NBA 2019-20: Rookie of the Year Power Rankings Week 19

With both the trade deadline and All-Star Weekend now in the books, the 2019-20 NBA season is heading to an exciting conclusion, and the race to be named 2020 Rookie of the Year is heating up. Following a stunning season with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic was the runaway winner last season, although several players around the league will believe that they are in with a chance of taking the title this year. So, as we head into Week 19 of the 2019-20 season, here are the leading contenders to be named Rookie of the Year.

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#5 RJ Barrett - New York Knicks

RJ Barrett has been among New York's best performers this season

It has been another testing season for the New York Knicks, and the franchise is in a continued state of disarray. However, after wasting a number of picks in recent years, the Knicks appear to have finally landed a player that can play a big role over the next decade in the form of RJ Barrett.

Taken with the third overall pick of the 2019 draft, Barrett hasn't received the same sort of attention as other lottery picks such as Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, but the Duke product has been consistent - and is putting up some of the best rookie numbers in the league.

Over 47 appearances, the 19-year-old has averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.5 minutes per contest - and only Julius Randle is managing more points for the Knicks. Admittedly, Barrett's shooting still needs some work (39.1 percent) - although his debut season will be considered a success, and he could play a substantial role over the final two months of the season following the departure of Marcus Morris.

#4 Coby White - Chicago Bulls

Coby White recorded 66-points over his last two appearances

Coby White has made a consistent impact from the Chicago Bulls bench for much of the season, and his potential was on show last week as he recorded back-to-back 33-point performances. During games against the Wizards and Suns, White shot 55 percent from the field, while also knocking down 12 of his 22 attempts from beyond the arc. Throughout the month of February, White holds averages of 17.7 points and 4.4 assists - and Jim Boylen will face renewed calls to insert the 20-year-old into his starting lineup for the final months of the season.

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#3 Kendrick Nunn - Miami Heat

Kendrick Nunn enjoyed a strong week following the All-Star break

The Miami Heat have struggled following the All-Star break, although Kendrick Nunn appears to have overcome his recent shooting woes. Nunn recorded 14 points in 23 minutes against the Hawks before contributing 24 points and 8 assists during a rare recent Miami win over the Cavaliers.

Nunn also posted 22 points during Miami's trip to Cleveland on Monday, and the shooting guard holds season averages of 15.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 30.1 minutes. The 24-year-old will need to continue to improve over the last two months to get back among the frontrunners, although he is heading in the right direction after a strong week.

#2 Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson has put up historic numbers over his first 12 NBA games

Zion Williamson has only played 12 times since making his much-anticipated debut last month, although the Duke product's impact has been enough to elevate him into the ROY race. Despite playing just 28.1 minutes per game, Williamson is averaging 22.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, while also shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc.

After featuring in the Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend, Williamson dropped 25 points during a vital win over the Trail Blazers, and also produced several highlight-worthy moments during a 28-point performance against the Warriors. Remarkably, Williamson already finds himself as Ja Morant's biggest threat for the ROY award, and a big performance against the Lakers on Tuesday will further help his chances.

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#1 Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant endured a tough week

While Ja Morant's numbers remained pretty good over the past week, the point guard's performances were somewhat disappointing. Morant failed to deliver the knockout blow as the Grizzlies started the week with a disappointing defeat to the Kings, and the point guard shot just 5-for-14 from the field during Sacramento's defeat at Staples Center. Morant also recorded five turnovers against the Lakers, and the Grizzlies now face a huge fight to secure the 8th seed in the West.

However, despite a bad week by his own high standards, Morant is still averaging 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on 49.3 percent shooting. He remains the frontrunner to be named Rookie of the Year, although the rise of Zion means that Morant far from assured of winning the title.