NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Week 22

Each week, FanSided will be ranking the NBA rookies based on their performance so far this season.

This was a tough week for the rookie class with each player on the list struggling at times.

The only change to the list is one rookie center replacing another with Kelly Olynyk of the Boston Celtics taking the fifth spot from Atlanta Hawks’ big man Pero Antic.

1.  Victor Oladipo, G, Orlando Magic

Oladipo’s Magic have actually had an excellent week. On Tuesday night, Oladipo shot just five-of-16 from the field, but scored 13 points, dished out six assists, grabbed five rebounds and recorded three steals in the Magic’s 95-85 upset of the Portland Trail Blazers. On Friday night, the Magic were back in action, playing host the Charlotte Bobcats. The Magic rallied to send the game to overtime and won 110-105.  Oladipo had 14 points on five-of-12 shooting, recorded four steals and grabbed three rebounds. On Sunday evening the Magic’s comeback bid fell short. They were defeated by the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 98-93. Oladipo had 16 points on seven-of-12 shooting, dished out four assists, grabbed two rebounds and had two steals. Oladipo is averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

2. Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers finally won a game! Carter-Williams scored 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out four assists and had four steals in a 123-98 victory over the Detroit Pistons Saturday night, breaking a 26-game losing streak.

Carter-Williams’ week started Monday when the 76ers were blown out by the San Antonio Spurs 123-91. Carter-Williams shot five-of-20 from the field and finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.  On Thursday, it was the Houston Rockets who earned a blowout win, defeating the 76ers 120-98. Carter-Williams had just four points on two-of-11 shooting, but did manage to dish out 10 assists. On the season, he is averaging 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.

3. Trey Burke, PG, Utah Jazz 

It has not been a good week for Burke and the Jazz. On Monday, the Detroit Pistons blew out the Jazz 114-94. Burke had 15 points on six-of-15 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. Two nights later, it was the Memphis Grizzlies who took down the Jazz, 91-87.  Burke scored 11 points on five-of-14 shooting and dished out 10 assists. On Friday, the Jazz fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 102-95. Burke scored 12 points, dished out six assists and recorded three steals. Burke ended the week with one of his worst performances. He scored two points on one-of-seven shooting in a 116-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Burke is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

4. Tim Hardaway, Jr. G, New York Knicks

Although the Knicks were blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers 127-96 Tuesday, Hardaway had a solid outing, scoring 17 points on five-of-seven shooting. One night later, the Knicks bounced back with a 107-99 win over the Sacramento Kings. Hardaway had six points on two-of-three shooting in just 17 minutes.  On Friday, the Phoenix Suns blew out the Knicks 112-88. Hardaway had  one of his worst games, finishing with five points on two-of-11 shooting. Hardaway ended the week on a high note, scoring 15 points on six-of-12 shooting to help the Knicks to defeat the Golden State Warriors 89-84 on Sunday night. Hardaway is averaging 10.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game on the season.

5. Kelly Olynyk, C, Boston Celtics

Olynyk replaces Antic on the list because he has simply been more productive lately and Antic now has an ankle injury that could set him back.

In a 99-90 loss to the Toronto Raptors Wednesday, had seven points on three-of-seven shooting, grabbed five rebounds and had three steals. Two days later, the Raptors and Celtics dueled again. The Raptors came away with a 105-103 victory. In just 20 minutes, Olynyk managed to score 10 points on four-of-six shooting and pull down two rebounds. In a 107-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls Sunday, he had seven points on three-of-four shooting and grabbed  three rebounds in just 18 minutes. Olynyk is averaging 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

In: Olynyk

Out:  Pero Antic, C, Atlanta Hawks