Don't look now (OK, look now) but the race for Rookie of the Year is getting interesting. What once appeared as an award destined for the enormous hands of Victor Wembanyama is now up for grabs, with a new rookie taking the No. 1 spot.
Here's an update to the NBA rookie power rankings.
1. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Stats: 17.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.2 blocks
The 11-6 Thunder are among the most surpring teams in the NBA this season, having climbed all the way to fourth place in the West. They are currently ahead of star-studded teams like the Suns, Lakers, Clippers and Warriors in the standings, and a big reason for their leap is Chet Holmgren. While he doesn't have the same per-game stats as Wembanyama, he is scoring more efficiently (53.8% shooting overall, 43.1% from 3-point range) and making an impact on a winning team. Meanwhile, the Spurs have lost 12 in a row and have the league's third-worst record. That's not all on Wembanyama, who has still been sensational, but there's something to be said for Holmgren -- the only real addition from last year's Thunder team -- helping make the Thunder look like contenders.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Stats: 19.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.6 blocks
Though Wembanyama's impact on offense is still limited to highlights (43% shooting overall, 27.5% on 3s), his defense has been elite out of the box. Wembanyama is tied with perennial DPOY candidate Anthony Davis for the most STOCKS (blocks plus steals) in the league with 3.9 per game.
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Stats: 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals
Similar to Holmgren, Jaquez gets extra points because of his ability to make an impact on a winning team. That's rare for a rookie. In fact, only two rookies are averaging more than 25 minutes per game with a positive plus-minus this season: Holmgren and Jaquez. (Last season, only Sacramento's Keegan Murray applied.) Jaquez is shooting 52.2% for the season and, most impressively, 39.3% from 3-point range. Going into the draft, Jaquez's 3-point shooting was considered a weakness. For the Heat, it's been a strength. His cutting, ball-handling and defense have been needed additions to a Heat team dealing with injuries and in need of wing depth. Jaquez is the only Heat player to play every game this season.
4. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Stats: 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.6 blocks
If it wasn't for Wemby, Thompson would be this rookie class's best all-around defender. His impact on that end for Detroit has been immediate, and his All-Defense potential is readily apparent. Thompson's athleticism certainly helps, but his decisipline and ability to stick with scorers is more impressive. He still gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar (3.6 fouls per game) but it's clear Thompson will be an All-Defense candidate for years to come.
5. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Stats: 9.8 points, 4.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds
Since taking over as Utah's starting point guard over the last 10 games, George is averagingn 11.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. The Jazz trust George to get the team into offense and he recently scored a career-high 19 points in a win over the Pelicans.
Honorable Mentions:
Derek Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Stats: 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 blocks
Already a favorite passing target for Luka Doin
Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Stats: 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Stepped up in CJ McCollum's absense and is shooting 37% from 3-point range for the Pelicans.
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Stats: 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists