NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: LaMelo takes top spot

It's been only three months since the 2020 NBA Draft, but it's safe to say the order would be dramatically different if the event took place today.

Plenty of first-year players have outperformed their draft slot, while the jury is still out on others.

Here's a look at the top-five NBA Rookie of the Year candidates, with the season's halfway point just around the corner.

5. Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic

Previous rank: N/A

Anthony assumed the Magic's starting point guard role after Markelle Fultz suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The North Carolina standout has risen to the occasion, averaging 12.1 points and nearly four assists since being handed the keys to Orlando's offense.

It's unfortunate that Anthony will be sidelined until after the All-Star break as he was just starting to find his rhythm. The 6-foot-2 lead ball-handler shot 47.1% from beyond the arc and 45.1% overall across his last 11 appearances.

Anthony's energy on the defensive end and activity on the glass have also stood out. He leads all Magic players in charges drawn and is third on the team in defensive rebounds per game.

4. Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks

Previous rank: N/A

Quickley has been a spark off the bench for the surprising Knicks. The reigning SEC Player of the Year has posted five 20-point games this season and is among the NBA's top first-year scorers despite limited playing time. Quickley has various offensive weapons in his arsenal, including a step-back jumper and a soft floater.

His length and lateral quickness are an asset in Tom Thibodeau's defensive-minded system. Additionally, Quickley's ability to play on or off the ball has allowed him to co-exist alongside veteran guard Derrick Rose during their brief time together.

3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Previous rank: 3

Edwards has become a more efficient scorer since moving into the T-Wolves' first five. The 19-year-old is averaging 16.8 points on 41.8% shooting - including 33.8% mark from downtown - over 12 appearances as a starter.

His explosiveness off the bounce continues to be his biggest strength as he consistently leaves defenders in the dust on drives to the rim. Edwards has also shown promise as a playmaker and creates separation from defenders using his nifty footwork.

With his athleticism and strong frame, Edwards has the tools to become a solid defender and should be attempting more than 2.3 free throws per game.

2. Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings

Previous rank: 1

There are only eight NBA players in the 50-40-90 club, yet none accomplished the feat as a rookie. Haliburton is likely due for regression at some point. In the meantime, he continues to shoot the lights out nearly two months into the season. The Iowa State product recorded 15.4 points per contest on 53.9% shooting over eight appearances in February.

Haliburton's offensive efficiency is remarkable, considering his minutes have steadily increased, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Kings guard is averaging the fifth-most minutes in the final frame and shooting 60.5% from the field - including 61.9% from distance - during the last 12 minutes of regulation.

1. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Previous rank: 2

Terry Rozier's injury opened a spot for Ball in the Hornets' starting five. The 6-foot-6 guard has excelled with the first unit, averaging 20.9 points, 6.9 boards, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while also shooting 43.9% from deep on 7.1 attempts.

Ball's willingness to do the dirty work has been a pleasant surprise as he's tied for fifth among all players in deflections (86) and tied for seventh in loose balls recovered (35). His chemistry with teammates continues to grow, specifically with forward Miles Bridges, who's often been the beneficiary of perfectly-placed lobs from the first-year floor general.

A pair of milestones highlighted Ball's recent play. On Feb. 5, he dropped a career-high 34 points against the Utah Jazz. Three nights later, Ball joined Stephen Curry and Jason Kidd as the only rookies to register at least seven triples and 10 assists in a single game.

Honorable mentions: James Wiseman (Warriors), Patrick Williams (Bulls), Desmond Bane (Grizzlies), Payton Pritchard (Celtics)