1. Andrew Wiggins – SF – Minnesota Timberwolves – 14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG. 1.6 APG – Timberwolves leading scorer Kevin Martin has been out since Nov. 19th with a fractured wrist, and Wiggins has in turn responded as the team’s new go-to scoring leader. Wiggins recovered from a dismal November and was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month after his stellar play in December. He has been even better in the month of January, averaging 22.4 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game to go along with 48.9 percent field goal shooting. His defensive play has picked up as well, and he has proven to be an increasingly effective defender on the perimeter. Minnesota is still yet to win in 2015, but it’s certainly not his fault. Martin’s looming return will eventually have an effect on Wiggins’ numbers, but he has obviously grown comfortable in his role on the team, and seems to be getting better and more confident each week. The award is his to lose right now.
2. Nerlens Noel – C – Philadelphia 76ers – 7.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.5 SPG – Noel is currently stuck in the void of a hopeless and tanking 76ers team, but his play has been a welcome positive to a forgettable season. Noel’s defense is by far the best in the current rookie class, and he is currently the leader in both steals and blocks per game among his fellow freshman. His shooting leaves much to be desired, which is pretty bad when considering that the majority of his shots come from a few feet within the basket. Still, he’s been improving throughout the season and has been hovering around the 42 percent mark for over a month now. Noel is currently averaging 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks during the 76ers current and monumental two-game win streak, which included a game-winning dunk in the closing seconds against the Nets on Friday.
3. K.J. McDaniels – SG – Philadelphia 76ers – 9.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.4 BPG – McDaniels playing level is not far behind his teammate Noel’s, and he’s likely found his way into the starting lineup for good after another strong performance in a 93-92 win at home against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night that saw him finish with 10 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. McDaniels is actually leading the NBA in blocks among guards with 1.4 per game. He has upside on both ends of the floor, and his play should continue to improve as he settles in to the starting lineup and sees his minutes increase. McDaniels appears to be a cornerstone for the 76ers moving forward as they try to re-establish their relevancy.
4. Nikola Mirotic – PF – Chicago Bulls – 8.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG – The Bulls’ 2011 draft pick from Yugoslavia has been everything the organization hoped for after finally bringing him across the ocean from the Euroleague. The 23-year old came into his own in December, earning himself Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors while averaging 9.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 43.9 percent shooting. In a Dec. 19th win against Memphis on the road, Mirotic scored a season-high 27 points while going 6-of-6 from three-point range and grabbing eight rebounds. He has been in somewhat of a rut since 2015 began however, aside from a 17-point, eight rebound performance in a win against Houston on Jan. 5th. In spite of his recent slump, Mirotic has shown his ability to make accurate passes off pick-and-rolls and put the ball on the floor when needed, something that 6’10” players aren’t usually able to do so well this early in their career. Mirotic’s discipline and attitude have been complimented by both head coach Tom Thibodeau and his teammates throughout the season, and his ceiling appears very high. Look for Mirotic to move up these rankings if he can shake off his current shooting slump and earn back some of the minutes he’s lost from Thibodeu.
5. Elfrid Payton – PG – Orlando Magic – 6.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.6 RPG – Payton has seen his minutes increase after being reinserted back into the starting lineup in late December. His court vision and decision making are well beyond his years, and his pesky defense keeps opposing wing players on edge. His shooting continues to be his biggest weakness, as he is yet to break the 40 percent barrier for the season. Payton’s range is extremely limited as well, a fact easily illustrated with his 4-of-19 mark from long distance on the year. He does rank No. 1 among rookies in assists currently, and has compiled 36 assists to only seven turnovers so far in the month of January, impressive even among veterans. Perhaps those early Rajon Rondo comparisons aren’t too far off. Payton is sure to be averaging double digits by season’s end if he can improve even slightly in shooting and free-throw percentage.
Or maybe he should just focus on free-throws first:
Payton has grown increasingly confident in driving to the basket, so being able to knock down a few more from the line would go a long way in helping his production. Out of everyone on this list currently, he has the most room for growth, and could make a significant jump if the shots start falling.
