NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Jamie Jaquez Jr. surges after strong week, who falls?

Mar 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) looks to move the ball past
Mar 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) looks to move the ball past | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Chet Holmgren

Last rank: 2

Chet Holmgren, and the OKC Thunder continue to display why they are one of the best teams in the NBA week in and week out. Additionally, Holmgren has continued to show why he is one of the most important players on the Thunder's young roster.

Holmgren has just scratched the surface in terms of what his potential can be in this league. Still, despite struggling individually on occasion, the young seven-footer has proven to be critical for the Thunder's success.

He has become one of the few big men that the Thunder can use, and his length has become critical for the team. His athleticism and length have given the Thunder an elite shot blocker, which has seemingly unlocked so much for OKC defensively.

Surrounding the elite shot blocker with perimeter defense has proven to be an important formula for the Thunder and their success. Having the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort on the defensive end has become a critical component of the team's success.

On Friday, the Thunder took on the Miami Heat and limited them to just 100 points. Holmgren was a large reason the Heat managed to score just 100 points with his presence down low.

Holmgren will need to learn how to produce on both ends of the floor, as his offensive game has taken a hit since taking over on the defensive end of the floor. If Holmgren can unlock this part of his game, he could become a scary sight for opposing teams.

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