2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 19 power rankings

7. Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns

Last rank: 8th (↑1)

The profile of Phoenix Suns rookie Josh Jackson continues to rise despite recent results in the win-loss column. Jackson is having a strong February, averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 blocks through seven contests so far.

He was surprisingly left out this year’s Rising Stars Challenge, which should only be more motivation for him going forward. He put up 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal last Wednesday against the Utah Jazz, despite a 107-97 loss. Jackson was an efficient 10-of-15 (66.7 percent) from the floor and also made two 3-pointers and managed to do it all off the bench.

It was Jackson’s fourth 20-point game in February. As the Suns’ biggest asset off the bench, look for him to have more games of the 20-point variety post-All-Star Break. He’s averaging 33.1 minutes per game off the bench in February while attempting a season-high 17.1 fields goals per game across the same span.