Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant once again tops all players

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the latest week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

With the NBA season officially halfway over, some rookies are beginning to separate themselves as the creme of the crop while others are just getting started.

Of course, the rookie class will receive a jolt of energy with No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson set to make his official NBA debut next week with the New Orleans Pelicans.

While the NBA community awaits the debut of Williamson, second overall pick Ja Morant has started to establish himself as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year given his outstanding play this season.

While Morant is off and running with the hardware, Rookie Wire will take a look at how some of the other first-year players are performing and where they stack up in the class.

Here are the latest Rookie Wire Power Rankings:

All stats are through games played on Jan. 15

5. Sekou Doumbouya, Detroit Pistons

Stats: 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds

Last Rank: N/A

Since first earning significant playing time earlier this month, Doumbouya has not disappointed. Doumbouya, the youngest player in the NBA, is averaging 14 points and 5.3 rebounds in eight games during January. Doumbouya recorded a career-high 24 points on Wednesday in a win over the Boston Celtics and has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games.

4. Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat

Stats: 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds

Last Rank: 2

Nunn is coming off of a 33-point performance Wednesday night in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. The undrafted guard finished by shooting 13-of-18 from the field, tying a career-high with five 3-pointers in the process. His scoring output has dropped a bit over the past month but Nunn is staying efficient and that has to be encouraging for the Heat. The team has said all season that any player is capable of going off each night and it was Nunn’s turn on Wednesday vs. the Spurs.

3. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 12.3 points, 3.6 assists, 2 rebounds

Last Rank: N/A

After an inconsistent start to the season, Garland has really emerged for the Cavaliers over the past two months. The fifth overall pick has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games and is averaging 16.3 points per game since the start of January. Garland recorded his first career double-double on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers with 14 points and 10 assists.

2. R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks

Stats: 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals

Last Rank: N/A

Barrett kicked off his rookie campaign on a bit of a tear but slowed down shortly after that. After some inconsistent play, Barrett is back to his dominating ways as the third overall pick is averaging 16.4 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last eight games with the Knicks. Perhaps most impressive is Barrett looks to be slowly improving from the free-throw line. He is converting on 76.1% of his attempts in January, a significant improvement over his 60.6% on the season. Maybe his strong recent play can be attributed to his new look, or perhaps Barrett is beginning to settle in this season. Whatever it is, Barrett looks to be back where he belongs: Near the top of the power rankings.

1. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Stats: 18 points, 6.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1 steal

Last Rank: 1

The collective NBA media is running out of ways to show how dominant Morant has been this season. Morant has rarely looked like a rookie and his play has put the Grizzlies among the top teams to watch on League Pass. Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady said on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Wednesday that he believes Morant will one day be an MVP and the best player in the league. Based on his incredible start this season, McGrady’s take may not be all that hot.

Honorable Mention:

P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets: 12.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists

Since returning from a broken finger, Washington has played well for the Hornets. In 11 games played, Washington is averaging 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He has totaled 34 points over his last two games and recently recorded his first 20-point double-double.

Tyler Herro, Miami Heat: 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists

The rookie guard is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 38 games this season with the Heat. Herro ranks sixth in rookie scoring, sixth in total field goals (186) and is tied for first in 3-pointers made (80). He did not play on Wednesday due to a bruised left knee but the injury does not appear to be serious.

Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves: 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2 assists

Culver appears to be turning the corner on offense after scoring in double figures in nine consecutive games for the first time this season. Against the Pacers on Wednesday, Culver seemingly had his whole bag of skills on display: His defense, ability to drive to the basket and get his teammates involved. Though it may have taken a bit longer than expected, Culver looks to be settling in this season with the Timberwolves.

Shout Out: 

Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

After beginning the season in the G League, Reid is seeing his first extended action of the season with the varsity club. Reid is averaging 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Timberwolves after recently scoring a career-high 20 points.

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