Stephen A. Smith and Jalen Rose pick Donovan Mitchell for Rookie of the Year | First Take | ESPN

[@Clips_36]

Mitchell, Smith Jr, Tatum, Bell, Simmons, Kuzma, Makkannen, Foxx, just to name some off the top of my head, This is such a great rookie class probably going to be a top 5 of all time if they can grow into stars which I believe they can

[@christeebs]

Interesting looking back at this 3 years later and see who of these players succeeded and who fell off.

[@edbruh5853]

My friend is really good friends with Donovan Mitchell. Yes I want a cookie

[@chrisbard8656]

Ed Bruh 🍪

[@Icyking510]

Ed Bruh i got u some oreos fam

[@largenuggs4949]

What about a sticker?

[@edonbytyqi3157]

Ed Bruh yeah and my dad friends with Donald trump

[@edbruh5853]

Pels fan before the boogie Trade - I’m serious lol. Go to his Twitter. And there’s tweets of him talking to Anfernee Simmons (a top high school prospect)

[@kobebryant9801]

As long as Ben Simmons doesn't get it, I'm good. Ben is not a rookie. Idc about him technically not playing a rookie year. He trained for a whole season before he played his first game. Mitchell is doing his thing straight outta college

[@bang_bangsosaent8194]

Kobe Bryant I feel you

[@trvspvrk]

Explain Blake Griffin in 2011

[@PRIDEATH]

Did or did not Simmons play in any games his first NBA season?

[@RealKenzo101]

Knicks 4 Life he did not

[@jackdamenace13]

Kobe Bryant I get you’re a Lakers fan but what do y’all have against Ben Simmons? This red shirt bullshit you weren’t pulling this when Blake Griffin was considered a rookie. Jazz and Sixers need a matchup ASAP. Ben would murk Donovan on the court. By your logic, Pau Gasol didn’t deserve ROY because he was playing pro basketball overseas.

[@ronnyjoe230]

Simmons= LeBron like Mitchell= lillard like

[@TheMrBig8]

Ben been in the league 5 years and still cant shoot at all. ,dont ever compare him to Bron again

[@Abc-zl4gh]

@@TheMrBig8 ☠️

[@damelilad875]

I already declared, and it over. Donovan Mitchel is the ROTY! Remember when the season just began, he was starting of the bench. Until he got a chance, thanks to his friend's injury, Donovan proved very wrong. He has been the closer of Jazz throughout the 10 game - win-streak, and throughout the season. He is the second coming of Dame Dollar.

[@dkh3448]

I hate when people say Ben is lucky to be considered a rookie and he’s not a real one when Donovan Mitchell had 2 years of college to prep... people forgot they both graduated in 2015 and while Simmons was out with a broken foot, Mitchell was playing a second year college ball

[@ronboss_0840]

Steven so dull

[@KingNat.]

RonBoss_08 lmao we got the same profile picture. I thought it was me that posted this😂

[@razkable]

Smith clearly doesn't look at defense or advanced stats anything but scoring or shooting % does he ...simmons has way more impact...mitchell just wants to get his 20..which is fine but simmons get you 18 8 and 7 on 6% better ...not even close

[@tsetsefly3605]

Asmosis Jones he wins more also....

[@naklovesjesus3204]

Still Simmons is a second year player

[@N0NE47]

Nak Loves Jesus THANK YOU SO MUCH lol I've argued this fact with sooooo many ppl and they just don't get it so it's nice to c someone else who thinks about this.

[@jordan12118]

Jayson Tatum in 5 years gonna be better than all of them

[@trvspvrk]

LMFAOOOOOOO

[@danielcoppola3051]

Jordan Davis L

[@MrIcemonster]

Jordan Davis super facts

[@ticksl0685]

i believe russell westbrook fired donovan mitchell up from the last time they played, he could be the next brodie in the making!

[@haahuvai7159]

Donovan Mitchell...⭐⭐⭐

[@alanshellykoshy112]

Mitchell is so much more skilled than simmons will ever be

[@ΜάριοςΠεντάρης]

Personally i think that in 2 years mitchell will average 30, but untill that time comes simmons is just more valuable

[@BAnderson50gz]

Mitchell is so low in stats because they didn't know what they had TRUST me I'm from and rep Louisville Cards, he was really that good

[@OGMillyMillz]

Dennis Smith Jr.!! Go Mavs!

[@nicksixer]

how many double doubles does mitchell have? zero Simmons has 21 how many triple doubles does mitchell have? zero Simmons has 5

[@venod3134]

Ben has some fear in him. Don is fearless. Don for ROY

[@yosef4910]

Donovan Mitchel is king

[@jackdamenace13]

Yosef Borsykowsky Does he play defense though?

[@awildonyxappeared4681]

Ravens, 76ers, Penn State fan #JustABlackAtheist yes

[@fatboi1568]

Ravens, 76ers, Penn State fan #JustABlackAtheist yes he does bias sixers fan

[@bradley6144]

Ravens, 76ers, Penn State fan #JustABlackAtheist he has good defense

[@davidcampos8032]

Yosef Borsykowsky explain on how Mitchell is better than simmons

[@nickfolesfanclub7160]

Ben Simmons is the better passer, rebounder, defender, shot blocker and has a better shot selection but Mitchell should win because of the points per game? GTFO with that shit

[@LILMCJOHN]

Hunter Anderer lol you went in bro

[@topblokeash]

Yeh man, Simmons is a PF, that’s why he has more rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and only averages 3 points a game less then the scoring machine Mitchell.

[@fdhfghfgrhrrth]

uh thats false there are tons of guards that eat up rebounds last year harden averaged like 8 and nobody would say hes a great rebounder and russell westbrook who is the same heaight averaged 10 so fuck your statement. stats are not and cannot be biased based on the fact that over a sample size of 82 games it is not by chance that a player produces the numbers they do mitchell averages 3 for the reason that he is not as good a rebounder, less assists because he is a worse passer, less steals because he is a worse defender, lower PER because his impact is less, lower FG% because he is less efficient but scores more so is a better scorer. team record worse and before you even say its cuz their team is worse which they are, the sixers have had the hardest schedule going into the break so when they go on a streak as well btw theyve won 5 straight cuz their schedule eased up what will people say then? simmons season has been compared several times on air to the greats such as magic johnson and oscar robinson but he aint gonna win cuz he averages 3 less points. and he is a point guard he guards point guards magic johnson was a 6'9 point guard so if you have a shred of fucking sense you'd realize simmons guards point guards and people say he was going to struggle against quick and crafty guards yet hes 4th in defensive rating for point guards. not to mentions mitchells dunk contest was shit

[@watermage25]

Why does jalen look like his face is melting. Come on ESPN, get the man some A/C

[@ikemnnadiri1606]

BaytoLA 😂

[@TheJeeroyLenkins]

The absolute disrespect to Lauri Markannen. My man couldn't even make the graphic? Come on son.

[@RealKenzo101]

Its no disrespect, just a very talented draft class

[@Oxytocin_]

Shammy Wells ...He won't be back

[@Jman511x]

It’s more of a disrespect to Lonzo than anything.

[@DayoBrando]

Golden.Boy not really because he’s missed half the season

[@fabricio2467]

nahh kuzma playing for lakers and tatum playing for celtics.. that's it

[@KingCoopaJ]

Mitchell ROTY but Ben will have a better career💯

[@basketballenlightenment2863]

King Coopa J true

[@brashadcarr6759]

King Coopa J false

[@3self]

Enlightenment .W you don't know that lmao

[@TejBBF223]

It depends on their injuries and growth as a player.

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

This is bullshit Ben Simmons is the rookie of the Year hands down

[@chrisboriqua8878]

Not second coming of LeBron he's the second coming of magic Johnson. Flashy passing no jumper and taller than LeBron just like magic had no jumper early on was a supreme flashy passer and was also taller than LeBron.

[@cortezmauricio702]

Chris Boriqua jordan,magic,kobe,bird>>LeBron padded stats James

[@bron3376]

cortezmauricio56 hater again

[@Player_Review]

Magic was a much better shooter and FT shooter in his rookie season than Simmons.

[@electrinatormusic7728]

This take is looking really bad right now

[@chrisboriqua8878]

@@electrinatormusic7728 if u had to take a pick of who his game resembles its magic in the way he plays point. He doesnt play like lebron at all. Did I think he really was gonna be like magic no cuz there never will be. But in the sake of this convo I was sick of people saying he was gonna be bron cuz hes not and people are quick to compare players to others cuz of size and athleticism resemblance and not really their actual game

[@gsk7087]

Donovan Mitchell playing in the tough West and has his team on a 10 game win streak. There hasn’t been a rookie of both their calibers in quite a long time tho.

[@ja1boi]

Stephen A Smith West ain’t tough no more not even as top heavy as it usually is. This ain’t 2012.

[@philevans1673]

Sixers played Gsw twice Houston twice Spurs twice Okc twice 3-5 record is commendable

[@gokuson232]

Who cares if he’s in the West. He’s playing the east in regular season

[@DanteGoldz]

ja1boi the west is tough

[@sagar110]

Sure the sixers play in the east, but maybe looking at SOS may say a little more. They have the toughest schedule by far.

[@anohfrederic1371]

Donovan mitchell for me .. and its not easy at all . Simmons and kuzma right there too

[@joshhighwind9886]

Mitchell set a rookie record for the Jazz with most 30 point games in a season. We better not lose him 😭

[@joshhighwind9886]

Jesus, we aren't the Magic or the Bulls.

[@aggie427]

I think he also has 2 40 point games as well.

[@calibratheband]

Lol it don’t matter. He’s a rookie. Jazz can sign him for a minimum of 7 years and he won’t have a choice about the matter

[@ryneread9666]

He has a 4 year contract so doesn't matter. We got him

[@mikebeesley3150]

Makavile,fuck off bandwagon

[@spartanrealah2121]

D Wade 2.0 in my opinion,Mitchell is just that special

[@benanderson1599]

Spartan Realah no.

[@Dreamer88keys]

Spartan Realah hell no lol more like a dame dolla

[@spartanrealah2121]

Chris Dreamer hes more athletic then Dame and a lil bigger to

[@keegansmith3189]

Spartan Realah I agree but he got an outside shot, unlike wade

[@spartanrealah2121]

Keegan Smith yeah an wade is a better post player but I see a lot of similarities

[@glassjabari]

I like both, but considering the load they have to carry, Donovan should win it.

[@KuroToshiro]

lol what load? If the Jazz can win with Mitchell only putting up 19 points per game, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 44% shooting - then that's not a load. Simmons is top 10 in fg%, blocks, steals, rebounds and assists among all guards in the league and still puts up 16 ppg on 3 less shots than Mitchell. Simmons is carrying his team more than Mitchell is, especially defensively.

[@Xxstoner27xX]

stats don't mean shit if you cant win games goofy and hes in the east. Ben is a bum

[@doernbecherr]

OfficialRelyseMusic dude first of all Ben Simmons is lucky he is still even considered a rookie... second Donny has kinda of a killer instinct state of mind, he plays with aggression and plays like a veteran... would u rather have someone who could put up a buckets n help the team win... or have someone who would put up buckets and has the confidence and leadership to take over, with the game on the line?

[@jonathanadams6380]

OfficialRelyseMusic j can't compare fg% when Ben Simmons doesn't shoot jumpshots

[@glassjabari]

OfficialRelyseMusic what do you mean what load? Bro without Joel they'd be a lottery team, because the team shoots inconsistently and Ben can't shoot. In other words, when they need ben to take over a game (when Joel is out of course) and will them to victory when players have off nights then that's dead. When you have one of the best players in the league as a rookie, the load isn't as heavy. Also when you're 6'10 and 250 AND a pass-first PG, it's EASY to get those points, blocks, steals, etc. I'm not hating on Ben. I respect his game, but he has no load to carry because nobody on the Jazz is on Joel's level.

[@theweirdingwaypodcast]

Here the latest stats for direct comparisons between Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell. Totals before all star break in rookie year. Donovan Mitchell 400 fgm and 128 3ptm, 148 ftm plus 28 dunks. Total 1076 @ 19.6pg 192 assists 192 rebounds with 34 ofrebs 81 steals 22 blocks Ben Simmons 376 fgm with no 3 ptm, 135 ftm plus 102 dunks. Total 887 @ 16.4 396 assists 420 rebounds with 97 ofrebs 102 steals 49 blocks Directly compared Points 1076:887=1963 = 189 more points to Donovan. Within the 189 more points Donovan scored 128 more 3ptm = 384 more with 7 more free throws made. However Ben score 74 more dunks = 148 points in the paint. D 1076/1963=54.81% B 887/1963=45.18% Difference D by 9.63% Assists 192:396= 588 = 204 more assists (

[@theballereli]

Did Ben Simmons die?

[@theonemrham]

Baller_Eli I think that was Ben Wilson in Chicago over 30 years ago!

[@jordan12118]

Baller_Eli You need to watch Donavon Mitchell he’s the rookie of the year

[@fredrico2914]

No, but the fascination in adoring a 0% 3pt and 56% FT shooter died.

[@drayton5207]

yes

[@heemheem7141]

Baller_Eli na he ballin!

[@julioelchavez2889]

Dude shot 9 for 28.....if you criticize russ for chucking up shots than you better do the same for Mitchell. Nothing more than a decent player on a average team, his numbers go down drastically if he was playing with better talent.

[@smatthews74]

Lol lame ass comment!!!

[@smatthews74]

Lame ass comment!!!

[@andrethomas3637]

Julio el chavez Above average player dumbass🤦🏾‍♂️

[@zmazing33]

If you don't think it's Mitchell it's gotta be cuz you not WATCHING these games. He's a great defender and makes all the winning plays to be a rookie of the year i don't give a damn what the stats say

[@conveydcuo9001]

zmazing33 Simmons is better lmao.

[@muhamedcampara3383]

Hes trash on defense

[@Sicstacks]

Ben Simmons blow him out of the water on defense. Like the dude should be 2nd all team defense this season that is how good he is.

[@jtahlstrom4567]

no he is not he averages 1.5 steals game

[@a.w.b.9971]

Max just gave you the stat that Mitchell is ranked in the 200's on defense, and Ben is #44 .... Mitchell gets steals but he's crap on defense

[@flyersboy01]

sixers have had a harder strength of schedule than the jazz so far so don’t talk about “the jazz are in the west and the sixers are in the east” utah’s on an 11 game winstreak? phillys on a 5 game winstreak and guess what they’re in the playoffs as of now and the jazz aren’t. donovan has more ppg? by only 3 pts and simmons is EASILY the BETTER defender, rebounder, and assister, blocker, and his steals per game are great too. Mitchell scores 19 and simmons scores 16 a game but the points that simmons accounts for per game (meaning points that you have either scored or assisted on) is greater than mitchell. I could go on and on but I think you get the point. only people that are sixers haters or utah fans would think simmons isn’t better than mitchell rn. anyone with a logical and unbiased mind can clearly see that simmons is the ROTY. i’m a knicks fan btw but it just boggles my mind that people think mitchell is a better ROTY rn than simmons

[@RudieObias]

Donovan Mitchell > Ben Simmons

[@jsrader27]

Rudie Obias Donovan Mitchell Jumpshot* > Ben Simmons Jumpshot*

[@Oxytocin_]

_Siiiiiiiimple_ 😤

[@Illumiknights]

Donovan Mitchell got drafted to a 5th seed in the West (2017) with an established defense and decent offense. And they’re barely in the playoff hunt. He literally just took Gordon Hayward’s position and shots. He’s only looking good because of the system he’s in. Ben Simmons is playing for a 14th seed 76er’s team that now is the 7th seed. That’s more impressive than Donovan Mitchell. Donovan Mitchell is a good player, but don’t get it twisted, don’t get caught up in the moment; Ben Simmons is vastly more important to his team, productive for his team, and has been more of an impact than Donovan Mitchell. Don’t give me the “he plays in the east” crap either. Did you know that every team in the nba plays 82 games? And that 41 of those games are against the opposite conference? So every team is exposed to the opposite conference the same amount.

[@mmgjulio]

Jervis Her exactly bruh !

[@julioelchavez2889]

If you let Ben Simmons chuck up 20+ shots a night; he’d average over 20 and still put up 7 assists/rebounds. Mitchell is nothing more than a good scorer on a bad offensive team. All inflated numbers

[@theonemrham]

Donovan Mitchell & Ben Simmons be co rookies of the year!!

[@MichaelBrown-rg8oi]

Amen give it to the Magic Johnson and D Wade reincarnations ;)

[@yurhomi4478]

Nope, basketball isn't a bitch's sport where everyone wins. There should only be one winner of that reward.

[@theonemrham]

Yurhomi 24 It has happened before! Grant Hill and Jason Kidd were co-rookies of the year ... Steve Francis and Elton Brand were co-rooks of the year too!!

[@yurhomi4478]

didn't say it hasn't happened before... Just really disagree with it, sharing an award with another person defies the whole point imo.

[@damoncherry174]

theonemrham Simmons shouldn't even be in there this nigga ain't no rookie.. he had has chance and he couldn't even get on a court his real rookie year

[@cebuanongXtaiwan]

My son will win Rookie of the Year - Lavar Ball before season starts 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@murphmane7804]

I fucks with Max Kellerman he keeps it 💯

[@relzflizzy5546]

listen to my songs bro

[@unrealassassin3091]

Keeps it 100% wrong 😂 Donovan's better he carries his team , he doesn't even have a team like Ben does Donovan is the team

[@lastking4712]

He takes forever to get to his point. A lot of shit he says is cringeworthy(tries to be funny) but overall yea he’s usually right

[@comedychrises]

Last King he’s kinda corny but he knows basketball more than even Stephen A

[@charlescooper8055]

Unreal Assassin30 nigga u Cleary don't watch the 76ers we have no bench and jj redick can't even gaurd me smh 2 Joel just played his first back to back these Utah fans are ridiculous by there metric melo should've gotten rookie of the year over LeBron what crack are u snorting

[@lildagga2064]

At this point Donovan Mitchell is a superstar rookie of the year shouldn’t even be on his mind no more I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a couple MVP votes he’s carrying the Jazz right now and they on a 10 game win streak With that said Lonzo is ROY by far the most valuable rookie in the league

[@iNostraD]

Chill out nigga. You putting a kid averaging 19 points in the same level as LeBron and Durant. Slow yo rolls.

[@HardcoreGamer101508]

lol why did you have to ruin your post with your nba casual Lonzo crap at the end??

[@alexw6017]

Lil Dagga lonzo not even rookie of the year for the Lakers kuzma is.... lmaoo

[@JN-xd2np]

Lebron averaged 20, 5 and 6 and 2 steals in his first year. Mitchell is averaging 19.5, 3.5 and 3.5 and 2 steals in his first year. Mitchell has a high ceiling and he is a superstar already. #Facts

[@davidjames6036]

LeGOAT >> Kobrick >>>>>>>>>> DurBitch

[@4-CQL]

if you agree Simmons is better then how is Mitchell ROTY?

[@eminem252525]

D mitchell about to carry a team to the playoffs meanwhile simmons gets carried by embiid

[@calibratheband]

Jordany Lyve Style ^^^^ this

[@allamokrane2918]

IN THE WEST LETS SPECIFY THIS

[@KuroToshiro]

So Mitchell is carrying a team, even though he only averages 3 more points than Ben, but shoots worse and shoots 3 more times a game. And Ben is top 10 in assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, fg % among all guards in the league, and only averaging 3 less points than Mitchell, but somehow he's getting a free ride? Okay so either the jazz are way better than you're giving them credit for, or they have had an easy schedule.

[@davidcampos8032]

And Mitchell about to be exposed in the defensive end in the play offs lol

[@davidcampos8032]

John Dew but how is Mitchell better than Simmons explain

[@QUAN81880]

Co Rookie of the Year. Why not? Remember Jason Kidd and Grant Hill

[@rolandorod9883]

Max Kellerman stays slaying on first take with these debates

[@MrIcemonster]

Rolando Rod naw you tripping

[@glotorious_3119]

MrIcemonster nah you trippin. Max always got the facts

[@HaitianJack-k2e]

Rolando Rod what fucking facts you need your ass beat for that Damn comment

[@LILMCJOHN]

Lmao he didnt win this one sorry

[@RAYRAY-qf6uv]

DONOVAN MITCHELL ROTY #NoOneElse

[@robsmith6650]

Donovan Mitchell is the rookie of the year!!! #straightup

[@HardcoreGamer101508]

I always pay attention to the players who can find a way to will you to wins over the players who put up empty stats (the ADs and the Ben Simmons of the world). There are too many stat-padders in the NBA and not enough players to win the game for you when the game is on the line (whether it comes down to a game-changing steal, game-winner, clutch assist, etc.). Mitchell has done that plenty of times this year.

[@damitrimoore]

Movie Muscle you say that but philly and Nola are in the playoffs rn. Mitchell is not. Of the three teams the jazz have the least wins. ???

[@calibratheband]

damitri moore it’s apples to oranges man. Utah’s main guy has been hurt most the year. Now that he’s healthy they’ve won 10 in a row and are a game out of the playoffs. Lmao

[@GemLabProductions]

Ben Simmons is a killa. Real talk

[@VivaLeRevolucion]

Agreed he’s got the killer instinct the others clearly do not kuzma actually has that instinct also but mitchel is like he’s been in the league for 4-5 years

[@jtahlstrom4567]

Mitchell is way more clutch and comes up in big moments to win the game you would know if you actually watched him play

[@lordj5815]

Donovan should win roty he deserve it just like James Harden deserves to win MVP

[@Aer01614]

Simmons just put up his 10th triple double lol and James harden should definitely not win mvp the refs blow the whistle if you even graze him these days

[@Handsit]

chris b without refs blowing the whistle, there would be chaos on the court smh

[@mattfisher2428]

chris b I completely agree. Could not have said it any better

[@Aer01614]

In hell you play James harden 1v1 and he calls his own fouls...

[@yung_wizard6928]

only 76ers fans think bens simmons is gonna win

[@thekingbradable]

Yeah I think this young man has overtaken Ben Simmons

[@jordan12118]

Markelle Fultz should be doing what Mitchell is doing

[@jordan12118]

Twoface 99 I’m just saying he averaged 24 is college so I would be expecting this from him

[@nosauzamere1304]

Twoface 99 Are u dumb? Fultz shot 40% from three in college

[@Dreamer88keys]

Jordan Davis he will .. keep that same energy

[@jstiles1659]

Michelle will be ROTY but tbh Simmons shouldn't be considered as a rookie but he is but it's Mitchell y'all.

[@yusuf8938]

Max kills it every time. I agree. Ben Simmons!

[@domibryant2257]

Yusuf Jones common sense

[@LILMCJOHN]

He aint leading his team like Donovan thats why the Jazz on a big winning streak

[@MrZahsome]

Still waiting for an argument that doesn't involve stats. I'm waiting.

[@yusuf8938]

MrZahsome lol what? Stats are the only objective thing about sports. You can't say you're waiting for an argument without that's, you'll be waiting forever. No one has an argument without stats.

[@quelgdatniggasmith1091]

Ben Simmons ROTY 🏆

[@Luissanchez-zg7dx]

Mitchell is a young d wade they style is the same anybody sees that like if u with me on this

[@yourpalmal3863]

better than Ben Simmons

[@nathandelman5980]

“Ben Simmons can’t be an All-Star! He’s only a rookie!” “Ben Simmons can’t be Rookie of The Year! He’s not a rookie!” Nigga what?

[@dj44640]

Donovan Mitchell by far...Simmons might have bigger upside but right now Mitchel leads a team as a rookie in the West!!! Man plays like a seasoned pro

[@Est91.]

D A he leading them because nobody else is there, it's not like it's talent oh his team, he takes more shots then Simmons but only averages 3 more points .. ben is better

[@dj44640]

Agree that he is alone in Utah. Eye test cant lie though stats can distort the truth. The guy is more ready for the NBA than any other rookie. Sure Ben has probably bigger but right now Ben is not betteer

[@dj44640]

its fine we can agree to disagree. For me mainly is what I see regardless of numbers that tend to be inflated these days. Mitchell does not play like a rookie man. His play is different. Plus West is harder than the East. You cannot be an all star and not able to shoot at all .sorry dude - without Embid they d be last in the conference and still trusting the process....

[@Est91.]

D A ben is the better scorer, the better defender, the better passer, & the better rebounder, the only thing Mitchell has on Ben is a jump shot ... I'm not sure what you're looking at

[@dj44640]

How is Ben a better scorer when he cant score without a layup or dunk? Mitchel half way in his rookie season has already set a Jazz rookie scoring record with 41 points and has several 30 point games. And he is a really good defender. Only thing Ben is clearly better is rebounding cause if size.

[@1survivor566]

Max is absolutely lying about the shooting and advanced stats favoring Simmons. Let's really take a look at their numbers on a deeper level. FG% Simmons- 52.1 on 13.2 FGA per game Mitchell- 44.0 on 16.4 FGA per game 3 pt FG% Simmons- 0.0 he's 0/10 from 3 in 53 games while playing "point guard". That's right only 10 3's taken all year Mitchell- 35.3 on 6.5 3 point FGA per game What do these two numbers tell us? Simmons takes less shots and he rarely shoots from outside. Combine that with his massive size advantage shooting inside the three point arc and of course he has an advantage in FG% over Donovan who takes more shots and actually has to step outside of his comfort zone offensively at times because unlike Simmons, Mitchell is the #1 option on his team. But let's continue to look deeper at the numbers with some advanced stats ... eFG% Simmons- 52.7 Mitchell - 51.0 TS% Simmons- 54.2 Mitchell- 54.5 These are the numbers that truly tell the story. Bigs like Ben Simmons usually have a major advantage over guards in these numbers because of easier looks around the basket. It's rare for guards that are high volume shooters to be way above 50%. But look at Donovan. Donovan at one point was scoring over 19 PPG while having a TS% of over 55% (he could still end the year with those numbers). Why is this significant? Because the last rookie that wasn't a big man that averaged 19+ PPG and 55+ TS% was MICHAEL JORDAN. I'm not interested in really breaking down all of their other numbers although I could, so I'll just leave it at this- Right now Donovan Mitchell should be ROTY.

[@Seif97ify]

There's no argument for Mitchell sorry, SAS is arguing with empty words.

[@stanleyahkuoi5795]

Well Jalen Rose just picked Mitchell too. And Mitchell is the leader of his team. Simmons is a side kick.

[@Seif97ify]

Stanley Ah Kuoi Not true, you don't understand basketball.. He's a PG. but lets say he is a ''side kick'', yet he's still putting up better numbers than Mitchell.. Imagine what he'd do on his own team?

[@Seif97ify]

Hunter Anderer He's a PG with a size of a PF, but that does still not change the fact that he's a better rebounder.. It's obvious why he's better, but the fact remains, HE'S STILL BETTER.

[@Seif97ify]

Hunter Anderer His advantage of being taller makes him a better rebounder. Andre Drummond is a better rebounder than Michael Jordan was, it doesn't really matter why he's better. I never used his RPG as an argument for Ben Simmons, but there's literally no argument for Mitchell. Simmons is a better rebounder, passer, way better defender, more efficient and higher plus minus. I mean how can you even make an argument for Mitchell? Averages 3 points more and can shoot? lol

[@Seif97ify]

Hunter Anderer Stats say a lot when comparing players not everything everytime, but a lot and especially when there's many different stats that draws the same conclusion. I'm not saying Mitchell sucks, he can ball and is looking like a future superstar but there's no argument for him winning Rookie of the year. If you have an argument for Mitchell, please do tell and remember when picking Rookie of the year, winning is irrelevant, so many people are making this a race because of Jazz win streak.

[@justinockun6423]

I think Donovan Mitchell is second. I think Ben Simmons is first. I would know since I have both in fantasy and I’m 17-0

[@IHATETONE]

Why does Stephen a always find a way to put down Lonzo?? It's a shame he doesn't see the whole game he brings.

[@sean24833]

I WAS BORN IN '92 thank you he just paid attention to points. Lonzo average more rebounds assist steals and blocks and has a higher defensive rating than Mitchell

[@trvspvrk]

Stephen A is a casual fan. If you’re not scoring big numbers than you’re useless to him

[@MirthCottage]

Ball is handicapped by his father’s media agenda. Seriously. As a neutral, non-Laker fan, I have no problem with Ball and think he’s great for the Laker team. But that dad of his... I’d never want him on my team. Drama!! Chaos!! “Sign my other two sons or you can’t have the oldest!” Yuck!

[@thekoking3866]

Ball isn't even the best rookie on his team, the Lakers got a steal late in the draft with Kuzma

[@rflowers360]

I WAS BORN IN '92 dude for lonzo to be the 2nd pick he is a bust especially because he’s not better than Kuzma.

[@samfogel5390]

Doesn’t take a genius to see that Stephen A.’s and Jalen’s arguments are based solely on intangibles! Max provides concrete statistical evidence for why Ben Simmons is the better player. I’ve yet to see an argument for Donovan Mitchell as the Rookie of the Year that includes a concrete statistic (besides PPG.) Ben has an impact everywhere!

[@ozzyfifa6053]

Whats with the Simmons hate lmao, the Jazz only got good again since Gobert game back & Ingles started to show up not because of Mitchell cmon bruh

[@matthew7330ify]

OzzY FIFA Take Mitchell and Simmons of the court. Which team still has better offensively to win. Clearly Ben has shooters for help! Mitchell #ROOKIE OF YEAR

[@chrisflaherty8991]

No problem with Simmons, he just isn't roty

[@allthewaylivemedia]

I like Mitchell, I swear I think he's going to be a super star. But right now, Simmons is the better more efficient player. Jaylen Rose and Stephen A. have each been highly critical of "the process". To me this seems to be more finger wagging at the sixers. 3 more points per game from a guy who's supposed to be a better scorer when Simmons beats him in every other category and has like 6-7 tripple doubles.

[@ludwinmax18]

this the deepest draft class since 03..so much talent its crazy

[@Philly-zo2xn]

Laker Ludz this draft class isnt even deeper thn the 03 draft class which is still the best draft class to this day

[@ludwinmax18]

Eric Quick 03 was what I meant

[@561daedae]

96 was the best class

[@kingphil4073]

Do you know what deep mean? All the good players were top 5 picks

[@ludwinmax18]

King Phil are you dumb? Lauri markkanen was number 7 Dennis smith jr number 9 Donovan Mitchell was number 13 john Collins 19 og anunoby 23 kuzma 27 plus more..that’s pretty deep

[@lilloveyou7143]

anyone who thinks Mitchell should win ROY have never watched a jazz game or theyre a biased jazz fan. ive watched this man and he literally jacks up any shot he can take because he has green light. its no wonder he averages 19ppg

[@mohammedalam9402]

This is similar to LeBron and Carmelo's rookie year.

[@razkable]

More like wade vs LeBron...wade was the one on a playoff team sharing minutes with caron butler and racial alston and paying point guard because reasons

[@DanteGoldz]

Yep just like Melo vs Lebron & Melo deserved to win.

[@j_quan2594]

Asmosis Jones It was never Bron v Wade

[@philipojo332]

it was unanimous at the start of the year, but Ben cooled down. hes still ROTY but if Ben doesnt heat up and widen the gap again, i wouldn't be surprised if Mitchell won it

[@escanor-kun360]

Ben has better stats but in terms of being a *TRUE* Rookie but DM plays tougher competition so i would give it to DM but Ben is a better player

[@escanor-kun360]

Nicria Sixteen thank u i got lost in a thought i meant to say DM HAS TOUGHER COMPETITION

[@necrohater]

This debate is really stupid. Simmons is obviously ROY.

[@mrb6001]

Come on ben simmons is the better rebounder , passer and efficient scorer AND A FAR AND AWAY BETTER DEFENDER , he's the rookie of the year , donovan is a breakout star and a better story , but Ben Simmons is the best rookie easy yes donovan has a better shot , and more versatile with that , but the point is getting the hole in the basket , he is not a better player than Ben simmons I am sorry okay but tby any metric PER , advanced stats , what you guys are saying is you'd rather have prime Melo over prime Shaq/Lebron essentially, don't me narrative , not surprise , or storyline , WHO IS THE BEST PLAYER OF THIS ROOKIE CLASS ? donovan might end up being better long term , though I doubt it and yeah he leads the Jazz in scoring but Rubio and Gobert are still better players , there's more to basketball than just buckets he's an elite talent

[@DeMarvelous_DeChosen]

Moboluwarin Ayeye stop bringing up he's a efficient scorer. That's a overrated stat for him because he doesn't attempt 3's and barely jump shots. Man's not even efficient from the free throw line imagine if he attempted the shots Mitchell does on a daily bases.

[@Simpnamedslickback]

Moboluwarin Ayeye Ben is a more efficient scorer because he doesn't shoot. Literally all of his shots come from the paint. Donovan can get you 30 any night and backpack an offense and that's why he's my rookie of the year

[@GEEZYEA777]

The Sixers have a starting all star, arguably ROY and barely making the standings

[@whatever9722]

Moboluwarin Ayeye and Simmons isn't a better defender where did you get that from

[@ronnyjoe230]

Agreed. They falling for the hype

[@JustLatino]

Ben simmons is ROTY. He leads all rookies in points, rebounds and assists. And he DEFENDS. In case anyone forgot, the NBA is about defending too, not just scoring. Plus the sixers are in the playoffs right now as the 7th seed.

[@robsmith6650]

Ben Simmons aint even a rookie! Smh

[@bagchaser5356]

Rob Smith same shit I’m keep telling mfs

[@jaredcoates3273]

Rob Smith How? He didn't play last season...He broke his foot

[@guybromanboy3996]

Smh

[@Supertongaboy90]

Lmao, yup

[@jakefaz162]

They are the same age ffs. donavon had an extra year in college actually playing ball but everyone acts like simmons gained all these un fair advantages by sitting down for a year

[@benharding3179]

holy fuck max spitting absolute facts holy fuck

[@3self]

The thing is ben don't shoot..

[@KinSlayer5220]

High Me : Yes he does, he just doesn't shoot from 3 yet.😒 You're not too bright are you?

[@devinharris591]

High Me the thing is Ben is 6’10 so he’s supposed to score from inside lol

[@NoLandGod]

Its funny they keep saying the competition in the west is better than east. This year the east has been way more competitive than the west who have like 6 teams with identical records.

[@vibe4323]

Ben is ROY y'all need to stop smoking weed

[@tykuresa22]

GodFatherPain i will do neither, good sir

[@Xxstoner27xX]

ben aint even better than Kuzma foh

[@guybromanboy3996]

Xxstoner27xX that's BLASPHEMY

[@DK_75]

Facts

[@goat1946]

GodFatherPain they do need to stop smoking weed but Donovan Mitchell is ROTY

[@davidsayimright57]

Don't sleep on Kyle Kuzma if we can get a 8th seed

[@grandmaster9829]

It's not even close his been easily best rookie and most promising.

[@PRIDEATH]

Simmons is the most promising with Mitchell being a close second.

[@jayblaze2359]

Knicks 4 Life nooooooo

[@robinsam2135]

+Knicks 4 Life no bruh

[@POP-hm6qj]

Mitchell most promising? That's a fucking joke of a statement. 🤦

[@KuroToshiro]

LOL not even close? Simmons is blowing him out of the water in every category except ppg..but mitchell takes 3 more shots per game and averages 3 more points, while shooting 8% worse from the field.

[@NBA2K1198]

Simmons is jumpshot away from LeBron 🤣

[@frankyp4227]

Donovan Mitchel is the next MJ/kobe

[@jordan12118]

Franky P 😂😂😂😂

[@trvspvrk]

*This is your brain on drugs*

[@jumpshotta7506]

Calm yo ass down🤦‍♂️😂

[@awildonyxappeared4681]

Franky P he's gonna be the 3rd best SG to play. Read this comment good and remember it in 20 years. And you can say i was a great fortune teller. DM#3 all tiime SG remember it

[@futurekillerful]

Franky P too soon

[@druniversex7223]

Donovan mitchell hes my point guard of the future wow steven a smith you a pupet in u a clown how dare you sneak that in about lonzo ball they are 2 different players be honest with yaself

[@VADDY1]

You guys lonzo ball is dead!!!!?😭😭😭

[@Alex-sj2gq]

yes.

[@ksupreme9397]

Winston Waven he ass lmao

[@ksupreme9397]

C Law dead ass he the only one 😂

[@ksupreme9397]

ll ll who you talking to ?

[@TheParrot1000]

young Wade

[@bradley6144]

Donavan Mitchells ceiling is a 6"3 Kobe Bryant

[@l3gendarysage293]

Bradley Hoops no

[@conveydcuo9001]

No theres no kobe in his game.

[@bradley6144]

Convey Dcuo he has the defense, the offense, the dunking, multiple 40 point games, 13th pick, athleticism, hard work ethic, confidence, killer instinct, I think he has some Kobe in him

[@conveydcuo9001]

Bradley Hoops nah i see more kobe in Lavine.

[@conveydcuo9001]

Bradley Hoops he lacks post game and the size of kobe.

[@Jacobclarkeconnects]

nobody talks about how good Ben Simmons' defence is, dude is lowkey already one of the best defensive players in the league. He's 6'10 but can legit guard 1-5

[@smatthews74]

Umm no tell him to guard Mitchell. No contest period. Get a life for real!!

[@bregozy3330]

Ben Simmons is Roty

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

Simmons was exposed by Tatum in the game played in London...

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

He couldn't get worse.

[@et5740]

No he ain’t dude watch one Jazz game and u change your mind if you ain’t a bandwagon

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

Tatum is not only the best rookie, but the best player in the league.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

No trolling, he was born in march 1998. Simmons is 21, in 2 years Tatum will surpass all those players. I think he's a special, player, and I mean special. Just like Kobe was. Kobe's numbers were worse than Simmons', but you saw him play and he was the best player. Kobe in a one on one was a better player than LeBron James or Michael Jordan. That's what I'm talking about. Tatum is the new Kobe, with a slightly different style, but like a Celtic Kobe. Just mark my words and you will realize what I'm talking about. BTW, Tatum just DESTROYED Simmons in the London game, and Simmons is 2 years older, and he's from Jaylen Brown's draft class, Tatum is a real rookie, the younger player and the better prospect. Simmons can't shoot and he isn't clutch, Tatum gonna be the best NBA shooter and scorer, and he's clutch.

[@factscheck2024]

Facts check was the first guy on Mitchell dont be fake you guys !!!

[@tinokatz4778]

If the top 16 teams made it the Utah Jazz still wouldn't be in...The top 8 in each conference would get into the playoffs sooo

[@calibratheband]

Won’t be that way for long the way the jazz are crushing teams lately.

[@tinokatz4778]

You base it on records tho not who you think is the top 16 teams....but I do believe Utah will get into the llayoffs

[@kartik1396]

Fred Lewis thats what jalen means...at the end of the season 16 teams with the highest wins gets in...

[@llafandesirx4241]

He means no conferences just 1-16 in record so with that being said they will pretty sure they gotta better record than at least two east teams in top eight right??

[@beardedman8884]

they're currently tied for 17th in the league.

[@ryancross8136]

Would you say this now Stephen A?

[@Klaidas21]

Ben Simmons isnt a rookie how many times i have to tell you

[@ksupreme9397]

Clyde Staskunas I agree he’s not. He was injured last year. That doesn’t make him a rookie

[@microvizart]

Check out Blake Griffin. He won ROTY in his second year cause his first year in NBA he was injured. Same case as Ben

[@MultiSaucy]

He is a rookie. I don't understand you people who say he isn't. He didn't take to the court at all last year so yes, he is a rookie.

[@Klaidas21]

How is he a rookie when he has been in the league learning plays how it all works working on teammate chemistry thats not his second year doing it it was his first one yes he only plays this season but the preparation is not out of college and hes being compared to a guy from collge

[@azaznogalesaz]

Yea I get it cause Donovan is good and all that but man something about Simmons looks really special. guy is a flat out stud

[@branking3023]

He has my vote Mitchell not better than Simmons but damn this kid special. And he his a real rookie a year out of college

[@PRIDEATH]

As much as I love the way Mitchell is playing I'd still have to go with Simmons, the numbers are there right in front of you. Only way I would give it to Mitchell is if his team just continues to win like they are now.

[@brashadcarr6759]

Knicks 4 Life nigga Ben is barely in the playoffs in the east

[@ike.o6944]

Knicks 4 Life I agree with you.

[@PRIDEATH]

Barley in the playoffs is still in the playoffs....

[@calibratheband]

Their levels of responsibility and competition are not equal. DM has the tougher road and he’s carrying his team on his back to the playoffs in the harder west

[@davidcampos8032]

Bkc 14 and the jazz aren’t even in the play offs

[@jeffcherichel1679]

How about lonzo ball are u serious!!!? BBB exclusive is injured but still balling smh....

[@iTzJeSsE08]

He looks like the heir apparent to Dwayne Wade

[@damitrimoore]

Jesse Frazier hold the phone on that. More like Brandon Roy.

[@IvanGarcia-hz1th]

an injury free brandon roy would have been so so special

[@calibratheband]

He’s ridiculously more athletic than Roy, and a better shooter too.

[@Dreamer88keys]

Jordan Porter wow ..lol u might wanna go to bed

[@Jsperal]

Ben just can’t shoot I wish he could shoot

[@codex-not-found]

If Ben Simmons boosts his ppg average to 18 or 19 points then he's definitely the ROTY

[@Alex-sj2gq]

Young rockefeller yes

[@TheKyleAye]

I think all veteran NBA players and coaches should vote and decide who wins ROTY. They actually have an insight on the game

[@vincentbowman8856]

They sleeping on Dennis Smith Jr

[@tonysinella4904]

Vincent Bowman his team is super trash

[@vincentbowman8856]

Tony Sinella I know but I'm talking about him as a player .

[@tonysinella4904]

Vincent Bowman he’s good but he’s not even a top 5 rookie rn

[@nwinsto602]

Yeah we're not

[@thekoking3866]

his team is sleeping

[@ohyeahyeahlilnigglet355]

Second coming of Lebron? STAY OFFF THE WEEEEEEDDDDDDDAAAAHH

[@marufjaved6551]

Michelle reminds me of harden

[@dravocon5485]

maruf javed except Mitchell plays defense

[@thekoking3866]

nah he reminds me more of a hybrid D.Wade and Stevie Francis

[@ksupreme9397]

maruf javed Mitchell* lmao

[@Dreamer88keys]

maruf javed Hell no

[@Dreamer88keys]

TexasGamer more dame dolla .. d wade was another level of special