Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren remains No. 1; Scoot arriving in Portland

The incoming rookie class has made it through the first quarter of the season, as several players from around the NBA have emerged with some strong performances on the court.

The early action has seen several first-year players contribute at a high level on teams currently in the playoff picture. They’ve had some key performances for their respective teams and should continue to do so throughout the year.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards

Last Rank: N/A

Stats: 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals

The losses are beginning to pile up for the Wizards, but Coulibaly has been solid of late. He has demonstrated having a great feel for the game and can impact games on both ends of the floor with his size, instincts and athleticism.

He is also shooting at a high clip, too. The Frenchman is shooting 43.5% from 3-point range, which ranks 22nd among all players in the NBA. He has emerged as a bright spot with the Wizards this year and should continue to improve the more he plays.

Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: N/A

Stats: 9.2 points, 4.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds

Henderson checks in for the first time this season after a good run. Since returning from an ankle injury, Henderson is averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds on 35% shooting from 3-point range over his last five appearances.

The third pick has had some good moments of late after struggling out of the gate. He is showing how he can contribute nightly, with or without the ball. His ability to play-make for others hasn’t gone unnoticed and should continue now that he is healthy.

Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Last Rank: 6

Stats: 10.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1 steal

The Pistons have lost 17 games in a row, and coach Monty Williams recently moved Thompson from the starting lineup to the bench. His production has dropped significantly, totaling just seven points and 15 rebounds over his last two games.

He has still been among the few bright spots on the team this season. He has proven that he can contribute at a high level in various ways and has been among the top first-year players. The Pistons have been dreadful, but Thompson is still worth watching, given everything he can do.

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

Last Rank: 8

Stats: 10.5 points, 5 assists, 3.3 rebounds

George is coming off a career performance on Saturday, recording 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in a win over the Trail Blazers. He scored in various ways in that game to lead the Jazz and showed real potential as a consistent three-level scorer.

The 16th pick has flourished in the pick-and-roll and often looks like a seasoned veteran navigating those situations. He flat-out knows how to play and is emerging as one of the top offensive players in the class and on the roster.

Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Last Rank: 7

Stats: 8.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.2 assists

Lively recently put up a historic stat line after a dominating effort against the Thunder. He produced 20 points, 16 rebounds, seven blocked shots and one steal on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting from the field on Saturday. He became the first teenager in history to record at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks on 100% shooting (19 years, 293 days).

The 12th pick has made a big impact this season with the Mavericks and has given the team an interior presence it hasn’t had in some time. From his defense and ability to work in the paint to his passing vision and willingness to find his teammates, Lively has been a big addition and should be in for a strong campaign.

Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans

Last Rank: 3

Stats: 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists

Hawkins has become a valuable player for the Pelicans through the first quarter of the season. He has started and come off the bench, and looks to play well in either role. He is one of three rookies with multiple 25-point games (3).

He can contribute in a variety of ways, but it has been his shooting that has been his best trait. He has hit a 3-pointer in every game and leads the rookie class with 56, which is the most by any player through the first 21 games of a career.

Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

Last Rank: 5

Stats: 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2 assists

Miller is off to a strong start with the Hornets this season and is third in scoring and fourth in 3s among first-year players. He has become a full-time starter and has emerged as a key player, contributing on both sides of the ball and playing with poise.

The second pick recently earned praise from teammate Gordon Hayward for his start to the year and potential on the court. The Hornets are still trying to figure things out, but the emergence of Miller will go a long way in the team finding success this season.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Last Rank: 4

Stats: 12 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals

Jaquez was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month after establishing himself in the second unit with the Heat in October and November. He has scored in double figures in seven straight games, and in 12 of his last 13 games overall.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has said that Jaquez brings a different dimension to their second unit. He was one of the most experienced rookies entering the NBA and looks to be showing that off early. He can play any role the Heat need and that should be valuable for their chances.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: 2

Stats: 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals

Wembanyama missed his first game of the season on Friday due to hip tightness but is off the injury report and is expected to play Wednesday against the Timberwolves. The team was cautious with the injury, as Wembanyama previously said it wasn’t considered serious.

The No. 1 pick had produced four straight 20-point games before sitting in that contest. He continues to stuff the stat sheet and has emerged as Spurs‘ leading scorer. The Spurs may have lost 14 straight, but Wembanyama is still worth tuning in to watch.

For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: 1

Stats: 17.6 points, 8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.2 blocks

Holmgren was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month on Monday after a strong start in October and November. He is the only first-year player with multiple 30-point games this season, including a Thunder rookie record 36 points on Nov. 18.

With the emergence of Holmgren, the Thunder have started off strong and are currently second in the Western Conference. Holmgren is proving himself as the former second pick and is performing well beyond his years in the early going.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire