2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 5 power rankings

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5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last week: No. 2(↓3)

It’s getting crowded at the top of the Rookie of the Year ladder, especially for Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. It helps his team is currently on a 14-game winning streak after an impressive comeback against the Golden State Warriors, but Tatum doesn’t get the hero award just yet.

Tatum did put up 12 points, four rebounds and a steal in the victory, but when put next to his rookie counterparts, his status moves down the ladder a bit. That’s still not bad for a 19-year-old rookie, if you ask me.

He is averaging 13.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season, ranking sixth in scoring and rebounds among rookies. It helps he’s learning from superstars like Kyrie Irving and second-year guard Jaylen Brown, who is on his way to a breakout season.

If Tatum can improve his play these next few games, he’ll find himself back in the top three in no time.