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NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 10: Kevin Knox cracks the Top 5

By Jerran Anderson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on December 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on December 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images /

After a two-week hiatus, the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings return, as some new players — like Kevin Knox — emerge in the top five for Week 10.

The NBA Rookie of the Year award has been all about Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic in the past few weeks. Doncic put up a career-high 32 points on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, though it came in a defeat. He’s continued to assert himself on the floor, no matter his opponent, and it has Dallas a bit ahead of preseason expectations.

Forward Kevin Knox has emerged in the New York Knicks‘ rotation as a player on the rise since getting healthy from a preseason injury. After easing him into the rotation through the early months, December has been a strong one for Knox.

The Phoenix Suns are another team that’s seen some big performances from rookie center Deandre Ayton. Ayton is back to racking up more double-doubles and it’s turned into results in the win column. The Suns are still 8-24, but the positive production of Ayton during the team’s four-game win streak is certainly something they can build on.

The Atlanta Hawks have seen better days, but one rookie that’s come on strong in recent games is guard Kevin Huerter. Huerter is putting up 12.6 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting from 3-point range over the past five contests. He’s worked himself into the rotation as Trae Young‘s shooting struggles continue.

The Rookie of the Year race is getting interesting as the new year approaches. Here’s a look at the Week 10 power rankings.