5. Mitchell vs. Simmons
Throughout recent weeks, the debate has shifted from Most Valuable Player to Rookie of the Year. As James Harden seemingly has MVP locked up, the RotY race is shaping up to be incredibly close. Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell seem to be the two favorites. However, the debate has reached new levels as the two have began feuding over the award.
It all started when Simmons was asked about the Rookie of the Year award. He responded he was the only one who truly deserved the award. The next night, Mitchell indirectly responded to the claim through his pre-game attire. The young Jazz phenom sported a top with the definition of the word rookie when entering the stadium, referring to Simmons being drafted last season yet still considering himself a rookie due to his inactivity last season. While this is Simmons’ second season in the league, he missed all of last season due to an injury.
While the debate rages on, it’s not long now until we find out the winner of the award. However, everybody can agree on one thing. Between the pair of Lakers rookies, Dennis Smith Jr, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum and technically Ben Simmons, this rookie class has been brilliant. In the end — just like the Most Valuable Player — the RotY award comes down to an individual’s interpretation of the award’s meaning. Here are the stats between the two top contenders:
Ben Simmons: 15.8 points (54.5 FG percentage), 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game
Donovan Mitchell: 20.5 points (43.7 FG percentage), 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game
So who is your Rookie of the Year winner?