Welcome back to the weekly rookie ladder update! Each week this season we will look at the race for the top five slots on the Rookie of the Year ballot, cutting the recording period every Sunday.
The issues with the ever-present virus have spread almost fully to the Rookie of the Year race. Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Scottie Barnes have missed time over the last week, combining to appear in just one game.
The league is ravaged, allowing for increased opportunities for plenty of young players so far, including one who is making his first appearance on this list. What a season this has turned into so far.
In week 10 of the Rookie Ladder standings, COVID-19 complications spread throughout the rankings. The list complicates itself due to extended absences.
Week 10 NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings 5. Omer Yurtseven, Miami Heat
4.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists
Shooting splits: .484/.000/.607
This is not just Josh Giddey skepticism, though his zero-point double-double certainly falls into that category. While plenty of players have been out of the lineup, Omer Yurtseven has used his increased role to perform in an outstanding fashion.
Over the last seven games, he is averaging 8.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He has grabbed 12 or more rebounds in five consecutive contests.
Yurtseven may not be a consistent entry onto this list, but while he is currently thriving, it felt like the perfect time to lend a little extra attention to the type of player who may be flying under the radar for fans not regularly checking into Miami Heat games in the middle of December.