NBA Rookie Rankings: Coming down the homestretch

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Mar 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) guards Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

8. Emmanuel Mudiay

Previous Rank: 5

Emmanuel Mudiay has improved his poor shooting in the Denver Nuggets’ past 10 games. He is shooting 40.3 percent from the floor during that span while stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 14.5 points, 5.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

In the Nuggets’ six contests in March, he is averaging 19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He is the key to the Nuggets igniting their transition game, but he is still pretty mistake prone, averaging 3.3 turnovers per game on the season.

Mudiay had an absolutely monster game against the Phoenix Suns on Mar. 10, posting 30 points and five assists in 34 minutes of play. Most impressive was his 13-for-20 shooting night that included four 3-pointers. The Nuggets are also streaking, as winners of their past four games.

Mudiay was a bit of a steal in the 2015 draft having fallen to pick No. 7, and he is showing that with some seasoning he could be a premiere point guard.

He was a bit of a mystery box after spending a year in Guangdong, China — but he has proven that he absolutely belongs in the NBA, as a starter.

Next: Power Up!