Kia NBA ROTY Race: Latest ROTY ladder and power rankings ft. Jalen Williams, Walker Kessler and more | Feb. 15, 2022-23 NBA Season

The 2023 NBA ROTY race has cooled off in the last couple of weeks with many rookies’ scoring averages taking a hit.

However, OKC Thunder wing Jalen Williams has still been a major standout as he continues to build upon his ROTY case. On that note, here’s this week’s ROTY ladder.

No. 5: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 4th (↓1)

Last Week: Games played - 3, Games won - 1, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 54, Games won - 15, Games lost - 39

Last Week: PPG - 15.0, RPG - 3.7, APG - 5.3, SPG - 0.7, BPG - 0.0

Overall: PPG - 15.2, RPG - 3.9, APG - 4.6, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 0.2

Last Week: FG% - 37.5%, 3PT% - 35.7%, FT% - 88.9%

Overall: FG% - 41.8%, 3PT% - 33.5%, FT% - 72.8%

Despite his inefficiencies, Detroit Pistons point guard Jaden Ivey continues to put up well-rounded counting stats on the tanking Pistons. Ivey scored in double figures in all three games last week, including two games with 17-plus points. He also recorded seven-plus assists in two of the three games.

Ivey’s week was highlighted by his 18-point, seven-assist performance with three 3-pointers on 54.5% shooting against the Toronto Raptors.

No. 4: Jalen Williams, OKC Thunder

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 5th (↑1)

Last Week: Games played - 2, Games won - 1, Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 52, Games won - 25, Games lost - 27

Last Week: PPG - 17.5, RPG - 5.5, APG - 5.0, SPG - 2.5, BPG - 0.5

Overall: PPG - 12.2, RPG - 4.1, APG - 2.9, SPG - 1.3, BPG - 0.6

Last Week: FG% - 52.0%, 3PT% - 50.0%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 50.5%, 3PT% - 32.1%, FT% - 75.5%

Jalen Williams continues to rise up the ROTY ladder due to his efficient two-way play as of late.

Williams led all rookies in scoring (17.5 PPG) through two games last week on a blistering 52.0/50.0/100.0 shooting split. He also racked up five steals over two games.

Williams’ week was highlighted by his 22-point, seven-rebound, four-assist, two-steal performance with two 3-pointers on 60.0% shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans.

No. 3: Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 3rd (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 2, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 56, Games won - 27, Games lost - 29

Last Week: PPG - 12.3, RPG - 9.5, APG - 0.8, SPG - 0.8, BPG - 1.8

Overall: PPG - 8.2, RPG - 7.6, APG - 0.8, SPG - 0.4, BPG - 2.0

Last Week: FG% - 75.0%, 3PT% - N/A, FT% - 58.3%

Overall: FG% - 71.8%, 3PT% - N/A, FT% - 54.1%

Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler remains a nightly double-double threat and an elite shot-blocker for a rookie.

Kessler scored 16-plus points in two of four games last week and recorded 15 rebounds in another. He also tallied seven blocks for the week. His week was highlighted by his career-high 23-point, nine-rebound performance on 83.3% shooting against the Raptors.

No. 2: Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 2nd (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 0, Games lost - 4

Overall: Games played - 59, Games won - 25, Games lost - 34

Last Week: PPG - 15.3, RPG - 2.5, APG - 2.0, SPG - 0.5, BPG - 0.3

Overall: PPG - 17.3, RPG - 4.1, APG - 1.4, SPG - 0.6, BPG - 0.1

Last Week: FG% - 45.8%, 3PT% - 23.1%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 42.8%, 3PT% - 31.6%, FT% - 83.1%

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin’s scoring had dropped off before last week.

However, he picked things back up by scoring 16-plus points in his last three games, including two games with 21-pus points. Mathurin also continues to get to the free-throw line at an elite rate for a rookie, going a perfect 14-for-14 (100.0%) last week.

His week was highlighted by his 21-point, four-rebound, two-assist performance on 61.5% shooting against the Utah Jazz.

No. 1: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Previous week’s ROTY ranking: 1st (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 2, Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 52, Games won - 21, Games lost - 31

Last Week: PPG - 15.5, RPG - 7.0, APG - 2.3, SPG - 0.0, BPG - 0.8

Overall: PPG - 19.9, RPG - 6.6, APG - 3.6, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 0.5

Last Week: FG% - 40.7%, 3PT% - 8.3%, FT% - 76.5%

Overall: FG% - 41.9%, 3PT% - 28.1%, FT% - 75.3%

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero isn’t as clear-cut of a favorite to win ROTY as he was earlier in the season. That comes as his scoring has dropped off recently.

However, Banchero still remains the most well-rounded rookie. He scored in double figures in all four games last week, including one with 20-plus points. He also recorded two double-doubles.