Ben Simmons Would Vote for Luka Doncic as ROY over Trae Young, More

Last year's NBA Rookie of the Year, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons, told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he believes Luka Doncic should win the award this season.

"He's playing better," Simmons said of Doncic. "His team is winning more games. Trae Young is killing it. ... But overall, I think Luka's got the team playing better, and he's just doing a little bit more."

It's only fitting that Donovan Mitchell—last year's runner-up for Rookie of the Year—disagrees with Simmons and thinks Young should get the nod:

For much of the season, Doncic has been the front-runner and prohibitive favorite to win Rookie of the Year. But Young's continued improvement has at least made it an interesting debate.

The Dallas Mavericks are 30-46 on the season in the deeper Western Conference, while the Atlanta Hawks are 28-49. That gives Doncic a slight advantage in that regard.

Doncic, 20, is averaging more points (21.6) and rebounds (7.6), has a better field-goal percentage (42.5 percent) and has six more triple-doubles than Young (seven overall). Young is averaging a solid 18.9 points per game and is averaging more assists (8.0 to 5.9). He also is shooting slightly better from three (33.1 percent) and has six more double-doubles on the season (28 overall).

The statistical comparison is a push, with Doncic perhaps receiving the slightest of edges. But if the race came down to which player was performing better right now, Young might pull ahead.

He has quietly reached some absurd milestones as a rookie:

Both players are undeniably special, and either would be deserving of the award. While Simmons thinks it should go to Doncic, we'll have to wait to see whether the voters agree.