NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Podziemski rises after helping Warriors win 6 in a row

The Dallas Mavericks are currently riding high on a six-game winning streak, which saw them most recently beat their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The 116-93 win at home was the last game before an eight-day All-Star break.

Since trading for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, the Mavericks have won four straight. Throughout Wednesday's game, it was clear that Gafford and Washington still needed time to acclimate in the Mavericks offense. Despite their offensive struggles, they have become stars on the other end.

After struggling throughout the first quarter, the Mavericks got things back on track in the second by leading the Spurs 56-51 going into the half. The Mavericks didn't slow down from there, and in the third quarter, they got out to a quick 29-point lead.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Podziemski rises after helping Warriors win 6 in a row

With the comfortable cushion the Mavericks built for themselves in the third quarter, they didn't have to play any starters in the fourth and could begin their All-Star break a little early. Despite only playing seventeen minutes, rookie Dereck Lively II played his first game since January 29.

After sustaining a gruesome nose injury in the January 29 win over the Orlando Magic, the Mavericks welcomed him back for the first time. Fans were also eager to see how Jason Kidd would stagger his and Gafford's minutes when playing together.

Lively II and Washington proved to be the Wembanyama deterrent after scoring 20 points in the first half. Additionally, Lively II recorded a game-high four blocks. After a strong showing in his first game, how will Lively II stack up in this week's Rookie Power Rankings?

10. Scoot Henderson

Last rank: 9

Since the last Rookie Power Rankings, Scoot Henderson has played even better. He has upped his season stats to 13.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. Despite dropping in ranking in the last two weeks, Henderson is well on his way to becoming the player the Blazers build around.

9. Ausar Thompson

Last rank: N/A

Ausar Thompson reemerges inside the top ten after a strong showing last week. The former OTE standout has carved out a nice role on a struggling Pistons squad. The Pistons' struggles give Thompson more playing time and a bigger role.

8. Keyonte George

Last rank: 8

It's now been two weeks since Keyonte George was last ranked, but within that time, the Jazz have gotten some critical wins. Despite some wins, the Jazz have fallen to 3-7 in their last ten games and are now 2.5 games back of the play in as we approach the All-Star break.

7. Cam Whitmore

Last rank: 10

Cam Whitmore has surged up the rankings in recent weeks. After plummeting down the draft board on draft night, Whitmore has made sure to prove all the teams that passed up on him wrong. It won't be long before fans are questioning whether Whitmore is good enough to earn First Team All-Rookie honors.

6. Jamie Jaquez Jr.

Last rank: 5

Since returning from injury a few weeks ago, it's clear something is missing for Jamie Jaquez Jr. Additionally, the Miami Heat have struggled to stay afloat, and they now find themselves in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.