Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: Trae Young continues his charge on Luka Doncic

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 06: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 06, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 06: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 06, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  MARCH 6: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on March 6, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  MARCH 6: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on March 6, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Luka Doncic

Young’s been a great story over the past few months, but Doncic has continued to play at a really high level. That’s why he remains atop our Rookie Rankings again this week.

It’s not as if he’s played bad lately. The Slovenian sensation has averaged over 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game in the last week. That’s All-Star level production for a player at any stage of his career.

The one knock on Doncic’s second half is that he hasn’t been good enough to keep Dallas in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Mavericks are currently nine games behind the Clippers for the No. 8 spot and have no realistic chance of closing the gap. Like it or not, Doncic’s team is headed towards the lottery.

Next. NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys under the most pressure. dark

That isn’t a bad outcome for the Mavericks in the long-term though. Next season, Rick Carlisle should have an opportunity to coach Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and another high lottery talent. That will give his team a real chance to contend for a postseason spot for the foreseeable future. Doncic’s presence in Big D changes the entire complexion of the franchise. Don’t let Young’s recent magic cool you, Doncic still deserves to be on top of this list due to his incredible season.

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