Let me take you back to 2018—what a time to be an NBA fan! I still remember watching those electrifying games unfold, particularly keeping my eye on one special rookie who was clearly destined for greatness. As someone who's followed basketball for over two decades, I've seen many "next big things" come and go. But Ben Simmons? He was different from day one.
So, who actually won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018?
The award went to Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, and honestly, it wasn't even close. The 6'10" point guard from Australia received 90 out of 101 possible first-place votes, finishing well ahead of finalists like Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum. What made Simmons' case so compelling was his unique combination of size and court vision—something we hadn't seen since Magic Johnson. I remember arguing with fellow analysts that season about whether his redshirt year should disqualify him, but his performance quickly silenced any doubters.
What made his rookie season so special statistically?
Simmons put up numbers we simply don't see from first-year players: 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He recorded 12 triple-doubles—the most by any rookie since Oscar Robertson. Watching him play felt like witnessing basketball evolution in real time. His passing was particularly extraordinary; those no-look dishes to Joel Embiid became instant highlight reel material. The chemistry between them reminded me of those exciting games at Ynares Center in Antipolo where ball movement and teamwork created magical moments on court.
How did his playing style revolutionize the point guard position?
Standing at nearly seven feet tall, Simmons fundamentally challenged what we thought was possible for a primary ball-handler. His size allowed him to see over defenders while his handle let him navigate traffic like someone six inches shorter. This unique skillset created mismatches that coaches simply couldn't game plan for. Remember those takeaways from the games at Ynares Center? Similarly, Simmons' ability to switch defensively across all five positions while orchestrating the offense gave the Sixers flexibility they hadn't enjoyed in years.
What were the most memorable moments from his rookie campaign?
Two moments stand out vividly in my memory. First, his 27-point, 15-rebound, 13-assist masterpiece against the Lakers in November—a performance that announced his arrival to the basketball world. Second, that incredible sequence against Cleveland where he stole the ball from LeBron James and finished at the rim. The confidence to challenge the King like that as a rookie? That's the stuff legends are made of. These moments captured the same excitement we saw in those Antipolo games—young players fearlessly taking on established stars.
How did his international background shape his game?
Having grown up in Australia and played college ball at LSU, Simmons brought a truly global perspective to the game. His European-style passing sensibilities combined with American athleticism created a hybrid style that defenses struggled to decode. This international flavor reminded me of the diverse playing styles often on display in international venues like Ynares Center, where different basketball cultures collide to create something special.
Where does his 2018 Rookie of the Year season rank historically?
In my opinion, it's easily top-10 all time, maybe even top-5. While he didn't have the scoring numbers of some previous winners, his all-around impact was phenomenal. The Sixers improved by 24 wins from the previous season, largely due to his presence. The team's net rating jumped by 8.7 points when he was on the court—numbers that underscore his value beyond traditional statistics.
What was the biggest criticism of his rookie season?
The obvious elephant in the room was his jump shot—or lack thereof. Simmons attempted only 11 three-pointers all season, making none. In today's spacing-obsessed NBA, this was (and remains) a legitimate concern. However, I've always felt this criticism overlooks how effectively he scored in the paint and how his threat as a driver created opportunities for shooters like JJ Redick. Much like how teams adjust their strategies in venues like Ynares Center, Simmons forced opponents to completely rethink their defensive schemes.
Looking back, how has his career progressed since that ROY season?
It's been... complicated. While he's made three All-Star teams and led the league in steals in 2020, his playoff struggles and ongoing shooting limitations have prevented him from reaching the superstar status many predicted. The trade to Brooklyn represents a fresh start, but injuries have continued to plague him. Still, when I rewatch highlights from that 2018 season, I see a player who genuinely changed how we think about basketball positions—and that's a legacy worth celebrating.
The NBA Rookie of the Year 2018 winner discussion will always be about Ben Simmons' unique gifts and what might have been. His rookie season remains one of the most fascinating in recent memory—a year where potential seemed limitless and every game brought new revelations about basketball's evolving nature.