NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Mavericks' Lively II falls, Pistons' Thompson rises

Last night, the Dallas Mavericks rounded out a streak of back-to-back games with a 130-117 win over the Washington Wizards. The Wizards could be regarded as the worst team in the NBA, but to see the Mavericks comfortably put away a lesser opponent is a huge step up from last year's disastrous season.

Before the Mavs' win in Washington, the team played their third In-Season Tournament game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Just two days prior, the Mavs would dominate in New Orleans, but this cannot be said for Tuesday's game. The Mavs would get outscored 131-110 by the Pelicans.

Bouncing back for the Mavs would be critical, especially after such an ugly loss. Behind Tim Hardaway Jr's. 31-point night where he amassed seven three-pointers, the Mavericks would easily coast past the Wizards.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Mavericks' Lively II falls, Pistons' Thompson rises

Luka Doncic would recover nicely after a disappointing game in New Orleans. With 26 points, 10 assists, and just three rebounds short of a triple-double, he would restore the faith of many fans. Doncic would even limit his turnover problem to just three last night.

Rookie Dereck Lively II would continue to prove why he's an intricate piece for the Mavericks after a career night. He was just one rebound shy of posting his third career double-double, but with a career-high 17 points, including 13 in the third quarter, many fans were exposed to just how explosive Lively II can be.

It's clear to see that Lively II could be one of the more important rookies of his draft class, but where does he rank in this week's Rookie Power Rankings?

10. Marcus Sasser

Last week's rank: 7

Sasser's production has dropped immensely the past week, but he will remain in the top 10 after putting up a monster 26-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

9. Bilal Coulibaly

Last week's rank: N/A

Coulibaly finally gets some well-deserved recognition as he cracks the top 10. His offensive game is still a work in progress but he has shown flashes of being a high-caliber defensive stud.

8. Keyonte George

Last week's rank: N/A

George had an amazing Summer League and is now getting to showcase his offensive talent at the NBA level. The former Baylor standout is finally getting real minutes in the Jazz rotation and is proving his worth with some great performances off the bench.

7. Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Last week's rank: N/A

Jaquez has risen to the ranks of many rookie ladders. He continues to get more playing time in the Miami system and has filled in a much-needed role off the bench, which is why he lands at seven.

6. Brandon Miller

Last week's rank: 5

Miller continues to showcase his abilities, but with a drop-off in production, he has lost one spot. Miller will need to continue getting more efficient from the field, but through 10 games, it's clear to see why the Hornets took him at two in the draft.