NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 13: Wendell Carter in mix

NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 13: Wendell Carter Jr. back in the mix

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 9: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls makes his entrance before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 9, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last week: 2nd (↓2)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton’s production has gone down in recent weeks, as has the team in recent games. He’s averaged 11.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game on 51.4 percent shooting since last week’s rankings were released.

Ayton has produced single-digit scoring in two of his last four appearances. He tied a season-low with four points against the Los Angeles Clippers on 2-of-3 shooting last Friday then put up just six points on 1-of-7 shooting in their 104-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

When he’s not scoring, Ayton has been pretty useless in the frontcourt for the Suns. He’s been slacking on the boards lately for Phoenix as well, producing just one double-double in his last four games.

The Suns are 1-4 so far in the month of January and have won two of their last nine games since Dec. 26. The New Year hasn’t been very kind to Phoenix and its rookie big man, and as the season goes on, his production will be something to keep an eye on.