| RANK | ROOKIE | RUNDOWN | RECENT |
| 1 |  |
MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: He still leads all rookies in points (16.7), boards (6.0), assists (6.2), steals (1.92) and double-doubles (14). But if the Sixers don’t win vs. Detroit on Saturday, he could be looking at a season-ending 36-game losing streak, which could cost him votes. | 1 |
| 2 |  |
VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: Had a good week, averaging 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists while attempting 22 free throws in three games. Plus the Magic finally won one, which is more than MCW can say. Has scored in double figures in 13 of his last 14 games. | 2 |
| 3 |  |
TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: Didn’t make many shots this week, knocking down just 16-of-44 overall and 3-of-16 from the arc. But he did sink one big shot – a 3-pointer with 1.6 seconds left to beat Orlando and end Utah’s six-game skid. Also notched his first double-double in over a month. | 3 |
| 4 |  |
TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: Had a strange week as he averaged 14.5 points in two losses and just 6.0 points in two wins. He also has been struggling from the field, shooting just 30 percent overall and 3-of-17 from the arc in his last five outings. He might be getting tired. | 4 |
| 5 |  |
MASON PLUMLEE, C, BROOKLYN: It is looking more and more like he will be starting in the playoffs as Kevin Garnett’s back spasms have gone from day-to-day to week-to-week. The Nets will need more games like his 18 points with one missed shot vs. Boston and less of the four and four boards he had vs. Charlotte. | 7 |
| 6 |  |
BEN MCLEMORE, G, SACRAMENTO: Mr. Inconsistent managed to put together a good week, averaging 13.3 points while shooting 16-of-34 overall and 8-of-19 from the arc. But he hasn’t attempted a free throw in two weeks, and that’s not acceptable for a player of his size and athleticism. | – |
| 7 |  |
RYAN KELLY, F, LA LAKERS: Averaged 8.3 points in three games last week and believe it or not is sixth among all rookies in scoring average at 7.7 ppg this season. Not sure whether that says more about him, the system in which he plays or the lack of strength of the draft class. | 10 |
| 8 |  |
PERO ANTIC, F-C, ATLANTA: His perimeter touch disappeared, and so did his production. Made just 3-of-17 from deep this week and managed 26 points in four games, all losses. Turnovers have also become an issue and got schooled by Gorgui Dieng in Minnesota. | 5 |
| 9 |  |
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, F, MILWAUKEE: His 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in three games last week was nothing special but much better than he had been of late. Had seven double-digit games in January and just five since, even though there’s been almost no change in his minutes. Maybe he’s tired. | – |
| 10 |  |
CODY ZELLER, C, CHARLOTTE: With 19 points and 14 rebounds over three games, he’s had better weeks. But Big Al’s understudy is one of the few guys here doing it for a playoff team, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Seven-footers have to shoot better than 41 percent, kid. | 9 |
DROPOUTS: Kelly Olynyk, F-C, Boston (6); Nick Calathes, G, Memphis (8).
FIVE TO WATCH: Steven Adams, C, Oklahoma City; Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Detroit; Matthew Dellavedova, G, Cleveland; Gorgiu Dieng, F-C, Minnesota; Ray McCallum, G, Sacramento.
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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