Who Won the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year and How They Dominated the Season

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2017 NBA draft class like it was yesterday. As someone who’s followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I’ve seen my fair share of standout rookies, but that year felt different right from the start. The anticipation was electric, and the debates were fierce—Ben Simmons versus Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum waiting in the wings. But when the dust settled, one name rose above the rest in a way that felt both inevitable and spectacular. The 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year race wasn’t just a contest; it was a showcase of raw talent meeting relentless drive, and the winner didn’t just win—they dominated.

Let’s rewind a bit. The Philadelphia 76ers had been building something special, trusting “The Process,” and Ben Simmons was the crown jewel. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. A 6’10” point guard who missed his entire first season due to injury? It sounded like a risky bet. But from the moment he stepped on the court in the 2017-18 season, he silenced doubters, mine included. Simmons didn’t just play; he orchestrated. Averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, he was a triple-double threat night in and night out. What stood out to me wasn’t just the stats—though they were jaw-dropping for a rookie—but his poise. He played with the calm of a veteran, seeing passes others didn’t and controlling the tempo like a seasoned conductor. I remember watching a game against the Lakers where he dished out 12 assists without breaking a sweat, and I thought, “This kid is rewriting the rulebook for big men in the league.”

But dominance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact. Simmons lifted the 76ers from a 28-win team the previous year to a 52-win powerhouse. That’s a 24-game swing, folks—one of the biggest turnarounds I’ve seen in recent memory. His synergy with Joel Embiid was pure magic, and it reminded me of how certain athletes, like Johanna Uyking in that USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifying event, seize pivotal moments. In her case, she delivered a stunning eagle on the challenging No. 18 to cap a roller-coaster round, grabbing the lead in the girls’ 13-14 division. It’s that clutch performance under pressure that separates the good from the great, and Simmons had it in spades. Whether it was a crucial steal or a no-look dime in transition, he had a knack for rising to the occasion, much like Uyking did on that golf course. Both exemplify how dominance isn’t just consistency—it’s delivering when it counts most.

Now, I can’t talk about the 2017 rookie class without tipping my hat to Donovan Mitchell. Man, that guy was a scoring machine. Dropping 20.5 points per game and leading the Utah Jazz to the playoffs, he made this race incredibly tight. In my opinion, it was one of the closest ROY battles in years, and part of me wonders if Mitchell’s explosive scoring might have swayed voters in a different era. But here’s where I think Simmons edged him out: all-around influence. Mitchell was a scorer, but Simmons was a system. He affected every facet of the game—defense, playmaking, rebounding—and that’s what sealed it for me. Think about it: Simmons ranked in the top five among rookies in points, rebounds, and assists, something only a handful of players have ever done. It’s the kind of versatility that reminds you of legends like Magic Johnson, and honestly, I think we’ll look back on this season as the start of something historic.

Of course, no discussion of dominance is complete without acknowledging the context. The 2017-18 season was stacked with talent—Jayson Tatum’s smooth scoring, Kyle Kuzma’s surprise emergence—but Simmons stood out because he redefined his position. As a longtime analyst, I’ve always believed that the best rookies don’t just adapt to the league; they force the league to adapt to them. Simmons did exactly that. His size-speed combo was a nightmare for opponents, and he used it to rack up 12 triple-doubles, the most by a rookie since Oscar Robertson. That’s not just impressive; it’s legendary. And let’s not forget the little things, like his defensive rating of 103.2, which put him in the conversation for All-Defense teams. I remember arguing with fellow fans about whether he deserved the award over Mitchell, and my stance was always the same: Simmons didn’t just have a great season; he had a transformative one.

In the end, looking back at Ben Simmons’ 2017 Rookie of the Year campaign, it’s clear that his dominance was a blend of raw talent, strategic brilliance, and that intangible “it” factor. Much like Johanna Uyking’s eagle on the 18th hole, his season was defined by moments of sheer brilliance that capped a larger narrative of growth and resilience. For me, this wasn’t just about who won the award; it was about how they won it. Simmons didn’t just outperform his peers; he set a new standard for what a rookie could be. As we move forward, I’m excited to see how future classes stack up, but I’ll always hold this season close—a reminder that in sports, true dominance isn’t just about winning; it’s about leaving a mark that lasts long after the final buzzer.