| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
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MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Foolishly trash-talked Russell Westbrook, who dropped a triple-double on him in 21 minutes. “I compete, and that’s what I like to do,” MCW said after getting schooled. You say you compete? Win a game, which you haven’t done in over a month. Or someone else will be here. | 1 |
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VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: All even at two ROMs apiece after Little O won for February, when he had more assists and steals than MCW. Orlando also had six wins to Philly’s zero, which has to start counting at some point. Missed Wednesday’s loss to Houston with an ankle, although it may have just been rest. | 2 |
| 3 |  |
TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: Averaged 10.3 points on just 14-of-39 shooting in four losses, which didn’t help his cause. Also missed a free throw for the first time since mid-January. However, he drew high praise from All-Star John Wall, who said, “For a rookie, he’s a pretty good defender.” | 3 |
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TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: He had one of those “little girl with the curl” weeks. He averaged 16.3 points and made 9-of-21 3-pointers vs. Golden State, Chicago and Minnesota. He combined for six points on 2-of-21 shooting – including 0-of-11 from the arc – vs. Miami and Detroit. | 4 |
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KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Returned from a sprained toe Wednesday vs. Golden State and picked up where he left off, collecting 19 points (three threes), five boards and three assists. The Celtics have reached that point of their season where Kris Humphries and Joel Anthony shouldn’t play anymore. | 9 |
| 6 |  |
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, F, MILWAUKEE: In his last five games, has at least one 3-pointer and three assists. He had a nice all-around game in Saturday’s loss to Brooklyn. And there was this little Twitter Tale from SI’s Chris Mannix, one of the best anecdotes of the season. | 5 |
| 7 |  |
CODY ZELLER, C, CHARLOTTE: Averaged 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the field in 19.0 minutes over four games against the NBA’s four best teams. Maybe Al Jefferson is softening up defenders for him. Or maybe he’s getting a grasp of things. | – |
| 8 |  |
MASON PLUMLEE, C, BROOKLYN: Got some minutes this week due to Kevin Garnett’s injury and made the most of them, averaging 6.3 points, 6.5 boards and 1.0 blocks in 17.3 minutes over four games. Oh, yeah, and the Nets won all four. Have we mentioned that we really like this guy? | – |
| 9 |  |
NICK CALATHES, G, MEMPHIS: Ended Burke’s two-month hold on West ROM honors as he was second among rooks in points, boards, assists, steals and shooting in February. Had 10 points, five boards, five assists and four steals in loss at Brooklyn, his first double-digit game since Mike Conley returned. | 8 |
| 10 |  |
PERO ANTIC, F-C, ATLANTA: Made his return after missing 17 games with an ankle injury and had 10 points – with two threes – and four rebounds in Wednesday’s mess at Portland. The Hawks went 6-11 without him, using Elton Brand and Mike Muscala at center. Atlanta needs him to make the playoffs. | – |
DROPOUTS: Tony Snell, G, Chicago (6); Nate Wolters, G, Milwaukee (7); Ben McLemore, G, Sacramento (10).
FIVE TO WATCH: Steven Adams, C, Oklahoma City; Anthony Bennett, F, Cleveland; C.J. McCollum, G, Portland; Shabazz Muhammad, G, Minnesota; Otto Porter, F, Washington.
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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