NBA: Top 10 candidates for Rookie of the Year Award in 2017-18

2. Ben Simmons

Sitting out his entire rookie season slowed down the hype train a bit, but with Ben Simmons healthy and Fultz joining the party, the Philadelphia 76ers will welcome two No. 1 picks into the fold. As the team’s point forward and a potential two-way force, Simmons gets the edge as his team’s most likely ROY candidate.

Now that he’s been fully cleared to participate in 5-on-5 activities, Simmons is going to be the centerpiece of a suddenly attractive offense. With Embiid not cleared yet, Simmons playing the role of facilitator and Brett Brown’s recent comments raising some eyebrows, there’s no question his rookie year comes with plenty of justified anticipation.

The world hasn’t seen Ben Simmons play meaningful minutes since 2016 NBA Summer League, so it’s hard to know what to expect from his game. Can he shoot yet? Will he be an impactful defender? Will his body hold up over a rigorous 82-game season in a starting role?

Those questions, along with what role he’ll play both with and without Joel Embiid, remain unanswered. But Simmons would’ve been the hands down ROY favorite last year, and even in a crowded race this year, he remains one of the front-runners.