2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 24 power rankings

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1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Last week: 1st (↔)

The Philadelphia 76ers have won six games in a row and are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference. A lot of it has to do with the floor leadership of rookie Ben Simmons.

Simmons is averaging 13.2 points, 11.8 assists, 10.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game during the Sixers’ winning streak. He’s shooting 56.8 percent from the field and still has yet to assert himself at the 3-point line.

Despite not shooting a lot of 3-pointers, Simmons is contributing in other ways on the floor to make his presence felt. He recorded his 10th triple-double last Saturday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Simmons had 15 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in Philadelphia’s 120-108 victory.

While a lot of attention has gone to Joel Embiid, Simmons has done his best to relieve the pressure.

Next: 2017-18 Week 23 NBA Power Rankings

Philadelphia is finishing up the month at 10-3, and if it can finish strong, head coach Brett Brown could find himself winning the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award.