Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz just got named as January’s NBA rookies of the month for the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. It’s the second time both have been given such an award this season.
Sixers insider and Philly radio personality Derek Bodner tweeted the news:
Ben Simmons named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January. Donovan Mitchell wins it for the Western Conference. #Sixers.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 1, 2018
As the Sixers' big, athletic point-forward, Simmons is continuing to be a versatile weapon in the paint, as he can overpower most guards in the post and speed through forwards off-the-dribble. He averaged 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals on 59.7 percent shooting during the past month, while leading the team to a 7-5 record.
Among the highlights of the Aussie native's strong month of January is the quick triple-double against the Chicago Bulls on the 24th. He completed the coveted feat 50 seconds into the third quarter, and ended up with 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Article Continues BelowTogether with Joel Embiid, he has helped lead the Sixers into a 24-24 record, good for eighth in the East.
Donovan Mitchell, meanwhile, is on a straight path to becoming this rookie class' most explosive guard. After starting out the season as just another body from the second unit, his talent just bursted out. Before anyone knew it, he was piling up consecutive 20-point nights and had ascended to become a premier option.
The former Louisville Cardinal standout compiled 22.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals on January. He has ALSO powered the Jazz into winning five of their last seven games.
Simmons and Mitchell are so far, two of the finest products of the very promising 2018 class. They appear to be on the center of the league's future.