SALT LAKE CITY — Exactly eight months ago to the date, a large billboard invaded Utah off the I-15S highway, reading “Rookie?” on April 27.
With Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia 76ers rising star Donovan Mitchell engaged in a heated 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year race, which Simmons ended up winning, Adidas campaigned hard for Mitchell to win with the huge ad.
“Rookie?” was a subtle shot at Simmons redshirt season, as they traded shots through the media.
On Thursday, Simmons returned to Utah for the first time this season to boos, ironically on the same day Adidas revealed its plans for Mitchell’s first signature sneaker — tentatively scheduled to release this summer.