NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Mavericks' Lively II falls, Pistons' Thompson rises
By Jaren Boslow
![Nov 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) walks off the court Nov 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) walks off the court](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_8256,h_4644,x_0,y_349/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01hfcsb1nh7yassnykbr.jpg)
1. Victor Wembanyama
Last week's rank: 1
Victor Wembanyama is the only rookie on this list to remain neutral. Remaining at the number one spot not only made sense but was an easy decision.
Wembanyama has continued to showcase his dominance on both ends. Averaging 19 points per game, nine rebounds, and two blocks, he has looked every bit of the Rookie of the Year.
The holes in Wembanyama's game have been little and far between, which has been critical for Wembanyama's success. Even with the Spurs slipping down the rankings, Wembanyama has been one of the few bright spots on their roster.
His length and athleticism have freed up a lot of transition opportunities for the Spurs. If the Spurs wish to be more competitive, they need to start integrating Wembanyama more in the offense.
The Spurs are currently 3-8 and are posting one of the Western Conference's worst records. The only thing that can currently hurt Wembanyama's Rookie of the Year campaign would be his team's record. It will be critical that he at least makes the Spurs a competitive team once again in the Western Conference, but even then, team record doesn't get considered much for this award.
The Dallas Mavericks will play the San Antonio Spurs just two days before Christmas day. For more updates on Mavericks basketball and Dereck Lively II's rookie campaign, stay plugged in every day.
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