BEN Simmons has become the first Australian to claim the NBA’s Rookie of the Year title.
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The 21-year-old Philadelphia 76ers guard, who was raised in the Hunter, beat out Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell and Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum for the honour.
The Australian’s season had made him the hot favourite after he notched 12 triple-doubles, the second highest total for an NBA rookie ever.
He averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists and was named rookie of the month in the eastern conference in October/November, January, February and March/April.
Despite his stellar year Simmons and the 76ers were unable to break into the NBA Finals, falling to Tatum’s Celtics in five games in the east’s semi-finals.
Simmons’ eligibility for the rookie title had been in question after he was drafted ahead of the 2016/2017 season but did not play due to injury.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
