Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the sixth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.
With another week in the books, the rooks continue to show out.
From Eric Paschall to Rui Hachimura, the class had a number of outstanding performances and they show no signs of slowing. Players continue to progress in their development and it has made for some entertaining basketball.
Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players week to week.
Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 6:
All stats are through games played on Dec. 3
5. Rui Hachimura, Wizards
Stats: 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention
Rui Hachimura has seemingly broken out of his recent slump and has done so in a big way. The ninth overall pick is averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and two assists over his last four games, including a career-high 30 points on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. His performance garnered praise from the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard as they believe Hachimura can be one of the best long-term rookies from this draft class.
4. Tyler Herro, Heat
Stats: 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists
Rank Last Week: 5
Herro is still fifth among all rookies in scoring at 14 points per game. He recently drained a career-high five 3-pointers on Friday en route to 19 points against the Golden State Warriors. Herro is just a hair under 40% shooting from beyond the arc, something the Heat will certainly need throughout the season in order to maintain their strong start. The group is coming off of an impressive overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday and they appear to be among the best in the Eastern Conference.
3. Kendrick Nunn, Heat
Stats: 15.7 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Rank Last Week: 2
Despite being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month, Nunn has struggled as of late. The undrafted guard is averaging 10.5 points over his last four games while he is shooting just 29.3% from the field, including 17.9% (5-of-28) from 3-point range. Nunn has certainly played like one of the top rookies to this point of the season but has gone cold over the past week or so. Given the work he has put in, it seems reasonable to believe he’ll snap out of his slump and return to the player that put up 16.4 points per game in October and November.
2. Eric Paschall, Warriors
Stats: 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Rank Last Week: 3
With injuries decimating the Warriors, Paschall has been arguably the MVP of the team this season. He has been among the hottest first-year players after averaging 20.8 points over his last four games on 53.8% shooting from the field, including 62.5% (5-of-8) from 3-point range. Paschall has utilized his strength and athleticism to score over defenders and has also used his mid-range shot to add to his array of offensive skills. The injury to Ja Morant could potentially open the door for Paschall in the Rookie of the Year race and he could be the top player to benefit should Morant miss extended time.
1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Stats: 18.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Rank Last Week: 1
Though Morant is considered to be week-to-week with back spasms, the Western Conference Rookie of the Month held onto the top spot–for now. After crashing into a courtside camera operator on Nov. 25, Morant played in the next two games for the Grizzlies before aggravating his back injury on Friday against the Utah Jazz. Morant still put up 15.5 points, 7.5 assists, four rebounds and 2.5 steals in two games while dealing with a sore back. The Grizzlies are certainly going to be cautious with his injury so his status moving forward will be worth monitoring.
Honorable Mention:
R.J. Barrett, Knicks: 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals
Barrett appeared to be back on track after recording at least 16 points in three straight games but followed that up with a two-point performance on Monday in which he missed all nine shot attempts. Even worse than that, the Knicks lost by 44 points to the Milwaukee Bucks. The up-and-down swings will likely stay throughout the season, as is the case with most rookies, but Barrett has at least proven to be entertaining to watch. The same can’t be said for the rest of the team.
De’Andre Hunter, Hawks: 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists
After a slow start to the season, Hunter is up to eighth in scoring among rookies. He is coming off of an 18-point performance Monday on his 22nd birthday but suffered a dislocated right index finger and is listed as doubtful to play Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. In any case, the injury doesn’t sound too severe so he may not miss much time, if any at all.
Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies: 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Clarke has been among the most efficient players in the league this season and has emerged as a key contributor for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, Clarke is also considered to be week-to-week after aggravating a left oblique injury. Clarke re-injured himself in the first half on Monday and did not return to the game. While Clarke could miss a few games, he has still been a bright spot this season.
On the Rise:
P.J. Washington, Hornets
After a strong start to the season, Washington trailed off a bit but has gotten back on track. Over his last four games, Washington is averaging 15.3 points and four rebounds. The Hornets are 6-1 when Washington records at least 15 points.
Darius Garland, Cavaliers
Garland has emerged for the Cavaliers over the past few weeks as he appears to be settling in. Head coach John Beilein believes Garland is beginning to really grasp the offense and that has resulted in improved play from the fifth overall pick.
Dropped Out:
Coby White, Bulls
Week 1 Power Rankings | Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings | Week 5 Power Rankings
