Rookie Of The Year?

The question we all want to know is who will be the ROTY in the NBA? The top three players who have the best chance include Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, and Ben Simmons. Donovan Mitchell is a 6’3 guard who plays for the Utah Jazz. He is a Louisville Cardinal alumni but this year he won his first All-Star Weekend trophy. Unfortunately his team got knocked off by the Houston Rockets but he ended this season averaging 20.5 ppg. He definitely made a statement and put his name out there. Jayson Tatum is a 6’8 guard who plays for the Boston Celtics. He is a Duke Blue Devil alumni and this year he got added to Boston Celtics history. He became the 9th rookie in Celtics history to score 1,000 or more points in a season. They are still playing in the Semifinals against Philadelphia Sixers. During the regular season he averaged 13.9 ppg and 5 rpg. The fact that he is still playing in the playoffs gives him a better chance to continue to showcase his talents. Ben Simmons is a 6’10 guard who plays for the Philadelphia Sixers. He is a LSU Tiger alumni and unfortunately missed all of last season due to a foot injury. Some say that he isn’t a true rookie but he never got the chance to play any official NBA games due to his injury. He was the 1st overall draft pick in the 2016 NBA draft. His team is still playing in the playoffs and has a good chance to win just as much as the others. In the regular season he averaged 15.8 ppg, 8.2 apg, and 8.1 rpg.

Although these young professional athletes are showing their best talents in their prime style, it still is fair game. A sports new contributor, Joe Morgan, reflected his thoughts on the race for the ROTY.  In discussing Ben Simmons, he says “What makes his rookie season so amazing is that he is having immense success with an old-school style.” He also said Donovan Mitchell, he said that “What makes Mitchell’s rookie year so impressive is that he has become the primary scorer for a Jazz team that is competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.” Lastly talking about Ben Simmons, he says “Both Simmons and Mitchell have more eye-popping stats and highlights than Tatum, but their roles require them to produce offensively every night, whereas Tatum is not the primary ball handler on his team.” Anyone can win the ROTY award. Make sure you tune in to follow the NBA playoffs!

Photo Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant
Photo Credit: Jennifer Stewart
Photo Credit: Matt Stone