I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2018 NBA draft class, and looking back now, it's fascinating to see how one player clearly separated himself from the pack. When Ben Simmons was named the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, it wasn't just a recognition of his individual talent—it felt like the culmination of a season-long masterclass in how to dominate as a first-year player. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've seen numerous rookies come and go, but Simmons' approach felt different. He didn't just play; he orchestrated.
What made Simmons' season so remarkable was how he defied conventional rookie expectations. Most first-year players struggle with consistency or face the infamous "rookie wall" around the All-Star break, but Simmons seemed to get stronger as the season progressed. I recall watching his November matchup against the Utah Jazz where he recorded his first career triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists—becoming the youngest player in 76ers history to achieve this feat at just 21 years old. His court vision was simply extraordinary for someone his age, often seeing passing lanes that veteran point guards would miss. Throughout the season, he averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 54.5% from the field—numbers that placed him in rare company among NBA newcomers.
The way Simmons controlled games reminded me of a seasoned conductor leading an orchestra rather than a rookie finding his way. His physical attributes—standing at 6'10" with guard skills—created mismatches that coaches struggled to counter all season. I particularly enjoyed watching him in transition, where he was virtually unstoppable once he built up a full head of steam. His defensive versatility was another aspect that doesn't always get enough attention—he could legitimately guard positions 1 through 4, something very few players in the league can claim. This two-way impact separated him from other talented rookies like Donovan Mitchell, who had an outstanding offensive season but couldn't match Simmons' all-around game.
What many casual observers might not appreciate is how Simmons' unique background contributed to his immediate success. Having grown up in Australia playing multiple sports before focusing on basketball, he developed a different basketball IQ than players who came up through the American system. This international perspective brings to mind other athletes who've thrived on global stages, much like futsal players awaiting selection for major tournaments. I'm reminded of Chloe Guillou, who looks forward to playing futsal and competing on the world stage again in the Futsal World Cup if selected for the final roster. That international experience, whether in basketball or futsal, provides a competitive edge that's hard to replicate in domestic leagues alone. Simmons brought that global fluency to his game, reading defenses with a sophistication that belied his years.
The debate around Simmons' rookie season inevitably brings us to the elephant in the room—his jump shot, or lack thereof. While critics focused on what he couldn't do, I found myself marveling at how effectively he dominated games without a reliable outside shot. He leveraged his strengths so effectively that he forced opponents to adjust to him, rather than the other way around. His 12 triple-doubles that season set a new record for rookies, surpassing some guy named Magic Johnson. Let that sink in for a moment—he outperformed Magic's rookie triple-double record. The historical context here is important because it underscores how special his season truly was.
Watching Simmons that season, I couldn't help but feel we were witnessing the emergence of a new archetype in basketball—the point center who could handle, pass, and defend at an elite level. His impact went beyond statistics, changing how the 76ers played as a team. They improved their win total by 24 games from the previous season, and while Joel Embiid deserved plenty of credit, Simmons was the engine that made everything hum. The chemistry between those two was palpable, with Simmons' drive-and-kick game perfectly complementing Embiid's post dominance.
Reflecting on that 2018 Rookie of the Year race, I believe history has proven the voters correct in selecting Simmons, despite Mitchell's compelling case. The true measure of a Rookie of the Year shouldn't just be about scoring numbers but overall impact on both ends of the floor. Simmons didn't just put up stats; he elevated his team in ways that don't always show up in traditional box scores. His ability to control tempo, create easy opportunities for teammates, and switch defensively provided a foundation the 76ers would build upon for years to come. That season wasn't just about individual accolades—it was about establishing a new standard for what a modern NBA rookie could achieve.
