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

4. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Last week: No. 6 (↑2)

The Dallas Mavericks may have a 2-13 record, but Dennis Smith Jr. is certainly figuring out how to become a solid player in the NBA. Smith Jr. set a new career-high in points on Wednesday night with 27 points on 10-of-23 shooting and 5-for-11 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, two assists in a 97-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Smith’s performance stood out so much, it earned the praise of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. It was the third 20-plus point performance in four games for Smith, who seems to have found his rhythm offensively. Now, he’ll just need to bring the rest of the team along with him. He’s reached double-digits in assists just once this season.

Smith ranks second among rookies in points per game (15.8) and fourth in assists per game (4.7). His shooting numbers could use an improvement as he’s shooting just 40.6 percent from the floor and 32.4 percent from 3-point range.

There are a few rookies on the upcoming slate of games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies.  Smith will certainly be tested this upcoming week.