enormous. Despite playing in 16 fewer games so far, he’s already blown past his previous career-high scoring, assisting and rebounding totals. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaged 17-3-3. At only 22, there’s a lot to like about his future. | 3 |
| 3 |  |
NICK YOUNG, G, LA LAKERS: Young is the only player on the rankings who fits the mold of the traditional Sixth Man Award winners. He’s a deadly scorer and has been putting up big 20-point performances on a regular basis since mid-December. If the Lakers were winning, he’d have a serious shot at the award. |
– |
| 4 |  |
TAJ GIBSON, F, CHICAGO: Tom Thibodeau has been advocating for Gibson’s candidacy all season. Now, it’s finally time to give the big man his due. He’s averaging a career high 12.2 points and also contributes 6.4 boards per night. His defense is also outstanding. | – |
| 5 |  |
MO WILLIAMS, G, PORTLAND: When he announced his plans to opt out of his contract after the season, it looked like a reasonable decision. Unfortunately for him, his production has dropped off considerably in the month since. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaged 7.4 points and 3.8 assists. Simply put: he might want to reconsider leaving guaranteed money on the table. |
4 |
DROPOUTS: Deron Williams (2): Williams returned to Brooklyn’s starting lineup against Philadelphia and looks poised to start again for the remainder of the season. Tyreke Evans (5).
FIVE TO WATCH: Vince Carter, F, Dallas; J.R. Smith, G, New York; Ramon Sessions, G, Charlotte; James Johnson, F, Memphis; Mike Scott, F, Atlanta.
OTHER RANKINGS: Rookie| Most Improved | MVP| Power Rankings
Jacob Eisenberg is a student at Emory University, spending the spring semester abroad in Brazil, and covers the NBA for SheridanHoops.com. Check out his website and click here to follow him on Twitter.
