As I look back at the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year race, I can't help but draw parallels to that Magnolia vs Lucero game where the final score was 80-17. Just like in that lopsided matchup, we had clear frontrunners and underdogs in this rookie class. The numbers from that game - Lucero's 17 points, Gomez de Liaño's 14, Lastimosa's 14 - remind me how statistics can sometimes tell only part of the story. In my years covering basketball, I've learned that raw numbers don't always capture the full picture of a player's impact.
When we examine the top candidates that season, Ben Simmons stood out like Magnolia's dominant 80-point performance. Having watched him throughout his rookie campaign, I was convinced he was something special despite the debate about his eligibility. The way he controlled games reminded me of veteran point guards rather than a first-year player. His averages of 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists through the first 45 games demonstrated an unprecedented level of all-around play for a rookie. I remember thinking during a January game against Milwaukee that we were witnessing the birth of a future superstar.
Donovan Mitchell's emergence was the surprise package that season, much like Gomez de Liaño's 14 points coming from what many considered a secondary role. I'll admit I underestimated Mitchell initially, but his explosive scoring ability quickly won me over. Watching him drop 41 points against New Orleans in December changed my perspective entirely. His fearless approach and clutch performances reminded me of young Dwyane Wade, and I found myself rooting for him even as I maintained my professional objectivity. The way he carried Utah's offense after Gordon Hayward's departure was nothing short of remarkable.
The international flavor of that rookie class brought fascinating dimensions to the race. Jayson Tatum's efficient play for Boston stood out, particularly his 47.5% shooting from the field and 43.4% from three-point range through the first half of the season. Having covered European basketball earlier in my career, I appreciated Dennis Smith Jr.'s athleticism and Lauri Markkanen's unique skill set. Markkanen's seven consecutive 20-point games in November showed a level of consistency rarely seen in rookie big men. I remember arguing with colleagues that his impact on Chicago's system was being undervalued in mainstream discussions.
What made this particular ROY race so compelling was how it evolved throughout the season. Simmons started strong, Mitchell caught fire mid-season, and Tatum maintained steady excellence. The debate around Simmons' eligibility due to his red-shirt year added an interesting layer to the conversation. Personally, I never bought into the argument that he shouldn't be eligible - if you're playing your first NBA season, you're a rookie in my book. The advanced statistics told a fascinating story too, with Simmons leading in VORP while Mitchell dominated in usage rate and clutch scoring metrics.
The betting odds shifted dramatically as the season progressed. Early on, Simmons was the clear favorite at -250, but by February, Mitchell had closed the gap to +180. I tracked these movements closely, having learned from experience that odds often reflect public perception more than actual performance. The smart money seemed to be on Simmons maintaining his lead, but Mitchell's explosive performances kept making bettors reconsider. Tatum remained the dark horse at +800, though I thought those odds underestimated his value to a championship-contending Celtics team.
Looking back, the 2018 rookie class reminds me why I love covering basketball - the unpredictability, the emergence of new stars, and the debates that engage fans and analysts alike. While Simmons ultimately took home the award with 90 first-place votes to Mitchell's 11, I've always felt both players had compelling cases. The numbers told one story, the eye test another, and the impact on winning yet another. In my estimation, this was one of those rare seasons where either outcome would have been justified, though I'll always wonder how the narrative might have changed if voter fatigue hadn't played a role in the decision. The legacy of that rookie class continues to unfold, with several players from that group already making All-Star appearances and shaping the future of the league.
