Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell have had exceptional seasons. They are both deserving of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
During an exciting 2017-18 NBA season, rookie standouts Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell have been nothing short of spectacular in their first-year campaigns.
These rising stars should be the clear-cut recipients of the Co-Rookie of the Year award for only the 4th time in NBA history.
Ben Simmons
As of today, the Philadelphia 76ers have secured their spot in the NBA playoffs, while the Utah Jazz are still competing but have a pretty good chance of finishing in the West’s top 8.
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Although Ben Simmons did not have a chance to play during his first season due to injury, hard work and patience paid off in the best way possible. Simmons is currently averaging 16 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Ben Simmons is a definite piece of The Process as he has helped lead the 76ers into the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
Donovan Mitchell
As the 13th pick of last year’s NBA draft, Donovan Mitchell is averaging 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
He is already the leading scorer of the Utah Jazz, who have exceeded all expectations this season. At 21 years of age, Simmons and Mitchell are 7th and 10th in the NBA in defensive win shares.
That statistic alone proves they are contributing on the defensive end resulting in both teams’ success.
Although Simmons and Mitchell both have different playing styles, they fit into their teams’ dynamics perfectly.
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One can make a case for Mitchell for Rookie of the Year because he has prevailed in the Western Conference or for Simmons who has broken statistical records during the season.
These budding stars will continually be leaders on their team and will be headed to the playoffs to compete for NBA championships for years to come.