NBA Rookie Ladder Week 11: The young king returns to the lineup

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 28: Omer Yurtseven #77 of the Miami Heat is defended by Daniel Gafford #21 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at FTX Arena on December 28, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Reaves/Getty Images) /

Week 11 NBA Rookie Ladder: 4. Omer Yurtseven, Miami Heat

5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists

Shooting splits: .485/.000/.633

In what may be his last week on the list for a while with the likes of Cunningham and Giddey returning to the court, Omer Yurtseven continues to impress with the Miami Heat.

His streak of double-digit rebounding games has climbed to eight, posting a line over that stretch of 10.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Even when they are back at full strength, Yurtseven has made it clear that he belongs in the rotation for the rest of the season by keeping many plays alive for his teammates. This is the kind of effort that is setting players apart while so many people are forced out of the lineup.

Week 11 NBA Rookie Ladder: 3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

15.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks

Shooting splits: .493/.359/.727

Scottie Barnes has returned to the court, but not soon enough to stop Franz Wagner from overtaking him in the current standings. After missing three straight games, Barnes returned against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

He tallied a line of 13 points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block. Whenever he is on the court, he is consistently impressive, with the ability to guard across a myriad of positions and player types. He still has a chance to climb higher on the list again, but for now, he slides to third place, his lowest ranking since the beginning of the season.