Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images
The NBA Rookie of the Year award race is getting interesting as the New Year kicks off. Here’s a look at the Week 12 rankings.
The NBA Rookie of the Year race is heating up as both Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton are both producing over 20 points per game over their past four games. While Doncic is showing off his ability as an efficient playmaker, Ayton is racking up double-doubles and dominating the paint.
Joining Doncic and Ayton in the race are two players that have made appearances already on the Rookie of the Year power rankings, Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox. Both players are showing why they were so highly regarded in this past year’s draft class.
Jackson has shown off his ability to win games in recent weeks while Knox continues to find his way in the Knicks’ rotation. Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young is also showing strides, as he’s broken out of his slump in recent games.
This year’s race isn’t as deep as last year’s, but this is only a glimpse of things to come for some teams looking to get out of the NBA Draft Lottery. The Grizzlies and Mavericks are tied for 10th place in the West with a record of 18-19 entering Friday’s action. Given each team’s place in the current playoff picture, the rookies are a lot closer on paper than it looks. Here’s a look at the Week 12 Rookie of the Year power rankings.
Dallas Mavericks</a> guard <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Luka Doncic</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/phoenix-suns/">Phoenix Suns</a> big man <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aytonde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Deandre Ayton</a> are both producing over 20 points per game over their past four games. While Doncic is showing off his ability as an efficient playmaker, Ayton is racking up double-doubles and dominating the paint.</p>
<p>Joining Doncic and Ayton in the race are two players that have made appearances already on the Rookie of the Year power rankings, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/memphis-grizzlies/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> big man <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=jacksja01,jacksja02&search=Jaren+Jackson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jaren Jackson</a> Jr. and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/new-york-knicks/">New York Knicks</a> forward <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/knoxke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Knox</a>. Both players are showing why they were so highly regarded in this past year’s draft class.</p>
<p>Jackson has shown off his ability to win games in recent weeks while Knox continues to find his way in the Knicks’ rotation. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/atlanta-hawks/">Atlanta Hawks</a> point guard <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/y/youngtr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Trae Young</a> is also showing strides, as he’s broken out of his slump in recent games.</p>
<p>This year’s race isn’t as deep as last year’s, but this is only a glimpse of things to come for some teams looking to get out of the NBA Draft Lottery. The Grizzlies and Mavericks are tied for 10th place in the West with a record of 18-19 entering Friday’s action. Given each team’s place in the current playoff picture, the rookies are a lot closer on paper than it looks. Here’s a look at the Week 12 Rookie of the Year power rankings.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images</p>
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<h3>5. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies</h3>
<p><strong>Last rank: N/A</strong></p>
<p>Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has had an interesting string of games with his squad in the past few weeks. He produced his seventh 20-point game against <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LeBron James</a> and the Los Angeles Lakers, putting up 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field as the Grizzlies took home a 107-99 victory on Dec. 23.</p>
<p>Since then, Memphis has won gone 1-3 and lost their last three games in a row. There were even recent reports of a<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1080693315492814848"> physical altercation in the locker room</a> among teammates during a team meeting. Hopefully, the team can find its magic again and Jackson can continue to prosper in the rotation.</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1080795915059892226</p>
<p>Jackson put up the second double-double (26 points, 10 rebounds) of his young career against the Detroit Pistons last Wednesday, but the Grizzlies shot 4-of-18 (22.2 percent) from 3 in that one and lost 101-94. He’s still producing 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest, but his 3.8 fouls per game average needs to come down a bit.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</p>
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<h3>4. Kevin Knox, New York Knicks</h3>
<p><strong>Last rank: 3rd (↓1)</strong></p>
<p>The New York Knicks have lost their last eight games, but Kevin Knox is continuing to find his own way in the NBA. He’s put up 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in his last five appearances, shooting 34.5 percent from behind the arc.</p>
<p>The Knicks are currently on their longest losing streak of the season as January begins. While the return of <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kristaps Porzingis</a> remains indefinite, the trajectory of the Knicks continues to plummet. They’re one of three teams with single-digit victories still this season at 9-29.</p>
<p>With two more road games coming against the Lakers and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/portland-trail-blazers/">Portland Trail Blazers,</a> it could be a while before they find another victory. That shouldn’t stop Knox’s progression, though. He’s scored over 10 points in his last 11 appearances for the Knicks. He’s finding his way as a volume shooter, but that should change when Porzingis joins him on the floor.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images</p>
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<h3>3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks</h3>
<p><strong>Last rank: 5th (↑2)</strong></p>
<p>Point guard Trae Young is slowly working his way out of his shooting slump. He’s shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point land over the Atlanta Hawks’ last seven contests. They have a 4-3 record across the same span.</p>
<p>Young is currently second among rookies with 11 double-doubles in 2018-19. He posted 16 points and 11 assists on 7-of-11 shooting on the road against the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/minnesota-timberwolves/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> back on Dec. 28 to power his team to an unexpected victory.</p>
<p>It’s been all about rhythm for Young, as he’s posted 14.6 points, 8.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in their last seven games.</p>
<p>In their last two games, the Hawks have shown a bit of their youth and inexperience in losing both contests on the road. He put up just five points on 2-of-8 shooting against the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/washington-wizards/"> Washington Wizards</a> in a loss on Monday night, snapping a double-figure scoring streak of eight games.</p>
<p>Atlanta could be a team that cashes in on the Zion Williamson sweepstakes this offseason. Their development of Young should help improve their franchise outlook until then.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images</p>
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<h3>2. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns</h3>
<p><strong>Last rank: 2nd (↔)</strong></p>
<p>Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton is finding his way on offense in the early going of 2018-19. He put up a season-high 33 points on 16-of-20 shooting against the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/denver-nuggets/">Denver Nuggets</a> to go along with 14 rebounds last Saturday. The Suns lost the game 122-118, but the efforts of Ayton have provided reason for optimism.</p>
<p>Ayton leads all rookies this season with 24 double-doubles. He has put up three double-doubles across Phoenix’s last four contests. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game over that stretch.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't let the bright lights of Luka Doncic block out the immense potential of Deandre Ayton (by <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://twitter.com/JADubin5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@JADubin5) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://t.co/zEeRK5P9cQ">https://t.co/zEeRK5P9cQ <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://t.co/oXrr7habC3">pic.twitter.com/oXrr7habC3
<p>— The Step Back (@The_Step_Back) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://twitter.com/The_Step_Back/status/1080199482363600896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>January 1, 2019</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>He is just the fourth rookie this season to put up 30 points or more in a game this season and the by far the most efficient with 16 makes on 20 attempts. He’s everything the Suns could have hoped for in terms of an interior threat, although it hasn’t made positive returns in the win-loss column.</p>
<p>Ayton is still putting those around the NBA on notice with his abilities and continues to remain on the heels on this year’s No. 1 contender for Rookie of the Year.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images</p>
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<h3>1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks</h3>
<p><strong>Last rank: 1st (↔)</strong></p>
<p>Luka Doncic remains atop the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings as he continues to fill the stat sheet and lead the Dallas Mavericks to victories. The Mavs are 18-19, tied for 10th place in the West, but when they’ve won, it’s been due to masterful performances by Doncic.</p>
<p>In December, Doncic produced 21.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game along with four double-doubles. He shot 42.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range, earning Rookie of the Month honors (again) in the process.</p>
<p>Doncic put up 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in a 122-84 victory over the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/charlotte-hornets/"> Charlotte Hornets</a> to kick off the New Year on Monday. Alongside <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithde03.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Dennis Smith</a> Jr., Doncic is showing that he has the ability to co-exist with anybody in the backcourt. Smith had 18 points and seven assists in the victory as well.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Week 12 NBA Power Rankings" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/2018-19-nba-power-rankings-week-12/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2019/01/04/nba-rookie-of-the-year-power-rankings-week-12-trae-young-ends-his-shooting-slump/"https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/2018-19-nba-power-rankings-week-12/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Week 12 NBA Power Rankings </a> </div>
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<p>The Mavericks aren’t too far out of the playoff picture. If Doncic can get them there in Year 1, the NBA Rookie of the Year award could be hard to keep away from him.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">