While the rivalry between Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons has prompted a war over the definition of “rookie” for the last eight months, it’s hard to deny that both had breakthrough efforts in the NBA this season.
Both Mitchell and Simmons have been nominated for “Best Breakthrough Athlete” in this year’s ESPYs, which will be presented July 18 in Los Angeles on ABC. It’s the first time two NBA players have gone head-to-head in the category since 2005.
The two are already finalists for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, which will be announced June 25 in Santa Monica, Calif.