Rookie Rankings, Week 23: MCW is the ROY

RANK	ROOKIE	RUNDOWN	RECENT
1		MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS, G, PHILADELPHIA: Dismiss team records and this race is the 1973 Belmont Stakes. Barring a disaster, MCW will lead all rookies in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and double-doubles. No other rookie this century has even come close to doing that.	1
2		VICTOR OLADIPO, G, ORLANDO: A better shooter than MCW, and there were extended stretches this season where he did look like the top rookie. He also did it while playing both backcourt spots, although he’s better off the ball. The Magic should have dealt Jameer Nelson and played Little O more.	2
3		TREY BURKE, G, UTAH: His recent dropoff might again raise questions about his frame and durability, but it shouldn’t. From Nov. 25 to Feb. 26, the Jazz were a highly respectable 20-22 with Burke at the controls. Has a terrific desire to take the big shot and the ability to make it.	3
4		TIM HARDAWAY JR., G, NEW YORK: An ankle injury may be preventing a stronger finish. Leads all rooks in 3-pointers and has been a better shooter than the guys above him. With more consistency in that area, he could help the Knicks move on from knucklehead J.R. Smith and start for a decade.	4
5		MASON PLUMLEE, C, BROOKLYN: His minutes and points per game may make him seem out of place as a First Team choice, but his PER of 18.15 – by far the best among rookies – justifies his presence. Playing his best ball of the season, which the Nets will need in the playoffs.	5
6		KELLY OLYNYK, F-C, BOSTON: Might have made the First Team if Brad Stevens hadn’t played Kris Humphries so much. His all-around skills are among the best of this class, and he even added a reliable 3-pointer as the season progressed. Does all the little things, too, like screen and run the floor.	–
7		BEN MCLEMORE, G, SACRAMENTO: Should have been better, seeing how the rebuilding Kings flat-out gave him the job. The ceiling remains remarkably high, but McLemore’s offseason plan should be 500 jumpers a day. He took 10 or more shots 25 times and made half or more just four times.	6
8		PERO ANTIC, F-C, ATLANTA: He will miss 30-plus games, making his presence here debatable. But he began the season as a third-stringer and has averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds as a starter after Al Horford and Gustavo Ayon went down. The Hawks are in the lottery without him.	8
9		RYAN KELLY, F, LA LAKERS: Mike D’Antoni’s traditionally short rotations had him buried until a wave of injuries gave him a chance, and he made the most of it. Since Jan. 17, he is averaging 9.7 points and shooting 37 percent from the arc in 38 games. Maybe his next coach will teach him defense.	7
10		CODY ZELLER, C, CHARLOTTE: Has toiled in relative anonymity, but playing behind Al Jefferson will do that to you. Nevertheless, he has been remarkably steady (hasn’t missed a game, 13.13 PER) and is playing his best ball of late, scoring in double figures eight times since March 1.	10

DROPOUTS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee (9).

FIVE TO WATCH: Isaiah Canaan, G, Houston; Gorgiu Dieng, F-C, Minnesota; Jorge Gutierrez, G, Brooklyn; Ray McCallum, G, Sacramento; Peyton Siva, G, Detroit.

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.