1. Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Dec 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) shoots a jump shot during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not always about scoring and shooting percentage when it comes to the Rookie Rankings. It also focuses on a player’s importance to their respective team. There’s not a single rookie in this class that is more important to their team than Michael Carter-Williams is the the Philadelphia 76ers.
MCW’s importance was highlighted during his absence, missing the last seven games for the Sixers (all losses). He returned to action this week and looked as if he hadn’t missed a single game. Carter-Williams finished the game against the Brooklyn Nets with 15 points and 10 assists, good for this seventh double-double this season to lead all rookies (Burke is second with two).
Despite being dropped to second on the list last week, MCW is back in the top spot and looks to keep it that way for the remainder of the season. He’s been the most consistent rookie by a wide margin and has the 76ers thinking they can be a playoff team. In the Eastern Conference, anything is possible. As long as MCW continues to play well, Philadelphia could be right there all season.