NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Week 5
Each week, FanSided will be ranking the NBA rookies based on the performance so far this season.
For the fifth straight week, Philadelphia 76ers’ point guard Michael Carter-Williams tops the list with Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo solidly in second.
1. Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Philadelphia 76ers
Carter-Williams continues to put up huge numbers for the 76ers despite the dip in the teams’ overall play. Since Carter-Williams’ return, the team is just 1-4. However, that isn’t because of his performance (although he shot just 13-of-34 from the field this week). On the season, the former Syracuse Orange floor general is putting up 17.2 points, 7.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game. He has unseated Victor Oladipo as the overwhelming favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award.
2. Victor Oladipo, G, Orlando Magic
With the return of Glen Davis and the improved play of Oladipo, the former Indiana Hoosier has found himself in the starting lineup more often than not. And Oladipo has rewarded his coach for his increase in minutes. In three games this week, Oladipo has played 29, 42 and 32 minutes. In those games he’s scored 17.0 points per game on 20-of-36 shooting from the field. He’s now upped his overall scoring average to 13.2 points per game and is also grabbing 3.9 rebounds, dishing out 3.5 assists, recording 1.8 steals and blocking one shot per game.
3. Ben McLemore, SG, Sacramento Kings
McLemore climbs all the way to the third spot after making his return to the list last week. After scoring 15 points in a 100-86 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last Sunday, McLemore put up 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 104-98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Friday night. McLemore is seeing an increase in minutes and appears to be earning more trust from the Kings. He’s averaging 9.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
4. Steven Adams, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Adams makes his return to the list mostly because of his rebounds prowess. In games against the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors, all Thunder victories, Adams played just 53 minutes, but still grabbed 17 rebounds. Adams is averaging 10.2 rebounds per-36 minutes and has posted a rebounding rate of 15.2%. The New Zealand native is now putting up 4.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in just 17.9 minutes per game.
5. Kelly Olynyk, C, Boston Celtics
Olynyk hasn’t played in the last five games because of an ankle injury, but with the recent performance of Milwaukee Bucks’ rookie point guard Nate Wolters due to his illness and the return of veteran guard Luke Ridnour , Olynyk, who was already ranked higher than Wolters, remains on the list. On the season, Olynyk is averaging 7.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
In: Steven Adams
Out: Nate Wolters