NBA Rookie of the Year 2021: February Power Rankings

#3 Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Quickley with his New York Knicks teammates.

Immanuel Quickley's odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year accolade skyrocketed this week, after the Knicks guard scored 25 points against both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the LA Clippers off the bench.

His impressive scoring performances have increased his season averages, with the 21-year-old now averaging 12.6 points and 2.4 rebounds.

The Knicks could have their own power three in the near future, with RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Quickley all impressing early in the season. Quickley fell to the 25th pick in the draft before being traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder to New York.

Quickley has proven to be yet another piece of good business during the Knicks' offseason.

Immanuel Quickley over his last 5 games:🔸 20.6 PTS🔸 4.2 REB🔸 3.6 AST🔸 44% FG🔸 40% 3PT🔸 96% FT pic.twitter.com/iLzlXNYHot

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 2, 2021

January was the month that brought Quickley sharply into focus after his team-high 31-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers. Ball and Haliburton will be looking over their shoulder at the point guard's rising stock.

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#4 James Wiseman

James Wiseman takes lessons from veteran Draymond Green.

James Wiseman had the last laugh over Anthony Edwards - who was picked ahead of him in this year's draft - as the Golden State Warriors dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the process, Wiseman became the youngest-ever Warrior to score 25+ points in a game.

.@BigTicket_JW 💯#TigersInTheNBA | @CorkysMemphis pic.twitter.com/FUrQsHbKOQ

— Memphis Basketball (@Memphis_MBB) January 31, 2021

Coach Steve Kerr's decision to move Wiseman to the bench after the Warriors' starting lineup was beginning to show frailties may have been a blessing in disguise for the 19-year-old. The Warriors have won three of their last four games, with Wiseman averaging 13.5 points and 6 rebounds.

Kerr will be desperate for Wiseman to return quickly after the latter sprained his wrist and is expected to be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.

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#5 Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves v Golden State Warriors

The number one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards brings up the rear in our top five NBA Rookie of the Year candidates. Edwards has enjoyed a recent place in the Timberwolves starting five, including 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists performance in a win over the Cavs.

Edwards has benefitted from the T-Wolves' poor start to the season, with the franchise prioritizing his development over achieving success this year.

Currently averaging 13.6 points and 3 rebounds, it seems as though Anthony Edwards is finally living up to all the preseason hype after his defining performance in Cleveland.