NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Rockets' Cam Whitmore rises with stellar play, who falls?

4. Brandin Podziemski

Last week's rank: 4

The Golden State Warriors have become the team to beat in the play-in race. They have won nine of their last eleven games and seem to be building on yet another winning streak. A player that has been vital to their success has been rookie sensation Brandin Podziemski.

After helping the Warriors win five in a row before the All-Star break, Podziemski has taken a step up in his production. He has proven to not only be one of the Warriors' lead guards, but he has also become a Swiss Knife on both ends of the floor.

Podiemski's defense has been nothing but positive all year long, and barring any major setbacks, he could be leaned on to guard the opposing team's best guards in the playoffs. Considering this is his rookie season, that is a huge step in the right direction for Podziemski and the Warriors.

Offensively, the 20-year-old has done a little of everything. Before the All-Star break, Podziemski cashed in five threes in the Warriors' loss to the Clippers. His 25-point contribution opened so many opportunities for other players to get involved.

Since his career night against the Clippers, Podziemski has slowed down. He has failed to score more than 13 points in his last two outings and has failed to shoot over 50 percent from the field in those two games. Even while struggling shooting, Podziemski has found other ways to get involved by rebounding or finding open teammates. The Warriors' next game will be against the Charlotte Hornets.