NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Dereck Lively II re-enters top 5 after dominant week

3. Jamie Jaquez Jr.

Last week's rank: 3

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is yet another rookie who has missed valuable time with injury. Jaquez Jr. has missed two games due to a groin injury and has been listed as doubtful for Miami's Friday night game against the Atlanta Hawks.

This could be the seasonal injury bug that goes around the NBA, but yet another rookie has been affected by injuries in this week's ranking. Jaquez Jr. has dazzled all season long, and he would have done the same in the two games he has missed. The Heat are 1-1 in his absence and barely squeaked out a win against the Brooklyn Nets.

Since his absence, the Heat have visibly looked different. They haven't scored over 100 points once and have looked sluggish on the offensive end. This stretch has only proven how valuable Jaquez Jr. has become for the Miami Heat.

Jaquez Jr. has become a huge contributor to the Heat on the offensive end. His rebounding, along with his creation ability, has been leaned on heavily by head coach Erik Spoelstra. Jaquez Jr. has quickly become one of the NBA's best off-ball players and scores many of his points off of back-door cuts.

With Jaquez Jr. out, the Heat have struggled to get into any offensive rhythm and have had to dig out wins on the defensive end. Jaquez Jr. has proven to be an all-around great rookie for the Heat and has been sorely missed.