The 2018 NBA rookie class is one of the most promising and talent-filled groups of players we’ve seen since the 2003 draft. I’ll be focusing on two specific rookies that have the most neck in the game regarding the rookie of the year title, and a close third that might have a chance. Let’s begin with the controversial rookie Ben Simmons. I don’t even have to mention his stats or anything he has accomplished to start a conversation. Lately, fans and critics have scrutinized Ben Simmons mostly due to the reason that people don’t believe he is a true “rookie”. Simmons was drafted in the first round back in 2016 but had to sit the season out because of a broken right ankle. Now, most of the hype between the feud between him and another rookie player Donovan Mitchell has been purely based on the definition. The battle between these two went as far as Mitchell wearing a hoodie donning his so-called definition of a rookie, “An athlete, playing his or her first season as a member of a professional sports team.” This spurred on a back-and-forth battle and it hasn’t cooled off since. This context adds to the conversation of who is the better rookie and, well, who doesn’t like the beef between two players that haven’t played each other since November of last year?
Ben Simmons has played incredibly well and has put up great numbers lifting his team to the playoffs who are now down 3-1 in the playoffs against Boston. He’s been averaging 15.8, 8.1, and 8.2 on 54% shooting. He is second among rookies field goals with 544 made, leads rookies in total rebounds, steals, and assists. Pretty good for his first year right? That’s most people think, unless you take into account that he was able to use team doctors, trainers, and many other resources a young rookie could take advantage from a professional basketball team. Don’t be mistaken: I don’t mean to discredit Simmon’s regular and postseason performances but it is one thing to consider when comparing other rookies to him. He leads the 76ers in assists and steals and does contribute substantially on offense as well. His numbers might have been a little exaggerated, some comparing him to Magic Johnson when he was a rookie. He is putting up similar numbers and passed Johnson for earning the 2nd most triple doubles with 10 in NBA history right behind Oscar Robertson. Then again, in Game 2 against Boston, he scored only 1 point and that was from a free throw and leads the rookie class in turnover as well. One game doesn’t define a player but again, it is something to consider. For the most of the season, Simmons was my pick for ROTY but after hearing that was really his first year in the league, it made me look at other things aside from statistics.
When considering who should take the ROTY title, I look for a significant impact on their team, but on the league and the game. Donovan Mitchell has been that man. He leads Rookies with 595 field goals, 187 3-pointers, and has the highest points per game average with 20.5. This guy is defense’s worst nightmare. Whether he’s driving to the lane with ferocious dunks or he’s saucing on all your defenders with his handles, he will find a way to score on you. When he isn’t winning the dunk contest, he’s landing circus shots like Kyrie Irving. While he isn’t leading his team in as many categories as Simmons is, he poses a real offensive threat, not only now but as well in the future. He’s averaging 20.5, 3.7 and 3.7 and scored 55 points in his first two playoff games, joining the likes of Michael Jordan (yeah that guy) as the only other rookie to do so. He also became the only other rookie to score 27 or more points in his first two playoff games just like Kareem Abdul Jabbar did in the 1969-1970 season.
While most of the ROTY talk has been about Mitchell and Simmons, one young player that people seem to not appreciate enough is Jayson Tatum. As one of the youngest players in this rookie class, Tatum makes his presence known on the court. He sits at fifth in field goals made, sixth in 3-pointers and 2nd in free throws. Averaging 13.9, 5.0, and 1.6 Tatum’s potential as a small forward for the Celtics is bright and promising. And while his numbers pale in comparison to Simmon’s and Mitchell’s, his unselfish behavior and hustle prove to be the reason that separates him from other rookies and would be an envied asset to any team.
The race for ROTY is a tight one, but it’s a good one. Three rookies on three teams vying for a run at the NBA finals makes for an interesting bid on who was the most impactful and who was the best overall player. I’ve said it on our sports podcast, Sports 360, and I’ll say it again. Donovan Mitchell will win ROTY. Leading his team back from a negative regular season deficit to make the playoffs and beat the favored Big 3 in OKC, scoring 55 points in his first two games, the handles, the athleticism make for a pretty good-looking pedigree in his first year in the league. It’s scary to think of how good he is playing now and to think of how good he will be in a few years. Not to mention, he’s got the swagger, he’s got the Mamba Mentality.
Editor’s Note: Featured images: Logo property of the NBA. Created by Michael Tipton (flickr.com/rmtip21).
