Way-too-early NBA Rookie of the Year rankings

4. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Stats: 15.7 PTS, 4.3 REB, 3.7 AST, 46.1% FG, 34.5% 3PT

The fifth-overall pick has started the season strong. Among rookies, he is fourth in points and second in assists (3.7). At Purdue, Ivey’s athleticism made headlines, as he had many highlight dunks. That explosiveness has already translated to the NBA.

When attacking the basket, Ivey has looked unstoppable at times. Across seven games, he is converting 61.5 percent of his field goal attempts in the paint, which is the second-highest mark on the Pistons, trailing only Cade Cunningham.

On Oct. 31, he had a statement game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He had 19 points while converting 8-of-13 2-point field goal attempts. He was able to continually score inside against a tough Bucks defense.

On this play, he drives straight into Giannis Antetokounmpo for the and-one layup.

Ivey is playing 31.3 minutes per game, which is the third-most among rookies, and he will continue to have the ball in his hands. Moving forward, he should have the opportunity to make a real run for Rookie of the Year.