NBA: 5 biggest sleepers to win the Rookie of the Year award in 2017-18

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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 07: Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

The mild sleeper – AKA “The Napper” – Ben Simmons

I know that I said No. 1 picks shouldn’t be sleepers, but this is last year’s No. 1 pick, so he gets a pass. After all, people have seemingly forgotten about the Aussie, and his rookie campaign never got off the ground last year due to a season-ending foot injury, so he will technically still be a rookie this season.

Plenty of talking heads in sports journalism were talking crazy when Simmons was buzzing this time last year, and his most common comparison was “the next LeBron James.” While that’s an utterly ridiculous label to put on a rookie (and I shouldn’t have to explain why), I would have to imagine that if so many people believed that, he would be a decent sleeper pick to win Rookie of the Year.

Those comparisons stemmed from Simmons’ ability to handle the ball and make plays at his size (now generously listed at 7’0″). In four Summer League games last year, Simmons averaged a well-balanced 12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 5.5 APG, but struggled to be efficient from the field, shooting just 18 for 44 over those four games.

For all the hype surrounding some of the top draft picks of 2017, the No. 1 pick from 2016 has the skills to play with the best of them. Health and minutes will be factors to strongly consider, but if the Australian point-forward from LSU can stay on the floor, he’s as impressive as anyone in this rookie class.

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