Piston Powered NBA Rookie of the Year Rankings: Weeks 1 and 2

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 10, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs down on Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs down on Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
  1. Karl-Anthony Towns (3)

The play of Towns has been a major factor why the Minnesota Timberwolves currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 4-3 record. He has had four double-doubles in the six games he has played including 28 Points, 14 Rebounds and 4 Blocks against the Denver Nuggets. Four double-doubles in his first six games puts him in the elite company of Alonzo Mourning (4), Dikembe Mutombo (5) and David Robinson (5) to start their careers. Shaq being the only player in the last thirty years to get a double-double in each of his first six games as a pro.

If averaging 15 Points, 10 Rebounds and 3 Blocks per game doesn’t impress then his percentages should. He is shooting 50% from the field, 89% from the line and has even shot 1 from 3 from behind the arc.

What he brings to the table at both ends of the court as well as efficiency is why he is clearly the number 1 ranked rookie after two weeks. I’m excited to see how he continues to develop with what looks to be an exciting young Timberwolves team.

Next: A closer look at the Detroit Pistons' three-man core

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