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2018 NBA mid-season awards: Picking the league’s early standouts

By Jacob Doole

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 124-118. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 124-118. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers stands on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 31, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 76ers defeated the Suns 123-110. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers stands on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 31, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 76ers defeated the Suns 123-110. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Season stats (per game): 16.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.9 blocks

Ben Simmons is setting a historic pace through half of his rookie season. If he maintains his current stats, he will be just the second rookie in history to average at least 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists (per Basketball Reference).

He’s also posted a remarkable four triple doubles, including one in just his fourth NBA game.

But it’s not just the stats that make Simmons stand out, it’s the way he gets them. He’s shooting 51 percent from the field, despite not hitting a 3 all season. He’s not only getting a high number of steals, he’s also sixth in the league in Defensive Win Shares (2.2) thanks to his excellent all-around defense.

Simmons has shown remarkable poise for a young point guard, and has passing instincts very rarely seen in a 6-foot-10 body.

https://twitter.com/76ersWorld/status/915768325103390720

All of this combined makes him one of the most well-rounded point guards in the league, let alone the rookie class. He’ll push for All-Star selection this season, and could potentially lead the Sixers to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

In terms of this award, anyone who leads all rookies in rebounds, assists and steals, is third in points and is fourth in blocks is almost certainly the front-runner.

Yes, he has a lot of turnovers, even for a rookie. His 147 turnovers are more than 50 ahead of the next rookie, and 4.0 per game will be too many going forward.

But that’s the only real issue in an otherwise outstanding season thus far. Simmons is one of the most versatile young player the league has seen, and his extra year in the NBA system should help him run away with this award in the second half.

Runner-up: Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

Season stats: 18.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks

Donovan Mitchell’s rapid improvements have seen him become the “trendy” pick for Rookie of the Year. He leads all first-year players in scoring, and had a huge statement performance against the Pelicans with 41 points.

But he lacks the versatility of Simmons; at this stage he is a scorer first and everything else second. He’s shown flashes of potential as a playmaker and defender, but lacks consistency in those areas at this stage of his career.

There’s no doubting that he will be a great player, and he was a steal at pick thirteen. But unless he leads rookie scorers by a sizeable margin, it’s hard to see him usurping Simmons at the top of the leaderboard.

Next three: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics; Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers; Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

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