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SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Ben Simmons of Philadelphia beat Donovan Mitchell of Utah for the rookie of the year.
In what appeared to be a tight contest this year, Simmons won the NBA Awards while Simmons was chosen best rookie of Mitchell and Jayson Tatum of Boston.
"I would like to thank my family for starting with … family, friends, you know I would not be here without them," said Simmons in his acceptance speech. "My teammates, of course, and my excellent coach, as well as the city of Philadelphia for really embracing me, as well as my family, thank you."
After missing his draft year due to an injury, Simmons finally made his long-awaited debut last season and helped the Sixers win 50 wins. According to ESPN Stats & Info, just seven players in NBA history have won the rookie title of the year while helping their team win at least 50 games.
Rookie of the year this season seemed to divide many experts and fans with a debate over whether Simmons was a real rookie since he spent his first season with the Sixers while rehabilitating his foot injury and having an advantage of being with a NBA season team.
"For me, I'm obviously happy that I won the prize," Simmons said. "I'm trying not to let the media exaggerate or the fans … That does not take anything away from Jayson or Donovan to have a great season."
Simmons praised the rookie class this season for being strong and said his favorite recollection of this season was to stay on the field.
"I would say the biggest memory or moment was to finish my season," said Simmons. "Obviously, I had the kick off the first season and I was not able to play and be able to be on the pitch and fulfilling this childhood dream was amazing."
Simmons being considered a rookie this year had been a point of contention with Mitchell. Mitchell even arrived at the awards show Monday in a pickup truck that highlighted his point.
Look what this man has rolled up in ? ?#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/U4BFF5gvun
– Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 25, 2018
This followed Mitchell wearing a sweatshirt before an April game that provided the dictionary definition of a rookie.
Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 interceptions in 81 games this season and helped the Sixers in the second round of the playoffs.
Mitchell, who helped Utah qualify for the second round of the playoffs, posted an average of 20.5 points and was only the eighth rookie to get an average of 20 points per game in a team of 45 wins.
Six of the previous seven who have done so have won the Rookie of the Year award.
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