Immanuel Quickley Moves to No. 3 in NBA Rookie Power Rankings

Immanuel Quickley Moves to No. 3 in NBA Rookie Power Rankings

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(Photo by Elsa / Getty Images)

(Photo by Elsa / Getty Images)

Former Kentucky star guard Immanuel Quickley is still proving that he is undoubtedly stealing the 2020 NBA draft.

After an inconsistent start to the season, the New York Knicks rookie has scored double-digit points totals in six of the team’s last nine games, including 31 points against Portland on Jan. 24 and 25 points last night against Cleveland.

With continued production and growth for the 6-foot-3 guard, CBS Sports moved Quickley up to No. 3 in the NBA Rookie Power Rankings, behind only James Wiseman at no. 1 and Anthony Edwards at number 2.

Here’s what they had to say about the former Wildcat:

Quickley has become the darling of the rookie class this season, and for good reason. His driver has already been announced as the deadliest in the game and he is one of the best scorers in the league. This past week, he just became the second rookie this season to pick up 30 points in a game (Kentucky former teammate Tyrese Maxey is the other one).

What’s more impressive about Quickley’s performance, however, is that he did it off the bench. He is proving his worth throughout this young Knicks series, and if he continues on this path, he will make it difficult for coach Tom Thibodeau not to place him in the starting lineup.

“We saw it from the first day he arrived here as he tackled things,” Thibodeau said following Quickley’s 25-point performance on Friday night. ‘He’s a student of the game, a good worker, a good attitude, a good approach. And the ups and downs of an NBA season, I think he prepares himself very well and his confidence comes from his preparation.

“He has a great concentration and a lot of effort every day. And he can play well, even if he does not shoot well. He obviously has a lot of confidence in that shot and his overall game. And he’s one of those guys who’s getting better and better with every game. So very pleased with his progress. ”

Asked about his outstanding performance, in which he struck out five three-pointers, Quickley said he attributes his hard work and dedication to improving every day.

“Hard work, dedication and staying true to the process, getting better every day, good games, bad games,” Quickley said. “You want to keep finding a way to get better every day.”

Check out the recent highlights of the former Wildcat below:

Keep it up, IK.

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