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NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 12: Trae Young ends his shooting slump

By Jerran Anderson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 31, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 31, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last rank: 2nd (↔)

Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton is finding his way on offense in the early going of 2018-19. He put up a season-high 33 points on 16-of-20 shooting against the Denver Nuggets to go along with 14 rebounds last Saturday. The Suns lost the game 122-118, but the efforts of Ayton have provided reason for optimism.

Ayton leads all rookies this season with 24 double-doubles. He has put up three double-doubles across Phoenix’s last four contests. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game over that stretch.

He is just the fourth rookie this season to put up 30 points or more in a game this season and the by far the most efficient with 16 makes on 20 attempts. He’s everything the Suns could have hoped for in terms of an interior threat, although it hasn’t made positive returns in the win-loss column.

Ayton is still putting those around the NBA on notice with his abilities and continues to remain on the heels on this year’s No. 1 contender for Rookie of the Year.