Philadelphia 76ers: 3 pivotal subplots over the final 25 games

1. Ben Simmons and the Rookie of the Year race

Most people, rightly so, would assume Hall-of-Fame member Allen Iverson as the Sixers’ most recent recipient of the NBA Rookie off the Year award. However, to the surprise of many, that player is currently plying his trade off the bench for the Charlotte Hornets. One of the key pieces of the Sam Hinkie era, Michael Carter-Williams was the 2014 winner, only to be shipped off midway through his second season.

Ultimately, the Sixers were able to use the first round draft pick obtained in the trade in a deal with the Boston Celtics prior to last year’s draft to acquire No. 1 overall pick, Markelle Fultz. One rookie who has no concerns with being dealt away is Ben Simmons.

Narrowly missing out on being named an All-Star, Simmons appeared keen to take out his frustrations in the Sixers’ first game after the All-Star break. In their matchup against the Chicago Bulls, Simmons registered 32 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. He also hit two crucial free throws with just five seconds remaining to clinch the nail-biting 116-15 win.

Thus far, it’s seemingly a two-horse race between Simmons and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz in the quest to take out Rookie of the Year honors. Following his triumph in the Slam Dunk contest at All-Star weekend, many fellow players and onlookers have seemingly backed Mitchell in for this year’s honors.

But as Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice tweeted following the Sixers’ latest win:

Granted, Mitchell and the Jazz had compiled an impressive 11-game winning streak before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers. So while Simmons’ contributions have been prevalent all season, the recent surge from Mitchell and the Jazz seems to be leaving, understandably, a great impression around the league.

While there have been a number of aspects of Simmons’ game that have stood out (currently tied for third with six triple-doubles), the following tidbit from Sixers Stats is one of a number that sets him apart from the rest of the rookie crop:

Next: 2017-18 Week 19 NBA Power Rankings

So while the Sizers’ race to an elusive playoff spot will be the prime focus for the team, Simmons’ race to be crowned the league’s premier first-year place is certain to be the talk of Sixers’ onlookers over the final 25 games.