NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) 2024: Top 5 candidates ft Chet Holmgren (Week 16)

The NBA Rookie of the Year race has largely been contested by the same five players over the past seven weeks. Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have put a stranglehold on the top two spots while the 3rd-5th place has been more competitive. Week 16 of the said competition is a repeat of the rankings the previous week.

With the Rising Stars happening in a few days, the best rookies this season are getting more attention than ever. The first-year players on this list have proven that they belong to the said event with the way they have been performing for their respective teams.

Top-five contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year award for week 16

#5 Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Last week: Games played: 4 games (2 wins - 2 losses)
Season: 47
Last week: 8.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 1.8 APG
Season: 12.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG and 1.1 SPG

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has struggled since returning from a groin injury. From early to mid-January, it looked like he was going to challenge for the third spot but the ailment forced him out. Jaquez also has had to adapt to the presence of the newly acquired Terry Rozier who has been given the green light to shoot.

The former UCLA superstar has been having trouble with his efficiency on offense but he remains an important piece for the Miami Heat. The rookie’s hustle, effort and smarts on both ends of the court have been greatly appreciated by his teammates and fans.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. deserved the fifth spot in week 16 of the NBA Rookie of the Year ladder.

#4 Brandin Podziemski

Last week: Games played: 4 games (4 wins - 0 losses)
Season: 45
Last week: 8.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 5.5 APG
Season: 9.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 3.7 APG

The Golden State Warriors seem to have regained their deadly form with a spotless week. The team's NBA Rookie of the Year candidate has played a key part in the Warriors’ surge. The rookie has become a staple of coach Steve Kerr’s closing lineup. Kerr has chosen him to partner with Steph Curry in the backcourt instead of Klay Thompson.

In the win against the Phoenix Suns, it was Podziemski’s pinpoint pass to Curry that freed up the superstar for the wide-open go-ahead triple. The former Santa Clara standout is also turning out to be a solid defender with great instincts. He has given the Warriors a two-way impact that has been valuable in their resurgence.

Brandin Podziemski is fourth in week 16 of the NBA Rookie of the Year weekly rankings