ROOKIE OF THE WEEK WATCH - Week 9

	TEAM	WHY	WHY NOT	STATS
Kyle Kuzma PER 9.17 MVP	-	After spending 7 weeks at small foward, the Kuz finally got a chance to play with the big boys down low and didn't disappoint. His 16.8ppg and 6rpg are both season highs.	His scoring output was mainly bolstered by the 23 free throw attemps he was awarded as he shot only 43% from the field for the week.	PTS REB AST STL BLK
Donovan Mitchell PER 39.56 MVP	-	Although Mitchell started every game for the Bucks, he started the season slowly and is now gathering (individual) steam that he plays the point full time. Last week he averaged as season-high 14ppg	It is tough for a rookie to play in the same backcourt as Russell Westbrook. You better make the best of your touches and Mitchell does that by looking for his shot first and foremost. He's learning from the best.	PTS REB AST STL BLK
Lauri Markkanen PER 11.24 MVP	-	It's been a while since Lauri 'only available for Kawhi' Markannen has won ROW. He looked good from the get-go and still looks just as good.	You could also say that, while not quite hitting the rookie wall, his development has stagnated, although on a high level.	PTS REB AST STL BLK
Jayson Tatum PER 28.88 MVP	-	Tatum already has three of these in the bag and another 20/5 week earns him a good chance to win a fourth.	He was nowhere near as good as the last two weeks. He simply cannot compete with Papagiannis' awesomeness.	PTS REB AST STL BLK
Dennis Smith PER 6.83 MVP	-	Dennis Smith made the best of his chance to start and put up a huge 21ppg on sizzling three-point shooting (53% despite low-70s three point ratings). He also chipped in 6 assists per game. This is clearly a feat that needs to be rewarded.	His 4 turnovers per game didn't exactly help as his injury ravaged team stumbled through another 1-4 week. At this point he may be better used as a point per minute sparkplug off the bench.	PTS REB AST STL BLK
Frank Ntilikina PER 15.82 MVP	-	The french sensation is the best pure PG among this crop. He showed it again last week putting up almost 9 assists with a 5:1 assist turnover ratio. Let's say it is his wizardry that makes Big Papa look like and MVP candidate whenever he isnt toiling in the minors.	The guy can obviously hit a big target and let 2k17 do the rest, but he can't shoot. His backup Tyus Jones averaged more points than him in much less time.	PTS REB AST STL BLK