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NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings: Week 3

By Jerran Anderson

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images /
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Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last week: 3rd (↑1)

Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton has done his part for the Phoenix Suns, despite their six-game slide as a unit. Ayton has been their most efficient and reliable scorer, particularly in the post in 2018-19. Unlike recent picks, he’s emerged as a viable threat inside and when Devin Booker returns, it will be interesting to see how soon they get over the hump.

Ayton has averaged 17.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the Suns’ past three contests while shooting 60.5 percent from the field. He put up 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists on 12-of-13 shooting against the Memphis Grizzlies and fellow rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite the 117-96 loss, Ayton had the better performance from an output standpoint.

Defense and foul trouble are where he really needs to improve. He’s averaged 3.0 fouls in the past three games, finishing with four in two of them. He hasn’t recorded a block in the last three contests, either. As one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, the Suns could really use his shot-blocking ability.