Who Won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and How Did They Achieve It?

I remember sitting in my favorite armchair last spring, watching the NBA playoffs with my college buddies, when the conversation somehow drifted to rookie performances. Mark, who’s been following basketball since we were teenagers, suddenly asked, "Who won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award, and how did they pull it off?" It got me thinking—not just about basketball, but about the journey of rising stars in any field, and how sometimes stepping away from the grind can be the very thing that fuels a comeback.

Let me take you back to that 2017-2018 season. Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers’ point guard, took home the Rookie of the Year honors with what felt like effortless dominance. Averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, he wasn’t just playing; he was orchestrating the court like a seasoned veteran. But here’s the twist—Simmons had actually been drafted in 2016 but missed the entire season due to a foot injury. That year away from the game, much like the reference material mentions about a boxer’s hiatus, gave him time to rest and recharge. Think about it: he’d been in the basketball spotlight since his teens, just as that boxer had been in prizefighting since age 12. Sometimes, a break isn’t a setback—it’s a strategic retreat.

I’ve always believed that time off can sharpen your edge, and Simmons is a perfect example. During his recovery, he didn’t just sit around; he studied film, built his strength, and mentally prepared for the NBA’s pace. It reminds me of how the reference describes those years away from boxing—spent in pursuits like running for office—which somehow rejuvenated the fighter’s body and spirit. For Simmons, that hiatus let him step back from the hustle and bustle of constant training and games, and it paid off big time. He came back not just healed, but hungrier, leading the 76ers to a 52-30 record and their first playoff berth in years. Honestly, I think that’s what separates good players from great ones—the ability to use downtime as fuel.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased toward players who overcome setbacks. Simmons’ main competition was Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, who put up 20.5 points per game and had that explosive energy fans love. But for me, Simmons’ all-around game—his vision, his defense, his sheer versatility—just felt more impactful. It’s like comparing a solo artist to a conductor; both are brilliant, but one makes the whole team sing. And you know what? That’s a lesson I’ve carried into my own work. Whether it’s writing or managing projects, taking a breather to reflect can lead to breakthroughs you’d never achieve by pushing nonstop.

So, circling back to Mark’s question: Who won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award? It was Ben Simmons, and he achieved it not in spite of his time away, but because of it. His story, much like the boxer’s in the reference, shows that sometimes the road to success isn’t a straight line—it’s a detour that prepares you for the spotlight. Next time you’re feeling burnt out, remember that; a little rest might just be your secret weapon.