NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 15: Sexton back in top 5

NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 15: Collin Sexton back in the top 5

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Denver Nuggets on January 19, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last rank: 2nd (↓1)

Phoenix Suns rookie big man Deandre Ayton is currently out with an ankle injury and has missed the past three games, so his status in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings drops slightly.

He was averaging 15.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game through four appearances prior to his injury. Through four games, he snagged two double-doubles, increasing his total on the season to 27, which leads all rookies.

Ayton has been a double-double machine on the offensive end and his defense is coming along as well. It’s all a matter of getting a healthy rotation on the floor with this team. With Ayton missing, there’s a big hole in their frontcourt and it shows with the Suns’ current situation. They’ve lost six games in a row.

With Ayton’s return on the rocks, the Suns will have to rely heavily on Devin Booker‘s shooting ability. Hopefully, a few games watching from the sidelines improves Ayton’s awareness.