NBA 2019-20: Rookie of the Year Power Rankings Week 9

#4 Eric Paschall - Golden State Warriors

Eric Paschall

After a breakout month in November, Eric Paschall's stats took a big dip following D'Angelo Russell's return to fitness at the start of December. The 23-year-old has managed just 10 points in his 36 minutes on the court over the past seven days. After muted performances against the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, Paschall has missed consecutive games due to a pelvis injury.

Paschall's standing in the Rookie of the Year race continues to dip, although he is still averaging 16.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.9 minutes per contest. If the forward can adapt his game to thrive alongside the ball-dominant Russell in the coming weeks, he will remain firmly in the race.

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#3 Rui Hachimura - Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards v Charlotte Hornets

Rui Hachimura's form has been excellent throughout December, and the 21-year-old has enjoyed another solid week. The Japanese star started Week 8 by recording a double-double in Charlotte against the Hornets, before adding 10 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Hachimura also made a fast start to the game against the Pistons on Monday night as he connected with 3 of his first 4 shots, although the rookie had to leave the game early due to a groin contusion.

The Wizards have yet to provide an update on Hachimura's condition, but the forward has been the most impressive rookie throughout December. He has even managed to increase his season averages to 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

While he could now miss a few games through injury, Hachimura will only continue to get better as the season progresses. It is hard to envision him falling out of the race to be named Rookie of the Year.