[holefillers1Participant]

It’s looking like Simmons vs Mitchell down the stretch. Two different styles of player on two completely different teams though each is anchored by a rim protecting big.

Who do you have and why?…add a third player if your case is strong.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Too close to call right now. Hate tobe that guy but Id have to make them co ROY winners as of this moment. Both are leaders on thier teams, contending for a playoff spot, good stats. Simmons is playing with a less experienced group however Mitchell has been better than Simmons lately and his team is currently the hottest in the NBA. Mitchell is trending in the right direction and if things continue as they are now he will likely win. However I feel like Simmons is the better player with more upside.

[whiteflashParticipant]

 This. They’re both playing well on potential playoff teams. But, if Utah sneaks into the 8th spot (which is possible) and Philly starts falling off (also possible), think Mitchell gets it. Both these kids can play, but Mitchell has to be one of the more surprising rookies in a long time. NO ONE predicted this.

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

He just recorded another Triple Double in a playoff like Game against Miami tonight, he’s leading the upstart 76ers to a potential Top 4 seed when a lot of people didnt even yhink they’d make the playoffs

I know alot of people wanna go against the grain and pick the New Name in Donovan Mitchell, but much like last year’s debacle with Brogdan winning the award over Dario, the better player is playing in Philadelphia…

Mitchell is a great story, Every year there’s 1 or 2 guys that over perform their draft position, this year’s over achievers are Kuzma and Mitchell

Make no mistake though Simmons is the Runaway ROY by all accounts, he leads all rookies in nearly every category minus Scoring, is among the league leaders in Triple Doubles, has his team in a great position to make the playoffs and are legit yhreat to every team in the East, because in the half court Embiid and Saric will feast, Simmons is living mismatch at PG and Reddick/Bellinelli are money from 3, every one’s bought in to Brent Brown’s system and the Team is rolling, admittedly the Jazz have been great too, they’re a very good Team and are 1 or 2 pieces away from being a Great One, however The 76ers have been the talk of the NBA and awarding any one BUT Simmons will seem like a cruel joke and payback by the Media and GM’s upset at The Process, much like they punished Saric last year by giving the award to an inferior player in Brogdan

 

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 He also hasnt made a single 3 yet. Who do you go to in a situation you’re down 3 in a game 7 of an NBA Playoff series. Certainly not Ben Simmons. Most people who say its Mitchell only say that because they haven’t watched him play at all, but right now his stats are showing up really well for the people who haven’t watched him play. He’s had 2 40 point games already this season what’s the season high for Ben Simmons? If you watch him play, (I’ve watched a lot of both these guys play), then you see that Mitchell has something that Simmons doesn’t, and it’s some sort of confidence that I’ve never seen in a rookie in the probably 7 or 8 years of closely following and watching basketball. If you watch Mitchell in the 4th quarter, you’ll see that he is a really big part of almost every single play. I think he had like 8 points in 1 1/2 minutes in the comeback win over the Spurs to keep there streak going, he’s crazy good.

I’m not saying that Mitchell is runaway Rookie of the Year, because Ben Simmons is a once in a generation type talent too, but saying that Ben Simmons is "Runaway ROY" and it’s "no debate" is just ignorant and displays your 76ers fandom all too well, because they’re both pretty dang close

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

Simmons had another tripled double tonight and is shooting 61.5% from the floor in his last 10 games. Mitchell is shooting 41% from the floor in his last 10 games. Mitchell, slightly, outscores Simmons but Simmons is better in every other way.

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

Simmons does more for his team. 

Mitchell is expected to score and thats really his only job.  Simmons is better in every other category, which is his job.

Is this like J Kidd and Grant Hill?  No…Simmons is just better at everything including defense minus putting the ball in the hole.  

Seriously, even Simmons dunks come off as routine to us.  He’s like Tim Duncan, even his exciting plays are kind of boring and expected because he’s so tall.

Simmons is fast, good handle, and powerful.  I can only think of one other player in the league with his skillset and he doesn’t play in Milwaukee.  

That power helps you do big things in big situations.  Don’t take him for granted.  Soon as you see him play you think…thats a hall of fame talent.  

 

 

 

 

  

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 Donavan Mitchell has really been turning it up the last 10 + games. The more I watch of him the more I like his game. He has the Jazz fighting for a Playoff position still ! In the western conference! As a rookie?? 

I like Ben Simmons as well. But Donavan Mitchell has everything you look for in a Young Guard. He has my vote

 

 

 

[cohenbc1Participant]

Tatum has to be in the conversation as well. He is not putting up the counting stats like Simmons and Mitchell, but he is playing under a lot more pressure as a starter on a legit contender. He’s figuring out how to contribute while realizing that he’s the fourth–best player on the team. That’s really impressive to me.

 

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

Tatum has definitely been consistent in his production, which is being a role player.  He has really nice poise and hits some big shots.

But he’s playing in a great situation.  Brad Stevens, and then you get to play with Kyrie who 10 eyes on the court are watching.  Tatum’s job is easy so is Jaylen Brown’s…but both have been impressive.

Ben Simmons litreally controls a game for most of the time he is in there.  Tatum doesn’t control anything.

Mitchell is more valuable to Utah than Tatum is to boston.

Let me put it this way….how much better is Sacramento with any rookie.  With Ben Simmons they have structure to their team.  Yeah the Sixers aren’t great without Embiid…but Ben Simmons gives any team a structure.  Like Lebron with a brand new roster and the Cavs are still great.  Tim Duncan was the ultimate structure player.  

Mitchell also brings energy and excitement throughout the game.  Tatum doesn’t bring energy or structure at the level of Simmons and Mitchell.  Tatum gives you a couple ooo and aaah moments and then you forget about him on the court.  If he was crashing boards hard, bringing the ball up court, making the pass and scoring…for a significant part of the game he’d have my vote.

Right now, Tatum looks like and is playing like, a very good role player.  

 

 

 

 

 

  

[True_JafiParticipant]

 I think Simmons having the year of NBA tutelage under his belt helps him. Granted he is that good as well but the year of NBA training and NBA conditioning helps. Mitchell is coming straight from college and is learning on the job. New situations, new coaching and new lifestyle. Simmons has a year of the lifesyle, a year of the coaching and a year of practice with NBA players. So he has a 1 up so I commend the transitions Mitchell is making to where as he is now the face of the Franchise after losing Hayward and people thinking Gorbert was going to be that guy. Either way it will be tough cause Simmons can be the next generation player

[Tune SquadParticipant]

I think you have to look at a few other things than just stats. Who is making big plays to help their team win, thus truly impacting the games and what roles they are playing. Stats are great but recent 76er history had another "rookie" point guard who really stuffed the stat sheet (16.3pts 6.3asst 6.2 reb and 1.9stls) and also had limitations shooting the ball and even won ROY yet that did not turn out well long-term. Not saying Simmons is MCW at all but it gives perspective on how you can post great numbers and get a lot of hype and still not be the best player. I don’t think Simmons was a firm all-star this year (*close and could be in the future) and has a lot more to work on this offseason before rounding into that form. 

If you look at Philly’s record without Embiid vs this run Utah has been on with Mitchell leading the way, both players are both fun to watch but only one of them is making those big shots you expect out of  your star-player right now. Also Mitchell only handles the ball part-time. Imagine his counting stats if he was the Jazz’s full-time point guard? Every game I watch with Mitchell he keeps making a bigger believer out of me. Beautiful passes, wants to take the big shot (and makes them) at the end of the game, defense/ offense. He is defintely more than just his dunks and very well rounded but obviously has adjustments to make as a pro as well. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Jazz are surging, but the Sixers are playing well, too.  Ben Simmons has 6 triple doubles and is more hyped.  

For Mitchell to win the award he has to keep this up AND help the Jazz get into the playoffs.  Otherwise, I think Ben Simmons is the current front runner and most likely to win the award.

I actually think All Star Weekend means a lot in these horse races down the stretch.  The main event is gonna be a showcase for the MVP candidates.  And, if Mitchell goes nuts, wins the dunk contest, and helps USA win the Rising Stars game (and gets the Rising Star MVP) then that could really put him in the CONVERSATION to be the ROY leader at this point in time.

 

 

[Arc12345Participant]

I’d give it to Mitchell.

Sort of reminds me of the year Damian Lillard won it over Anthony Davis. I’d say Simmons’ year is more impressive than AD’s rookie campaign, but I’m still going Mitchell.

He doesn’t shy away from big moments. He’s a ‘true’ rookie, and I think Simmons has a lot of areas in his game that need work terribly (FT shooting and shooting in general). Those are major limitations in crunch time and take away from his ability to be that clutch player.

Simmons does stuff the stat sheet, I’ll give it to you. That’s not the end all be all. Mitchell will never be able to do some of things Simmons can do on the court. Doesn’t mean he’s not as good of a player. He’s dropped 40 multiple times this year…

 

 

  

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Mitchell is a real ROOKIE.  Ben Simmons is a red shirt guy who is probably higher up in the MVP food chain though… Not sure there are that many better guards/forwards that are better than he is for him to not at least be in the running for All NBA 3rd team.  

For some reason, they don’t mind going with Co-ROY winners.  So, if we don’t get some separation I would be cool with those two SHARING the award.

 

 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Mitchell is inefficient. 41% from the floor or something like it. Simmons could score more, but doesn’t have to. His supporting cast of Embiid, Saric, Redick, Covington etc are all good offensive players that can carry the offence at times. Simmons doesn’t need to carry the scoring load and because he’s unselfish, he does the little things to help his team win. Mitchell is a classy player, but he scores the ball and plays a bit of defence. If scoring is the only thing that matters, then give the award to Mitchell. Simmons has the most triple doubles for a rookie since Magic… in the 70’s!!! And they’re not empty stat chasing either, they come as part of a game that they are trying to win. 

Its Simmons, daylight, then Mitchell. 

[whiteflashParticipant]

 Mitchell is not inefficient. He’s shooting 44% from the floor, 35% from 3 and 84% from the foul line all while being the #1 option on a potential playoff team in the Western conference as a rookie. That’s pretty damn impressive. Simmons is shooting 52% due to all the layups and dunks, but about the same from ft and nada from 3 all while being the 2nd option in the East. Honestly, the more I think about it the more Mitchell is the winner.

[The GoatParticipant]

 Mitchell and Tatum are both exceptional players. Even Kuzma and Lonzo Ball have had rookie years that could’ve won the award in other years. But Ben Simmons is in a class of his own. 

The knocks are his jumper, his team’s record, he complained about not making the ASG and that he’s a "redshirt" rookie.

Well.. he’s shooting over 50% from the field and over 60% in his last 10 games. His team is in the playoff race. He is amongst the triple double leaders and his play warrants an all star berth statistically. He can’t help being a redshirt, he is still playing his first year, same as Blake Griffin or Embiid, David Robinson.. it happens.

He’s the ROY.  

 

 

 

[whiteflashParticipant]

 Lonzo Ball couldn’t win ROY in any year ever. C’mon, man. 

[The GoatParticipant]

 Look I’m a Lonzo hater, but he has triple doubles and besides his shooting has had a good rookie year to date. In a poor draft class he may have taken it out

[whiteflashParticipant]

 Two triple-doubles in a historically bad year isn’t gonna win ROY in any class. Only his dad would vote for him. And, I don’t dislike the kid, just being objective.

[dmo21Participant]

Lonzo’s stats look better than Brogdon’s. Plus Lonzo has plays a bigger role in his team. Yeah, I know Brogdon has more wins, but it seems like they don’t really care about wins when looking at ROY. 

[whiteflashParticipant]

 Brogdon had better numbers in literally every category other than asts and rbs. Shotts over 10% better from the field and 3, and over % better from the line. Again, Ball is having one of the worst shooting seasons in NBA history. He ain’t beating anyone in ANY year.

[EndlessknightParticipant]

Simmons’ is the better rebounder, passer, more efficient scorer and more versatile defender (lead all rookies in steals and can guard 4 positions.)

This isn’t close, none of you would trade Simmons for Mitchell, but I have a feeling he’s going to get robbed just like Dario last year.

[cohenbc1Participant]

Just food for thought …

The top five rookies according to basketballreference.com’s win shares: 

1. Tatum (5.4)
2. Simmons (5.0)
3. John Collins (4.0)
4. Bam Adebayo (3.6)
5. Mitchell (3.1)

The top five according to espn’s RPM wins:

1. Simmons (7.12)
2. Tatum (5.46)
3. Mitchell (4.40)
4. OG Anunoby (3.29)
5. Lonzo Ball (2.65)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 There’s a lot of familiarity backlash here. A case of ‘what have you done for me lately?’ Mitchell is starting to come on strong and because he’s the new thing, people are swayed. Because Simmons is the known quantity and his ridiculous stats are commonplace, people are jaded by it, suggesting Mitchell should be ROY. Same thing happened in his draft class when people suggested Ingram should be the top pick. It’ called recency bias. Look it up. 

[Tune SquadParticipant]

Keep in mind that Mitchell and Simmons are being asked to do different things. If Mitchell was asked to be the main ball handler and pass more (in Simmons case due to his shooting limitations he has to) then Mitchell is going to have roughly the same assist numbers.

The FG% difference is just indicative of where they are taking their shots from. Ben Simmons due to his limitations has to rely on dunks, lay-ups etc to fuel most of his offense and therefore has is making a large pctg of less shots and less difficult shots. *As someone mentioned this also takes away from his ability to make a big shot for his team at the end of games or hit clutch free throws. He also plays closer to the basket and is placed in more rebounding situations although with his height advantage he should be getting more rebounds anyways. 

It is like comparing DeAndre Jordan’s FG% with Damian Lillard. It is meaningless without context of abilities/ situations. And yes if I had my choice to build around for the future I would take Mitchell because the clutch/ alpha gene is something coveted by every team. 

 

 

 

 

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

There is no way Mitchell would have the assist numbers of Simmons if he was “asked to be the main ball handler and pass more”. Simmons is 4th in the NBA in assist per game. That’s not something you just turn on when asked. But if Simmons was asked to score more he easily could. He gets to the hole at will.

Mitchell is a better shooter and that’s it. In every other aspect of the game Simmons is better and in most cases it’s not even close.

[ChoppyParticipant]

I hate comparing Simmons to LeBron, but that deferential style was the exact criticism LeBron had early in his career. If you don’t think Simmons has that alpha mentality, then you’re completely wrong. Fine, you take Mitchell, I’ll take the other one with HOF potential. 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Mitchell has had a great year but I think Simmons will win it.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Mitchell and Simmons are the same age.  

Am I to believe that Simmons spending a year rehabbing from injury made him better then Mitchell spending an actual year playing and getting better?

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Stop making sense with your posts. You’re out of place here… 

[Author]

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