There’s been a ton of chatter centered around the players in the running for this season’s MVP Award, but we’ve yet to break down the Rookie of the Year candidates. Let’s change that.

As we’re now past the midway point of the season, it’s the perfect time to check in on the rookie class and see who is in the mix for top rookie honors.

Head of the Class

These four have distinguished themselves from the others as the favorites for the award.

PeteBeBallin, Mavs Gaming
Regular-season stats: 14.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG

He’s been a force in the paint for one of the league’s best teams. What sets him apart from other rookie big men is his consistency. Pete is nearly automatic to notch a double-double each time he takes the court. He’s also extremely efficient, ranking second in the league in FG percentage.

Bp, Kings Guard Gaming
Regular-season stats: 17.5 PPG, 6.8 APG, 1.6 SPG

While everyone knows about his sick dribbles, he holds the season’s single-game scoring mark of 41 points in Week 5 against Pacers Gaming. He set a new league record with 11 3-pointers in the process. His impact can’t be overstated for a Kings Guard squad that has exceeded expectations and are currently tied for the league’s third-best record.

Reizey, Magic Gaming
Regular-season stats: 16.1 PPG, 9.2 APG

The questions of whether he could handle the full-time move to point guard were put to rest long ago. Reizey has played himself into the upper echelon of all ball handlers in the league. He’s the rookie leader in assists, ranking fourth overall in the league, and has been elevating his level of play by the week.

Plondo, Bucks Gaming
Regular-season stats: 11.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.7 BPG

A player some considered a reach at No. 6 in the draft has been anything but that. While his numbers have taken a slight dip in recent weeks after he stormed out of the gate, Plondo’s on-court IQ at his position is nearly unrivaled. He’s established himself as a top defensive center, ranking fourth in the league in blocks.

Next in Line

These players are having outstanding seasons in their own right, but will need huge stretch runs to jump up a tier.

Mo, Mavs Gaming
Regular-season stats: 16.5 PPG, 3.8 APG, 1.3 SPG

The second of Mavs Gaming’s two first-round picks, Mo has a clearly defined role — get buckets. He’s the leading scorer for his 10-1 team, in part to his off-ball movement that’s as good as any shooter in the league, allowing him to constantly get open looks from the perimeter.

Strainer, Cavs Legion GC
Regular-season stats: 14.1 PPG, 4.7 APG

The 51st overall pick is the first non-first-rounder on the list. Strainer’s been the most consistent offensive player for Cavs Legion to date. He poured in a combined 38 points in Week 7 to help his team extend their winning streak to four games and put them in the thick of the playoff race.

Ria, Jazz Gaming
Regular-season stats: 12.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.4 SPG, 1.9 SPG

As strange as it sounds, it feels like this year’s No. 1 overall pick somehow isn’t being talked about enough. Ria is averaging a double-double, while serving as a defensive cornerstone (tied for first in league in blocks) for a team sitting just ½ game out of a playoff spot.

BearDaBeast, T-Wolves Gaming
Regular-season stats: 13.8 PPG, 7.0 APG

He likely would have sat higher on this list earlier in the season, but T-Wolves Gaming have slipped in the standings in recent weeks. Bear is a threat whether he’s running point or playing off the ball. Stats aside, his animated personality makes him must-watch each time he takes the stage.

Other Notables

While they might not garner a ton of ROY consideration, this last group deserves recognition for their play to this point of the season.

Gradient, Warriors Gaming Squad
Regular-season stats: 7.8 PPG, 2.6 SPG

Lockdown defenders face an uphill battle in garnering votes for top rookie, but Gradient has been as good as advertised on the defensive end since entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick. He was exceptional during his team’s TURN title run.

Lav, Nets GC
Regular-season stats: 15.6 PPG, 6.1 APG, 1.6 SPG

Lav opened the season at small forward but he and his team have excelled since he transitioned to point guard. Nets GC have won three straight with him running the offense, with Lav averaging 17.0 PPG and 11.0 APG in that span.

Sherm, Mavs Gaming
Regular-season stats: 6.8 PPG, 2.3 SPG

If you watched him in his Week 7 matchup against Bp of Kings Guard Gaming, you’ll understand why he makes the cut. Sherm has been a problem for opposing point guards all season with his relentless on-ball defense.

BreadwinnerLA, 76ers GC
Regular-season stats: 7.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG

You can see from his stats the number of different ways he contributes. He plays excellent interior defense and knows his role on the offensive end. He played a key part in 76ers GC’s TIPOFF title.