1. Damian Lillard : PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Lillard almost looked like a rookie in Boston on Friday. Lillard was held under double-digits in scoring (eight points) for the first time in his career, going 2-for-8 in Portland's 96-78 blowout loss. Lillard struggled mightily with his shot in the Blazers' first four games of a seven-game road trip, but came on to score 24 in the each of the Blazers' last two games, both wins (over Charlotte and Cleveland). He also had 11 and nine assists, respectively, to will Portland to the victories.
-- Dec. 4
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist : CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
The Bobcats have lost four in a row and MKG has seen his scoring dip in that run. MKG scored in double-digits in just one of those games and his rebounding is down as well (4.3 per game). If the 'Cats hope to get back above .500, they'll need more from MKG. It's not all bad for MKG, though. With Anthony Davis missing so many games, Kidd-Gilchrist is now the leading rookie rebounder (6.3 per game) since his former UK teammate doesn't qualify. -- Dec. 4
3. Kyle Singler : DETROIT PISTONS
Singler jumps into the top three after his most recent impressive showing. Singler has established himself as one of this year's surprise rookies, but he's become one of the Pistons' go-to guys. In Monday's 89-79 win over the Cavs, the Duke product who spent last season in Spain had 15 points and six rebounds while hitting three of six 3-pointers. Singler is efficient, avoiding turnovers and playing a smart type of basketball that gives the Pistons stability on the court.
4. Alexey Shved : MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Shved makes a climb this week after one of his best games Tuesday. With Andrei Kirilenko out and Kevin Love struggling, Shved hit four 3-pointers and scored 17 points with four assists in the Wolves' 105-88 win in Philly. Shved continues to impress as he's averaged 16.7 points in his last three games, giving him a big bump up the rankings.
5. Harrison Barnes : GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Barnes slips this week after seeing his production dip and with the rise of Singler and Shved. The Warriors rookie is still seeing big minutes, but over the last six games is averaging just 6.6 points while shooting 39 percent from the field (2-for-8 on 3s). That's not going to cut it if he wants to stay near the top of the Ladder, especially with Shved and Singler making big contributions.
-- Dec. 4
6. Dion Waiters : CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Waiters continues to struggle with his shot -- 32 percent from the field in last four games -- but he's also done a better job distributing the ball with point guard Kyrie Irving sidelined. Waiters has seven assists in each of those three games, impressive especially when you consider he'd had more than five once all season. Unfortunately, Waiters missed Monday's game with a sprained ankle and could miss more time with the minor sprain.
-- Dec. 4
7. Jeff Taylor : CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Taylor continues to climb up the Ladder thanks to his scoring ability -- especially from the outside. The Vandy product has hit a three in each of his last seven games and is shooting 52 percent (13-for-25) from beyond the arc in that span. The future of the Bobcats is looking brighter, and Kidd-Gilchrist isn't the only rookie bringing hope to Charlotte.
-- Dec. 4
8. Anthony Davis : NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Davis is out at least another week, but the way Monty Williams put it, that sounds optimistic. "I think he's a week away from us thinking about him ramping up his conditioning; let alone playing," Williams told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "So I just think it's still far off."
-- Dec. 4
9. Jonas Valanciunas : TORONTO RAPTORS
Valanciunas slips this week after averaging just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds over the last three games. The Raptors are struggling right now and they need more out of their rookie big man. Valanciunas did have three blocks in two of those games, which is heartening, but he needs to be more consistent offensively to keep from slipping down the Ladder.
-- Dec. 4
10. Terrence Ross : TORONTO RAPTORS
Entering the season, I thought the Raptors had a project with Ross. In Las Vegas, Ross showed off some nice range and athleticism, but his game seemed to be pretty similar to that of DeMar DeRozan and I didn't see him getting much run. But Ross has seen his playing time increase with recent Raptors injuries and has produced, averaging 11.5 points on 44 percent shooting over the last four games. Ross might not stick around the Ladder long, but for now he bumps Bradley Beal for the final rung.
-- Dec. 4
Current Rankings :
1. Damian Lillard --
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist --
3.Kyle Singler
4. Alexey Shved
5. Harrison Barnes
6. Dion Waiters
7. Jeff Taylor
8. Anthony Davis
9. Jonas Valanciunas
10. Terrence Ross --
What do you think of this ranking so far? Fair or not?
