Ben Simmons had a great rookie season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and that great season was recognized last night at the NBA Awards as he was named the 2017-18 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year.
Simmons appeared in 81 games averaging 15.8 points in 33.7 minutes per game, while his averages of 8.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.7 steals per contest led all rookies.
Two of the last five Rookies of the Year have come from the 76ers(Michael Carter-Williams ROY 2013-14). A fact that makes 76ers head coach Brett Brown very proud.
“I am proud of the fact that two of the past five Rookies of the Year have come from our program’s development efforts, which are the bloodline of our culture,” Brown said.
“Ben Simmons is so much an example of this fact. He had been a college four-man and transitioned into the NBA as a point guard; that, in itself, is an amazing story. This positional change and added responsibility only confirms how exciting his future is as a multi-dimensional player. His character and his talents will be a building block of our championship quest for many, many years. I am so proud to share in his award and so proud of his teammates for also helping him achieve this recognition.”
While the team has struggled over the years in terms of winning basketball games, the 76ers have done a decent job of developing talent. Players like Robert Covington and T.J. McConnell have developed into solid players under Brown.
After winning 52 games last season, and winning their first-round series against the Heat, the 76ers are in a good place right now, but it’s time for this team to take that next step. Simmons and Markelle Fultz need to improve from the perimeter, while Joel Embiid needs to improve in the post.
The 76ers will take that next step with proper player development, which history shows is a strength for this team.