The 2018-19 NBA season isn't halfway over yet, but several young players are emerging as early Rookie of the Year candidates. Only a few of them happen to be on teams that look like they have playoff potential. With that said, here are the five rookies playing the best at this moment in the season.
Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks
Doncic came into the league as a highly-touted foreign phenomenon and hasn't disappointed so far. The 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Not only that, he's helped the Mavs remain among the top eight teams in the West.
Luka Doncic has converted 14 baskets in clutch time (score within five points, fewer than five minutes remaining), tied for the 10th-most among all players, and the most among rookies.
— Frank Urbina (@FrankUrbina_) December 10, 2018
Here's all of them. pic.twitter.com/zPt9fjihSB
Deandre Ayton - Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton brought the responsibility with him of being the league's No. 1 pick and not wanting to be another big man bust at the spot. So far, he hasn't been too shabby, despite the Suns' poor record. Ayton leads the team with 10.1 rebounds a game and also averages 15.8 points and 2.5 assists per contest.
"I’m going to be in this franchise a pretty long while. I’m going to take advantage of it 110 percent. I’m going be around for a while, be in everybody’s ear and try to get something going. We need to figure something out.” #Suns rookie Deandre Ayton https://t.co/pKeFAU4moB pic.twitter.com/ukpgynynUR
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 7, 2018