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

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5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last rank: 3rd (↓2)

The Boston Celtics have had an interesting month of February. They have posted 3-4 record in the month and are now two games behind the Toronto Raptors for the top spot in the East at 40-19. Look no further than the performance of Jayson Tatum as to the reason why.

Tatum is still averaging 13.3 points but his rebounds are down to 2.6 per game. That’s been roughly half of his season average of 5.1 rebounds per game. In turn, his defensive rating has taken a hit. After posting a defensive rating of 95.4 in January, he’s currently got a defensive rating of 106.1 through seven games in February.

In losses this season, Tatum’s defensive rating is 106.7. In victories, his defensive rating stays well below 100 at 96.5. Defense wins championships and it certainly would help increase Boston’s chances of beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the long run. They should figure it out post-All-Star Break, but again, it all starts with Jayson Tatum.