Subscribe
Follow Us
The Philadelphia 76ers duo consisting of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons is probably the most exciting young pair of guys in the league. Both are equally valuable to the Sixers' core, but Simmons has the chance to claim something Embiid will never have. Given this is the first season Simmons plays in, it is considered his rookie year despite being drafted in 2016. He certainly is a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. So was Embiid last season, but by only playing in 31 games, he was ineligible. Still, Embiid is rooting for his teammate and says Simmons should win the Rookie of the Year award.
In a video interview courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune's Kyle Goon, Embiid was asked if Ben would “definitely win” Rookie of the Year. The Cameroonian answered:
Article Continues Below“Oh definitely. I mean, we're in the playoffs race, his numbers are insane, and he's been helping us a lot. So, I mean, I feel like there's no question. He should be Rookie of the Year.”
As good as Simmons has played this season, he is not alone in the award race. There are a couple of players that trail from behind, but there might not be anyone closer to Ben than Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. With both playing really well for competitive teams, it is hard to say who has the edge. Embiid was asked if he watches Mitchell play, and he answered:
“Yeah, he's really good. I like his game. Athletic, can score the ball, defense, I like his game a lot.”
As good as Mitchell is playing this season, Embiid can do nothing but support his teammate. By how they have played, both are deserving of the award. And unless you are a Jazz or Sixers fan, it is hard to complain if either wins.
