NBA Rookie Power Rankings: New name cracks top five heading into final week

2. Chet Holmgren

Last week's rank: 2

Chet Holmgren has all but locked up his chances for a First Team All-Rookie award, and unlike many of the rookies on this list, he is competing for a potential championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently sitting third in the Western Conference, but they remain within striking distance of the first seed.

Holmgren has found a lot of success in his role as the solo five since being drafted by the Thunder, but the question remains if Holmgren will be prepared for the playoff spotlight. No matter what seed the Thunder finish, they will play a tough team, so it will be important that Holmgren exploit any potential center matchup that comes his way.

One skill that not many centers have in the Western Conference is the ability to space the floor. Using his floor spacing capabilities, the Thunder can open up the floor for guards like Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Surrounding Holmgren with guards who can not only defend but score the ball at an elite rate has become the main formula for winning in OKC. One lineup configuration that could take this team to new heights is pairing Holmgren alongside center Jaylin Williams.

This will surely be a lineup that gets used as the playoffs get deeper, but fans have yet to see the two play consistently time together on the floor. The duo of Williams and Holmgren have spent less than 30 minutes on the floor together for the whole season. With under a week left in the regular season, it will be important for the Thunder to maintain a solid position in the Western Conference.