Another week of games means it’s another week for the NBA Rookie of the Year ladder power rankings. Here’s a look at this week’s rankings.
The 2017-18 NBA season is coming up on the final month of the regular season. While some rookies are pushing their talents for playoff position, others are looking to solidify themselves in the rotation.
The fluctuation on the Rookie of the Year ladder continues as two newcomers appear on the list. This late in the season it’s not surprising, as some teams use the final two months to increase certain rookies’ playing time in the rotation.
Take Orlando Magic rookie guard Rodney Purvis, for instance. Purvis is averaging 12.5 points per game in the past two contests after a 19-point outing against the Philadelphia 76ers last Thursday. He’s one player to keep an eye on after being called up from the G League.
Another player who’s been on a hot streak in his last five games is Charlotte Hornets rookie Dwayne Bacon. Bacon is averaging 10.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in the Hornets’ last five contests. He’s seen an uptick in his minutes per game. On the season, he’s averaging 12.8 minutes per contest but in the last five, he’s at 25.6 minutes per game.
The development of this year’s rookie class has been fun to watch in the NBA, to say the least. Here’s a look at the NBA Rookie of the Year ladder power rankings for Week 23.