Hoops Habit
Fansided

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

By Jerran Anderson

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Last week: 1st (↔)

Rookie guard Luka Doncic continues to be a model of consistency in the Dallas Mavericks’ starting rotation. He put up 30 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in their recent victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. It marked the fourth time this season Doncic has put up 30 points or more in a game, and so far he’s the only rookie with multiple 30-point games this season.

Doncic’s 30-point game snapped a three-game skid for the Mavericks and with a 19-22 record, they remain within striking distance of eighth place in the playoff race, trailing the 8-seed by 3.5 games. He remains the only rookie averaging 20 points or more per game over the last week at 22.5 points per contest.

Doncic may have found his go-to move as well, in the form of the stepback 3-pointer. He’s proven to be virtually unguardable when he’s made the move, much like Dirk Nowitzki‘s patented leg-kick fadeaway.

Next. Week 13 NBA Power Rankings. dark

The Rookie of the Year award still hasn’t become a foregone conclusion, but Doncic continues to get closer to sealing the award up with every passing game.