ROY Power Rankings: Morant clear favorite at halfway point

With the basketball world still awaiting the debut of No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, the current NBA Rookie of the Year race hasn't quite reached its potential.

Still, a number of first-year players warrant recognition for emerging as key contributors on their respective teams.

Here are theScore's top five ROY candidates as we pass the halfway point of 2019-20.

5. RJ Barrett, Knicks

14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks, 43.9 eFG% in 31.7 minutes per game

Given his past successes on the junior international stage and with the Duke Blue Devils in college, Barrett isn't used to losing very often. Unfortunately for him, that's par for the course when you're breaking into the league with the New York Knicks these days.

Amid less-than-ideal circumstances - most notably an early-season coaching change - Barrett has endured some struggles. The silver lining is that he's been afforded ample opportunities to make mistakes in games of little consequence.

New York also doesn't have many playmakers, which means the 19-year-old hasn't been given much space to get clean looks. That's not the only reason for Barrett's below-average shooting percentages - he's connected on just 32.6% of his threes and 39.5% of his field goals overall - but it certainly hasn't helped.

4. Tyler Herro, Heat

13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.1 blocks, 50.7 eFG% in 28.4 minutes per game

When you watch a Miami Heat game, you can almost feel Herro's confidence through the screen.

The calm and collected Milwaukee native has emerged as a reliable floor-spacer for the 27-12 Heat, draining an impressive 38.5% of his 3-pointers on 5.5 attempts per game. Herro's smooth stroke has helped him earn consistent playing time in Erik Spoelstra's rotation ever since the outset of the season.

The former Kentucky Wildcat has also showcased an ability to deliver in the clutch, and at times even carry his team offensively - rare traits for any player, let alone a first-year pro.

With the Heat surely heading to the postseason, Herro could be asked to deliver in the clutch a few more times before his rookie campaign is all said and done.

3. Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.4 steals, 65.7 eFG% in 21.3 minutes per game

The fact that Clarke makes this list despite having played just over 21 minutes per game speaks volumes about his role as a spark plug off the bench for a competitive Memphis Grizzlies squad. The 23-year-old ranks first in effective field-goal percentage among rookies, just ahead of Pelicans big man Jaxson Hayes.

Clarke doesn’t make his money from the outside, as he's shot just 39 total 3-pointers this season. Instead, he feasts within 10 feet of the rim, where he's attempted nearly 65% of his field goals.

The Canadian has been flying under the radar next to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis, but he's putting together a tremendously efficient season. If you stretch out Clarke's production over a per-36-minute sample size, his numbers jump off the charts (20.8 points, 9.9 boards, and 1.5 blocks).

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

15.4 points, 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks, 51.8 eFG% in 30.2 minutes per game

Few expected Nunn to play such a significant role on an NBA roster.

After impressing with the G League's Santa Cruz Warriors last season, the undrafted 24-year-old earned a contract with Miami in April and has taken advantage as a full-time starter.

While teammates Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler often dominate the headlines, Nunn's steady scoring touch has been an essential element for a Heat team that's exceeded expectations to date.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

18 points, 6.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1 steal, 0.3 blocks, 52.8 eFG% in 29.7 minutes per game

Thanks to his elite court vision, handles, and finishing ability in the open floor, Morant is already one of the most electrifying players in basketball.

Every game has been a must-watch spectacle. From wild behind-the-back dishes to freezing defenders with his ridiculous handle to nearly replicating Vince Carter's legendary "Dunk of Death," Morant has dazzled fans with captivating moves that force you to take a second look.

But Morant isn't just a human highlight reel. The Murray State product has also led the Grizzlies on a six-game winning streak that's put the club in the Western Conference's final playoff spot.

Given his body of work to date, it'd be shocking if Morant doesn't take home Rookie of the Year honors.