Rookie Power Rankings: Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin pace the class

Through the first four weeks of the NBA season, the rookie class has put forth some tremendous performances with several players standing out above the rest in the early going.

Of course, No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero came out of the gate on fire and currently leads the class in scoring. Bennedict Mathurin is just a few points behind him in the scoring column, while Jaden Ivey continues to look electric so far.

In our second installment, some players cracked the rankings for the first time after a hot two-week stretch since our inaugural list came out. These newcomers have seemingly taken advantage of their newfound opportunities and are making the most of them.

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

Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 6

Stats: 10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and one block

Smith is in a bit of a slump to start the season. He is shooting just 31.6% from the field, including 29.7% from 3-point range, but is contributing in other ways. He has hauled in 31 rebounds over his last three games and is also providing strong defense. He is working to stay active on the defensive end with the hope that it can help unlock his offensive game so he can shoot more efficiently. He doesn’t seem concerned with the early cold snap and it should be only a matter of time before he breaks out.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Last Rank: N/A

Stats: 6.6 points, 3.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds

Nembhard has stepped into a larger role of late with Chris Duarte expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury. He responded with a career-high 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals in his first start on Nov. 7 in a win over the Pelicans. He has since put up eight points in each of his two games since then. Nembhard consistently earns praise from the team for his ability to lead on the court and his basketball IQ. He plays with a mature game and often makes the right plays in only his first year. He has the potential to emerge as a steal as the 31st pick.

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

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Last Rank: N/A

Stats: 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists

Williams, known as J-Dub on the team, is coming off of his best performance of the season after producing 14 points, six rebounds and two assists in a loss to the Celtics on Monday. He is stepping into a play-maker role with the Thunder and looks to be settling in after missing four games at the start of the season due to a facial fracture. He can shoot from virtually all over the court and can get into the paint and finish. J-Dub is emerging as a versatile player with the Thunder and should continue to put up some performances as a result.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

MarJon Beachchamp, Milwaukee Bucks

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Last Rank: N/A

Stats: 7.5 points and 3.7 rebounds

Beauchamp is quietly emerging with the Bucks. He has registered new career highs three different times since Nov. 4, with his latest effort coming on Monday in a loss to Atlanta. He produced 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

The 24th pick has earned the start in each of the Bucks’ last three games as he is averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, one assist and one steal on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range during that span. He recently earned high praise from Giannis Antetokounmpo and looks to be in store for a strong rookie campaign.

Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 7

Stats: 9.3 points, 2.5 rebounds

Sharpe continues to emerge as a key contributor for the first-place Trail Blazers. He remains very efficient, converting 53.3% from the field and 46.7% from 3-point range in 21 minutes per game. His start is remarkable considering he didn’t log a minute in college at Kentucky and saw his only summer league game get cut short due to a shoulder injury.

He looks very comfortable on the court and just stays within himself and plays his game. He is a real corner 3-point threat, too. Sharpe leads the rookie class with eight corner 3s and is knocking down 61.5% of those looks. The ceiling is very high with Sharpe and it will be fun to watch how he develops throughout the year.

Tari Eason, Houston Rockets

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Last Rank: 8

Stats: 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.1 assists

If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch Eason yet this season, tune in to watch him on League Pass at the next chance you get. Eason flies all over the court chasing loose balls and rebounds on both ends. He leads all rookies in steals (22) and is doing so with nearly 190 fewer minutes on the court than Jaden Ivey (19) in second place.

His numbers certainly don’t jump off the page but he is averaging 16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 2.3 assists and one block per 36 minutes. He will continue to stuff the stat sheet on a nightly basis and will have a great chance to emerge as one of the most productive rookies this season.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 4

Stats: 12 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, one steal

Murray has cooled off a bit after reaching double figures in each of his first five games with the Kings. However, he is still contributing at a high level and recently put up his second 20-point game on Sunday in a win over the Warriors. The Kings have suddenly won four straight after defeating the Nets on Tuesday to improve to 7-6 on the season. Murray missed the second half of that game due to a back injury. Kings head coach Mike Brown did not have an update afterward so the team will be hoping it is a minor issue. In any case, Murray has emerged as one of the top rookies this season.

Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 4

Stats: 16.1 points, five rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals

Ivey is in the midst of his best run of the season after putting up his second straight 20-point game on Monday with 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal in a loss to the Raptors. He became the third rookie this season with consecutive 20-point performances (Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin) and is the first rookie this season to total 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds in a game. Ivey has been absolutely electric on the court this season and is forming a great backcourt duo next to Cade Cunningham. He looks to be the real deal so far.

Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 2

Stats: 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists

Mathurin ranks second in rookie scoring and is one of only two first-year players (Paolo Banchero) with multiple 30-point games. The sixth pick has done a remarkable job of getting to the free-throw line and is doing so as a reserve off the bench. He is shooting 83.1% from the charity stripe on 5.9 attempts per game, which ranks 22nd in the NBA.

He has proven to be highly effective in getting into the paint, drawing contact and finishing. He also recently put up the most points ever by a Pacers rookie in any quarter with 18 points in the second period on Nov. 9. Mathurin and the Pacers return to action on Wednesday after last playing on Saturday.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Last Rank: 1

Stats: 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists

Banchero will miss his fourth straight game on Wednesday due to a sprained left ankle but was performing at a high level prior to the injury on Nov. 7 versus Houston. The top pick produced his second straight 30-point game in that outing, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

He became the third rookie in team history to record consecutive 30-point games (Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Scott). The injury isn’t considered to be serious as Banchero remains day-to-day at the moment. He has proven to be the top rookie to this point of the season and should return to form once he is cleared to play.

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire