NBA Rookie Ladder 2.0: Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes waves; A new No. 1 arises

4. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Stats: 10.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 52.5 FG%, 41.3 3PT%

Once it was confirmed that the Miami Heat was not going to land Damian Lillard via trade, the pushback on the team's decision to bring back their core with few additions and changes was quickly condemned. The talk surrounding the Heat revolved around how much of a step back they'd take. They were immediatley dismissed as a potential Eastern Conference contender and there were even whispers about how this team needed to blow up their roster.

And through the first few games of the season, it appeared as if that was going to be the case for the Heat. However, after a 1-4 start, the Heat has managed to turn things around for the better. Miami is 9-1 in their last 10 games and the emergence of rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a big reason why. Specifically, in his last eight games played, Jaquez is averaging 15 points and four rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting from the field and 56 percent shooting from 3-point range.

He's quickly moving up the rookie ladder and he's becoming one of the most important players on the Heat. He's been a big part of their recent turnaround and you'd have to imagine he's only going to get better as the season progresses.