NBA Rookie Ladder: Ben Simmons and an unlikely Laker steal the headlines
By Erez Maman
1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Stats: 19.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists
Ben Simmons is the best all-around rookie we have seen since LeBron James. Ironically, that was actually the comparison he got coming out of high school and college. At 6-foot-10 (possibly taller), Simmons is an elite passer, can handle the ball with ease and has great scoring ability for a player that is still trying to learn the art of the jumper.
The NBA might as well hand him the NBA’s Rookie of the Year trophy now.
Don’t get me wrong, Ball, Tatum, Kuzma and Fox (and every other player on this list) are all really good players, but they’re all fighting for second place.
It’s easy to see the similarities between Simmons and LeBron, but perhaps the more interesting comparison is Simmons and Magic Johnson.
Must Read: NBA: Comprehensive list of the League’s 7 most complete players
Lonzo Ball has gotten the majority of the hype entering the season but when it comes to on-the-court evidence, Ben Simmons is on a different level.