NBA Rookie Rankings 12/15/13: Trades Affecting Rookie of the Year Race

1. Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic

Dec 6, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) blocks a dunk attempt by New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Despite what ESPN’s Bill Simmons may think, Victor Oladipo has always been in the Rookie of the Year race, not just inserting himself recently. In fact, Oladipo is now the leader of the Rookie Rankings and has the inside edge for the ROY race.

Oladipo had his best shooting performance of the season Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, dropping 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. Oladipo and the sudden rebirth of Aaron Afflalo have the Orlando Magic jumping for joy for the future.

Oladipo is playing 30 minutes per game and producing at a high level. He’s even recently been inserted into the starting lineup for the Magic.  It wouldn’t kill him to increase his 3-point shooting efficiency, but his raw talent alone is enough to make you step back and say “Wow.”

The margin between one and two is still razor thin, but the margin this time is made up that Oladipo has stayed on the court since the last Rookie Rankings. Right now it is a three-way battle between Burke, Carter-Williams and Oladipo. The rankings can change on a dime, but for now, Mr. Fantastic Voice Oladipo can sleep easy knowing he has the top spot in this week’s Rookie Rankings.