Mavericks’ Smith cracks into top 5

This week’s USA TODAY NBA Rookie Power Rankings, as voted on by Sam Amick, Jeff Zillgitt, AJ Neuharth-Keusch and Michael Singer (stats through Monday).

1. Ben Simmons, 76ers (17.8 ppg, 7.5 apg, 9.2 rpg): Aside from the job of facilitating the 76ers offense, at which Simmons has exceeded any reasonable expectations, he’s also contributing on the other end. Simmons ranks among the top 15 NBA players with 1.75 steals per game.

2. Jayson Tatum, Celtics (13.6 ppg, 1.6 apg, 5.8 rpg): Tatum has been an integral part of the Celtics’ 12game winning streak, offering 16 points as a co-leading scorer in last week’s win against the Hornets and scoring 13 in Sunday’s win over the Raptors without Kyrie Irving. Not many 19-year-olds are as poised and crafty around the rim.

3. Kyle Kuzma, Lakers (14.9 ppg, 1.4 apg, 6.8 rpg): Overshadowed by teammate Lonzo Ball becoming the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double, Kuzma recorded his third double-double in five games with 21 points and 11 rebounds vs. the Bucks on Saturday. Chosen at No. 27, he’s probably the steal of the draft.

T-4. Donovan Mitchell, Jazz (14.6 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.5 rpg): Last week we wrote Mitchell had shown no hesitation from the field, and then he proceeded to shoot 3-for-21 in a loss to the 76ers. Two games later, with Rudy Gobert out, he led the Jazz with 26 points in a win over the Nets. He followed that up with 24 points in a loss to the Timberwolves.

T-4. Dennis Smith Jr., Mavericks (14.8 ppg, 4.9 apg, 4.0 rpg): “He should have been a Knick” was how LeBron James praised the Mavericks rookie, suggesting the Knicks will regret passing on the talented point guard at No. 8. Smith is more than comfortable breaking down his defender or knocking down an outside three.