The 2017-2018 season has been filled with thrillers, excitement, surprises and let-downs. Not many statistical analysts and past NBA players expected the Western conference race to be so tight, LeBron James to put up historical numbers in his 15th season, Russell Westbrook to average another triple-double, the possible downfall of the Golden State Warriors and especially the neck-and-neck rookie of the year race between Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia 76er’s guard Ben Simmons.

Case for Mitchell: Blasting through every expectation, Mitchell came in with a full head of steam ready to show the world who he is. The whole season Mitchell has been dominate both offensively and defensively. Leading the team in points with 20.5 PPG, as well as being the go-to guy in the clutch, the Utah Jazz have heavily relied on his athletic ability to create his own shot and be able to score at will. Being the leader of his squad in his rookie season, Mitchell has put in a strong case for why he deserves ROY. Already being a dunk contest winner and runner-up for MVP at the rising stars game, Mitchell’s potential is through the roof.

Case for Simmons: As expected, Simmons has taken over the point guard position for the 76er’s and has been one of the most efficient PGs in the league thus far in his short career. He has been dominate in the paint and is a triple-double machine, averaging 8.1 RPG, 8.2 APG and 15.8 PPG. Simmons is at the point in his career already where he is both mentally and physically tough, looking like he is well equipped to make veteran-like moves early in his 20’s. Being compared to LeBron James, Magic Johnson and other elite players, Simmons was a near all-star this year, already putting up unheard of numbers and leading his team to the three seed in the Eastern conference.

Case for Co-ROY: If you look at it like an NBA analyst, both Simmons and Mitchell have had outstanding rookie campaigns. There are clear strengths separating the two, but how do you decide what is more important? With Simmons being a better rebounder and assist man, and Mitchell being a pure scorer and statistically more clutch on both defense and late-game scoring, it is hard to tell who has had a more significant first year in the NBA. Both rookies have no doubt led their teams to victory after victory into the playoffs, and both continue to stand, so the question is, why not give it to both of them?

With the Larry O’Brien championship trophy insight for both of the young talents, the whole NBA world still wonders who edges the other out for ROY. Through fancy passes, emphatic dunks and late-game heroics, both candidates have shown the world who they are and what they can do.