| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Averaged 16.5 points, a ridiculous 9.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in four games last week. Yes, they were all losses, and the one at Indiana was directly his fault because he made some terrible decisions down the stretch. But the Sixers have been much more competitive lately. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: Double figures streak is up to five games since returning from an ankle injury. Also shooting a respectable 44 percent and averaging 5.4 assists during that stretch. But the Magic haven’t won any of those games, so it’s hard to argue elevating him. | 2 |
| 3 |  |
TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: Having one of his best stretches while his team continues its season-ending spiral. Has scored in double figures in six consecutive games, averaging 16.7 points while shooting 49 percent, including 15-of-28 on threes. Also averaging 4.0 assists in that span. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: Streak of three 20-point games – the longest by any rookie this season – ended Wednesday with an 0-of-7 clunker vs. Indiana. During New York’s seven-game winning streak, he is averaging 13.3 points while shooting nearly 46 percent, including 15-of-39 from deep. | 4 |
| 5 |  |
PERO ANTIC, F-C, ATLANTA: Hasn’t scored less than eight points since his return, averaging 11.4 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 47 percent overall and almost 39 percent on threes. His tough leaner Saturday vs. Denver saved a win after Atlanta blew a 21-point lead. | 10 |
| 6 |  |
KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Very solid week, averaging 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 23 minutes over four games. He is clearly making the effort to finish strong as March has been by far his best month on the offensive end. When Danny Ainge clears the forward logjam this summer, he will have a player. | 5 |
| 7 |  |
MASON PLUMLEE, C, BROOKLYN: Averaged 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 23 minutes over three games, including a 14-11 double-double vs. Phoenix and his brother. With Kevin Garnett still sidelined, Nets need Plumlee’s 17.90 PER for their playoff push. Are you happy now, Mik_Z? | – |
| 8 |  |
NICK CALATHES, G, MEMPHIS: Continued his steady play with 6.3 points, 3.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds in three games. He also had four steals against just four turnovers in 59 total minutes and has a better ratio this season than both Carter-Williams and Oladipo. | – |
| 9 |  |
CODY ZELLER, C, CHARLOTTE: Getting incrementally better as the season marches on, a good sign for a team headed to the playoffs that will need his minutes to spell workhorse Al Jefferson. His points (7.1), rebounds (5.3) and shooting (.547) in March all are season bests for any month. | 9 |
| 10 |  |
RYAN KELLY, F, LA LAKERS: It’s hard to argue with the numbers over his last five games – 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 33.2 minutes, along with 9-of-18 shooting from distance. But the Lakers and their coach play a style that produces every number except wins. | – |
DROPOUTS: Ben McLemore, G, Sacramento (7); Nate Wolters, G, Milwaukee (8); Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee (10).
FIVE TO WATCH: Reggie Bullock, G, LA Clippers; Gorgui Dieng, C, Minnesota; Andre Roberson, G, Oklahoma City; Dennis Schroder, G, Atlanta; Jeff Withey, C, New Orleans.
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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I am certainly glad to see that the guy with by far the highest PER and by far the highest WS/48 (not to mention superior defense) has finally cracked your top 10. Does it have anything to do with his stepping in for a HOF big and having the team go 10-2? Or did you just get tired of waiting for Giannis to actually do something?