Ben Simmons is Having an Unprecedented Rookie Campaign; Also, Donovan Mitchell Won the Dunk Contest

With 13 games left in the NBA regular season, it is the crunch time for not only the Philadelphia 76ers but many NBA teams. At 39-30, this Sixers season has been the most exciting since the 2000-01 AI MVP year. Because of this, it is important for the players and fans alike to stay focused on the race that matters most. Yes, you probably guessed it, the race for NBA Rookie of the Year, not the Playoffs. Yeah, a playoff run for the first time since 2011-2012 would be ideal but we gotta keep our eyes on the real prize. Sam Hinkie died so we could win awards at awards shows hosted by Drake in the middle of summer. Therefore, I am all in on Ben Simmons’ continued stat stuffing ROY campaign.



In just his first season, Simmons has put together eye popping stat lines that are even more impressive given his raw offensive talent. For the Sixers 39th win of the season, he had 15 assists and 0 turnovers for a triple double on the one year anniversary of this gem:

The numbers are not just impressive in comparison to his rookie class, they are already sky rocketing to unprecedented levels that put him in conversation with NBA legends. Yes, he does not have a 3 point jumper and yes, his free shooting capabilities give me a brain aneurysm late in games. But, think about how astonishing the following two stats about Simmons are:

  1. 2.

UN.REAL.



I am not sure which of those is more impressive but I hope it exhibits how valuable Simmons is as a point guard. Due to his shooting woes or lack of willingness to shoot, his true value gets diminished. In a small picture view, the Sixers have a back to back with the lowly Grizzlies and Magic. They could further improve their seeding as Simmons and Embiid enter the playoffs as arguably the most dynamic duo in the Eastern Conference with respect to Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan. In a large picture view, Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Carson Wentz all have specific skills in their skill sets that no other players in their respective leagues possess. They will all hit their primes at the same time and they will all be iconic players for their era. It can’t be stated enough how fortunate we are for this golden age of Philly sports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8P4RKj3pE

In conclusion, Ben Simmons leads all rookies in MPG, RPG, APG, and SPG. He not only has the most triple doubles but he has double the amount of double doubles (29) as the next closest rookie (Kuzma, 14).

Also, belated congrats to rookie Donovan Mitchell for winning the dunk contest.

 

By Aidan Powers | March 21, 2018