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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@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 (

[@anohfrederic1371]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@watermage25]

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

[@ikemnnadiri1606]

BaytoLA 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@robsmith6650]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@theogcortezmauricio702]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@sammythefrog7480]

Donovan Mitchell reminds me so much of a young Westbrook. Same size too and killer instinct. Even when the Thunder last met the Jazz Russ/PG/Melo all gave dude props after the game which Russ barely does to anyone, yet he gave this rookie mad props. You can tell he sees a piece of him in Donovan.

[@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 ☠️

[@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

[@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

[@PharaohLawLess1]

This class of rookies will go down like the '84 and '03 it's so good. Might go down as the best. Mitchell, Kuzma, Lonzo, Tatum, Markkenan, Ben Simmons, Dennis Smith Jr, D Fox, Josh Jackson, Justin Jackson, Josh Hart (the Lakers have 3 very solid rookies) BM Adebayo, John Collins etc...this is a great rookie class, fa real

[@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

[@rowdyrod70]

I’ve seen Donavon Mitchell live twice this year and the kid is composed and doesn’t play like a Rookie at all. Beast mode ROY

[@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

[@chaos-fk6fs]

Donovan has an outstanding mindset not only for a rookie but for a player in general.

[@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🤦🏾‍♂️

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@thekingbradable]

Yeah I think this young man has overtaken Ben Simmons

[@Blight-fp3vt]

I'm VERY comfortable with the way Simmons has been playing, whilst it would be fun to see him go chase some more points and get some more shots up, I think priority of the team is to get in the playoffs and do some real damage. Like the other night, he could of had another triple double but the coach pulled him for the 4th (second time its happened) because they were up and its more important to rest him considering his massive rookie load. Him running the point, making sure his whole team is getting better and getting the ball and making sure his efficiency is high - this is EXACTLY what the team needs. The whole team is young, so unfortunately for the rookie race, Ben needs to keep doing what he is doing and help the other players improve by giving them opportunity.

[@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.

[@christophershanklin112]

This is tough but if we are looking at the progress of there game i gotta say mitchell.He won the dunk contest,leading team in points.on a 10 game win streak,plays DEFENCE,and his big time in the game winner possessions

[@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

[@MichaelPadillaBaws]

Simmons and Mitchell can be co-ROTY. Both have balled out this year.

[@RAYRAY-qf6uv]

DONOVAN MITCHELL ROTY #NoOneElse

[@nash5908]

K totally agree with Jalen on the red shirt "rookies" they shouldn't count for one they train/practice with an NBA team for a year they get to know the courts the floor etc. Mitchell on the other hand was playing college ball last year and has been a total badass his FIRST year n the NBA. He didn't get a year of process

[@cosmickarma855]

Where was that argument when Blake won?

[@jstiles1659]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@drefore2642]

Hell yeah boi is balling his ass off and no one woulda thought me included! Good shit!

[@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

[@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.

[@quelgdatniggasmith1091]

Ben Simmons ROTY 🏆

[@Joeman_Joeman]

Happy valentines day Stephen A (from New Zealand)

[@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.

[@Fantsmacle]

I'm loving Jalen Rose here. Nice to hear his perspective. Best 16 Teams!!!!

[@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

[@NeighborhoodSupaStar]

I agree with J Rose in the fact that rookie of the year should go to a true 1st year player, I understand Ben was out his rookie year but what he didn't get to do on the court in his rookie year he still got the chance to get mentally ready by watching and sitting through practices , working out , and watching tape.

[@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

[@christianburrell5564]

It’s Mitchell for me too (watch those games and you’ll see a CURRENT star), but I have no issue with Max’s points. The analytics he proposes are great.

[@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

[@DreBruh]

“Lonzo Ball rookie of the year i’ll speak it into existence” that boy lavars funny

[@yourpalmal3863]

better than Ben Simmons

[@AhmedAli-bz1vp]

Mane Mitchell is phenomenal.i start to build a franchise with him.i believe he will build a dynasty in Utah.he'll be one of the great one day

[@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

[@necrohater]

This debate is really stupid. Simmons is obviously ROY.

[@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

[@louisvelez40]

Jazz Jerseys are FIRE. Mitchell is rookie of the year in my eyes. His production on this team and competing in the West. No disrespect to Simmons who is having a great season. Nobody expected a number 13 pick to be playing this well and become the Jazz's best player without Gordon Hayward who went to Boston. Simmons had higher expectations and has lived up to it. But I think Mitchell has been a pleasant surprise and love his competitiveness to beat the best, has a old school mentality

[@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.

[@twell609]

Ben been doing it all year Donovan had some good games

[@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

[@ksupreme9397]

I’ve been saying those four names since this NBA season started. Simmons, Tatum, Mitchell, Kuzma.

[@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

[@KuroToshiro]

Mitchell vs Simmons stats: Simmons - 16 ppg, 7 apg (5th most in the league), 7.7 rpg (2nd most for guards) on 52% fg and 13 shots per game.. ALSO 2nd most blocks per game among all guards. 3rd most double doubles and 2nd most triple doubles out of all players in nba this year. Also #7 in steals per game. Mitchell - 19 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.5 rpg on 44% fg and 16 shots per game Sorry it's not even close.

[@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.

[@jacobtalbert825]

Real shit, these two know wha they’re talking about.

[@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.

[@AntDubi1130]

Tough class!! Let y’all pick

[@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.

[@Samply-put]

Donovan Mitchell has the excite factor because of his play style and has some serious balls trading blows with teams in the West. Ben Simmons is simply better more assist rebounds efficiency and defensively but he can’t shoot and doesn’t give you the excitement from hitting deep threes but he does have 5 triple doubles

[@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

[@KEANUWHITE]

Donovan Mitchel is beyond special, this boy is off the charts, he's been doing this for years. And he is carrying that team, in the west, he's unanimously rookie of the year.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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

[@iTzJeSsE08]

He looks like the heir apparent to Dwayne Wade

[@damitrimoore]

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

[@Smcro]

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

[@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

[@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

[@jesusfingers8961]

Donovan Mitchell has put his stamp on the Jazz and his influence on the court is like none other. You know when Mitchell is on the court that you'll get a show. Just look at the Jazz in the past 11 games and you'll see why he should be ROTY.

[@tibbz9869]

nah man Mitchell is too inefficient compared to simmons and simmons is just bringing more to the table

[@twoface9959]

MR Tibbz98 Because Simmons rarely take jump shots, especially, 3pts. Everything is coming from the paint. Same thing in college as well.

[@devinharris591]

Twoface 99 basketball isn’t all about threes. Simmons is 6’10 he should be scoring from the paint for the most part

[@twoface9959]

Devin Harris I never it was all about threes. Also, I said JUMPSHOTS, which include from the post, off the dribble, off the screen, mid-range shots, 3pts, etc. Nor did I ever said Simmons shouldn't use his size to his advantage and score in the paint, but to say he is more efficient than Mitchell is reaching. Mitchell scores from everywhere on the court.

[@devinharris591]

Twoface 99 and Simmons gets more assists, rebounds , steals, and blocks. The only thing Mitchell does better than him is score

[@twoface9959]

Devin Harris I was arguing against the original post's comment about Ben Simmons' efficiency, compared to Donovan Mitchell's efficiency. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@backpacking314]

One of the best rookie classes I've seen in years

[@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

[@dubtheater2107]

Donovan should be ROTY. He's had 40+ point games, and making amazing plays in the clutch, with wins over cavs, spurs, and blazers. The clutch does matter a lot and he's carrying a team.

[@jordan12118]

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

[@trvspvrk]

LMFAOOOOOOO

[@danielcoppola3051]

Jordan Davis L

[@MrIcemonster]

Jordan Davis super facts

[@lances4537]

lol Max loves this coach Mackie guy