NBA 2019-20: Rookie of the Year Power Rankings Week 5
Luka Doncic strolled to the 2019 Rookie of the Year award after a stunning first season in the NBA, although this year's rookie race is proving to be much more competitive. Zion Williamson was the clear favorite following his groundbreaking year at Duke, although the New Orleans Pelicans star has yet to make his NBA debut after suffering an injury in the days leading up to the season.
The 19-year-old could still get back into the race if he returns next month as expected, although his absence has provided the platform for several other rookies around the league to impress during the opening month of the season. So, as we head into Week 5 of the 2019-20 season, here are the five rookies that are currently in contention to be named Rookie of the Year.
#5 Coby White - Chicago Bulls
Coby White had made a solid start to life in the NBA, and the 19-year-old enjoyed his best week in the NBA to date as he put in a series of impressive performances. Heading into Week 4, White's highest-scoring game was an 18-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, although the teenager quickly broke the 20-point threshold for the first time by dropping 27 points on the New York Knicks.
The No. 7 pick hit seven 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as he outscored the entire Knicks team, and he followed up his breakout performance with 26 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. White is now averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists in just 25.4 minutes per contest, and he could be rewarded with a bigger role in the coming weeks which would put him in a position compete for the Rookie of the Year award.