Breaking down the 5 best contenders for NBA Rookie of the Year
By Max Holm
1. Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers
If Lonzo Ball isn’t going to win Rookie of the Year, it’ll likely be because of Ben Simmons. While he does so in a different way, like Ball, Simmons’ passing could revolutionize the Sixers’ offense and make people notice that his fingerprints are everywhere when it comes to that.
Where Ball’s passing is not dependent on having the ball for long and influences every inch of the court, Simmons is a superior passer in the half court. While he holds the ball much longer than Ball, he’s still a menace in transition, another key area that Ball thrives in.
What gives Simmons the edge right now going into the season are a few things. First, he’s basically a sophomore. Just look at what Blake Griffin did as a second-year rookie. Simmons seems to think that matters as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXgI4wYg2xr/?taken-by=bensimmons
Given Simmons is basically LeBron James‘ little bro, maybe we should take that Instagram post more seriously. Some may have forgotten about him and Simmons wants to put that to bed. Around the draft in 2016, he was regarded as one of the best prospects in recent years. He’s focused and motivated, and has more experience than the class of 2017.
Finally, the Sixers are primed to make a leap this year. Thanks to blockbuster trades and awful front offices, Philadelphia’s goal should be to make the postseason. If they do so, even if that has more to do with Joel Embiid‘s health, and Simmons shines, it’s hard to not grant him the award.
Next: Top 5 free agency destinations for LeBron James in 2018
With Embiid, J.J. Redick, Fultz and others, he probably has the most talent around. If anyone can make all of that inconsequential, it’s Lonzo Ball, but in any case, this race is going to be epic.