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

2. Chet Holmgren

Last week's rank: 2

Every team seems to be going on a little win streak, and this includes the OKC Thunder. The Thunder are currently riding high on a three-game winning streak that has seen them beat the LA Clippers and the Sacramento Kings.

With the Thunder failing to acquire a backup center during the trade deadline, a lot of focus has been shifted on Chet Holmgren. As a rookie, Holmgren has stepped up to the plate and embraced the role of being the starting center for the Thunder. In doing so, he has had to give up some of his flashy dribbling skills for down-low dirty work.

Overall, Holmgren has been a net positive on both ends of the floor. His perimeter shot makes him lethal from behind the arc, and it allows wide open lanes for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to drive freely in. Additionally, Holmgren has become one of the best shot blockers in the league, with nearly three blocks a game.

While on the Thunder's current three-game winning streak, Holmgren has proven to be a block machine, as he has totaled up to 12 blocks during this stretch. Having an elite shot blocker like Holmgren has opened up so many transition opportunities for the Thunder.

The OKC Thunder will look to improve to four wins in a row with their Friday night game against the Washington Wizards. If Holmgren fails to pick up the pace on the offensive end, he may not be safe in the second spot anymore.