Revisiting Ben Simmons’ ROTY Victory

Yesterday was the two year anniversary of the day Sixers Point Guard Ben Simmons was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. Simmons earned the honor over Utah Jazz phenom Donovan Mitchell in what was considered by some to be a controversial decision. Why was his victory so divisive among NBA fans and even players (well, at least one)?

The main issue that was voiced was that Simmons was drafted the previous season and some believed that should disqualify him from the contest. History does not back that argument up though.

History

Simmons isn’t the first player to win the award in a year he wasn’t drafted. In 1964 Jerry Lucas won the award even though he was drafted two years earlier. Lucas had…