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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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last rank: 5th (↓2)

The Phoenix Suns have won four straight games, including victories over the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Ayton put up 23 points and 18 rebounds (eight offensive) against the Celtics in a big 111-103 road victory on Wednesday night. His presence in the paint alongside Devin Booker and T.J. Warren on the wings has paid off lately.

Ayton has produced 17.3 points and 12.0 rebounds per game on 53.8 percent shooting from the field during their ongoing winning streak. He’s recorded three double-doubles as well, showing some renewed life in his step in recent wins.

He’s recorded 11 rebounds or more in six of the last seven contests for the Suns, establishing himself as a premier rebounder in the NBA. His efficiency from the field has also been up. Through the last seven games, he’s shooting 58.6 percent from the floor on 12.4 field goal attempts per game.

If he finds his groove, Phoenix could find itself at slightly better odds with the rest of the NBA, although it’s still early. Their recent acquisition of Kelly Oubre Jr. should strengthen the bench, though they still need a point guard.