With the NBA season coming to a commence soon, sports analysts and fans begin debating on who should win postseason awards, such as M.V.P. Like last season, the main argument is who should win Rookie of the Year. The two players who are up for the award are Philadelphia 76ers guard, Ben Simmons, and Utah Jazz guard, Donovan Mitchell. Both have an incredible stat line for the season.

Simmons averaged a total of 15.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Simmons also helped lead his team to the playoffs, where they are currently leading the Miami Heat 2-1. With a young team, it is easy to say that Simmons was a key part to the 76ers success this season.  

Mitchell lead all rookies in scoring, averaging 20.5 points he also produced 3.5 assists and rebounds per game. Like Simmons, Mitchell also secured his team a playoff spot. The Jazz are currently playing the OKC Thunder and the series is tied 1-1.

What makes the debate so unique is the situation surrounding Simmons. The overall number one pick in the 2016 draft missed all of last season with a foot injury. So, many argue about if he still is a rookie or not since this is his not his first year in the league, but it is his first  year of playing games. Mitchell took to his wardrobe to voice his opinion wearing a sweatshirt with the definition of a rookie printed across the front of it. The NBA Awards will be held later this spring, so NBA fans will have to wait a little longer to see who claims the Rookie of the Year award.

“If his argument is I’m not a rookie, if that’s the only argument he has, I’m in pretty good shape then,” said Simmons.