Jayson Tatum on If He's a Better Rookie Than Ben Simmons: 'No Comment'
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has no problem campaigning for the 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year award, but Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is not getting caught up in the talk.
Following a 117-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 on Monday night, Tatum was asked if he was a better rookie than Sixers star Ben Simmons. His response, per ESPN's Chris Forsberg: "No comment"
As Mitchell's case has grown stronger throughout the season, Simmons has found himself at the center of a debate: What classifies someone as a rookie? The LSU product was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, but he was sidelined his entire first season due to a foot injury.
Some argue that he should be ineligible for the Rookie of the Year award this season because it's not his first year in the NBA; league rules, however, have him eligible. Blake Griffin won the award under similar circumstances in 2011.
During Game 1, Boston fans weighed in:
Of course, they had their guy's back:
Tatum noted after the game that he appreciated the support: "I mean, I am a rookie. I love our fans. Much appreciated."
While Simmons, 21, averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game this season, the 20-year-old Tatum was not too far behind, averaging 13.9 points on 47.5 percent shooting (including 43.4 percent from beyond the arc) and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Tatum put up 28 points and three rebounds while leading his team to victory in Game 1, with Simmons posting 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals (and seven turnovers).
The second-round showdown between the Sixers and Celtics will not be all about Tatum vs. Simmons—at least according to the Boston forward.
"I think at this point I'm just focused on winning," Tatum said Monday night, per NESN's Joshua Schrock. "It's not really about matchups; I just want to win and advance. It's a team thing right now."
Without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, Tatum will be expected to continue his strong play. Just don't expect him to be worried about proving he's better than Simmons.
