2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 6 power rankings

4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

Last week: No. 3 (↓1)

The Utah Jazz and Donovan Mitchell continue to find success together. However, the Jazz have hit a crossroad on offense, especially without Rudy Gobert in the paint. Defensively, they rank fifth in points allowed per game (100.0) with a defensive rating of 103.5, which also ranks fifth. Offensively, they rank 26th in the league in points per game (100.3).

Mitchell is averaging 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game through 19 games for the Jazz. He’s started in the last eight games for Utah and despite their 8-11 record, Mitchell has been the catalyst on offense. He’s got 11 starts so far in 2017-18.

Michell saw a personal scoring streak end in the Jazz’s most recent victory 110-80 over the Bulls. He had scored in double figures in seven straight games before Wednesday night. He was 1-for-10 from the floor with four points but also had seven assists and five rebounds.

They’ve missed Gobert’s presence on the defensive end and it’s showed. Utah is 2-4 since he was sidelined by injury. He’s set to miss a few more weeks which may force the Jazz to make a move and add another asset.