In Ben Simmons' opinion, Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic is the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year.
This was what Simmons told The Athletic's NBA Michael Lee when asked about it:
Ben Simmons on his choice for ROY: “Luka. For sure.” Why? “Same reason as last year. He’s playing better, his team’s winning more games. Trae Young is killin' it. Same as Donovan. But it's just, overall, I think Luka's team has played a little better.”
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) April 1, 2019
Simmons, the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, stands pat on the same claim he made to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Serena Winters on February 15. He expressed his opinion during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte.
Ben Simmons says he thinks Luka Doncic will win Rookie of the Year. #NBAAllStar
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 15, 2019
Experts consider Doncic (21.1 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game), Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (18.9 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, 8.0 assists per game), and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (16.3 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game) as the frontrunners for the award.
Doncic, a 20-year-old Slovenian, has been one of the most electrifying rookies the NBA has ever seen. He can score at will from just about anywhere on the court – jumpers, post-ups, three-pointers, and dunks.
Doncic isn't just about scoring: he's a versatile all-ar0und player. He can also rebound and pass just like the best of them. In fact, he's now tied with Magic Johnson for the third-most number of triple-doubles in a rookie season (seven). Only Simmons (12) and the great Milwaukee Bucks guard Oscar Robertson (26) have more.
Doncic achieve the feat during the Mavs' 125-121 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 27. He wound up with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Triple-double number 7 for number 77, the Rookie of the Year. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ej5X7tXjnr
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 27, 2019
With Doncic's torrid pace, it wouldn't surprise NBA aficionados if Simmons' prediction comes true.